Cannabis is arguably among the most popular group of plants comprising cannabis indica, cannabis sativa, and the lesser-known variant, cannabis ruderalis. These plants are composed of several different compounds – often called cannabinoids. The most popular of these cannabinoids are CBD and THC which are known for their medicinal and psychoactive benefits respectively.
There is another (rare and lesser-known) cannabinoid found in cannabis plants called Cannabichromene (CBC). In this article, we will shed light upon CBC, where it comes from, its benefits, and a lot more.
Where Does CBC Come From?
Cannabis plants produce an acid called Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is broken down using different enzymes. The enzymes used to break down CBGA determine whether the process would conclude with the creation of CBD, THC, or CBC (all of these compounds engender from CBGA).
The enzyme synthase converts CBGA into Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). After exposure to ultraviolet light and heat, CBCA is finally converted into CBC.
CBC And Its Properties
CBC has been a common subject of several studies conducted across the globe. It is a non-psychoactive compound which is why it is not a popular compound in recreational cannabis. However, this cannabis compound is often linked with several medical benefits and is believed to possess anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and analgesic properties.
CBD vs CBC – Eliminating the Confusion
Both CBD and CBC have a similar origin – CBGA. The differences between the two compounds are mainly limited to how both of these target receptors: CBC targets vanilloid receptors (TRPV1) while CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
On the other hand, CBD and CBC are quite similar to each other, particularly due to their non-psychoactive and medicinal characteristics. Researchers are still looking into the entourage effect with CBD and CBC.
Benefits of CBC
CBC’s medicinal benefits have recently turned a lot of eyeballs towards this otherwise neglected cannabis compound.
Anti-depressant
A leading characteristic of the CBC compound is its antidepressant properties. It helps in the improvement of mood and enables users to fight depression. Researchers believe that the entourage effect of this compound with CBD will render far better antidepressant capabilities – the effect may be amplified with the psychoactive effects of THC.
Anti-inflammation
This is another significant property of the CBC compound. It may be a better alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs as it does not lead the user towards potential side effects. It is believed that this compound’s anti-inflammatory capabilities may increase if combined with the psychoactive properties of THC. However, more research is required to fully understand the benefits of this duo.
Anti-proliferative
One of the biggest pros associated with CBC is its potential ability to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. Researchers believe that it is the result of CBC’s interaction with anandamide – an endocannabinoid concerned with the pleasure and reward system in our body. Anandamide also influences the body’s pain systems and regulates our appetite.
Brain cells
Our neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs) tend to produce astroglia cells in the presence of CBC compounds, which allow the brain to tackle issues like toxicity and oxidative stress. Reliving the brain from such issues allows it to stay clear from several neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Analgesic
CBC carries the analgesic properties of the cannabis plant, which allows it to reduce body pain. This compound is found to interact with parts of the brain that control pain. Currently, THC is the compound that plays a significant role in this area. However, researchers are optimistic that Cannabichromene would be able to provide similar analgesic effects without the high caused by THC.
Cannabichromene also offers symptom relief for post-operative pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease, in addition to its antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
In a Nutshell
Cannabichromene or CBC is considered one of the top few chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Its closest contestants are CBD and THC.
CBC is often confused with CBD due to the similarities in abbreviation as well as the resemblances in the medicinal benefits of both of these cannabis compounds. However, a lot more research is yet to be done on CBC to fully understand the benefits, drawbacks, and limitations of this cannabis compound.
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