CBC vs CBD: The Differences Explained

Want to relieve your aches, pains, anxiety, and more? You’re not the only one. More people are turning toward cannabidiol (CBD) than ever.

In fact, the global market could reach $89 billion by 2026!

CBD is only one of the 85 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, second in popularity to THC. While the benefits of CBD are well known, not many people know about cannabichromene (CBC). There’s a lot to understand when comparing CBC vs CBD products.

What is CBC exactly, and what benefits could CBC products potentially offer your mind and body? Keep reading to find out!

In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know before using CBC or CBD for the first time. Read on to learn more.

What is CBC?

First, let’s answer the question that’s likely on your mind: what is CBC?

CBC, or cannabichromene, is one of the many cannabinoids used for its potential therapeutic methods. In fact, it’s the second-most abundant compound found within cannabis plants.

Like CBD, CBC isn’t intoxicating. People can use CBC products without experiencing the high associated with THC. This cannabinoid is non-intoxicating because it struggles to bind with the brain’s CB1 cannabinoid receptors.

However, CBC can bind with other receptors throughout the body.

For example, CBC often binds with the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1). These receptors are both linked to pain perception.

Once activated, these receptors increase the body’s natural levels of endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids are responsible for a number of bodily functions like appetite, memory, sleep, mood, and pain. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) needs to find the perfect level of balance to maintain homeostasis.

While CBC offers its own list of benefits, it’s also able to work with other cannabinoids. The combined effect of different cannabinoids is known as the entourage effect. When cannabinoids are combined, they could potentially work together to offer new benefits.

The Benefits of CBC

The benefits of CBC range from potential pain relief to cancer treatment. Everyone’s bodies work a little differently, however. How one person reacts to CBC might differ from another person’s reaction.

Pain and Inflammation

As with many cannabinoids, CBC could potentially relieve pain and inflammation.

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to illness, injury, or invaders. While a little inflammation helps us heal, too much can have disastrous effects. In fact, chronic inflammation is associated with conditions like:

• Asthma
• Obesity
• Cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Excessive inflammation can cause pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

CBC could help block inflammation to relieve pain symptoms. In one study, it blocked pain and inflammation associated with collagen-induced osteoarthritis.

People can develop a tolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Potential side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, and indigestion. CBC products won’t cause these side effects.

Acne

People can develop acne due to stress, hormones, or environmental factors like pollution. The body produces sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin. Too much sebum, along with inflammation, can cause acne.

CBC products could suppress excessive lipid production, which could reduce acne symptoms.

More research is needed, though.

Brain Health

CBC could also have a positive effect on the cells that are necessary for healthy brain function. Neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs) eventually differentiate into astroglial cells. These cells help the brain maintain homeostasis.

They’re also responsible for defending the body from oxidative stress and directing neurotransmitters. Astroglia helps fight issues such as inflammation that could lead to neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Stronger astroglial cells could help prevent the risk of Alzheimer’s, but more research is needed.

Depression

Remember, cannabinoids like CBC can work better when combined with other cannabinoids. For example, CBC could work with CBD and THC to provide antidepressant properties.

In one study, scientists noted the antidepressant-like actions of these cannabinoids. CBC, THC, and CBD might help patients improve their moods. However, more research is needed.

What is CBD?

Before we put CBC vs CBD head-to-head, let’s discuss CBD a little.

What is CBD, then? CBD, or cannabidiol, is another cannabinoid that can act on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The neurotransmitters, or endocannabinoids, throughout the ECS are responsible for:

• Mood
• Memory
• Pain sensitivity
• Appetite
• Fertility and reproduction
• Immunity

Without homeostasis, an imbalanced ECS can lead to cognitive decline, pain, and other health issues.

While CBC binds to TRPA1 and TRPV1 receptors, CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 regulates the nervous system. CB2 regulates inflammation levels.

CBD’s ability to interact with your CB1 and CB2 receptors could help reduce swelling, pain, and other symptoms.

The Benefits of CBD

What are the potential benefits of CBD? By relieving inflammation, CBD could help with:

• Obesity
• Stiffness
• Crohn’s disease
• Asthma
• Heart disease
• Sinusitis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Neurodegenerative disease

Like CBC, CBD could also help patients who are struggling with depression and anxiety. These patients wouldn’t have to rely on dangerous pharmaceuticals or potential side effects. Both cannabinoids help patients with acne and skin problems, too.

The Difference

When determining the difference between CBC vs CBD, it helps to consider the receptors they interact with.

For example, CBC interacts equally with the TRPV1 and 5-HT1A receptors. These receptors play a part in neuropathic pain. CBD, on the other hand, focuses more on the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Remember, each receptor is responsible for its own list of functions.

Both cannabinoids could benefit patients with cancer. For example, CBC impacts tumor size and cancer progression. It might help fight cancer cells while relieving pain symptoms.

They offer potential neurological health benefits as well. However, scientists are still researching the full impact CBC has on the brain.

You might struggle to find a pure CBC isolate. CBD, on the other hand, is more readily available. You can find Bulk CBC Isolate here.

You might consider purchasing a full-spectrum CBD oil instead.

Full-spectrum products contain all the terpenes and cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. You could experience the entourage effect as a result.

CBC vs CBD: Your Guide to Unlocking the Cannabinoids

To recap, what’s the difference between CBC vs CBD? Both cannabinoids interact with different receptors in the body. They could impact different bodily functions as a result.

However, the benefits of CBC and CBD often overlap.

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