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The hemp space has been ever growing since the 2018 Farm Bill, where CBD and a range of hemp-derived cannabinoids became legal at a federal level. Thanks to this, you’ve probably heard of minor compounds like CBN, CBG, and THC-V.
Some call this new era the cannabinoid revolution, and cannabichromene (CBC) has lately shown plenty of potential. Research has shown that this cannabinoid could aid with different symptoms thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, stress-managing properties, and even aiding with acne through topical treatments.
If you are curious about the benefits of CBC or simply want to get to know this cannabinoid better, you can explore this cannabinoid in the following article.
Key Takeaways
- CBC is a mostly non-psychoactive compound that can be found in hemp, with several potential wellness benefits.
- Some potential CBC cannabinoid benefits include anti-inflammatory, stress and depression relieving, neurogenesis, and anti-acne properties.
- Cannabichromene is similar to CBD in some areas, like its anti-inflammatory properties. That said, they act on different receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBC Softgels 15mg
A Quick Look at the Best CBC Products Online
How Does Cannabichromene Work?
Before fully diving into CBC cannabinoid benefits, we have to take a quick look at this cannabinoid and how it works in our system. First, cannabichromene, shortened as CBC, is a mostly non-psychoactive cannabinoid that can be naturally found in hemp and cannabis plants.
Unlike other cannabinoids, CBC binds very poorly to certain receptors of our nervous systems. Instead, it plays a role by activating the CB2 receptor, which can support many symptoms like inflammation and even aid with neurogenesis and anxiety.
CBC also works better in tandem with other cannabinoids, like CBD or CBN. This is thanks to the entourage effect, which is basically cannabinoids working together in synergy and boosting each other’s onset. But before diving into the potential benefits, let’s see some differences and similarities between CBC and its popular sibling, CBD.
What Is the Difference Between CBC and CBD?
Both CBC and CBD are considered natural cannabinoids out of the over 113 compounds inside hemp. And while both cannabinoids are thought to have neuroprotective properties, the way they interact with our endocannabinoid system is a little different.
Without getting too technical about it, CBC binds to two types of receptors called TRPV1 and TRPA1, while CBD mainly interacts with other receptors called 5-HT1A. While the two families of receptors are part of our nervous system, these result in different responses from our bodies, which is why CBC might be a better inflammatory agent for topical treatments.
CBC can also be more difficult to find and slightly pricier than CBD products due to the quality and process needed to extract this cannabinoid. Some cannabidiol-based products might have CBC already if they are full or broad-spectrum formulas, so if you want to try this cannabinoid, you can also check different formulas out.
Other than that, the effects of both cannabinoids are somewhat similar. They both may help stress and inflammation and work even better together.
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBC Tincture Oil
CBC Cannabinoid Benefits
Now that we’ve gone through the basics, let’s tackle some potential CBC cannabinoid benefits. Users have sought this cannabinoid for potentially supporting certain symptoms, including anxiety and depression, support with neurogenesis, pain, and inflammation, and as a topical treatment for acne.
Let’s look at some of them and see if they have proof points based on research.
Anxiety and Depression
Cannabichromene can potentially aid in specific depression symptoms and general anxiety and stress symptoms. In this study, CBC had promising effects on the participants, aiding with general relaxing effects and contributing to mood-elevating effects with a 20mg dose.
Promotes Neurogenesis
Without getting too sciency, neurogenesis is a process in which new cells and pathways are created in the brain, mainly hormones and neurotransmitters. This study focused on cannabinoids and adult neurogenesis and found that cannabinoids could play a significant role in generating new cells and that CBC could promote cell survival.
Pain and Inflammation
One of the biggest potential benefits of CBC is how it can affect inflammation. Since it uses a different pathway than other cannabinoids, it can help support different swelling, depending on the use, and there are a few studies on its potential to treat these symptoms.
In general, anecdotal research shows that cannabichromene may be helpful to aid with anti-inflammatory effects due to its interaction with the CB2 receptors. This animal study also reviewed how CBC could aid gastrointestinal inflammation in mice, aiding with specific and general inflammation.
This other study also showed the potential to aid specific processes during colitis, which could aid inflammation in the gastrointestinal area caused by acid in the area. While more research is needed, CBC shows great potential as an anti-inflammatory agent that can help the gastrointestinal area.
Treatment for Acne
Lastly, CBC has shown great potential to aid different skin diseases. Researchers concluded that CBC may aid with inhibiting excess fat (lipogenesis) in the skin while also reducing “acne-like” lipogenesis and aiding due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
This could mean that CBC has great potential to aid with topical treatments for acne and other inflammatory skin diseases in tandem with other cannabinoids.
Is CBC Safe?
Yes, generally speaking, CBC is considered safe to use. Make sure that all cannabinoid products you buy can verify their ingredients through a third-party lab results sheet page. This way, you can verify if they have any THC traces and ensure that the CBC content is the same as what’s posted on the dispensary’s site.
Before trying any cannabinoid-based product, make sure it suits your current wellness goals, what dosage you should get, and what effect it can cause. Specifically, make sure the cannabinoid you want to try can be taken during the day or night, as some compounds like CBD or CBN can make you drowsy during the day.
As with most cannabinoids, clinical research is still needed to understand the potential fully and to have an actual treatment based on CBC. If you plan on trying CBC for any of its potential benefits, we recommend touching base with a healthcare professional first.
Where to Buy CBC Products Online
By now, you probably have a pretty good idea of CBC cannabinoid benefits. If you want to try its potential positive effects, we’ve made a small list of products that could help you decide on a CBC product.
