CBC: Yet another reason to go full spectrum
What is CBC?
You’re familiar with the cannabinoids CBD and THC. With our recent blog posts, you’re becoming more familiar with CBN and CBG as well. However, there’s another cannabinoid called CBC, which you may have heard about but might not know too much about it.
So, what exactly is CBC (cannabichromene) and why should you care?
Discovered in 1966, CBC is the third most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis (behind CBD and THC). This doesn’t mean cannabis is overflowing with CBC. Although there are varieties of hemp and marijuana that contain higher percentages of CBC, typically, CBC comprises less than three percent of a cannabis or hemp plant.
Like CBD, CBC does not produce any intoxicating effects when you ingest it. But that’s not the only thing that CBC has in common with CBD. To explain, it’s necessary to first look at our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)
The ECS is a system composed of endocannabinoids. It acts on multiple systems in the human body, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, and nervous systems. It oversees most of our physiological functions. It affects our sleep, appetite, memory, stress level and plays a role in pain, inflammation, motor control, muscle formation, bone growth, liver function, and even plays a role in reproduction (among other functions). Besides endocannabinoids, the ECS has two main endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 receptors, which are found mostly in the central nervous system; and CB2 receptors, which are found mostly in the peripheral nervous system.
Here's the thing...
While THC binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD and CBC do not. CBC, however, interacts with other receptors in your body, including the TPRV1 and TRPA1 receptors. The TPRV1 and TRPA1 receptors are in the plasma membrane of many human and animal cells. TRPA1 plays a role in pain perception and TRPV1’s function is the detection and regulation of body temperature. But that’s not all. When these receptors are activated, they produce more endocannabinoids within your body.
Why is this important?
Because of “endocannabinoid deficiency.” This is when your body doesn’t produce enough cannabinoids on its own, which results in an imbalance within the homeostatic processes. It’s a theory first proposed in 2001 by Dr. Ethan Russo, Director of Research and Development for the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute
(Endocannabinoids are similar to phytocannabinoids (the cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp), which is why CBD, CBG, and the other cannabinoids support our general health and wellness and are a key part of many people’s preventative health strategy.)
It’s not known if endocannabinoid deficiency happens because of illness or mental distress or whether it’s genetic. Because the ECS plays such a critical role in so many bodily functions (sleep, mood, clarity) not having enough cannabinoids can cause problems and have lingering effects.
So, it goes to follow that if CBC acts in a way that makes your body produce more endocannabinoids it’s beneficial to you and your body.
One endocannabinoid that is often cited online as being increased by CBC is anandamide. Anandamide, known as the bliss molecule, is thought to play a role in keeping people happy and relaxed. (CBD is also thought to increase the anandamide level in your body.)
CBC seems to have similar benefits to CBD—supporting stress management, healthy blood pressure, and heart health and providing relief from aches and pains brought on by an active lifestyle. In addition, studies show that CBC may play a positive role in getting rid of facial blemishes.
But while CBC might have some benefits as a standalone cannabinoid, all the research points to CBD working together with CBC to provide you with what’s referred to as the entourage effect. The entourage effect is when all the cannabinoids work together to increase the overall wellness potential.
CBC and its potential are a reminder of just how incredible the cannabis plant is. It’s yet another reason to opt for a full spectrum cannabinoid product, which contains multiple cannabinoids.
If you’re considering a full spectrum cannabinoid oil, click here. If you’re considering full spectrum capsules, click here. For full spectrum gummies, click here.
