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

When we talk about cannabis, we typically focus on THC (the compound that causes a high) and CBD (the primary non-psychoactive cannabinoid researched for its health benefits). However, the marijuana plant contains many other compounds as well. One of these is cannabicyclol (CBL), which may also have potential health benefits. Read on to learn more about the effects and uses of CBL.

What You'll Learn

This article will explore the benefits and uses of CBL, helping you determine which cannabis strains or products containing CBL are right for your needs. You'll learn:

• What cannabicyclol is
• The effects it produces
• What it is used for
• The benefits it offers
• Any health risks to consider
• Its legal status
• Which cannabis strains contain the highest levels of cannabicyclol
• How to find cannabis products with cannabicyclol

What is Cannabicyclol (CBL)?

Cannabicyclol is a non-psychoactive compound found in Cannabis sativa. Like cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN), it is considered a cannabinoid or phytocannabinoid. Although it is present in trace amounts and classified as a minor cannabinoid, CBL has not been extensively studied. However, like CBD, it is known to have effects without causing intoxication.

CBL forms when another cannabinoid, cannabichromene (CBC), breaks down during photosynthesis or when exposed to heat. This means that smoking cannabis can alter the ratio between CBC and CBL. Once formed, CBL is very stable and has been found in samples of cannabis that are hundreds or even thousands of years old.

What are the Effects of Cannabicyclol (CBL)?

Because CBL is not well-studied and is present only in small amounts, little is known about its effects. Its chemical structure is similar to CBD, so it may act in a comparable way, though no formal evaluations have been released. It is known to target the same CB2 receptors as other cannabinoids, but the exact impact it has on them remains unclear.

In most cannabis strains, the amount of CBL is too low to have a significant effect. It does not cause or contribute to intoxication, as it lacks the double bond found in THC. With advances in research and technology, it's likely that CBL will be studied more extensively in the future. Commercial extracts may or may not become available, depending on the findings of future studies and whether CBL proves to be worth extracting compared to more abundant compounds like CBD.

What is Cannabicyclol (CBL) Used For?

Due to limited research, no established uses for CBL have been identified. It occurs in only trace amounts, and to study it more thoroughly, it would need to be synthesized or extracted in larger quantities. While no significant efforts have been made yet, CBL could potentially have a range of uses, including possible antimicrobial properties.

Currently, CBL extracts are available only in small quantities for research purposes and are not intended for human consumption.

What are the Benefits of Cannabicyclol (CBL)?

The potential benefits of CBL remain largely unknown, but its similarity to CBD suggests that it could have therapeutic uses for various conditions. Additionally, CBL may play a role in the overall effectiveness of using the whole plant rather than isolating just CBD. This is known as the "entourage effect," where the many compounds in cannabis work together to enhance the plant's overall benefits. While more research is needed to determine whether CBL offers independent benefits, it likely contributes to the effectiveness of full-spectrum cannabis products.

Are There Health Risks to Consider with Cannabicyclol (CBL)?

CBL is present in such small amounts in most cannabis strains that it is difficult to determine if there are specific health risks. However, due to its similarity to CBD and its lack of intoxicating effects, it's unlikely that CBL extracts would pose significant risks.

As with all cannabis use, there are common side effects to consider, but CBL itself has not been shown to cause any known health issues. More research is needed to fully understand its safety profile and potential benefits.

Is Cannabicyclol (CBL) Legal?

There are currently no commercial CBL extracts available, so the question of its legality has not been raised. Since CBL is not an intoxicating compound, it is reasonable to assume that it would follow the same legal standards as CBD products.

CBL products have not been evaluated by the FDA for efficacy. Given the lack of CBL extract products on the market, exercise caution if you come across anyone selling CBL extract, as it is unlikely to be authentic at this time.

What Cannabis Strains Contain Cannabicyclol (CBL)?

All cannabis strains contain trace amounts of CBL, but no strain has been specifically bred to contain higher levels of it. Since CBL is a byproduct of other cannabinoids, it cannot be directly bred for. However, strains that are high in CBC, from which CBL is derived, may contain more CBL.

The amount of CBL can increase by storing cannabis for an extended period, as CBC naturally converts to CBL over time. Smoking cannabis also triggers this conversion, though it does not produce CBL in significant enough amounts to easily assess its effects. It's important to note that smoking cannabis can have health impacts.

While breeding for elevated levels of CBC is challenging, the "3 Kings" strain is known to have elevated CBC levels, though still in lesser amounts. To increase CBL levels, your best option is to purchase a high-CBC strain and store it for a few months before use. Be sure to keep the stored cannabis dry to preserve its quality.

Purchasing Cannabis with Cannabicyclol (CBL)

You can find quality cannabis products containing CBL at a Zen Leaf near you. If you're interested in exploring, ask our staff which strains have higher levels of CBL. Keep in mind that CBL is a minor cannabinoid and won't be listed on the packaging, but CBC, from which CBL is derived, will likely be noted. No strain will contain CBL in high amounts.

Our Cannabis Advisors are here to help you find the right product to suit your needs, whether you're seeking health benefits or simply looking to enjoy recreational cannabis. Check out our locations here, or contact Zen Leaf to speak with an advisor.