Many of us are informed about CBD and THC, the two most popular cannabinoids today. With more than one hundred known cannabinoids, others are starting to get into the mainstream. This is due to the increasing consumer interest and the expanding body of research into the medical benefits of non-psychoactive cannabinoids.
In this article, we will discuss CBC in detail and learn why this cannabinoid is making an impact on the CBD market. We will review some of the popular CBC products you can try out and determine where to buy them. Before anything else, it is proper to address some of the minor cannabinoids that are emerging today so as not to confuse them with one another.
Emerging Cannabinoids from The Cannabis Plant
As cannabis plants mature, they develop hundreds of different compounds. These substances can be further divided into cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, each having different effects on the body. THC is the most popular because of its psychoactive properties or the intoxicating high that most people associate with the marijuana plant.
CBD comes in second because of its medical benefits. Other non-psychoactive cannabinoids are starting to become more prevalent nowadays. These phytocannabinoids include CBG, CBN, and CBC. They almost sound alike but they have their distinctive properties, effects, and benefits.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. Legally speaking, hemp refers to Cannabis Sativa with 0.3% or lower THC levels. Since hemp plants contain very minute amounts of THC, you are not going to get an intoxicating high from consuming CBD oil or any other hemp-derived CBD product.
According to the World Health Organization, CBD products do not exhibit or indicate any potential for abuse or dependence. There is no evidence that pure CBD causes any health-related problems.
On the contrary, several studies and anecdotal evidence point out that CBD oil provides benefits that include, chronic pain and inflammation reduction, seizure reduction, and anxiety reduction. It may also modulate sleep and other body functions.
CBDA
CBDA is the precursor chemical to CBD. It is naturally occurring in hemp plants, just like CBD is. CBDA actually converts into CBD, and you can consume it by squeezing the juice from flowering CBD plants.
The challenge with CBDA is that it cannot be heated if you wish to consume it on its own.
Fortunately, Fluxxlab has created what we perceive to be the best CBDA oil on the planet. We use cold cryo-extraction to isolate this molecule. If you’d like to learn more about CBDA, check out our “What is CBDA?” article.
CBG
Cannabigerol (CBG) is quite often called the mother of all cannabinoids because many other cannabinoids are derived from CBG’s acidic form known as cannabigerol acid (CGBA). Both THC and CBD are derived from this compound.
However, CBG is found in minute quantities in a mature cannabis plant. On average, a cannabis plant may contain only 1% of CBG, 20% CBD, and 25% THC. Hence, the best way to extract more CBG is to take it from younger cannabis plants, while the CGBA has not yet transformed into CBD and THC.
Like CBD, CBG is non-intoxicating. Even there is no enough evidence to determine the real medical benefits of this compound, some studies point out its potential as an antibacterial agent. It may also help fight against inflammatory bowel disease, Huntington’s disease, glaucoma, and colon cancer.
CBN
Cannabinol (CBN) is another phytocannabinoid that is closely more similar in structure to THC. That is because it is the byproduct of the oxidation of THC. Once it is chemically transformed, it does not deliver any psychoactive effects. Hence, you can take it without feeling intoxicated afterward.
Just like CBD oil, CBN oil is often used for its medical benefits. Some of the known potential benefits of the compound include sleep enhancement, pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, neuroprotective effects, and antibacterial properties.
Now that we have discussed the most common non-psychoactive cannabinoids, let us dive deeper into CBC. Pay close attention to the last alphabet on these cannabinoid acronyms, especially when buying them online. You may mistake one for the other.
What is CBC?
Cannabichromene (CBC) is one of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids in hemp plants. Although it was discovered in 1966, it is only now that it is gaining attention, specifically in the medical cannabis industry.
Today, CBC is fast emerging as a prevalent cannabinoid mainly due to its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD remains the most widely used cannabinoid for medical marijuana. Nonetheless, CBC may become equal in status or even more prevalent as soon as more research reveals its true potential.
While there are no CBC-rich strains as of the moment, that may soon change, as it did with CBD a couple of years back. Around twenty years ago, there were no high CBD strains. Now, many growers are making huge profits from producing CBD-rich hemp plants.
How is CBC Extracted?
You should not mistake CBC with CBD and other cannabinoids. Although they come from the same cannabigerolic acid (CBGa), they differ in chemical structure, as well as in properties and effects. CBGa is the mother compound and precursor for many cannabinoids including CBC, CBD, and THC.
Since CBC cannot be extracted in significant amounts from any available marijuana strains, cultivators have to process it from CBGa as of the moment. Using an enzyme activation process, CBG can be converted into CBC. Fortunately, the technology today allows for the acceleration of the enzyme activation process to produce higher yields of CBC.
