Therapeutic Cannabinoids 6 - CBC

  • CBC belongs among lesser-known cannabinoids, but that certainly doesn't mean it deserves less attention.
  • Several recent studies have shown that it is a very effective substance with significant therapeutic potential
  • Future research could shed light on treating some forms of cancer or neurological diseases.

You have certainly heard about cannabinoids, especially the most famous ones like THC and CBD. But you've probably never heard of cannabichromene, known by the abbreviation CBC. It was discovered over fifty years ago and belongs to the so-called "big six" cannabinoids that are very important for medical research.

CBC has the same origin as THC and CBD, all three compounds originate from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Hemp plants produce CBGA, the origin of three main cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

Specific plant enzymes break down and guide the remnants into one of three groups. For CBC, this works by converting from CBGA to cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), which then changes to CBC when exposed to ultraviolet light or heat.

CBC, an unknown cannabinoid

CBC is not a psychoactive substance, which means it does not cause euphoric states like THC. This is because it binds very poorly to CB1 cannabinoid receptors found in the brain. However, CBD binds well to other body receptors, such as the vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1) and the ankyrin receptor type 1 (TRPA1), which are associated with pain perception. When CBC activates these receptors, it leads to the release of higher amounts of naturally occurring endocannabinoids, such as anandamides.

CBD undoubtedly has unique effects, and researchers also believe that it works in synergy with other cannabinoids. This synergy is called the "entourage effect" and we know it works excellently between THC and CBD. However, we have not yet fully understood whether this effect works between other cannabinoids.

Therapeutic potential of CBC:

The potential effects of CBC may have far-reaching consequences. Below are several diseases that cannabichromene may alleviate:

Cancer

Cannabichromene could be a strong cancer fighter. This may be due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid anandamide. It also seems that CBC can limit the absorption of anandamide, which can therefore remain longer in the bloodstream.

A recent study examining tumor growth in mice showed that cannabinoids can be effective in suppressing inflammation and limiting tumor growth. In vitro and in vivo observations have also shown that anandamide can fight breast cancer, which is a promise that CBC and other cannabinoids might one day become chemopreventive agents.

A 2006 study examining cannabinoids (other than THC) and their possible effects on cancer first identified CBC as a potential cancer fighter. While THC is known for its anti-tumor effects for several types of cancer, its strong psychotropic effects complicate its use. So far, researchers have found that in preventing the formation of new cancer cells, CBC is the second strongest cannabinoid (the strongest being CBG).

Pain and Inflammation

In relation to rheumatoid arthritis (induced in mice), cannabichromene was also shown to limit pain and inflammation. Cannabinoids like CBC respond to inflammation differently than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and also do not have unwanted side effects. Another example of the "entourage effect" is the synergy of CBC and THC, which was examined in a recent animal study. It was shown that CBC and THC exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects and work together on inflammation much more effectively than individually.

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Brain Cells

A 2013 mouse study found that CBC has a positive effect on neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPC), which are the basis of proper brain function. Near CBC, progenitor cells began to function much better, which could be very important in the future, as progenitor cells further divide into astrocytes, cells responsible for maintaining the brain's internal environment. Astrocytes perform several functions, including proper neurotransmitter routing and protection against oxidative stress. Astrocytes work against many issues (oxidative stress, inflammation, toxicity) that lead to neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's.

Acne

A team of researchers who had previously pointed out CBD's effect on acne further focused on other cannabinoids, including CBC. Yes, it was found that CBC is a strong acne inhibitor. Acne is a skin condition characterized by excessive sebum production and inflammation of the sebaceous glands. It was discovered that CBC has strong anti-inflammatory effects and also suppresses excessive lipid production in the sebaceous glands. CBC also reduces the amount of arachidonic acid (AA), which is necessary for lipogenesis. More research is needed, but one day CBC could be a significant acne treatment.

Depression

Another amazing demonstration of the "entourage effect" is the synergy of CBC, THC, and CBD. Together, they show significant antidepressant effects.

The potential therapeutic effects of CBD are very important and require further research to determine how strong this compound is, and how it can work synergistically with other cannabinoids (the "entourage effect"). Patients interested in cannabis treatment currently have very limited options, but with new studies and the weakening of cannabis laws, hopefully new medications utilizing various cannabinoids will soon become available.

Author:
Jacqueline Havelka

Sources:
Havelka, Jacqueline. "What Is CBC and What Are the Benefits of This Cannabinoid?" Leafly, 9 Jan. 2018, www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-cannabichromene-cbc-cannabinoid.

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