
Accessories
Cannabichromene, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid studied for potential anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties.
Cannabichromene, or CBC, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid produced from the same precursor (CBGA) as THC and CBD. First discovered in 1966, CBC is one of the six major cannabinoids that scientists have studied most extensively. It is typically present in cannabis at low concentrations, usually below 1%.
Research has explored CBC for several promising therapeutic properties. A 2013 study in Neurochemistry International found that CBC promoted the growth of neural progenitor cells in mice, suggesting neuroprotective potential. Other studies have investigated CBC's anti-inflammatory effects, finding that it may work through mechanisms different from typical NSAIDs. CBC does not bind strongly to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it interacts with TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, which are involved in pain perception and inflammation.
While CBC is rarely highlighted as a standalone ingredient in cannabis products, it plays a supporting role in the entourage effect when present in full-spectrum extracts. Emerging research suggests CBC may enhance the anti-inflammatory and mood-boosting properties of THC and CBD when all three are consumed together. As cannabis testing becomes more detailed and consumers learn to read lab reports, awareness of minor cannabinoids like CBC is growing. Some breeders are working to develop high-CBC cultivars for the therapeutic market.