Although it sounds more like a major television network, CBC is actually one of the major cannabinoids found in cannabis. “Major” may be a bit of a stretch as it is much less prevalent and thoroughly less researched than CBD or THC, but it is included in the “big six” cannabinoids.
Cannabichromene, or CBC, may not be quite as dominant as CBD or THC, but it is an important cannabinoid with many potential therapeutic benefits. Like CBD, CBC is non-intoxicating, meaning it won’t get you the Most High. Unlike CBD, CBC doesn’t really have much to do with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies. Instead, it reacts with the endocannabinoid system in different ways, predominantly through the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). This receptor is associated with sensing pain as well as cold and itch. Why is this important? For the aforementioned therapeutic benefits. But also because while we may think of them as just one little letter apart, CBD and CBC are different. Both, however, are important cannabinoids.
Research is still ongoing but CBC has shown promise in many areas of medicine. Because it interacts with pain sensors in our bodies, it is also quite good at fighting pain. It helps block inflammation, in such cases as osteoarthritis or intestinal inflammation. It has shown antidepressant properties, specifically when combined with CBD and THC. Perhaps the two most important therapeutic benefits, however, are fighting cancer and inhibiting acne. Fight for the cure definitely means more when we’re talking about cancer but CBC is an equal opportunity cannabinoid and has shown great strides in treating both conditions.
Because most strains are bred to have high amounts of THC and CBD, there aren’t many that are high in CBC. Historically, landrace strains from India had the highest amounts of CBC. Today, those looking to seek out this cannabinoid should look for strains like Charlotte’s Web, Sour Tsunami or Purple Cadillac. However, now you can also find CBC topicals, oils and extract. And because cannabinoids are always better together (thank you, entourage effect), you can usually find small amounts of CBC in CBD creams and other CBD products. They may be different, but they definitely play nice. And the future is looking bright for both.
