Skip to main content
Psychedex

Viewing r1 — May 11, 2026 — CURRENT

Back to History

Interactions, related substances, and reports reflect the current entry and are not shown for historical revisions.

Depth:

CBC (cannabichromene) is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid of the benzopyran class. It is the third major phytocannabinoid in cannabis, alongside THC and CBD, distinguished by its complete lack of intoxicating effects. It acts on pain-sensing nerve fibers and enhances inhibitory brain signaling,[1][2] without engaging the receptor pathway responsible for cannabis intoxication.[3][4]

Open Beta

Psychedex is in open beta. We are still fine-tuning the generation and review process. Please double-check sources.

Threshold
< 5 mg
Light
5 – 25 mg
Common
25 – 75 mg
Strong
75 – 200 mg
Heavy
300+ mg
1230 h2 h4 h6 h
1Onset
30m–1.5h2Peak
1h–3h3Resolution
2h–4h
Total4h–8h
minlowmodhigh
Acute
Chronic
Physical
Psych.
Withdrawal
Buildupnone
Absolute1 entries
Hypersensitivity to cannabinoids
Relative4 entries
Concurrent CNS depressant useComplex seizure disorders on anti-epileptic drugsPregnancy and lactationCYP1A2/2C19/2D6/3A4 substrate drugs
Dosage varies by body weight, tolerance & metabolism · Not medical advice · Terms

CBC was first isolated in 1966 by two independent research groups working simultaneously on cannabis plant material.[5] Early studies found it was the second most abundant cannabinoid in drug-type cannabis, with anti-inflammatory activity exceeding standard pain medications.[6] Despite renewed scientific interest since the 2010s, no completed human clinical trial has been conducted, and the sole registered Phase 1 study remains suspended.

Subjective effects include, based on animal models only, analgesia, reduced inflammation, and anti-seizure action — whether any of these produce a noticeable human experience remains genuinely unknown. CBC does not cause intoxication or altered consciousness; it produces none of the high associated with cannabis.[3][4] No adverse subjective effects have been reported in any study.

No dependence or withdrawal has been documented, consistent with CBC's negligible activity at the receptor pathway that drives cannabis addiction. The dominant risk is co-administration with sedative drugs — alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids — which CBC amplifies through direct pharmacological action.[7] The evidence base rests entirely on cell and animal studies — no human pharmacokinetic, dose-response, or safety data exist for isolated CBC.

History[edit]

Discovery

Cannabichromene was isolated in 1966 by two independent groups working simultaneously. Yechiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam identified it in Egyptian hashish,[5] extending Mechoulam's 1964 work on THC to a second major cannabinoid class. Concurrently, Ulrich Claussen, Friedrich Von Spulak, and Friedrich Korte extracted CBC from hemp, establishing it as the third recognized phytocannabinoid.

Scientific significance

The first systematic biological study, by Turner and ElSohly in 1981, found CBC was the second most abundant cannabinoid in drug-type cannabis and that its anti-inflammatory activity exceeded the NSAID phenylbutazone.[6] That profile — pharmacologically potent but non-intoxicating — took decades to fully investigate.

Modern research

Scientific interest revived in the 2010s when CBC was identified as a potent activator of pain-sensing TRPA1 channels[1] and later as a modulator of inhibitory brain signaling.[2] As of 2026, CBC remains one of the most characterized phytocannabinoids to have never completed a human clinical trial.

