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What is CBC: Effects, Benefits, Uses, & Legality

Medically Reviewed by Ciera Cammilleri

CBC is a lesser-known cannabinoid, but among its many sister molecules, it is named as one of the Big 6. CBC has been studied for its medicinal properties and is appreciated by cannabis connoisseurs as a desirable addition to any entourage effect. You may have come across cannabis products that market their CBC content or articles about CBC in cannabis news. This will inevitably spark your curiosity. What is CBC, where does it come from, and what effects does it have? We'll explore all this and more.

What You'll Learn

CBC is one of the most important cannabinoids after THC and CBD. We'll help you learn everything you need to know about CBC, including:

  • What CBC is
  • How CBC develops
  • The effects of CBC
  • What CBC is used for
  • Benefits of CBC
  • Potential risks of CBC
  • The legality of CBC
  • What cannabis strains contain CBC
  • How to find CBC for yourself

What is Cannabichromene (CBC)?

CBC stands for cannabichromene. It is one of the "Big 6" cannabinoids often listed right after THC and CBD in terms of importance and medical relevance. CBC represents the third branch of development as cannabinoids are created naturally inside the cannabis plant.

CBGA, the mother of cannabinoids, breaks down into THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. When these acids are exposed to heat - through sunlight or human activity - they become THC, CBD, and CBC.

CBC is not psychoactive, but it has a lot of beneficial effects used for both personal enjoyment and medicinal applications.

What are the Effects of Cannabichromene (CBC)?

CBC interacts with receptors in your endocannabinoid system and throughout your body. However, it is not psychoactive because it does not primarily interact with CB1 receptors. Instead, it reacts to your vanilloid and ankyrin 1 receptors (TRPV1 and TRPA1) which together produce anandamide (ANA) - a natural endocannabinoid that your body produces associated with a general feeling of wellbeing.

CBC also inhibits the uptake (absorption) of anandamide so it can stay in your bloodstream longer.

Good Vibes

The production and prolonged duration of anandamide in your bloodstream make CBC a mood booster without inducing psychoactive euphoria. Most people will notice a general uplift in mood using CBC.

Inflammation Reduction

CBC is a powerful inflammation inhibitor. It can reduce swelling, tenderness, and even inflammation on a micro-level like inflamed glands. This makes CBC popular for many purposes, from intense workouts to acne control.

Cancer Fighting

CBC has been found to reduce tumors, fight cancer, and minimize your risk of tumors. This is a uniquely important effect that we will discuss further in the section addressing the uses for CBC.

Entourage Effect

CBC, like most cannabinoids, is more powerful when paired with sister molecules. CBC and CBD together combine their shared benefits like inflammation control, mood enhancement, and pain relief.

What is Cannabichromene (CBC) Used For?

CBC has been studied more extensively than most secondary cannabinoids due to its promising medical uses.

Fighting Cancer

We mentioned earlier that CBC has unique cancer-fighting properties. CBC has been studied in its ability to inhibit tumor growth. Anandamides have been shown to fight breast cancer and CBC has been shown for its anti-tumor properties against several forms of cancer. It inherits this ability from CBG, its parent molecule, but is more abundant in mature plants and easier to harvest.

Pain and Inflammation Management

Like many cannabinoids, CBC has been shown to inhibit inflammation and block the perception of pain. It has been studied for its effectiveness in addressing arthritis and manages inflammation differently from NSAIDs, without the same side effects as typical anti-inflammatory pain management medications.

This has made CBC desirable for managing inflammation-related health conditions and for use in athletics to reduce workout pain, aid in injury recovery, and shorten muscle recovery time.

Acne Management

Acne often results from inflamed sebacious glands in the skin. CBC's powerful anti-inflammatory effects have been found to be effective in managing acne.

Depression Management

When paired with THC and CBD, CBC enhances the antidepressent properties of cannabis, making it possible to address depression that is resistant to other therapies.

Alzheimer's Management

CBC has been shown to have a positive effect on neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs) which help to maintain brain homeostasis and general brain health. This can protect against oxidative stress, inflammation, and toxicity which are linked to degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer's.

What are the Benefits of Cannabichromene (CBC)?

  • Pain Relief: CBC can reduce pain if you are recovering from an injury or have a chronic pain condition. This is achieved by both blocking pain and reducing inflammation, which can cause an area to become painful and tender.
  • Better Workouts: Athletes love CBC and the entourage effect of cannabinoids for their ability to reduce inflammation and block pain. You can work out harder and enjoy faster muscle recovery with CBC.
  • Mood Boosting: CBC has been reported to provide a general feeling of wellbeing due to the production of anandamide. Combined with THC and CBD, it supports the cannabis approach to addressing depression that is resistant to other therapies.
  • Anti-Cancer: CBC inhibits tumor growth. It may provide the benefit of reducing your risk of developing dangerous cancer cells and tumors.
  • Clearer Skin: CBC has been found to successfully contribute to acne relief by reducing the inflammation of sebaceous glands where acne occurs.

Are There Health Risks to Consider with Cannabichromene (CBC)?

CBC is processed by the liver, as are many medications. This can cause certain drug interactions. CBC may suppress certain medications or change how they are processed in the liver if taken at the same time. Excessive use of CBC may potentially cause liver damage.

Is Cannabichromene (CBC) Legal?

Yes, CBC is legal. CBC is non-psychoactive, not federally regulated, and not considered a controlled substance in any state.

What Cannabis Strains Contain Cannabichromene (CBC)?

CBC is present in most cannabis plants as a natural cannabinoid produced during the maturation process. Of course, some strains produce more CBC than others. "Blue" strains such as Blueberry, Blue Dream, Blue Haze, and Blue Cherry are more likely to contain higher levels of CBC. Maui Wowie, Black Cherry Soda, and Charlottes Web may also have a high amount of CBC.

Purchasing Cannabis with Cannabichromene (CBC)

CBC is rarely found alone, but you can find many high-quality cannabis products that contain CBC, from natural cannabis flowers to concentrates and oils that contain CBC in the cannabinoid entourage. You can find quality CBC products at a Zen Leaf dispensary near you. Our Cannabis Advisors are on hand to help provide a personalized experience. Contact us to learn more. We will gladly help you find a product that fits your needs.