Several people can distinguish between different cannabis compounds. In this article, we will discuss what is the difference between CBC and CBD. We will also discuss the possible health benefits and drawbacks of CBC and CBD and let you know whether or not they are safe enough to use without a doctor’s recommendation.
There are over 120 phytocannabinoids in cannabis, most of which have special pharmacological characteristics. The two most well-known compositions of cannabis plants are cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabichromene (CBC). Even though some similarities, there are also some differences between them regarding their chemical compositions and possible therapeutic advantages.
What makes CBD different from CBC?
Cannabichromene, or CBC, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. While CBD, or cannabidiol, is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid shown to have various therapeutic properties. CBC is good for treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
On the other hand, CBD is commonly used to treat pain, anxiety, seizures, and other conditions. Both CBC and CBD may have health advantages, but they each work in the body differently, and some conditions may respond better to one than the other. Before using any cannabis-derived products, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional because they might interact with other medications or cause side effects.
What is CBC (Cannabichromene)?
Cannabichromene is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Like other cannabinoids, CBC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates many physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain, and immune function.
CBC is one of the lesser-known cannabinoids compared to THC and CBD, but recent research has highlighted its potential therapeutic benefits.
The organic compound with the formula CBC has the composition C21H30O2. With a cyclohexene ring and a side chain having multiple carbon atoms, it has a comparable structure to other cannabinoids.
CBC is typically consumed as part of a whole-plant extract, such as full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains a variety of other cannabinoids and plant compounds. You can also find it in topical products, such as creams and balms, which are applied directly to the skin.
Effects of CBC on A Human Body
CBC does not produce “high” or intoxicating effects like THC, but it does interact with the endocannabinoid system in various ways. For example, CBC is thought to bind to the CB2 receptor, primarily found in immune cells, and may play a role in reducing inflammation and pain. CBC may also interact with other receptors in the body, such as TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are involved in pain perception and temperature regulation.
While research on CBC is still in its early stages, some evidence suggests that it may have various therapeutic properties. For example, studies have found that CBC may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could make it useful for treating conditions such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and other inflammatory conditions.
CBC has also been shown to have pain-relieving properties and may help to reduce neuropathic pain. Some studies have suggested that CBC may have antidepressant effects as well, although more research is needed to confirm this.
What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
Cannabidiol is a natural combination found in the cannabis plant. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, along with other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound in cannabis that produces a “high” CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce a euphoric effect.
It makes it a popular option for those seeking the potential health benefits of cannabis without the intoxicating effects. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps regulate various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain, and immune function.
Effects of CBD on A Human Body
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various physiological processes such as appetite, pain, mood, and sleep. One of the main effects of CBD on the human body is its ability to reduce anxiety and depression. CBD can stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and anxiety. Studies have shown that CBD can help relieve social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
CBD can also help reduce inflammation and pain. It is because CBD interacts with receptors in the body involved in pain sensation and inflammation. It can help reduce chronic pain, such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
Additionally, CBD has been shown to have neuroprotective properties. Studies have found that CBD may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by reducing inflammation in the brain.
Benefits of CBC
Research has shown that CBC has many potential health benefits. Some of them are given below:
- CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it will not make a patient feel high.
- CBC helps to grow human brain cells by increasing the viability of the human brain development in a process called neurogenesis.
- CBC has more affinity for the human nervous system’s TRPV1 receptors than CBD, that’s why this cannabinoid has a useful analgesic (pain relieving) effect.
- CBC has been found to have potential anti-inflammatory effects. It may benefit inflammation conditions, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
- CBC has been found to have potential anti-depressant effects. It may work by increasing levels of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation.
Drawbacks of CBC
While CBC has some potential health benefits but also has some drawbacks. It is better to consult with healthcare before using it to protect your body from any side effects. Some drawbacks are listed below:
- CBC oil may have side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea. These side effects may be more common at higher doses.
- If you take any medication, consult a doctor before using CBC because CBC may interact with other medications such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and sedatives.
- While CBC itself is not psychoactive, CBC oil may contain other cannabinoids that can produce psychoactive effects, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It can be a drawback for some who want to avoid these effects.
- Due to the lack of research on CBC, it would be better to use it after a licensed doctor’s recommendation. Because of some limitations associated with its use.
- CBC oil is restricted in some regions, while some states allow it to be used in medications and treatments.
Benefits of CBD
Some potential health benefits of CBD or cannabidiol may include
- CBD has been found to have potential analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. It may work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain perception.
- CBD has potential anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and antidepressant effects. It may affect the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine.
- CBD helps to protect the brain from damage and degeneration with its Neuroprotective effects. It is useful for the conditions of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
- It has anti-inflammatory effects. It may benefit inflammation conditions, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
- CBD has been found to have potential anticonvulsant effects, meaning it may help reduce seizures in people with epilepsy.
Drawbacks of CBD:
It is important to weigh CBD oil’s potential benefits and drawbacks and consult a healthcare professional before using it. Some of the drawbacks of CBD oil are given below:
- CBD products may vary in quality and potency, and some may contain contaminants or other substances that could be harmful. Choosing high-quality CBD products and purchasing them from reputable sources is important.
- CBD may interact with other medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications. Talking to a healthcare professional before using CBD and taking any medications is important.
- CBD may have side effects, including dry mouth, drowsiness, and changes in appetite and mood. These side effects may be more common at higher doses.
What is the Difference Between CBC and CBD?
It’s worth noting that while CBD and CBC are non-psychoactive, they may have different effects on the body due to their differing interactions with the endocannabinoid system.CBC is good for treating depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. On the other hand, CBD is commonly used to treat pain, anxiety, seizures, and other conditions. Both CBC and CBD may have health advantages, but they each work in the body differently, and some conditions may respond better to one than the other.
| Properties | CBD | CBC |
| Chemical structure | Contains a phenol group and a pentyl chain | Contains three alkyl side chains |
| Source | Found in high concentrations in hemp, also present in marijuana | Found in smaller concentrations in both hemp and marijuana |
| Potential therapeutic effects | Reduces anxiety, pain, inflammation, nausea, and seizures. | CBC has potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-fungal properties. |
| Interaction with endocannabinoid system | Binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors, and other non-cannabinoid receptors | Bind primarily with CB2 receptors |
CBC vs. CBD for anxiety
Cannabidiol CBD and cannabichromene CBC are non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both are very useful in treating anxiety, but they have different mechanisms of action. CBD interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, which regulate mood and anxiety.
Some research showed that CBD reduces anxiety symptoms with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
In contrast, CBC appears to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate stress and anxiety responses. While there is still much research on the effects of CBC on anxiety, some studies have shown promising results. Both CBD and CBC show potential for treating anxiety.
Is it safe to use CBD and CBC without consulting a doctor for anxiety?
If you are taking any medications for any problem, it is recommended to consult with a doctor for positive results. CBD and CBC are generally considered safe for treating anxiety, but if you have any medical disorder, you must ask your healthcare before using them. Additionally, while CBD and CBC are non-psychoactive, they can still have side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and changes in appetite or weight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have discussed what is the difference between CBC and CBD and their benefits, drawbacks and effects on the body. In contrast, both have almost the same chemical structure but have some differences in mechanisms. CBC and CBD are both safe for the treatment of anxiety and depression. CBD and CBC are non-psychoactive cannabinoids with potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Some more research is required to fully understand the benefits and risks of using CBC and CBD for better results.
