Today, we are going to be talking about CBC which is one of the “big three” cannabinoids. By now, most of us are quite familiar with CBD and it’s capabilities. After all, CBD is practically the buzzword of the decade in the wellness industry. But, due to its prominence, many people assume that CBD is the only plant compound in cannabis that’s worth their attention. However, this is a long way from the truth. The reality is that the hemp plant is naturally rich in a wide array of plant compounds which include many exciting cannabinoids such as CBD, THC and more.
CBC (Cannabichromene) is a cannabinoid that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as its two siblings. However, it is just as valuable as CBD and THC. Moreover, CBC, like all cannabinoids, has a fascinating array of properties, and the hemp plant naturally contains a generous amount of this compound. So, continue reading to learn more about CBC and how it benefits you.
The Endocannabinoid System and Phytocannabinoids
We will be talking about what makes CBC unique in just a minute, but in order to fully understand the way in which this compound works, we first have to look at the endocannabinoid system. What’s unique about cannabis is that it offers a wide array of compounds known as cannabinoids, with CBD, THC, and CBC all belonging to this category. However, cannabinoids aren’t just any plant compound. Rather, they directly feed the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a system found in every mammal.
Interestingly, the endocannabinoid system seems to play a role in the maintenance of homeostasis, which is a state in which every bodily process is functioning normally. Moreover, the endocannabinoid system is supposed to produce its own cannabinoids, although it seems that many of us are naturally deficient.
The endocannabinoid system has a series of cannabinoid receptors that are found all throughout the body, and when these receptors receive cannabinoids, they regulate bodily processes such as sleep cycle, mood, pain tolerance, and inflammation levels. Additionally, the endocannabinoid system responds to a wide range of cannabinoids as each has its own unique properties that can affect the way in which the endocannabinoid system uses them. This is why we should consider every cannabinoid, not just CBD.
What Exactly is CBC?
CBC is one of the three cannabinoids that comes from cannabigerol acid, which is essentially a precursor to CBD, THC and, of course, CBC. CBC is received by cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. Also, it’s more easily used by the endocannabinoid system when it’s taken in combination with other cannabinoids – primarily THC and CBD.
What Can CBC Do?
CBC has its own distinctive properties, and it’s currently being heavily studied by medical researchers for its potential effects. Interestingly, it is currently under research for its effects on pain and inflammation levels.
Another study tested CBC on depression patients and found interesting results when the cannabinoid was combined with CBD and THC. Also, CBC may have an effect on neurogenesis, which is the regeneration of neurons in the brain. This means that it may contribute to the potential neuroprotective properties of the hemp plant.
Who Should Seek Out CBC?
CBC’s unique and exciting properties make it a highly desirable compound among hemp enthusiasts. Those who normally look for high amounts of this cannabinoid are those struggling with pain, depression, and issues relating to neurological health. CBC also seems to have synergistic properties when combined with other cannabinoids. So, anyone who is enthusiastic about cannabinoids, in general, would likely want to experiment with this compound along with the others that are native to the hemp plant.
How is CBC Produced?
CBC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant and is plant-based in origin. However, it is extracted using a number of methods, with the most common one being the CO2 extraction process. When the hemp plant extracts are used to produce the CBD products, CBC is a part of the resulting concentrate. From there, scientists can choose to leave the CBC in the extract or remove it. They can also isolate it in order to create a concentrated CBC isolate extract.
Where Can I Find CBC?
Because CBC is a relatively new discovery compared to more widely known cannabinoids like THC and CBD, it’s not as easy to find CBC-centric products. However, CBC is naturally prominent in the cannabis plant. Therefore, if you’re consuming a product that contains the full spectrum of hemp compounds, you’re getting CBC.
See, there are three types of hemp extracts: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum is a hemp extract that has every single compound native to hemp, including CBD, THC and, yes, CBC. Then, there’s broad spectrum extract, which has every compound except for THC and still has the same amount of CBC as what naturally occurs in the hemp plant. Finally, there is CBD isolate, which does not contain CBC or any other plant compounds, as it’s simply a high concentration of CBD. So, going with a full spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD product will give you CBC.
Also, more and more companies are producing CBC isolate products due to the increasing popularity of this specific cannabinoid. CBC isolate products can also be added to other cannabis formulas to boost the amount of CBC relative to the other compounds. Just know that CBC is more expensive to produce than CBD as it’s less naturally abundant, and so more plant material must be used to extract a decent amount. So, if you are interested in adding CBC to your routine, know it may cost a bit more.
Summary
CBC, just like the other cannabinoids in hemp, is a fascinating plant compound that is efficiently utilized by the endocannabinoid system. If you’re looking to finetune your hemp experience according to your individual needs, you may want to look into CBC as this has properties that are quite exceptional. Nowadays, it has become easier to seek out high-CBC hemp-based products which provide you with an ample dose of this compound.
