CBC (Cannabichromene)

What is CBC?

CBC or Cannabichromene is a phytocannabinoid present in hemp, which is known to affect the immune system, mood, and the inflammation response and possibly more properties without any psychoactive effects. Although not well known, probably due to the spotlight on THC, CBC's presence in hemp positions it second in line in abundance.

CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, thus creating no feelings of being "high" as found in marijuana.

As a close, molecular relative of CBCV (Cannabichromevarin), Cannabichromene shows much promise in becoming a significant ingredient promoting healthy inflammation responses and as an antiviral agent. In the event that future research shows that CBCV has effects similar to CBC, it could make the relationship stronger as found in the case of CBD (Cannabidiol) and CBDV (Cannabidivarin).

Like CBD and CBC, there is potential for expanded and improved medical usage of the CBCV compound, but the data for such support can only be established by structured and extensive scientific research.

CBC (Cannabichromene) Research

1. Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment.
   Exp Dermatol. 2016 Sep;25(9):701-7. doi: 10.1111/exd.13042. Epub 2016 Jun 15.
   Acne is a common skin disease…previously shown that a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid ((-)-cannabidiol [CBD]) exerted complex anti-acne effects by normalizing 'pro-acne agents' induced excessive sebaceous lipid production, reducing proliferation and alleviating inflammation in human SZ95 sebocytes. Therefore, in this study we aimed to explore the putative anti-acne effects of further non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids ((-)-cannabichromene [CBC], (-)-cannabidivarin [CBDV], (-)-cannabigerol [CBG], (-)-cannabigerovarin [CBGV] and (-)-δΔ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin [THCV]). Importantly, CBC, CBDV and THCV significantly reduced arachidonic acid (AA)-induced 'acne-like' lipogenesis. Our data suggest that…CBC, CBDV and especially THCV show promise to become highly efficient, novel anti-acne agents.
2. The effect of cannabichromene on adult neural stem/progenitor cells.
   Neurochem Int. 2013 Nov;63(5):432-7. doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.08.002. Epub 2013 Aug 11.
   This study aimed at elucidating the effect of major non-THC phytocannabinoids on the fate of adult neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs), which are an essential component of brain function in health as well as in pathology…and found that CBC has a positive effect on the viability of mouse NSPCs during differentiation in vitro. Next, we measured ATP levels as an equilibrium marker of adenosine and found higher ATP levels during differentiation of NSPCs in the presence of CBC. Taken together, our results suggest that CBC raises the viability of NSPCs while inhibiting their differentiation into astroglia, possibly through up-regulation of ATP and adenosine signalling.
3. The cannabinoid TRPA1 agonist cannabichromene inhibits nitric oxide production in macrophages and ameliorates murine colitis.
   Br J Pharmacol. 2013 May;169(1):213-29. doi: 10.1111/bph.12120.
   This study examined the effects of this phytocannabinoid (cannabichromene) on peritoneal macrophages and its efficacy in an experimental model of colitis. The research results suggest Cannabichromene exerts anti-inflammatory actions in activated macrophages - with tonic CB1 cannabinoid signalling being negatively coupled to this effect - and ameliorates experimental murine colitis.
4. Inhibitory effect of cannabichromene, a major non-psychotropic cannabinoid extracted from Cannabis sativa, on inflammation-induced hypermotility in mice.
   Br J Pharmacol. 2012 Jun;166(4):1444-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01879.x.
   This study concluded that cannabichromene (CBC) selectively reduces inflammation-induced hypermotility in vivo in a manner that is not dependent on cannabinoid receptors or TRPA1.
5. Antidepressant-like effect of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L.
   Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2010 Jun;95(4):434-42. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.03.004. Epub 2010 Mar 21.
   THC, cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabidiol (CBD) all exhibited significant antidepressant-like effects. A second TST test confirmed these antidepressant effects in both THC and CBC in vivo in mice.

This research is merely a sampling of research topics conducted to gain a better understanding of cannabinoids regarding differing topics. Keep in mind that none of this research constitutes either definitive proof of a specific effect of any given product, nor does it convey approval by any government agency as to efficacy of any product or specific ingredient therein. One should consult of healthcare professional for advice when attempting to address any given health concern.