Photo via Elsa Olofsson
Understanding CBC and what the research reveals about its potential health benefits.
Cannabichromene, or CBC, stands as the third most common cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, following THC and CBD.
Unlike THC, CBC is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the ‘high’ typically associated with cannabis use.
As the cannabis plant grows, it undergoes a transformation where enzymes convert cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), a foundational compound, into various cannabinoids, including CBC, THC, and CBD. This process allows each cannabinoid to have distinct properties and potential health benefits.
While CBC doesn’t induce the euphoria commonly linked with cannabis, it plays a crucial role in the entourage effect.
This synergy suggests that cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis can collectively produce more significant effects than any single compound alone.
Ongoing research continues to unveil the therapeutic potential of CBC, highlighting its promising applications in health and medicine.
Photo via Keenan Constance
A 2020 review highlights various potential benefits of CBC, including:
Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties
Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
Anti-tumoral
Plus, other research confirms it may have the ability to improve skin health, including reducing acne.
A 2023 study using human cells found that CBC could significantly dial down inflammation by affecting key genes involved in inflammatory processes, specifically targeting the PANX1/P2X7 and the IL-6/TYK-2/STAT-3 signaling pathways.
This confirms the findings of multiple studies, including a later 2023 study that found similar anti-inflammatory effects of CBC on mice.
A 2021 review outlines CBC’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Bacteria are generally split into two categories: gram-positive and gram-negative. Identifying the type is crucial as it guides doctors in choosing the most effective antibiotics. The review underscores that CBC can pack a real punch against both types.
In one intriguing experiment, researchers tested CBC against mainstream toothpaste brands like Oral B and Colgate on dental plaque samples.
The results were impressive: CBC outperformed these toothpastes in reducing bacterial growth on the plaques.
CBC also demonstrates a commendable, though slightly lesser, effectiveness against fungal strains, particularly yeast-like fungi.
In 2019, researchers reviewed several studies to assess CBC’s potential in fighting cancer.
Preclinical studies indicate that cannabinoids like CBC may reduce tumor growth by activating a specific receptor in the body known as TRPA1.
Activating this receptor helps to diminish tumor size by reducing inflammation, enhancing the body’s immune response to target cancer cells, and directly promoting the apoptosis (death) of cancer cells.
Leveraging its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial capabilities, research indicates that CBC can help alleviate symptoms associated with various skin issues, including psoriasis, eczema, acne, and pruritus.
Further insights come from studies where CBC, applied topically, interacts with the skin’s own endocannabinoid system.
This interaction not only boosts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions but also adjusts immune responses, which can significantly ease symptoms of skin conditions.
Photo via Wisconsin Hemp Scientific
The effects of CBC can change depending on the form it comes in and what you’re using it for.
Here’s how you can incorporate CBC into your health and wellness routine:
For skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis, CBC can be applied directly to the skin in the form of creams, balms, or lotions. These products are designed to allow CBC to interact with local cannabinoid receptors in the skin, reducing inflammation, redness, and irritation.
CBC oil or tinctures can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for a more systemic effect. Simply place a few drops under the tongue, hold for a few seconds, and then swallow. This method allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream.
CBC is also available in capsule or edible forms for those who prefer a no-fuss approach or want a precise dosage. The digestive system processes these, so they might take longer to have an effect, and the effects can stick around for longer compared to other methods.
For immediate effects, some users opt to vape or smoke CBC, which can be done through specially formulated e-liquids or by smoking cannabis flowers that are high in CBC content. Both vaping and smoking deliver cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream via the lungs and can provide fast relief from symptoms such as pain or acute inflammation.
While vaping and smoking CBC provide rapid effects, these methods pose potential risks to lung health. It is essential to use these forms cautiously and choose products from reputable sources to avoid harmful impacts.
Photo via Kenny Eliason
CBC’s legality hinges significantly on the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and all its derivatives, extracts, and cannabinoids that contain less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.
Since CBC is naturally derived from the hemp plant and typically does not contain THC, it falls within this legal framework, making it a legal cannabinoid across the United States.
It’s important to remember that regulations can vary by state. It’s always wise to check local laws to avoid potential legal troubles.
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