Bone Growth & Pain Relief: Everything CBC Can Do for You

The benefits of cannabinoids are wide-ranging, from pain relief to boosting energy levels. The most popular cannabinoids are CBD and THC, each with their own unique properties that interact with the human body in different ways. The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, some more well-known than others. One that is not talked about as much but poses surprising benefits is CBC - one of the top six cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Although not as mainstream, CBC has the potential to be a surprising aid to the human body.

CBC: What is it?

CBC is one of over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. In terms of medical research, it is one of the ‘top six’ cannabinoids for medical focus. This is largely due to the fact that like CBD, CBC is non-psychoactive, making it possible to use for medical purposes. We derive CBC from the hemp plant once the enzymes in CBCA break down due to exposure to heat. This produces enough of the cannabinoid for researchers to study.

CBC reacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls things such as appetite and energy levels. Unlike THC, which binds to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors, CBC attaches to receptors that deal with pain reception. In this way, it more closely mirrors CBD, a  non-psychoactive cannabinoid which is often utilized to manage chronic pain.

Benefits of CBC

Although researchers have yet to fully explore the benefits of CBC in comparison to other cannabinoids, preliminary studies show positive findings. Below are some of the potential benefits of this cannabinoid and how you may utilize its potential now.

One of the surprising potential benefits of CBC affects bone growth in the body. In a 2012 study about the effect of cannabinoids in bone remodeling, researchers found positive links to CBC and cell growth. Due to how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, CBC has the potential to aid in bone growth when working with other cannabinoids as well. 

In terms of the endocannabinoid system, CBC interacts with the TRPV1 receptor, which controls the pain receptors in the brain. In a study performed on mice, researchers found that administering CBC allowed for a block in receptors, alleviating pain and inflammation at the source. As CBC does not interact with the CB1 receptor, it may be better when paired with other cannabinoids that interact with CB1. In particular, researchers link CBC and THC to positive benefits when it comes to pain relief.

As the endocannabinoid system controls mood, certain cannabinoids can affect how a person feels. CBC in particular binds to the TRPV1, which along with pain and inflammation deals with the balance of the endocannabinoid system. When aspects of the system are out of balance, you may experience things such as irritability and gloomy moods. CBC can help by positively correcting moods and allowing for a restore in balance within the system. For those who chronically deal with mood related disorders, CBC may be an avenue to pursue in conjunction with other cannabinoids.

Remember the anti-inflammatory properties? That is a huge deal for skincare products. As a non-psychoactive ingredient, CBC can contribute to skincare and help heal topical irritations. In a 2016 study, researchers noticed that when applied, CBC can reduce acne as it targets inflammation. This is an exciting opportunity for those who suffer from acne or other skin conditions.

CBC is linked to helping in certain cases protect the brain from things such as tumors. CBC releases a neurotransmitter known as andadamine in the body, which controls things such as appetite and mood. In certain cases, CBC is known to possibly curtail certain types of cancers, such as breast cancer, due to its functionality. However, research needs to continue to show the full effect.

Bottom Line

Although CBC is not yet researched as well as other cannabinoids, it is an incredibly promising cannabinoid in medical research. As it does not have psychoactive effects, researchers can utilize its properties without the side effects associated with THC. When accompanied by other cannabinoids, CBC can be a powerful tool in managing things from stress to inflammation.