A Review on the Potential Health Benefits of CBC
Just like CBD, CBG, and CBN, CBC is now a major attraction in the medical field due to its potential therapeutic effects. It is also non-psychoactive, which makes it an even better compound for medical use. Not having any intoxicating effects means it is not going to be addictive.
A high-grade broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD product usually contains CBC. You can check for this information on the QR code on many CBD products sold on the market.
Any reputable CBD brand should contain a QR code that links to a third-party lab test, which provides information on the cannabinoid profile of the product. It should tell you how much CBD, CBC, THC, or any other compound is found on the product.
Here are the potential therapeutic benefits of CBC:
Promising Benefits on Cancer Treatment
The first study to show the promising health benefits of cannabinoids for cancer was published in 2006. It showed that CBC and other cannabinoids may affect cancer progression and tumour size. The second was in 2012 when a breast cancer study included CBC in its trials. The results show that the cannabinoid may have pain-relieving and cancer-fighting properties.
Although no further research is available to understand how CBC affects cancer, the available research shows promise. Until more research is done, the cancer-fighting effects of the cannabinoid remain speculative.
Positive Effect on Neurological Health
CBC has been shown to have potential benefits in supporting the growth of adult neural stem progenitor cells, which are essential for brain health. When these cells are strengthened, they prevent the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative issues. When the brain cells remain strong, it will delay or prevent the onset of major neurological problems, especially Alzheimer’s disease.
Chronic Pain Relief
Based on research, CBC has a bigger chance of interacting with the TRPV1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system as compared to CBD. These receptors are also known as capsaicin receptors. They control the body’s sensitivity to inflammatory pain and thus help with chronic pain. With its analgesic benefits and anti-inflammatory properties, CBC may help relieve pain related to rheumatoid arthritis and other related inflammatory diseases.
Antidepressant Benefits
THC and CBD are famous for reducing the symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression. It turns out that CBC may also have the same effect. A 2010 study shows that that compound helped rats perform better on stress trials. Chronic stress is one of the major triggers for depression and other mental issues. Hence, CBC may help fight anxiety, chronic stress, and depression, especially when combined with the two major cannabinoids.
Antibacterial Properties
CBC may also possess antibacterial properties, especially against E. coli and the staph group of bacteria. A study in 1981 shows this promising benefit. A more recent study in 2008 shows that cannabinoids were effective in fighting the MRSA superbug, a major cause of skin infections. Unlike mainstream medications, cannabinoids do not cause a host of side effects.
Note on Health Claims
Take note that the various health claims on the use of CBD and CBC products are based mostly on anecdotal evidence from personal users. There is no conclusive evidence for these claims as of now. If you find any company promoting exaggerated health claims, buy at your own risk.
CBC Products Review
Technological advances in cannabis cultivation and CBC extraction will soon make CBC a prevalent hemp extract. As of today, we can find the cannabinoid in many forms already. Just CBD products, we now have CBC oil, tinctures, edibles, vapes, and the like. Further research may also bring rise to the mainstream use of CBC and CBD creams for skin care. Here are the most common CBC products available today:
CBC Oil
Just like CBD oil, CBC oil works through sublingual drug administration. Take a few drops under the tongue and allow the cells to absorb the compound, take it to the bloodstream, and carry it to the endocannabinoid system. In the same way, as CBD oil products work, CBC oil takes around 15 minutes to take effect on the body.
A flavor of the oil depends on the terpenes and other compounds found in it. It also depends on the oil used to make the product. If coconut oil is infused with the cannabinoid, it will naturally taste like coconut. On average, it may have an earthy or grass-like hint of flavor. In some cases, it may have a lemon twist or an orange blossom flavor.
Other ingredients may produce different flavors. Some of these ingredients include jojoba, sunflower seed oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, mango butter, and other fatty acids. It is also worth noting that full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil may contain minute amounts of CBC.
You can use the oil to make edibles as well. You can infuse it on cookies, brownies, soups, and salads. Be careful with dosing, though. Although CBC and CBD oil is well-tolerated by the body, too much of it may cause drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, and reduced appetite.
The best way to take any kind of CBC or CBD product is to start with a low dosage and then increase your dose as your body becomes more comfortable with it. If you feel any side effects, lower the dose as needed.
CBC Tincture
Some users may confuse oils with tinctures. The main difference lies in what material is infused with the cannabinoid. Tinctures refer to alcohols infused with CBC, while oils refer to oils infused with CBC.
Just like oils, you can take tinctures sublingually. Take one or a few drops under the tongue and allow it to sit there for 30 to 60 seconds. The cell membranes will absorb the cannabinoid in a few seconds and transport them to your brain and other parts of your body.
