For many years, CBD was the only known non-intoxicating cannabinoid and its research was hamstrung by the stringent laws governing the use of cannabis at the time. Following the discovery of CBD, other cannabinoid compounds came into the picture. One of the most prevalent being CBC, which was unearthed approximately fifty years ago.
Since the early 2000s, when the therapeutic value of CBD became widely recognized, hemp processors have been increasing production of rarer cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, and CBN. Many would-be users of these compounds don't know the pros and cons of one over another - or combinations. Therefore, a detailed comparison of CBC vs. CBD goes a long way to helping you make a decision that suits you best.
The key difference between CBC and CBD is their interaction with TRV1 receptors. CBC binds directly to the TRPV1 in the nervous system, making it more useful for inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, CBD links more with the 5-HT1A receptors, which is why it's so widely used to alleviate neuropathic pain.
WHAT IS CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant and widely recognized for its health benefits. From as early as the 2000s, various states in the US began to legalize the medical use of CBD in the medical field. Get more information on CBD in our Resource Library.
WHAT IS CBC?
CBC closely resembles CBD in that it's a non-intoxicating product that doesn’t compromise your senses or make you feel high. Instead, it may play an impactful role in the sustenance of your neurological health. It’s important to understand that there are limited cannabis sativa phenotypes that contain high levels of CBC. The compound isn’t extracted from the cannabis flower, but rather, it is derived directly from the stem cell, which is the point of inception for several cannabinoids.
By now you’re probably familiar with cannabinoids, especially the most common ones, THC and CBD. But you likely haven’t heard of cannabichromene, also known as CBC. Discovered over 50 years ago, CBC is considered one of the “big six” cannabinoids prominent in medical research. It doesn’t get as much attention, but CBC’s potential benefits are extremely promising.
CBC was first analyzed for the treatment or suppression of cancer, and the results indicate a direct correlation between CBC use and tumor size reduction. CBC may also promote neurological health, specifically the development of neural stem progenitor cells, potentially reducing the effects of Alzheimer’s in some people.
In 2013, Noriko Shinjyo, Ph.D., a Research Associate at Chiba University in Japan, coauthored a study with Italian scientist Vincenzo Di Marzo on cannabichromene (CBC), a phytocannabinoid that exerts profound effects on the nervous system.
In the study, published in Neurochemistry International, researchers conducted an investigation into the impact of CBC on adult neural stem progenitor cells. These cells play a crucial role in brain function, both in healthy individuals and those with pathological conditions. As stem cells progress through their maturation process, they undergo changes and develop into different types of cells, including neurons. The study found that CBC had a positive influence on the neural stem progenitor cells during this maturation phase, as demonstrated through in vitro experiments.
The findings of this research highlight the potential benefits of CBC in promoting the development and functionality of neural stem progenitor cells. By positively influencing these cells during their maturation process, CBC may contribute to enhanced brain function and potentially offer therapeutic opportunities for various neurological conditions. This is particularly significant considering the essential role that neural stem progenitor cells play in maintaining brain health and repairing damaged tissue.
Although further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying CBC's effects on neural stem progenitor cells, these findings provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic applications of this compound. Additionally, this study contributes to our understanding of the complex processes involved in brain development and highlights the importance of exploring the potential benefits of cannabinoids in neurobiology.
Compared to CBD, CBC has a direct link on the TRPV1 receptors in the nervous system, making it a valuable analgesic tool. Consequently, inflammatory conditions and pain related to arthritis or any illness of similar nature may be controlled using CBC.
As more hemp processors begin to produce CBC isolates and distillates, Kine is looking forward to adding this to our product offering.