The importance of minor cannabinoids
There has never been more attention on the applications of cannabis as the scientific and medical community gain a better understanding of the diverse cannabinoids found within the plant. Cannabinoids are the active chemical compounds in cannabis that contribute to the plant’s unique benefits and varied effects upon consumption. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most well-known cannabinoids.
While CBD and THC are the cannabinoids that first entered the social psyche and gained mainstream notoriety, there are over 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis, each holding their own set of medicinal benefits. The lesser-known cannabinoids are referred to as “minor cannabinoids”, but don’t let that distinction fool you into thinking they are unimportant. The ‘minor’ simply refers to the fact that they are less abundant in most cannabis strains.
Cannabichromene (CBC) is one such minor cannabinoid, and the focus of this article is to explore some of the recent research demonstrating its potential benefits and uses.
What is CBC?
CBC is the third most abundant cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant. This cannabinoid is typically found in younger cannabis plants in small quantities. The compound was first identified by researchers in the mid-1960s, but due to the federal restrictions placed on cannabis since that time, it has only recently begun to be more thoroughly researched and understood. CBC is now often referred to as one of the top six cannabinoids for medical research and use.
CBC has a similar chemical structure to other major cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, as it stems from cannabigerol acid (CBGa). Enzymes can cause CBGa to convert into cannabichromene carboxylic acid (CBCa), and heat exposure catalyzes CBCa to convert into CBC through a process known as decarboxylation.
How Does CBC Work?
CBC is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid, meaning that it will not display any intoxicating effects upon consumption. It binds poorly to the CB1 receptor, resulting in a lack of mind-altering effects that THC is known for. [5]
CBC does actively bind with the vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) and ankyrin type-1 receptors (TRPA1. The TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system are known for regulating pain sensitivity, temperature, and neurogenic inflammation. This means that CBC is believed to hold pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. [1] In addition, CBC appears to promote neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.
CBC also inhibits the uptake of anandamide, a naturally occurring endocannabinoid that is beneficial and has been shown to fight against certain types of cancers. [2] By inhibiting uptake, CBC allows anandamide to stay in the bloodstream longer and thereby increase its ability to aid the body.
CBC: What does the research show?
- Pain & Inflammation – CBC has been shown to block pain and inflammation by modulating descending pathways of antinociception. Animal studies have demonstrated that CBC could act as a potent pain reliever. [1]
- Anticancer – Studies show CBC inhibits anandamide uptake, which has been shown to fight breast cancer. [2] CBC was also found to have a TPSA value, which enables the cannabinoid molecule to penetrate a cancer cell’s membrane. [3]
- Brain Health – CBC shows positive effects on neural stem progenitor cells (NSCPs). These cells are crucial for proper brain function, and a study conducted on mice showed that NSCPs are more active and readily available for use when CBC is present. [4] This increase in NSCPs can lead to neurogenesis and an increase in astroglial cells in the brain.
- Antidepressant – CBC displays potential antidepressant properties upon consumption. CBC appears to be amplified when combined with THC and CBD to deliver its antidepressant benefits. [5]
- Anti Acne – CBC may have a powerful effect on inhibiting common skin conditions such as acne. The anti-inflammatory effects of the cannabinoid work to suppress lipid production in the sebaceous glands, which can prevent acne from occurring. [6]
CBC product formulation and development
CBC may not be studied as extensively as some of the other cannabinoids, but recent research already indicates its positive effects on the body and demonstrates the potential for various medicinal applications. As new studies are completed, and information on this cannabinoid’s unique therapeutic effects grow, manufacturers will undoubtedly consider CBC an essential ingredient in product formulations of all kinds.
At CBD Global, knowing each cannabinoid holds it’s own therapeutic values, we believe in cultivating and manufacturing individual cannabinoids in all their respective forms (whole plant, refined, distilled, dewaxed, isolated). We then innovate and assign active ratios to create Customized Cannabis Medicine™ using standardized formulations for unique patient demographics.
CBD Global offers several formats of CBC available in bulk including:
CBC Broad Spectrum Oil: This oil has been distilled to create a high potency oil as most terpenes, waxes, and other minor constituents have been removed while CBC concentration is increased. CBC distillates are very light and translucent in color with a subtle scent and flavor profile making it ideal for vape products, topicals, and edibles.
Cannabinoid Booster Complex (CBC+): This CBC based distillate is light and translucent in color with a muted scent and flavor profile. Most terpenes, waxes, and other plant constituents have been removed, while the CBC concentration is increased. CBC+ works well for spiking CBC concentrations in other concentrates to standardize product potencies. This oil is ideal for vape products, topicals, and edibles, where the base components need to be controlled.
To learn more, please visit https://cbdglobalextracts.com/cannabichromene-cbc/ or email us at info@cbdge.com.
CBD Global is a trusted source for high compliant cannabinoids and advanced cannabinoid formulations, and wholesale CBC bulk offerings. We proudly boast over 7 years of unmatched standards in quality, compliance, and transparency.
References:
1. Maione, Sabatino, et al. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids modulate the descending pathway of antinociception in anesthetized rats through several mechanisms of action. Br Journal of Pharmacol. Oct. 2010. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01063.x
2. De Petrocellis, et al. The endogenous cannabinoid anandamide inhibits human breast cancer cell proliferation. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. Jul 1998; 95(14): 8375-8380. 10.1073/pnas.95.14.8375
3. Nakajima, Jun’ichi, et al. Structure-dependent inhibitory effects of synthetic cannabinoids against 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation and skin tumour promotion in mice. Jour of Pharm and Pharmocol. May 2013. V
4. Shinjyo, N, Di Marzo V. The effect of cannabichromene on adult neural stem/progenitor cells. Neurochem Int. Nov 2013. 63(5):432-7
5. DeLong, Gerald T., et al. Pharmacological Evaluation of the Natural Constiuent of Cannabis Sativa, Cannabichromene and its Modulation by Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Drug Alchohol Depend. Nov 2010. 112(1-2): 126-133. 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.05.019
6. Olah, A, et al. Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human seboctye functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment. Exp Dermatol. Sep 2016. 25(9):701-7. doi: 10.1111/exd.13042
