Your Guide to CBC Cannabinoid: Cannabichromene

Key Takeaways:

• While CBC is known for contributing to the entourage effect, it also may have its own unique benefits, such as mood enhancement and relief from everyday aches and pains.

• Anecdotal evidence suggests taking CBC with tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) may boost mood and enhance focus and concentration.

• CBC doesn’t bind well to CB1 and CB2 receptors, but it can bind with TRPV1 and TRPA1 which are receptors linked to the perception of pain.

How Does CBC Work?

So how does CBC work? The effects produced by consuming most cannabinoids are largely due to their interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), though some cannabinoids, like CBC, provide their effects through non-ECS mechanisms. 

In other words, instead of providing effects by binding to endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), CBC is believed to bind to other receptors in the body. Research suggests the effects of CBC may be provided through transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels, TRPA1 and TRPV1, by increasing their expression. TRPV1 and TRPA1 have been linked to inflammation and the perception of pain. Because of this, CBC may help reduce mild aches and pains.

Similar to cannabinoids like CBD, and unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBC doesn’t bind well to CB1 receptors. Because of this, CBC by and large isn’t likely to produce a “fuzzy haze” or “high.” Some studies found that CBC is a CB2 receptor agonist, meaning it may activate CB2 receptors.

What Are the Potential Benefits of CBC?

CBC exhibits many similar beneficial characteristics of THC and CBD and is also believed to work synergistically with other cannabis compounds to enhance effects. This is known as the entourage effect. This phenomenon suggests that the combination of multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids may enhance the sensations and potential benefits of a given cannabinoid compared to when a single cannabinoid is taken alone. 

Essentially, the whole (the plant) is greater than the sum of its parts (the individual cannabis compounds). Aside from CBC’s contribution to the entourage effect, CBC may have its own singular benefits. Two of the most well-researched potential benefits of CBC are mood enhancement and mild pain relief. Here’s what emerging scientific and clinical research tells us:

• Mood Enhancement: Several animal studies have demonstrated that like CBD and THC, CBC can exert antidepressant-like action. Currently, it is unclear what the underlying mechanism behind this activity is, though researchers believe that multiple mechanisms play a role in the mood-enhancing effects.

• Mild Pain Relief: Because CBC can bind with TRPV1 and TRPA1, CBC may help reduce mild aches and pains. Numerous animal studies have also found that CBC in combination with THC can produce anti-inflammatory effects. A 1:1 THC:CBC solution is currently being investigated in clinical trials to assess its potential to help with pain and discomfort associated with cancer treatment.

Additionally, anecdotal evidence suggests that taking CBC with tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) may boost mood and enhance focus and concentration, though more research is needed.

Where Does CBC Come From?

While CBC is typically derived from cannabis or hemp plants, it can also be derived elsewhere. For example, the terpene limonene can be extracted from citrus peels and then converted into a bioidentical CBC cannabinoid. This versatility adds to the appeal of CBC.

If you still have questions about the CBC cannabinoid or about what Feals can do for you, call our CBD hotline at 844-311-9090 or check out our products today.