Last updated: October 2026
CBC (cannabichromene) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis, usually the fourth most abundant after THC, CBD and CBG. It’s made from the same parent compound as CBD and THC. Interest in CBC is growing, but almost all research is in cells and animals, with no good human trials yet. CBC oil is rare in the UK.
Below: what CBC is, how it compares with CBD, what the research shows, UK legal status, and what to check if you see a product labelled CBC.
What is CBC?
Hemp plants make CBGA, a “parent” cannabinoid, which enzymes turn into the acid forms of THC, CBD or CBC. When heated or aged, CBCA becomes CBC. CBC doesn’t produce a high, and it doesn’t bind strongly to the CB1 receptor that THC acts on. See what is CBGA? and our guide to cannabinoids.
CBC vs CBD vs CBG
| CBC | CBD | CBG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intoxicating? | No | No | No |
| Amount in hemp | Small | Main cannabinoid in hemp | Small |
| Human research | Almost none | The most studied, including licensed medicine trials | Very limited |
| Products in the UK | Rare | Widely available; FSA public list | Some, mostly blends |
See CBG vs CBD and what is THCV?
What the research shows
A 2026 review of CBC described it as “profoundly underexplored” compared with THC and CBD. Lab and animal studies have looked at inflammation, pain signalling, acne-related skin cells and brain cell growth, but these haven’t been confirmed in people. Claims online that CBC treats depression, acne or pain go well beyond the evidence.
CBC is sometimes mentioned as part of the “entourage effect” in full or broad spectrum products, an idea that’s plausible but unproven. See the entourage effect.
Is CBC legal in the UK?
CBC isn’t named as a controlled drug in the Home Office’s guidance, which lists THC, THCV and CBN among controlled cannabinoids. But any food or supplement containing CBC would need novel food authorisation from the FSA, and must not contain controlled cannabinoids such as THC. Because CBC is extracted from hemp, products can contain traces of THC unless they’re carefully refined and tested.
CBC oil: what to check
- A batch lab report showing the amount of CBC and that THC isn’t detected. See how to read a lab report.
- Whether the product is linked to an application on the FSA public list.
- No medical claims, which aren’t allowed for food supplements.
- Realistic expectations: there’s no evidence-based CBC dose.
If you want a well-studied, legal cannabinoid product, a broad spectrum CBD oil with a lab report is the established choice. See full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate.
FAQs
What is CBC oil?
An oil containing cannabichromene, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid from hemp. It’s rare in the UK and has very little human research.
Does CBC get you high?
No. CBC isn’t intoxicating and doesn’t act on the brain like THC.
Is CBC better than CBD?
There’s no evidence it is. CBD is far more studied; CBC research is mostly in cells and animals.
Is CBC legal in the UK?
It isn’t named as a controlled drug, but products need novel food authorisation and must not contain THC.
What is CBC good for?
Lab and animal studies have looked at inflammation, pain and skin, but nothing has been shown in people yet.
Sources
- Cannabichromene (CBC): a comprehensive review of biosynthesis, pharmacology, therapeutic potential, and translational perspectives. J Cannabis Res, 2026.
- Home Office. Drug licensing factsheet: cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids.
- Food Standards Agency. Cannabidiol (CBD) guidance for businesses.