You are likely to feel the effects of the compound in as little as 15 minutes. The effect can linger for approximately two to six hours. The duration will depend on your body weight, metabolism levels, and other factors.
If you are bored taking the tincture under the tongue, you can easily infuse it on your favorite beverages. You can add it to coffee, tea, soda, sparkling water, and other drinks. Note that heat may degrade the cannabinoid and affect its bioavailability, though. That means you may have to add more drops than usual to get the desired results.
CBC Edibles
Although not a lot of CBC -specific edibles are available on the market today, CBC is present in many CBD products. For example, CBD brands like Charlotte’s Web sell gummies that contain CBD, CBG, and CBC. When CBC-rich strains are produced by cultivators, we may soon see more options for CBC-specific edibles.
Today, CBD products that contain CBD come in many forms of edibles. While gummies are the most popular, there are also brownies, mint chocolate candies, cookies, and more. If you have CBD tinctures or oils, you can infuse them into beverages and foods to create homemade edibles anytime.
If you want to experience the benefit of cannabinoids without getting too much attention, edibles are the way to go. You can carry them around anywhere and eat them whenever you want to prevent chronic pain or reduce your anxieties and worries.
Edibles must pass through the digestive system before getting absorbed fully into your system. Therefore, you have to wait at least 45 minutes to two hours before you can enjoy the benefits of the cannabinoids.
The onset will depend on how fast your digestive system works. It also depends on how heavy your last meal was. Eating a heavy meal before ingesting the edibles may affect the duration of the digestive process.
Note on Edibles:
Be careful where you put your edibles, though. Candies, chocolates, gummies, and brownies look appealing to all ages, including children. You do not want your children to be eating cannabinoid-infused foods. Take responsibility for storing CBD products properly.
CBC Beverages
Just like edibles, there are not a lot of CBC-specific beverages available at the moment. However, most CBD products contain minute amounts of CBC and other compounds. The most popular CBD beverages include tea, coffee, sparkling water, soda, and many other drinks that contain dissolved carbon dioxide.
Drinking CBD beverages is better for first-timers because they contain fewer cannabinoids. It is a rule of thumb to start with a lower concentration of cannabinoids until you determine your body’s tolerance levels. Popular CBD brands do not usually place the CBC content on the packaging label. Hence, you may have to scan the QR code to check for the presence of other cannabinoids.
Drinking beverages get the compound into your system faster than foods. Hence, you can expect to feel the effects in as little as 30 minutes to an hour. Just like with edibles, the onset of the effects may be delayed by eating a heavy meal before taking in the beverage.
If you have CBC or CBD oil, you can add it to coffee or tea in the morning to start your day with cannabis. You may also add it to refreshing drinks, especially during the hot midday sun.
CBC Vape Cartridges
CBC vape cartridges allow you to take the cannabinoid through your lungs, instead of your digestive tract. If you love smoking, this is a healthier alternative to combusting joints or blunts. With a vape cartridge and pen battery, you simply click a button, inhale the vapor, and enjoy the cannabinoid.
With vaping, it takes around 15 minutes for the compound to take effect. It is almost similar to the sublingual administration of tincture and oil. The only difference is you do not get to taste the earthy or grassy flavor of hemp.
The downside to vaping is the vapor itself. It may bother other people around you. Unlike edibles, you cannot vape anywhere you wish. You have to make sure no one else is bothered by the vapor. Nevertheless, it is a thrilling experience and a good alternative to smoking.
CBC Distillate
A CBC distillate or concentrate is produced through an elaborate extraction method. The purpose is to remove other plant materials and leave behind a more concentrated form of the cannabinoid. You can enjoy distillates through a dab rig or an electrical vaporizer.
Using a dab rig is more like an at-home setup. Although you can bring it along at other locations it is not as portable as a vape pen. Nonetheless, using a dab rig allows you to take in a more potent form of the cannabinoid. Since the distillate is a more concentrated form of CBC, you can get the full effects of the cannabinoid in one or more good inhalations.
You can also find CBC distillate in pre-filled vape cartridges. Vape pens usually use a convection method of heating or a combination of convection and conduction. Convection uses hot air to vaporize the distillate, while conduction requires the distillate to have direct contact with the heating element.
The convection heating provides a healthier way to take in vapour. It does not incinerate the distillate, which means that it produces a finer and smoother vape experience.
Should you vape or dab your concentrate?
It is a question of potency and portability. If you want better potency, dab it. If you want better portability, vape it. Anyway, you can enjoy the benefits of CBC in as little as 15 minutes.