Chemistry[edit]

Structural class

CBC belongs to the benzopyran (chromene) subclass of phytocannabinoids.[8] All major cannabinoids share the same C₂₁ molecular starting material, but CBC's final biosynthetic assembly produces a chromene ring rather than THC's cyclohexane — the structural reason it produces no intoxication. Its molecular formula is C₂₁H₃₀O₂ (314.46 g/mol). The pentyl side chain and chromene structure underlie its antibacterial activity.[9]

Natural occurrence

In cannabis, CBC forms when cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) decarboxylates. CBCA is the first cannabinoid to appear in young seedlings,[10] suggesting a developmental role in the plant. CBC was historically the second most abundant cannabinoid in drug-type cannabis,[6] though modern high-THC cultivation has reduced its share.[11] It degrades to cannabicyclol under acid or UV light[12] and is absorbed primarily via the lymphatic system after oral dosing.[13]

Pharmacology[edit]

Mechanism of action

CBC has negligible activity at the CB1 — the receptor responsible for cannabis intoxication — which is why it produces no high.[3][4] Its primary action is activating TRPA1 channels on pain-sensing nerve fibers, producing initial excitation followed by prolonged silencing.[1] This desensitization underlies its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, including a calming effect on intestinal spasms.[14]

CBC also enhances the brain's main inhibitory signaling — GABA — by binding to a novel site on GABA receptors, separate from where benzodiazepines act.[2] This accounts for anti-seizure effects in animal models.[15] In mice, CBC also suppressed an enzyme that breaks down natural mood-related compounds, producing antidepressant-like behavioral effects comparable to imipramine.[16]

Pharmacokinetics

No human pharmacokinetic data exist for isolated CBC. In rats, oral CBC is absorbed primarily through the lymphatic system — a consequence of its fat-soluble structure.[13] Co-administration with CBD raises plasma levels of both compounds in rats.[17] CBC does not significantly block liver metabolic enzymes,[7] making it less likely than CBD to interfere with other medications.

Neuroscience[edit]

Where it acts

CBC acts on two systems outside the classical cannabinoid pathway. On pain-sensing nerve fibers, it activates then silences TRPA1 channels, functionally switching off pain signals.[1] It also modulates brainstem regions that regulate how strongly pain signals are perceived.[18]

At GABA receptors, CBC strengthens inhibitory signaling through a binding site distinct from both benzodiazepines and neurosteroids.[2] In animal models, this produces measurable reductions in seizure activity.[15]

Why it matters

CBC achieves stronger effects at lower doses when combined with other cannabinoids[19] and synergizes with the terpene β-caryophyllene.[20][21] This means CBC in full-spectrum cannabis products may behave very differently from isolated CBC.

Subjective Effects[edit]

Summary

CBC is non-psychoactive — it produces no intoxication, no altered perception, and no measurable subjective effect on consciousness.[4][23] All documented pharmacological effects derive from animal and cell models. Whether CBC produces any perceptible human experience at any dose remains an open empirical question.

Where THC works through cannabinoid receptors to produce intoxication, and CBD modulates anxiety and seizure threshold through serotonin pathways, CBC acts primarily on pain nerve fibers and inhibitory brain signaling. This predicts a profile weighted toward peripheral pain suppression — not consciousness alteration.

Effect Grid

Dose Level:
Description

Common-range doses (25-75 mg oral) correspond to the pharmacological activity range suggested by animal model scaling. Mouse studies used 10-20 mg/kg for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidepressant effects — roughly equivalent to this human dose range by simple body-weight scaling (without allometric correction).

Preclinical evidence predicts pain suppression via TRPA1 desensitization of nociceptors, potential anti-inflammatory activity, and modest sedation via GABAA allosteric modulation. No subjective psychoactive effects are expected. CBC does not produce intoxication, euphoria, or altered perception at any studied dose.

No human pharmacodynamic or subjective-effect data exist to confirm these predictions. Entourage effects with co-administered cannabinoids may substantially alter the pharmacological profile.

Modeled from the effect's dose-dependence curve — not per-substance measurements.

Body(2)likelihood · intensity
Pain suppression
rare
Nausea suppression
rare
Likelihood: how common this effect is at the selected dose level.This effect has safety implications — review before use.

Timeline

Safety[edit]

Harm
Acute toxicity
Low
Chronic toxicity
Low
Withdrawal
None
Tolerance buildup
none
Tolerance reset
—
Dependence
Physical
None
Psychological
None
Compulsive redosing
Negligible
Dose escalation
Negligible
Cross-tol.
—
Risk Shape
TOXPHYPSYWDRREDTOL

Toxicity

No lethal dose has been established for CBC in any species. No human adverse event reports exist for isolated CBC.

