What Is Cannabichromene (CBC)?

You’ve heard of CBD and THC, but what about CBC? This overlooked cannabinoid might be the next big thing in cannabis science. Cannabichromene is one of the major cannabinoids the plant can produce, even though it’s typically found in much smaller amounts than better-known compounds.¹

CBC was first identified in the 1960s as researchers began classifying the many chemical constituents of cannabis. Like THC and CBD, it’s made in the plant from the same precursor (CBGA) via specific enzymes, which helps explain why different varieties can end up with different cannabinoid profiles.

On a chemical level, cannabichromene belongs to the same broader family as other cannabinoids and shares a similar carbon-based structure. The key difference lies in how its atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space, small changes that can influence how it interacts with the body’s signalling systems and how it compares with related cannabinoids.²

Can CBC be found in all cannabis strains or only certain types?

In simple terms, CBC can be found across the cannabis plant, but not in the same amounts, and not reliably in every strain. Most modern varieties have been bred to prioritise THC or CBD, which can reduce the relative presence of other cannabinoids.³

CBC is produced through a specific biosynthetic pathway in the plant, and how much ends up in the final flower depends on genetics and growing conditions. You’re more likely to see meaningful levels in:

• certain older or less optimised cultivars that haven’t been selectively bred for a single dominant cannabinoid
• plants harvested earlier, when some minor cannabinoids may be proportionally higher
• chemotypes (chemical profiles) that naturally express a wider range of cannabinoids

For consumers, the practical takeaway is to check an up-to-date certificate of analysis (CoA). Lab reports are the only dependable way to confirm whether CBC is present and at what concentration, especially in extracts and finished products.

How does CBC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the body’s internal balancing network, made up of signalling molecules (endocannabinoids), receptors, and enzymes that help regulate processes such as mood, sleep, pain perception, and inflammation.⁴

CBC appears to interact with the ECS differently from THC. It does not strongly bind to the CB1 receptor in the brain, which is one reason it isn’t considered intoxicating. Instead, early studies suggest CBC may influence the system more indirectly, by modulating how signals are sent and by interacting with other targets linked to the ECS, such as TRP (transient receptor potential) channels.⁵

In practice, this means CBC may contribute to the broader ensemble of cannabis compounds, where multiple cannabinoids and terpenes can shape the overall effect profile. While the mechanisms are still being clarified, researchers are increasingly interested in how CBC supports the ECS without engaging the psychoactive pathway associated with THC.

Is CBC psychoactive like THC, or does it produce different effects?

CBC is generally considered non-psychoactive, especially when compared with THC. The high associated with cannabis is largely driven by THC’s strong activation of CB1 receptors in the brain, whereas CBC does not appear to bind to CB1 in the same direct or potent way.⁵

That doesn’t mean CBC is inactive. Like many minor cannabinoids, it may have subtle, variable effects that depend on dose, individual biology, and what other cannabinoids are present. Some people describe products containing CBC as more balanced or rounded, but experiences differ, and research is still emerging.

CBC is also often discussed in the context of the entourage effect, the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes can influence one another’s overall impact. In blends with CBD and small amounts of THC, CBC may help shape the combined profile, even if it isn’t the primary driver of psychoactivity. As always, effects vary, and it’s sensible to start low and monitor how you respond.

What does the CBC cannabinoid do for you?

Interest in CBC largely comes from early-stage research into how it may support normal physiological balance. Most findings are preclinical, so it’s best viewed as a promising cannabinoid rather than a proven treatment.

One of the most discussed areas is inflammation. Laboratory and animal studies suggest CBC may influence inflammatory signalling pathways and pain-related mechanisms, which is why it’s frequently explored alongside other non-intoxicating cannabinoids.⁶

CBC is also being studied for possible antidepressant-like and neuroprotective activity. In simple terms, researchers are investigating whether it can affect neurotransmitter systems and help protect nerve cells under certain conditions, work that still needs robust human trials.⁷

Beyond supplements, CBC is appearing in skincare and broader wellness formulations. Because the skin has endocannabinoid-related targets of its own, topical products sometimes include CBC to support comfort and skin balance, often combined with CBD and other botanical ingredients.⁴

CBC vs CBD: what’s the difference?

Both are non-intoxicating cannabinoids, but they behave differently in the body and appear in different product types. Here’s a simple CBC vs CBD snapshot.

