What is Cannabichromene (CBC)?
Did you know that CBD, although largely unresearched, is the 3rd most prevalent cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant?
What is CBC?
When speaking of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) are usually the only two mentioned, and this is unsurprising as they are the most common cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Not withstanding, there seems to be another cannabinoid with similar medical potentials making waves in the Health industry today; this cannabinoid is called Cannabichromene (CBC) and is also found within the cannabis plant.
Cannabichromene or CBC is one of the lesser known cannabinoids at the moment, and this is due to the minimal level of research conducted on it and the absence of quantitative information available. Despite all these, it is the third most prominent cannabinoid in cannabis sativa l.
First discovered in 1966, CBC has a similar origin as both THC and CBD as they can all be traced to Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acid produced by cannabis sativa plants.
CBC and Other Cannabinoids
As mentioned earlier, Cannabichromene is derived from the same cannabis-produced acid as THC and CBD. As the predecessor to the other THC and CBD acids, CBGA is transformed by the plant into Cannabichromene carboxylic acid or CBCA, and ultraviolet rays and heat contribute to its final conversion into CBC.
Like CBD, CBC is non-psychoactive and doesn’t produce a high-like effect; this is linked to its poor interaction with the CB1 receptor in the brain. Although it interacts directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body and brain, it also works with other receptors, specifically TRPA1 and TRPV1, which are both linked to pain perception.
Basically, “TRP” stands for “transient receptor potential channels”, meaning that these channels play an important role in sending signals about pain and inflammation to other regions of the body. When CBC activates the TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors, the body releases increased levels of its natural endocannabinoids like anandamide.
In working with other cannabinoids, researchers speak of the term “The Entourage Effect” which refers to CBC’s ability to synergize with the other cannabinoids.
Benefits Of CBC
The minimal level of research conducted on CBC has provided excellent results and an opportunity to explore the far-reaching implications of CBC’s therapeutic abilities. A few health conditions that Cannabichromene has been shown to have positive effects on include:
• Cancer
• Pain and Inflammation
• Cognitive function
• Alzheimer’s
• Acne
• Depression
Conclusion
In reality, CBC has immense potential and with its purported health benefits, may soon become invaluable to the field of medical research.
Hopefully, as additional research is conducted on this newly discovered cannabinoid, a new range of medicinal products catering to various health conditions will provide patients with more options for treatment.