About Cannabichromene CBC

Learn about Cannabichromene (CBC), also called cannabichrome, is one of more than 120 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant and is, therefore, a phytocannabinoid. It bears structural similarity to the other natural cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN), among others. CBC and its derivatives are as abundant as cannabinol in cannabis. It is more common in tropical cannabis varieties. CBC is non-psychoactive and does not affect the psychoactivity of THC. CBC acts on the TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, interfering with their ability to break down endocannabinoids (chemicals such as anandamide and 2-AG that the body creates naturally).

CBC battles inflammation by activating the CB2 receptor. However, because it does not activate CB1, the healing potential of CBC could be enhanced when combined with cannabinoids that do, such as THC. CBC (not unlike THC and CBD) has been shown to encourage the human brain to grow by increasing the viability of developing brain cells in a process known as neurogenesis. CBC plays a significant role in the anti-cancer and anti-tumor capabilities of cannabis.

Not only does CBC have benefits of its own, but it seems to work with the other cannabinoids to produce a synergistic effect; it gives merit to the saying, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Even though cannabichromene is found in much smaller concentrations than THC and CBD, its importance should not be overlooked. Never underestimate the power of the entourage effect.

Within the Cannabis plant, CBC occurs mainly as Cannabichromenic Acid (CBCa). Geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid combine to produce cannabigerolic acid (CBGa; the sole intermediate precursor for all other cannabinoids), which is cyclized by the enzyme CBCa synthase to form CBCa. Over time, or when heated above 200° F, CBCa is decarboxylated, producing CBC.

Clinical research has suggested that CBC may play a role in the anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects of cannabis, and may contribute to the overall analgesic effects of medical cannabis. A study done in March 2010 showed that CBC along with cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have antidepressant effects. Another study showed that CBC helps promote neurogenesis.