The cannabis plant boasts a host of compounds. However, out of the lot, only a few like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are known to the general public, because of the lack of research on other cannabinoids.
Cannabichromene, better known by its abbreviation CBC, is among those unlucky cannabinoids which have shown a lot of promise but cannot deliver until more definite research pops in. Nevertheless, in this post, we’ll take a good look at how CBC works and if it can benefit us in any way a few years down the line:
How does CBC interact with the human endocannabinoid system?
By now, we are aware that just like the cannabis plant has a phytocannabinoid system, humans too have an endocannabinoid system, which, like the former, can be stimulated by cannabinoids and bringing many therapeutic effects.
Like CBD, CBC, too, has a strong binding affinity for TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors. When CBC interacts with these receptors, the body produces more endocannabinoids such as 2-AG and anandamide, which in turn activate CB1 and CB2 receptors and bring about the desired therapeutic effects.
In a nutshell, CBC indirectly interacts with receptors CB1 and CB2, which are believed to regulate a person’s appetite, immunity, mood, etc.
What does scientific evidence say?
1) CBC could target tumors
The human body has a self-maintenance process where it itself kills the cells that may be cancerous or infected. In scientific terms, this mechanism is referred to as Apoptosis.
Now, various cannabinoids like CBD, THC and CBN work synergistically (together) to reduce a tumor’s proliferation and induce apoptosis. Their effect can be increased manifold if they receive support from a large number of endocannabinoids, the production of which is catalyzed only in the presence of CBC.
2) CBC could act as an Anti-depressant
A study conducted on mice in the year 2010 found that CBD, THC, and CBC contribute ‘a great deal’ to the overall mood-uplifting properties of marijuana.
This is perhaps the reason why many people struggling with sudden mood changes and anxiety choose to self-medicate with the drug.
3) CBC could Grow Brain Cells
The human brain continues to grow into adulthood, although the growth is limited to the hippocampus region. This continued brain cell growth is, in technical terms, known as neurogenesis.
This 2013 study says that Cannabichromene can promote brain cell growth. Notably, a decreased neurogenesis is often associated with anxiety, depression and an impaired memory.
Looking at the results of the study, an associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s neuropsychiatry research unit even said that “While other drugs of abuse suppress neurogenesis, only marijuana promotes neurogenesis.”
4) CBC could tackle pain
In today’s time when the US is standing in the midst of an opioid crisis, any effective alternative treatment to relieve chronic pain is no less than a boon.
A 2010 study on rats found that both CBD and CBC were effective at reducing pain by interacting with multiple molecular pathways located on the spine. Hence, non-psychoactive CBC can serve as a great alternative to opioid painkillers.