What do CBC and CBD do together? In mixed extracts, they may complement each other through the entourage effect, potentially shaping a more rounded experience.

You might choose CBC over CBD if you’re specifically looking for formulas that include rarer cannabinoids, particularly in topical and wellness blends, while still preferring non-psychoactive options and clear lab testing.

Research and safety of CBC

Most of what we know about CBC comes from laboratory and animal studies, plus a smaller number of early human investigations where CBC appears as part of broader cannabinoid preparations. According to CBC research 2025, the scientific picture is best described as promising but preliminary. Researchers are actively exploring mechanisms linked to inflammation, pain signalling, mood-related pathways, and skin biology, but large, well-controlled clinical trials on CBC alone remain limited.⁶

From a safety perspective, CBC is generally discussed as a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, and there are no widely reported signals suggesting it is inherently high risk at typical supplemental exposures. However, the evidence base is thinner than for CBD.

As with any cannabinoid, side effects are possible and may depend on dose and formulation. Some people may experience mild effects such as tiredness, dry mouth, or digestive upset.⁸

If you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a medical condition, it’s sensible to speak with a healthcare professional and choose products with clear, up-to-date lab reports.

Legal considerations

CBC laws are not always stated explicitly, so legality usually depends on how the ingredient is sourced and how the finished product is regulated in a given country.⁹

In the UK, cannabinoids derived from approved industrial hemp are generally sold under rules focused on THC limits and product compliance, rather than on whether a minor cannabinoid like CBC is named on the label. Oils and other ingestible products may also fall under novel food expectations, depending on how they are positioned and distributed.

Across the EU, the situation varies by member state. While hemp-derived extracts are widely available, local authorities differ on enforcement, permitted THC thresholds, and whether certain extracts require novel food authorisation.

In the US, hemp-derived cannabinoids are often marketed under the 2018 Farm Bill framework, but state-level rules can be stricter, and regulators pay close attention to THC content, safety, and marketing claims.

Before buying, check your local guidance and choose products with third-party lab tests showing cannabinoid content and THC compliance.

Adding CBC to your wellness toolkit

If you’re considering CBC, the most helpful approach is to treat it as an emerging option that may complement a broader, consistent wellbeing routine. Current evidence suggests it is non-intoxicating and may influence pathways linked to inflammation, mood, and skin comfort, but human data remain limited compared with CBD.⁶

Practical ways to incorporate it often involve blended formulas rather than standalone products, where CBC sits alongside other cannabinoids and botanicals. If you do try a product containing CBC, prioritise quality and transparency.

• Choose brands that provide independent lab reports for cannabinoid profile and THC compliance.
• Start with a low amount and keep notes on how you feel over several days.
• Avoid combining with alcohol or sedating medicines unless a clinician advises otherwise.

To keep learning, it can be useful to explore broader cannabinoid education resources and compare how different compounds are used in CBC oil, capsules, and topical formulas. 

References

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2. Hanuš LO, Meyer SM, Muñoz E, Taglialatela-Scafati O, Appendino G. Phytocannabinoids: a unified critical inventory. Natural Product Reports. 2016;33(12):1357-1392. doi: https://doi.org/10.1039/c6np00074f ↩︎
3. ElSohly MA, Gul W, Wanas AS, Radwan MM. Synthetic cannabinoids: Analysis and metabolites. Life Sciences. 2014;97(1):78-90. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2013.12.212 ↩︎
4. Di Marzo V, Piscitelli F. The Endocannabinoid System and its Modulation by Phytocannabinoids. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):692-698. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0374-6 ↩︎
5. De Petrocellis L, Ligresti A, Moriello AS, et al. Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enrichedCannabisextracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2011;163(7):1479-1494. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01166.x ↩︎
6. Russo EB. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 2008;4(1):245-259. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/ ↩︎
7. El-Alfy AT, Ivey K, Robinson K, et al. Antidepressant-like effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. 2010;95(4):434-442. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2010.03.004 ↩︎
8. Iffland K, Grotenhermen F. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2017;2(1):139-154. doi: https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034 ↩︎
9. Cannabis legislation in Europe: an overview (2017) | www.euda.europa.eu. Europa.eu. Published March 22, 2017. https://www.euda.europa.eu/publications/adhoc/cannabis-legislation-europe_en ↩︎