CBC (cannabichromene): an introduction to a minor cannabinoid

Cannabichromene was isolated for the first time in 1966 by the teams of Yehiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in the same period as the first work on THC and CBD. For decades it remained in the shadow of the major cannabinoids, simply because it is found in very small quantities in conventional hemp varieties.

The recent revival of interest comes down to two factors. On the one hand, improvements in extraction and purification techniques make it possible to isolate fractions richer in CBC. On the other, varietal selection is producing cultivars enriched in minor cannabinoids. CBC is now among the cannabinoids that preclinical research is actively exploring.

Like most cannabinoids, CBC derives from CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), often called the "mother molecule". In the hemp plant, specific enzymes transform CBGA into different cannabinoid acids (CBDA, THCA, CBCA). CBCA is then decarboxylated (under the effect of heat or time) into CBC, the active form.

This shared biosynthetic pathway explains why a hemp rich in CBD is generally low in CBC: the plant has favoured one branch or the other. New CBC-enriched varieties are often the product of targeted crossbreeding.

CBC itself is not a substance classified as a narcotic. It benefits from the general framework applicable to hemp derivatives: sale permitted if the THC content of the finished product is at or below 0.30%, in accordance with the ruling of the Conseil d'État of 29 December 2022 (no. 444887).

Not to be confused with the semi-synthetic cannabinoids (HHC, H4CBD, THCP, HHCO), which were classified as narcotics by the ANSM orders of June 2023 and June 2024. CBC is a cannabinoid naturally present in the plant, not a molecule obtained by chemical conversion.

As with CBD, no health claim is authorised for CBC in France or in Europe. EFSA has published no specific daily dose for minor cannabinoids; in practice they are considered within the overall envelope of ingested cannabinoids.

The preclinical literature on CBC is still fragmentary. Several lines of research are mentioned in the publications:

• Interactions with TRP receptors (notably TRPV1, TRPA1), which differ from the classic cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.
• Possible modulation of the endocannabinoid system through partial inhibition of the breakdown of endogenous endocannabinoids.
• Exploratory studies on the inflammatory response, mood and skin health.

A crucial limitation: this work is mostly conducted on cell or animal models, and its clinical translation to humans remains far too limited to underpin health claims. According to the Inserm dossier on endocannabinoids, caution remains in order when it comes to extrapolation.

The two molecules are both non-psychoactive and come from the same plant, but they have different biological targets.

• CBD acts mainly through inhibition of FAAH (leaving endogenous anandamide to circulate for longer), and through interaction with the serotonergic 5-HT1A receptors and the TRPV1 receptors.
• CBC appears to target TRP receptors preferentially (TRPV1, TRPA1), which could explain a distinct profile of action.

This is one of the arguments often put forward in defence of full-spectrum oils: the simultaneous presence of minor cannabinoids such as CBC, CBG or CBN, alongside CBD, would broaden the range of interactions with the endocannabinoid system. This entourage effect hypothesis remains plausible but has not been validated by the health authorities.

CBC is rarely sold in isolated form on the French market. It is mainly found:

• In full-spectrum oils (in small quantities, indicated on the certificate of analysis).
• In the flowers of varieties selected for their diversified cannabinoid profile.
• In specifically formulated ranges combining CBD, CBG and CBC.

The certificate of analysis (CoA) issued by an independent laboratory states the percentage of each cannabinoid present in the batch.

Toxicological data specific to CBC in humans are insufficient. By analogy with CBD, use is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women, women of childbearing age, minors or people undergoing medical treatment. In [2025 ANSES proposed](https://www.anses.fr/sites/default/files/NUT2024SA0040.pdf) classifying CBD as "presumed toxic for reproduction": the same caution applies to related cannabinoids.

CBD and CBC are not medicines. Should you have medical symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.

• CBC (cannabichromene) is a minor cannabinoid of hemp, identified in 1966.
• It is non-psychoactive and present in small quantities in the plant.
• French legal status: permitted if the finished product contains ≤ 0.30% THC.
• To be distinguished from the banned semi-synthetic cannabinoids (HHC, H4CBD, THCP, HHCO).
• Clinical research still preliminary: no health claim authorised.
• Precautions identical to CBD for vulnerable groups.

• Conseil d'État, interim order, 24 Jan. 2022, no. 460055 — primary
• ANSES — Press release 19 June 2025 on the reprotoxic classification of CBD (PDF) — primary
• ANSES — Opinion, Referral no. 2024-SA-0040 — primary