Acute toxicity

Controlled toxicity studies do not exist. The longest published dosing regimen — 10–20 mg/kg daily for 21 days in mice — found no adverse effects on movement or behavior,[16] but this was an antidepressant study, not a safety assessment.

Cell toxicity

In human skin cells, CBC was well tolerated up to 10 μM. Concentrations at or above 50 μM triggered cell death[24] — levels far beyond anything achievable in the body.

Reproductive safety

CBC suppressed hormone-stimulated ovarian cell function in laboratory studies — an effect shared across the cannabinoid class.[25] This has not been studied in living organisms for CBC specifically. Clinical significance for human reproduction is unknown. safety citation needed

Immune effects

Historical data showed CBC suppressed immune cell activity, but only at concentrations far above those achievable at anticipated doses.[26] This is a class-wide effect and is unlikely to be clinically relevant.

Sedation potentiation

CBC amplifies the sedating effects of barbiturates and other CNS depressants in mice through direct pharmacological action — not by slowing the metabolism of those drugs.[7] This is likely related to CBC's enhancement of GABA signaling. safety citation needed

Psychological risks

CBC produces no psychoactive effects and does not generate cannabis-like responses in trained animals at doses up to 30 mg/kg.[23][4] No psychiatric adverse events or cognitive impairment have been reported in any study.

CBC's GABA activity raises a theoretical concern about sedation or cognitive blunting at high doses, analogous to other agents that enhance inhibitory signaling. This has not been investigated.

Tolerance and dependence

No published studies on CBC tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal exist. This is consistent with CBC's negligible CB1 activity — CB1 receptor adaptation is the primary driver of cannabinoid tolerance.

CBC did not alter the interoceptive effects of THC in trained animals[23] and showed no cannabimimetic properties,[4] suggesting minimal abuse potential.

Drug interactions

CBC is metabolized by multiple liver enzymes.[27] Drugs that inhibit these pathways could raise CBC levels; inducers (e.g., rifampin) could lower them. CBC does not significantly block liver enzymes itself,[7] making it less likely than CBD to raise levels of co-administered medications. Co-administration with CBD raises mutual plasma levels in rats[17] — not yet confirmed in humans. safety citation needed

CBC amplifies sedation from CNS depressants through direct pharmacological action.[7] Given its GABA activity,[2] additive sedation with alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and opioids is plausible. safety citation needed CBC also achieves stronger effects at lower doses combined with CBD, CBDV, CBG,[19][21] and β-caryophyllene[20] — meaning effects in full-spectrum products may differ substantially from isolated CBC.

Contraindications

No substance-specific contraindication data exist for CBC. The following are inferred from mechanism and class effects:

Absolute (inferred):

  • Cannabinoid hypersensitivity: Those with known allergic reactions to cannabis-derived compounds should avoid CBC.

Relative (inferred):

  • Concurrent CNS depressant use: CBC pharmacologically amplifies sedation from benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opioids, and alcohol.[7][2] safety citation needed
  • Drugs metabolized by shared liver enzymes: Competitive interactions may alter levels of both CBC and co-administered drugs.[27]
  • Pregnancy and lactation: Antigonadal effects observed across the cannabinoid class.[25] No reproductive studies specific to CBC exist.
  • Complex seizure disorders: CBC has anti-seizure effects via GABA modulation, but no human dosing or safety data exist. Interaction with existing anti-epileptic medications is unpredictable.

All contraindications are inferred from preclinical evidence. No human data support or refute any specific contraindication.

Harm Reduction[edit]

Forms & Identification

Reagent ResultsNot recorded+ add reagent results
AppearanceNot recorded+ add appearance
Red FlagsNot recorded+ add red flags

CBC products are sold as isolate oils, tinctures, and capsules in jurisdictions where hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal. Visual purity verification is impractical — CBC is a viscous oil, not a crystalline powder. Third-party certificates of analysis (COAs) with full cannabinoid profiles are the most reliable verification tool.

