CBC

CBC (cannabichromene, C₂₁H₃₀O₂) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid first described by Gaoni and Mechoulam (1966) and produced in planta from CBGA via CBCA synthase. Unlike THC and CBD, CBC binds CB1 only weakly but is a potent agonist of TRPA1 and a positive allosteric modulator of CB1 with indirect endocannabinoid-elevating effects (De Petrocellis et al., 2011, British Journal of Pharmacology 163:1479; Maione et al., 2011, British Journal of Pharmacology 162:584). Preclinical rodent studies report anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant-like, and neural-stem-cell-stimulating activity (Shinjyo & Di Marzo, 2013, Neurochemistry International 63:432). CBC is a frequent minor component of full-spectrum extracts and is stable to light but degrades to cannabicyclol (CBL) under UV. Evidence level: in vitro and rodent; no published human RCTs. → See also: Minor cannabinoid, TRPV1, CB1 receptor.