What Is CBC?

With CBD consistently hitting the headlines for its therapeutic properties, there is more about the hemp plant. In addition to CBD and THC, there are different other cannabinoids present in hemp. Among the hundreds of cannabinoids are minor compounds, including CBG, CBN, and CBC.

Although CBC, cannabichromene is a lesser cannabinoid, it is worth exploring for its potential benefits. Read on to learn about CBC, understand the benefits you can get from it, how to use it, and how it interacts with your body.

Understanding CBC

Like cannabidiol and THC, CBC is a compound of the hemp plant that is a process of what starts as cannabigerol Acid (CBGa). Over time, as the hemp plant matures, the cannabigerol acid converts to cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

With continued growth, the cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) is then converted to CBC, cannabichromene, under the influence of heat from the sun (decarboxylation).

How Does CBC Compare to CBD?

Except for THC, CBC, like any other cannabinoid from hemp, is a non-psychoactive compound. So CBC, too, doesn’t cause a high effect. But how does it compare with CBD?

Research is ongoing about the potential effects of both CBC and CBD, but they are known to contain the same molecular structure. While this potentially means they may have almost similar effects, their varying affinities mean they may interact differently with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system.

How does CBC Interact with the Body’s Endocannabinoid System?

Early stages of research indicate that CBC interacts poorly with the CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and the brain. But they are believed to interact better with the CB2 receptors in your body tissues.

Even then, the exact effects of the interaction with receptors are unclear. However, different people who have used CBC believe it has potential benefits for them. For realistic CBC results, it is believed it should be combined with the other cannabinoids, including terpenes, to give the entourage effect.

The entourage effect is an enhanced therapeutic effect of each cannabinoid compound in the mix. The combination with other cannabinoids potentially amplifies the broader range of effects you experience.

CBC Extraction and Product Formulation

The extraction process for CBD involves the same process as other hemp compounds, THC and CBD. But for CBC, the hemp plant must be rich in cannabichromene. Before harvesting, the extraction process involves carefully selecting specific hemp varieties with higher CBC content.

Once identified, the extraction process follows common cannabidiol practices. First, the hemp oil is drawn from the plant through C02 extraction methods to get the standard-quality of the extract. The oil is then winterised to remove unwanted hemp plant material.

The following process is decarboxylation, which is meant to convert all the inactive forms of cannabinoids to their active forms. In this case, the heat treatment process transforms any trace amounts of Cannabichromenic acid into CBC.

However, with CBC, there is only a small amount of the content in any extraction since much of the compound from the hemp includes CBD. So, the extraction process follows a tight procedure to maintain a generous amount of CBC minus other cannabinoids.

Similarly, while it is possible for CBD, CBG, and CBN to chemically crystallise into powder, the highest concentration for cannabichromene is in its distillate form. Even in its purest oil form, the CBC distillate will still contain minute aspects of other cannabinoids.

CBC Product Formulation

The most common and easiest CBC product that can be formulated is CBC Oil. Manufacturers also find it easier to create CBC capsules from tinctures. The capsule formulation involves encapsulating specific premeasured amounts of CBC to CBD oil for accurate dosage.

This makes the CBC capsules form an easier and more convenient way to consume your CBC after the oil tinctures known for their fast action effects.

Full and Broad Spectrum CBC

When choosing cannabichromene products, remember full and broad spectrum options are involved. Here is a close insight into each of these CBC options:

Full Spectrum CBC

Like in other cannabinoid compounds, Full Spectrum CBD products are believed to have the entourage effect. This is often a result of the cannabinoids, with terpenes and the trace THC content. So full spectrum CBC contains not just other cannabinoids but also terpenes and 0.2% THC in line with the UK’s legal limits.

During the formulation of the full spectrum CBC, the manufacturers must maintain a careful extraction and purification process to retain the cannabinoids while complying with the legal THC content. The result is the combined compounds working synergistically to deliver enhanced therapeutic effects.

Broad Spectrum CBC

Broad spectrum CBC contains a similar range of cannabinoid profiles in the full spectrum option but with the THC removed. The removal process follows an additional purification stage meant to isolate and remove the THC without affecting the benefits of the remaining cannabinoid compounds.

The THC removal process involved in this formulation makes the broad spectrum perfect for people who prefer CBC with THC entirely removed. The process also involves careful purification, ensuring the synergistic effects of cannabinoids and terpenes can still be achieved.

It is not yet possible to achieve CBC isolate because of the small amounts of cannabichromene in the hemp plant. However, there may be a possible breakthrough if farmers can successfully breed hemp strains for a higher CBC content.

How to Incorporate CBC into Your Daily Routine

The best way to incorporate CBC into your daily life routine is dependent on your preferences and the available CBC products. Here are some tips to guide you:

Identify Your CBC Needs

First, you must understand why CBC is the best option for your needs. Choosing the most appropriate CBC product will be much easier. You also have to learn how to determine the right dosage depending on the CBC concentration as well as your desired needs.

Choose the Most Appropriate CBC Product

CBC products vary from CBC tinctures to capsules. So, you need to identify what product best aligns with the convenience you need, especially in terms of portability, dosage, and consumption.

Start with a Low Dosage

If it is your first time taking CBC products, ensure you start with the lowest dosage. This helps you understand your body’s typical response and helps you find the optimal dosage that best works for you. For CBC enthusiasts, starting with lower dosages is unnecessary because you probably know how your body will react to the product.

Include CBC in Your Exercise Routine

If you take physical activities regularly, CBC may help with your muscle recovery, especially if you engage in somewhat intense activities. For example, with CBC topicals, you only need to apply them to experiencing discomfort.

Use CBC for Stress Management

Although CBC’s benefits are unclear, you can always use it to manage stress and anxiety at work or home. However, depending on your surroundings, you need to pick a CBC product that is more convenient for you. If you are at work and need a discreet option, CBC capsules look like any other supplement or drug you can take with water without drawing attention.

CBC oil tinctures may be your best option if you are working from home and need fast relief. But be careful about the concentration you take. The fast-acting effects of CBC oil tinctures mean excessive concentrations may sedate your body, making you drowsy. This would be risky if you need to drive any machines.

Incorporate CBC into Your Bedtime Routine

Are you often struggling to sleep after a busy day at work? CBC may be just what you need for quality, undisturbed sleep. The best approach is to take it at least an hour before bed. You can also choose what product best fits your routine. You may take CBC capsules or opt for a CBC topical after a shower when preparing for bed.

Consult with Healthcare Professionals

If you need assistance in determining the possible interaction between CBC product ingredients and certain medications you take, contact a healthcare professional. They should advise you accordingly based on your health needs and concerns.

You should also update yourself with news on cannabis and its regulation status. This ensures you are well-informed of the latest research and product trends information.

Although little is still known about CBC, it may make a valuable wellness product that easily conforms to your routines. Choose your best CBD product that matches your interests for an effective experience.