Cannabichromene (CBC)
Although the cannabinoid cannabichromene (CBC) shares a lot of similarities with cannabidiol (CBD), it has yet to enter the mainstream. According to the most recent research, however, CBC is a potent anti-inflammatory. Let’s take a few moments to explore the latest research into where CBC comes from, how it works, and what it could mean for the future of the cannabis industry.
A Brother To CBD: The Origins Of CBC
In its natural form, cannabis doesn’t produce active cannabinoids like CBD or CBC. Instead, the raw cannabis plant has many acidic cannabinoids that can only be transformed into their active state through a process known as decarboxylation. In layman’s terms, decarboxylation simply means exposing cannabis too high temperatures. After the decarboxylation process is complete, all of the acidic cannabinoids will have transformed into non-acidic, active compounds.
The interesting thing to note about CBC is that it develops out of the same acid that produces CBD and the high-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). All three of these cannabinoids are formed out of a substance known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Enzymes transform CBGA into a variety of compounds like CBDA, THCA, and CBCA. This means CBC has a very similar structure to all of these more popular cannabinoids. Unlike THC, however, CBC is non-psychoactive.
How Does CBC Work?
Current research suggests CBC has a particular affinity for receptors in the brain. Once CBC binds with these receptors, it appears to help inhibit the uptake of the chemical anandamide. This is a significant finding because anandamide plays a significant role in appetite regulation and mood. While THC has been shown to help release more anandamide into the body, CBC appears to have the same effect without inducing a “high.” CBD Oil UK
CBC is effective in a range of benefits which include:
· Antimicrobial – CBC Fights Bacteria and Fungi. It exhibits “strong” antibacterial effects on a variety of gram-positive, gram-negative and acid-fast bacteria; CBC shows “mild to moderate” activity against different types of fungi too.
· Anti-Viral – It may play a role in the anti-viral effects of cannabis.
· Anti-inflammatory Properties – CBC can reduce edema (swelling) as well as inflammation of the intestinal tract. CBC appears to fight inflammation without activating cannabinoid receptors, CBC produces a stronger effect when combined with other cannabinoids.
· Analgesic – Reduces pain, although it is not as strong as THC. CBC contributes to the overall analgesic effects of cannabis. CBC fights pain by “interacting with several targets involved in the control of pain” at the spinal level. CBC is non-psychoactive, scientists are hopeful that these cannabis compounds can be used to treat pain – without the high.
· Anti-Depressant– It fights depression. CBC and a number of other cannabinoids may “contribute to the overall mood-elevating properties of cannabis.” It doesn’t seem to activate the same pathways in the brain as THC.
· Stimulates Brain Growth – CBC appeared to increase the viability of developing brain cells – a process known as neurogenesis.
· Anti-Proliferative – inhibits the growth of tumors. This could be a result of its interaction with anandamide (an endocannabinoid, which means our body produces it naturally). It affects the CB1 receptors, as well as the CB2 receptors, and has been found to fight against human breast cancer. CBC inhibits the uptake of anandamide, which allows it to stay in the bloodstream longer.
· Migraines – CBC has also been a successful remedy for migraines.
CBC Research Is Ongoing
It’s important to note that CBC research is still in its initial stages. Most of the studies into the conditions listed above were performed in vitro or in mice models. We’ll just have to wait for further clinical trials to better understand how CBC interacts with the endocannabinoid system.