In the following list, you’ll find capsules and tinctures from different brands with a brief on what these brands are about. This is especially helpful depending on what your goals are since some dispensaries focus on natural ingredients, while others focus on simplicity or adding wellness effects.
Without further ado, let’s look at some of the best CBC products on the web.
1. NuLeaf Naturals – Full-Spectrum CBC Oil
If you want to try CBC tinctures that are also buildable, you should really go with Nuleaf Naturals’ CBC Oil. They have very accessible and high-quality cannabinoid-based products, and their CBC tincture is a solid choice if you plan on upping your dose.
About the Brand
NuLeaf Naturals is a hemp-based brand that is paving the way for wellness products that promote a healthy body and mind. Since 2014, they have created high-quality products that use the utmost care in their most pure and most potent form.
Features
The CBC Oil by Nuleaf Naturals is a pretty straightforward option if you want to try CBC. They come in a 15ml (0.5oz) dropper bottle with 3 different dosages; 300 mg, 900 mg, and up to 1800 mg of CBC per bottle. They also have a subscription service that offers up to 20% discount if you plan on frequently buying their tincture.
Pros
- A discreet way of using cannabinoids
- Made from organic hemp
- No additional flavor or coloring
- Three different potencies are available
- Subscription discount if you plan to buy frequently
Cons
- Smaller dropper bottle than most (standard is 30ml)
2. NuLeaf Naturals – Full Spectrum CBC Capsules
Now, if tinctures or oil are a little too complicated at first and you’d want a product you can take on the go, then the CBC Capsules by NuLeaf Naturals is an excellent choice. Thanks to their soft-gel formula, they are easily digestible and most users can use them.
About the Brand
Now, we talked about how NuLeaf Naturals is a pioneer hemp-based brand that’s created high-quality products since 2014. We also love that their products contain no additives, and the only active ingredient on their products is organic hemp, with no pesticides and free of other toxins or chemicals.
Features
The CBC Capsules by NuLeaf Naturals come in a 60-pack child-safe jar with three different potencies also available. You can choose from 300 mg, 900 mg, and 1800 mg of CBC per container, making each capsule 15, 30, and up to 60 mg of CBC per dose. The capsules use a full-spectrum hemp extract as a base, but they can be taken with some water with no oil in the package.
Pros
- Easy to take on the go
- You can buy three different dosages
- Made from organic hemp with no additives
- The excellent price point for servings
- No additional flavor or coloring
- Subscription discount if you plan to buy frequently
Cons
- Gel caps can be difficult to swallow for some patients
3. Rare Cannabinoid – CBC Protect Oil
If you want a single-dose tincture with zero THC traces, you might want to look at Rare Cannabinoid CBC Protect Oil. This tincture by Rare Cannabinoid uses top-shelf distillates paired with a high-quality extraction process, which is great if you cannot have any THC traces whatsoever.
About the Brand
Rare Cannabinoid is a Hawaii-based hemp health and wellness company that wants to go beyond the typical cannabinoids, CBD and THC. As an online hemp apothecary, they allow customers to customize their unique blends depending on their wellness needs.
Features
The CBC Protect oil comes in a 1 oz or 30ml spray bottle with 500 mg of broad-spectrum CBC formula. The oil is GMP-certified, non-GMO, pesticide-free, and fully lab tested. Each spray has around 6.7 mg of CBC, perfect for taking on the go or use without the need for a dropper.
Pros
- Uses a spray bottle instead of a dropper
- High-quality, broad-spectrum formula
- Has a good dosage for beginners
- Organic, GMP-certified, pesticide-free, with non-GMO ingredients
Cons
- It can be a little pricier due to its high-quality formula
4. Extract Labs – CBC Tincture CBD Blend Relief Formula
Lastly, meet the CBD and CBC formula from our list by Extract Labs. This brand specializes in high-quality blends focused on different wellness goals, which is why this specific tincture is called Relief formula as well. We’d go with this tincture if you wanted to try CBD and CBC together.
About the Brand
Extract Labs is an online hemp-based dispensary that wants to create plant-based wellness accessible to everyone. They invest heavily in research, development, and overall manufacturing process of cannabinoid protection while keeping their products at an affordable range.
Features
The CBC Tincture CBD Blend Relief Formula comes in a 1.0oz or 30-dropper bottle. The tincture comes in a full-spectrum formula with 20 mg of CBC and 60 mg of CBD per serving. Their formula is fully lab tested, with organic coconut oil as the base.
Pros
- Great 1:3 full-spectrum CBC to CBD formula
- No added flavors
- Made from organic hemp, that’s free of pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals
- Perfect for people who need stronger dosage.
Cons
- It can be a little pricier than other products on the list
Final Thoughts: CBC Cannabinoid Benefits
Throughout this article, we’ve gone through CBC cannabinoid benefits, mainly how this compound works with our endocannabinoid system. This interaction has several potential benefits, such as aiding with inflammation, anxiety and depression, neurogenesis, and acne.
Thanks to its unique interaction with the CB2 receptors of our system, its way of acting in our body is different from CBD. That said, these two work better in tandem, and you can try CBC first in full and broad-spectrum formulas.
You can also get CBC products online, depending on the concentration and type of products. Make sure to have a chat with your healthcare provider before trying any tincture or capsule.
Hearst Newspapers participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission when you purchase products featured here. Please consult your doctor before starting any new supplement to see it is right for you.