Formula: C21H30O2(Same as CBD but configured differently)
Molecular Mass: 314.2246 g/mol
Decarboxylation Point:
Boiling Point: 220°C (428°F)
LD50 (Lethal Dose): 270mg/kg for monkeys (Compare to Nicotine: for mice – 3mg/kg, for humans – 40-60 mg/kg)
Cannabichromene is a little understood non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has recently been the subject of much greater scrutiny. Like THC and CBD, CBC is an end product of CBG being processed into CBGa, and then into other cannabinoids. As a result, CBC has the same chemical formula and weight as CBD and THC but differs from its chemical cousins by the arrangement of its atoms. The heretofore lack of research hasn’t stopped it from being the subject of multiple patents recognizing its wide range of medical uses. Like THC and CBD, CBC is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, although less potent than these more famous molecules. It is also antibacterial and its variant CBCa has been shown to be an antifungal agent. Like CBD, cannabichomene is both a bone stimulant and neurogenic compound, helping grow both body and mind. Perhaps its most important use is as an anti-proliferative, slowing tumor growth and combating cancer, just like CBD and THC. CBC has also been shown to be ten times as powerful as CBD at reducing anxiety and stress.
Therapeutic Uses
Analgesic – Relieves pain.
Antidepressant – Relieves symptoms of depression.
Antifungal – Inhibits the growth of fungus.
Anxiolitic – Relieves anxiety.
Anti-inflammatory – Reduces inflammation systemically.
Anti-Proliferative – Inhibits cancer cell growth.
Bone Stimulant – Promotes bone growth.
Neurogenesis – Promotes the growth of new brain cells.
Currently Being Studied For
Analgesic: While only a study on rats, CBC was been shown to have great promise as an analgesic painkiller, perhaps as good as CBD.
Antidepressant: In this 2010 study, both THC and CBC were shown to display significant antidepressant qualities and contribute to the overall mood-elevating properties of cannabis.
Anti-Inflammatory: In two other recent studies on rats CBC was shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory. Interestingly it was found that the mechanism of action did not involve CB1, CB2, or the TRPA1 receptors, like with THC and CBD; this is certainly worth more research as it could imply another type of receptor site is present.
Neurogenesis: A study done last year confirms that CBC stimulates bone growth. As neurogenic compounds are very rare this makes CBC a very important cannabinoid worth significant research. This could make CBC useful in treating the Alzheimer and other neurodegenerative conditions, but that will need more research.
References:
- Steep Hill Lab, Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Reference Guide; http://steephilllab.com/resources/cannabinoid-and-terpenoid-reference-guide/
- Skunk Pharm Research, Cannabinoid and Terpene Info; http://skunkpharmresearch.com/cannabinoid-info/
- SC Labs, Meet the Cannabinoids; http://sclabs.com/learn/learn-cannabinoids.html
*Note: Decarboyxlation A chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases CO2, often triggered by heat.
Cannabinoid Profiles Series
6. A Crash Course in CBC [this post]