Last updated: June 2026
While CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids, hemp plants contain over 150 others — each with potentially unique therapeutic properties. CBC (cannabichromene) is one that scientists have been paying increasing attention to, despite being first discovered back in 1975.
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What is CBC?
CBC (cannabichromene) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that, like CBD, does not bind well to CB1 receptors in the brain — so it won’t produce a high. Instead, CBC attaches to TRPV1 (vanilloid) and TRPA1 (ankyrin 1) receptors, both implicated in our pain response and important for overall health and wellbeing. This interaction is thought to increase the body’s production of natural endocannabinoids.
CBC is now one of the “big six” cannabinoids regularly included in clinical research, alongside CBD, THC, CBG, CBN and CBDV — identified as having significant therapeutic potential that is still being explored.
Read more: CBD for pain relief | The entourage effect
What is CBC oil?
As research into CBC is still early-stage, dedicated CBC-specific products are rare. CBC oil is produced by extracting CBC from hemp alongside other complementary cannabinoids, then infusing it with terpenes and aromatic compounds. Most commonly, CBC is found as a complementary minor cannabinoid in full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oils — where it contributes to the entourage effect.
Read more: What are terpenes?
How is CBC oil extracted?
CBC extraction typically uses ethanol extraction — hemp is soaked in ethanol, plant waxes dissolve, and evaporation separates the desirable compounds. Because high-CBC hemp strains are not widely grown (producers focus on CBD-rich strains), producers may also use other processes to transform phytocannabinoids into CBC.
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Take the free health quiz →Potential benefits of CBC oil
Research into CBC is still early-stage. No clinical conclusions can be drawn, but studies to date show promising therapeutic potential:
Antibacterial
A 2008 study found CBC and other cannabinoids were as effective against MRSA as approved pharmaceuticals including vancomycin — suggesting significant antibacterial potential.
Anti-inflammatory — and the entourage effect
2010 research found CBC to be a more useful anti-inflammatory than THC, because it doesn’t interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the same way. The same study also showed that the best anti-inflammatory results were observed when CBC was combined with THC — a strong early demonstration of the entourage effect, earning CBC the label its researchers’ “poster child.”
Neuroprotective
A 2013 study found CBC improved the function of neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs) — cells that differentiate into other cell types, helping brain growth and recovery. Scientists are particularly interested in this given the established link between NSPCs and Alzheimer’s disease.
Antidepressant-like effects
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found CBC may have antidepressant-like effects — effects that were not observed with CBN or CBG in the same study. Again, the best results on mood were seen when CBC was consumed with THC and CBD.
Skin and acne
Preliminary studies suggest CBC’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a potentially effective acne inhibitor — though more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
Read more: CBD oil for skin
How to take CBC
CBC is not a treatment for any condition. Until dedicated CBC products are more readily available and published with comprehensive COAs, the best way to consume CBC is as part of a quality full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil. Check the Certificate of Analysis of your CBD product to see the CBC concentration alongside all other cannabinoids.
Always consult your GP or pharmacist before starting any cannabinoid supplement, especially if you take other medications.
Read more: Can CBD interact with medications?
CBD vs CBC — similarities and differences
Despite different chemical structures, CBD and CBC share several important similarities:
- Both are produced through decarboxylation of cannabidiolic acids
- Neither binds directly to CB1 or CB2 receptors (though both interact with them)
- Both are thought to support ECS function
- Neither is psychoactive — neither will produce a high
- Both show neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in early research
- Both work best when consumed alongside other cannabinoids (entourage effect)
The conclusion: rather than choosing one over the other, using both via a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil gives you the benefits of both alongside the wider entourage effect.
Read more: Types of CBD | What is CBDV?
Frequently asked questions
Is CBC psychoactive?
No. CBC does not bind well to CB1 receptors, so it won’t produce a high or intoxicating effect.
Where do I find CBC?
Most commonly within full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oils as a complementary minor cannabinoid. Check the Certificate of Analysis of your product to see if CBC is listed.
Can I buy CBC oil on its own?
Dedicated CBC products are limited. The best approach now is to choose a quality broad-spectrum CBD oil that lists CBC in its lab results.
Does CBC interact with medications?
It may — as with all cannabinoids. Always consult your GP or pharmacist before starting, especially if you take prescribed medications.
Why is CBC called the entourage effect “poster child”?
Because early research showed dramatically better anti-inflammatory results when CBC was combined with other cannabinoids — a clear demonstration of synergistic cannabinoid effects that underpins the entourage effect theory.
Final thoughts on CBC
Early CBC research is genuinely promising — antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antidepressant-like properties are all being explored. But more human clinical research is needed before drawing firm conclusions. For now, the best way to consume CBC is as part of a quality broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil that includes CBC in its lab report.
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