Jenny heard about CBC at her book club — one of the women said her acupuncturist was raving about it. A high performer reads the third paragraph of his nightly tincture's lab report and notices a column labeled "CBC" sitting next to the CBD line. A daughter ordering a tincture for her father pauses on the phrase "full-spectrum" and wants to know what's actually in there besides CBD. All three are asking a fair question. The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, and CBC is one of the most-studied of the minor ones. Here's what the science actually shows, in plain English.
CBC, or cannabichromene, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found naturally in hemp. It interacts with the body's TRP receptors and endocannabinoid system, and is being studied for inflammation, pain perception, mood, and skin health. CBC does not cause a high and is part of every full-spectrum hemp extract.
This guide covers what CBC is, how it works in the body, what the peer-reviewed research has actually established, how it compares to CBD and CBG, and the practical question buyers care about: how to take it, and whether it's right for you. Like all our content, it's reviewed by people who grow and test the plant for a living.
What CBC actually is — and where it comes from
Cannabichromene was first isolated from cannabis in 1966 by researchers Y. Gaoni and R. Mechoulam — the same lab that identified THC — but it remained largely overlooked for decades while attention focused on the two best-known cannabinoids. CBC is what scientists call a "minor" cannabinoid, meaning hemp typically produces it in smaller concentrations than CBD or THC, but it is still routinely the third-most abundant cannabinoid in many hemp cultivars.
Like all cannabinoids, CBC starts as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) — sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" — inside the trichomes of the hemp plant. An enzyme called CBCA synthase converts CBGA into cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), which then converts into CBC over time through a heat-and-light process called decarboxylation. (We walked through this in our piece on how CBD is made — same process, different end product.)
Two things are worth knowing up front: CBC does not produce intoxication, and it has been found, in trace amounts, in plants outside the cannabis family — including some hops varieties and certain pepper plants. The amounts in those plants are too low to be relevant therapeutically, but it tells you something about how widespread these molecular families are in nature.
How CBC works in the body
This is where CBC stops looking like a "weaker version of CBD" and starts looking like its own compound.
Most cannabinoids are studied for how they interact with the body's two main cannabinoid receptors — CB1 (concentrated in the central nervous system) and CB2 (concentrated in the immune system). CBC has weak affinity for both. What makes CBC interesting is that it interacts strongly with a different family of receptors — the TRP family, particularly TRPA1 and TRPV1 — which play key roles in inflammation, pain perception, and body-temperature regulation.
A 2011 study published in The British Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated that CBC activates TRPA1 receptors potently, and a follow-up 2013 paper in the same journal (Romano et al.) showed CBC inhibited inflammation in animal models of intestinal disease. Separately, Shinjyo and Di Marzo, writing in Neurochemistry International (2013), reported that CBC supported the function of certain neural progenitor cells in laboratory studies — a finding that prompted further research into its potential role in mood and brain health.
Two important caveats: most CBC research to date has been preclinical (cell studies and animal studies, not large human trials), and CBC has been studied most often as part of a full-spectrum hemp extract, not in isolation. The takeaway is not that CBC is a wonder compound. The takeaway is that there's a real, peer-reviewed research base behind it — which is more than can be said for most of what shows up in a Google search for "natural alternatives."
Additionally, purchasing CBC oil from a reputable source is essential to ensure quality and purity. In summary, CBC oil supplementation can benefit various ailments and symptoms. Still, it is necessary to be cautious and informed when choosing a product and determining the right serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other plants besides cannabis produce CBC?
CBC, or cannabichromene, is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is the second most common in the cannabis plant.
However, CBC is not exclusive to cannabis and has been found in trace amounts in other plant species, including hemp, hops, and black pepper.
While the concentration of CBC in these plants is significantly lower than in cannabis, it suggests that CBC may play a role in the plant’s medicinal properties.
Further research is needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic benefits of CBC in non-cannabis plants.
Is CBC legal in all states and countries?
The legality of CBC varies by state and country, as it is still classified as a Schedule I drug under the United States federal law. However, some states have legalized the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, which may allow for the use of CBC.
It is essential to check the laws and regulations in your area before using CBC or any other cannabis-related products.
Can CBC be used in conjunction with prescription medications?
The use of CBC in conjunction with prescription medications is a topic that requires further investigation and discussion with a healthcare professional.
While CBC is generally considered non-intoxicating, it may interact with certain medications, potentially causing adverse effects or altering their efficacy.
It is important to note that the use of cannabinoids, including CBC, is still a relatively new field of study, and research is ongoing to understand their potential benefits and risks fully.
Therefore, individuals should exercise caution and seek guidance from a healthcare provider before using CBC or any other cannabinoid in combination with prescription medications.
What is the difference between CBC and CBG?
CBC and CBG are both non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but they differ in their chemical structure and potential therapeutic benefits.
CBC, or cannabichromene, is the second most common cannabinoid in cannabis. CBG, or cannabigerol, is a precursor to other cannabinoids and has potential benefits in encouraging a healthy inflammatory response, helping reduce physical discomfort, and supporting relaxation.
While both CBC and CBG show promise in the field of cannabis research, more studies are needed to understand their effects on the body and potential applications fully.
Are there any known side effects of taking CBC oil?
Currently, limited information is available on the potential side effects of taking CBC oil, as research on this compound is still in its early stages.
However, it is essential to note that CBC, like other cannabinoids, may interact with medications and produce unwanted effects.
Additionally, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.
Speaking with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBC oil into one’s daily routine is crucial, especially if taking medications or experiencing any underlying health conditions.
More extensive research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of CBC oil for various ailments and conditions.