CBC does not cross-react with standard THC urine immunoassays. THC contamination in poorly tested products could still trigger a positive drug screen. Products without batch-specific COAs or from unverified manufacturers carry higher contamination risk.

Full identification analysis →

Guidelines

  • Obtain a certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory confirming cannabinoid profile and absence of THC above legal thresholds
  • Start with low doses — no human dose-response data exist for isolated CBC, and individual responses are uncharacterized
  • Avoid combining CBC with alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or opioids until the sedation interaction is personally understood
  • Store CBC products in cool, dark conditions to prevent degradation to cannabicyclol (CBL)
  • Inform healthcare providers of CBC use, particularly if taking medications metabolized by common liver enzymes

Set & Setting

CBC produces no psychoactive effects, so set and setting are minimal concerns. The primary situational risk is sedation potentiation: anyone taking CBC alongside CNS depressants — including alcohol — should be in a safe environment and avoid driving or operating machinery until the interaction is personally understood.

Aftercare & integration. CBC does not produce psychoactive experiences requiring psychological integration. Aftercare considerations are primarily physical.

  • If sedation occurred from CBC combined with other substances, allow full recovery before resuming normal activities or driving
  • Note any unusual responses for future dosing decisions — individual reactions to CBC are poorly characterized in the absence of human clinical data
  • If using CBC for a specific health concern, maintain a log of doses and responses to inform discussions with a healthcare provider

Recovery & Support

CBC has no documented abuse liability, and no withdrawal has been described. Individuals concerned about their use of any cannabis-derived product — including CBC as part of a broader cannabinoid regimen — can contact SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) for confidential support and referral.

Recovery resources, crisis lines, and support pathways → View all

Emergency Response

CBC is non-intoxicating with no established acute toxicity at anticipated doses. Emergency situations involving CBC are most likely to arise from interaction with co-administered substances.

Recognizing an emergency:

  • Excessive sedation, slurred speech, or difficulty breathing when CBC is combined with CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids)
  • Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing

Immediate steps:

  • Stop all substance administration
  • If the person is excessively sedated or unresponsive, place them in the recovery position (on their side, airway clear)
  • Call emergency services if breathing is slow, labored, or absent
  • Do not induce vomiting

What to tell the dispatcher: Provide the substance name (cannabichromene / CBC), approximate amount taken, time of ingestion, any co-administered substances, and current symptoms. Good Samaritan laws in many jurisdictions protect callers from legal consequences when seeking help.

references

  1. [1] 
    ^abcdDe Petrocellis L, Ligresti A, Moriello AS, et al. (2011) Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enriched Cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes — British Journal of Pharmacology doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01166.x
  2. [2] 
    ^abcdefWang Z, Zheng H, Yang H, et al. (2024) Cannabichromene from full-spectrum hemp extract exerts acute anti-seizure effects through allosteric activation of GABAA receptors. — Fundamental research doi:10.1016/j.fmre.2023.05.023
  3. [3] 
    ^abcQueiroz CM, de Oliveira Koren L, da Silva CRP, Ribeiro S, Silva SRB (2025) Chemical diversity, receptor binding affinity, and pharmacology of phytocannabinoids: Insights into neuronal mechanisms. — Progress in Brain Research doi:10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.07.006
  4. [4] 
    ^abcdefWiley JL, Marusich JA, Blough BE, et al. (2024) Evaluation of cannabimimetic effects of selected minor cannabinoids and Terpenoids in mice. — Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110984
  5. [5] 
    ^abGaoni Y, Mechoulam R (1966) Cannabichromene, a new active principle in hashish — Chemical Communications (London) doi:10.1039/c19660000020
  6. [6] 
    ^abcTurner CE, Elsohly MA (1981) Biological activity of cannabichromene, its homologs and isomers — Journal of Clinical Pharmacology doi:10.1002/j.1552-4604.1981.tb02555.x