CBC Tablets
Taking CBC tablets is a straightforward way to get the cannabinoid in your system. You do not have to worry about setting up equipment, charging a vape battery, or tasting the earthy flavour of hemp. Swallow the pill with water and wait for the effects to kick in.
Just like an edible, it has to pass through the mouth and get into the digestive system. However, you do not have to worry about chewing and masticating. You do not have to brush your teeth afterward. Also, you find a higher dose of the cannabinoid in pills than in most edibles.
Best Hemp-derived CBD Products and CBC Products to Choose
If you want to experience the effects quicker, use CBC or CBD oil, tincture, or vape. Taking the cannabinoid under the tongue or through the lungs takes around 15 minutes of delivery time. The effects will last a total of two to six hours.
Dietary products take around one to two hours for the effects to kick in. Edibles and tablets may take longer but you get a more definitive dose. If you want to microdose for chronic pain relief or anxiety reduction, eat edibles in intervals.
Is CBC and CBD Legal?
CBC products, like CBD, are legal in the United States as long as they are sourced from federally legal hemp containing less than 0.3% THC.
By law, hemp is differentiated from marijuana based on THC levels. Any Cannabis Sativa plant that produces less than 0.3% THC by dry weight is called hemp. Any Cannabis Sativa plant that contains more than 0.3% THC is considered Marijuana.
It is most unlikely for the Food and Drug Administration to ban the use of CBC in the future. This particular cannabinoid is closely similar to CBD in terms of safety and effect. It is non-psychoactive and non-addictive.
However, some states prohibit the use of products that contain THC. Hence, full-spectrum CBD oil taken from full-spectrum hemp may be illegal in certain states. Check your state laws before buying full-spectrum products.
Where to Buy CBC and CBD Products
For your supply of high-quality CBC and CBD products, head on over to our store. We sell the best CBC products and the strongest you will ever experience.
CBC is a non-psychoactive enzyme broken down from CBGA to form cannabichromene acid (CBCA). As soon as CBCA is exposed to UV light, it further breaks down to CBC.
At Fluxxlab, we use the cryo-extraction process to make sure you get the best Cannabichromene in every product we sell. We extract the cannabinoids only from the best non-GMO hemp grown in the United States.
All our products are third-party tested to secure that you get the best quality products on the market. Lab testing is one of the important factors that guarantee product potency and quality. Lab testing also provides information on the presence or absence of heavy metals in the product.
CBC Products Available at FluxxLab
CBC Vape Cartridge
While CBC is also present in our CBD oil, we have isolated the cannabinoid to provide you with CBC-rich vaping experience. Our CBC vape cartridge contains CBC distilled isolate combined with 10% natural terpenes to allow it to be vaped. There are no artificial flavors, just plain broad-spectrum CBC with no delta-9 THC.
CBC Refined Hemp Extract
There is limited clinical evidence and FDA-approved research to back the benefits of CBC on human health. However, preliminary research suggests promising therapeutic effects. Also, there is a high demand for this product.
As our commitment to provide our customers with high-quality cannabis products, we have developed CBC refined hemp extract available in three levels of potency (250mg, 500mg, and 1000mg respectively).
In any of our products, we recommend that you use it as specified by a medical practitioner, especially if you have any medical conditions or are under medication. The products may have potential drug interactions or may cause allergic reactions when paired with other medications.
CBC Tablet
With the growing interest in CBC, we have developed a high-quality CBC tablet to meet the demand. The demand may be due to the anecdotal evidence provided by personal users who have determined the therapeutic qualities of CBC.
The product packs in a 2 oz container. Each bottle contains 30 tablets and each tablet contains 33mg of CBC. Each tablet also contains natural terpenes and no delta 9 THC. Don’t forget to store the product at room temperature or in a refrigerator.
Always consult with a licensed medical professional before using CBC products by FluxxLab. Although CBC has medical potential, it may not go along well with certain drugs or medical conditions.
Last Words
CBC is fast becoming a popular cannabinoid due to its potential in the medical field. Generally speaking, many THC-free cannabis products are emerging on the market today. However, there is limited clinical evidence that backs up the health claims of CBC and other cannabinoids.
Nonetheless, the preliminary research suggests that CBC products may have health benefits. As of today, we need to wait for further research. Before taking any CBC product, consult with a trusted medical professional.
If you are looking for quality CBC or CBD oil, tablets, tinctures, vapes, and other cannabis products, buy them here at FluxxLab. We offer only the best CBC and CBD products at affordable prices.
*FDA disclaimer: none of the statements on this webpage have been approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medical advice should be sought before starting any supplement. If you are pregnant or nursing consult with a doctor. Medical advice should be sought if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. If you take other prescription medications, a doctor’s advice should be sought. Site void where prohibited.