What is CBC (cannabichromene)? CBC oil explained

CBC oil is a hemp oil that contains cannabichromene (CBC), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid first described in 1966. In most products CBC is a minor cannabinoid in a full-spectrum extract, next to CBD. In lab studies it acts on TRP channels and CB2 receptors rather than on CB1, the receptor behind THC's high.

What is CBC oil?

"CBC oil" describes a hemp oil that contains cannabichromene. Because most cannabis makes only small amounts of CBC (Sepulveda et al., 2024), CBC usually comes as one of several cannabinoids in a full-spectrum extract rather than on its own. CBC can also be made synthetically from citral and olivetol, a route developed because plant yields are low (Sepulveda et al., 2024). To know how much CBC an oil holds, check its certificate of analysis; our guide how to read a certificate of analysis explains the columns.

We don't sell a CBC-only oil. CBC is part of the cannabinoid profile of two of our full-spectrum oils: Zermatt Balance lists 15% CBD, 1.5% CBG, 0.8% CBC, 0.5% CBDA and 0.3% CBN, and St. Moritz Restore combines CBD, CBG and CBC. Both are in the CBD oil collection.

What is cannabichromene (CBC)?

Cannabichromene was described in 1966 by Gaoni and Mechoulam, who isolated it from hashish. The plant makes it from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA): the enzyme CBCA synthase turns CBGA into cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), and decarboxylation, driven by heat, turns CBCA into CBC (Li et al., 2024). CBGA is also the starting point for THC and CBD, which is why it is called the precursor of the major cannabinoids (Jastrząb et al., 2022).

CBC has the same formula as THC and CBD, C₂₁H₃₀O₂, but a different shape: a two-ring chromene core with a pentyl side chain and a methylpentenyl side chain (PubChem). Small differences like this change which receptors a cannabinoid acts on. The full family is listed in our list of cannabinoids.

Does CBC get you high?

No. CBC is described as non-psychoactive. Studies disagree on whether it binds the CB1 receptor, but it does not appear to activate CB1 the way THC does (Sepulveda et al., 2024). In mice, CBC produced some cannabinoid-like effects, but they were not blocked by a CB1 blocker, so they did not run through that receptor (DeLong et al., 2010). The cannabinoid that causes a high is THC; see which cannabinoids are psychoactive.

Which cannabis strains are high in CBC?

Searches for a "CBC strain" or "CBC weed" assume that some strains are known for CBC. Strain names are a poor guide. CBC content does not depend on the gene locus that decides whether a plant is THC-type or CBD-type (Zagožen et al., 2021), and most cannabis produces only small amounts (Sepulveda et al., 2024). A plant's or product's CBC level is only known once a laboratory has measured it.

How does CBC compare with THC and CBD?

CBC data: Sepulveda et al. (2024). THC and CBD at CB1 and CB2: Pertwee (2008). Typical amounts: Sawler et al. (2015), Taura et al. (2007). For CBD itself, read what is CBD?

What is CBC studied for?

CBC research is at an early stage, and almost all of it is in cells and animals.

• TRP channels: CBC was the most potent activator of the TRPA1 channel among the cannabinoids tested (reviewed by Sepulveda et al., 2024).
• Endocannabinoid enzymes: it has been reported to inhibit monoacylglycerol lipase, which breaks down 2-AG, but not the enzyme that breaks down anandamide (Sepulveda et al., 2024). See the endocannabinoid system.
• Inflammation in mice: CBC reduced paw swelling caused by an inflammatory trigger, and a small dose of THC increased some of CBC's effects (DeLong et al., 2010).
• Skin cells: in cultured human sebocytes, the cells that make skin oil, CBC suppressed basal lipid production and reduced "acne-like" lipid production (Oláh et al., 2016). This was a cell study, not a clinical trial.

The role of CBC in the entourage effect is still debated. None of this research shows that a CBC oil prevents or treats a condition.