What is Cannabichromene (CBC)? Benefits, Safety & More

Cannabichromene (CBC) is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It’s derived from cannabichromenic acid (CBCa), which itself comes from a precursor known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGa). 

CBC appears to have similar effects as CBD, including pain relief, mood support, and anti-inflammatory properties, but may also have some unique properties. Here’s everything you need to know about cannabichromene, including its effects, safety, and where to find it.

CBC vs. CBD

	CBC	CBD
Intoxicating?	No	No
Main potential Benefits	Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, neuroprotective, antidepressant	Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, neuroprotective, anti-seizure, anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, anticancer, antipsychotic
How it works	Reducing uptake of endocannabinoids, TRP channels	FAAH enzyme, serotonin receptor, TRP channels, and more

Potential Effects & Benefits of CBC 

Few studies have tested the use of CBC in humans. However, numerous studies on animals have found evidence that CBC may have a variety of therapeutic effects.

Pain-Relieving and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Several studies have found that CBC may reduce pain and inflammation. In 2011, a study on mice found that CBC blocks pain by affecting receptors involved with sensing pain and injury (1). 

Meanwhile, a 2012 mouse study found that CBC reduced inflammatory symptoms in the intestines (2). The researchers also concluded that CBC’s anti-inflammatory action works differently than anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs. 

An earlier study determined that CBC “significantly reduced” inflammation in mice and that its effects were increased by adding THC (3).

Brain Health and Nervous System Support

A 2023 study found that CBC helps cells develop into specialized types of brain cells called cholinergic neurons, which are critical for proper brain functioning (4, 5). This finding indicates that CBC could help with nervous system regeneration, although more research is needed.  

Meanwhile, a 2013 study found that CBC improved the functioning of neural cells known as neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs) (6). NSPCs are a kind of cellular “building block”—they develop into different kinds of cells that support brain growth and healing. 

Some of these cells protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation that leads to neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, CBC may help to produce cells that protect against neurodegenerative conditions.  

Antidepressant Effects

A 2010 study found evidence that CBC had antidepressant effects in mice, as did delta-9 THC and CBD (7). It’s likely that all three substances work together to provide greater mood-elevating effects than any one alone.

Acne-Fighting Properties

Fighting oily skin and acne breakouts? CBC may be able to help. A 2016 study found that CBC could be a “highly efficient” anti-acne treatment, due to its ability to suppress oil production in sebaceous cells (8). Researchers concluded that CBC and other phytocannabinoids could treat a variety of skin conditions thanks to their powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

Cancer-Fighting Properties

Several studies have found that phytocannabinoids may slow tumor growth. In one 2006 study, CBD was the most effective at slowing the growth of cancer cells in mice, followed by CBG and then CBC (9).

How CBC Works

Many of CBC’s effects stem from interacting with the body’s TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors (10). These receptors play a part in pain perception, inflammation, and regulating body temperature (11). 

Researchers have also found that CBC doesn’t bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, unlike THC (12). However, a newer 2019 study reported that CBC did activate CB2 receptors, so more research is needed (13).

Additionally, some studies have found that CBC raised the levels of 2-AG and anandamide, the two main endocannabinoids made by our bodies (1). Researchers believe that unlike CBD, which blocks the enzyme that breaks down anandamide, CBC might work by reducing the cellular uptake of endocannabinoids.

Is CBC Safe?

More research on CBC in humans is needed, but current evidence suggests it’s likely to be as safe as CBD. 

One 2022 study using a cannabis oil product containing large amounts of CBD with smaller amounts of THC and CBC reported that it was well-tolerated (14). You can also rest assured that CBC won’t have psychoactive effects since it doesn’t bind to CB1 receptors in the brain.

Potential side effects are also likely to be similar to those of CBD, which are typically mild (15).

If you take other medications, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider before taking CBC.

Types of CBC Products

Products containing high concentrations of CBC aren’t as widely available as CBD or THC. However, a few brands now market CBC oils and CBC isolate (pure CBC).

You can also obtain CBC in cannabis flower form. Some strains of cannabis have higher concentrations of CBC, though even these strains only contain a small percentage (less than 1%). They include: 

• Maui Dream
• Purple Cadillac
• Charlotte’s Web
• Blue Cherry Soda

If you want to try out CBC, we recommend opting for a full-spectrum CBC oil.

CBC: More to Learn, But Full of Potential 

The science is still developing, but so far, it appears that CBC has various beneficial properties, including neuroprotective and antidepressant effects.

Several studies have also found evidence that CBC works best in conjunction with other cannabinoids, providing further evidence for the cannabis entourage effect. Nonetheless, more research—and clinical studies in particular—are needed before we know anything for certain. 

Full-spectrum CBC tinctures are the best way for those interested in cannabichromene’s health benefits.