Did you know that full-spectrum hemp oil contains at least 100 known cannabinoids in addition to Cannabidiol (CBD)? One in particular, Cannabichromene (CBC), is gaining widespread interest in the medical research community for its potential to specifically target inflammation and pain response.
But how does CBC differ from CBD and the other cannabinoids derived from hemp? In this article, we’ll explore that question and provide a few tips for selecting the right hemp products for your individual wellness needs.
Understanding cannabinoids and the ECS
CBD is one of the most well known of all the cannabinoids derived from the hemp plant. It is non-psychoactive in nature—meaning it won’t get you high—and users take it in a variety of formats to promote better mood, sleep, digestion and more.
Most cannabinoids work within the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), targeting CB1 and CB2 receptors that help regulate response to outside stimuli. Studies suggest that when ECS receptors are working optimally, our bodies can more easily manage vital processes.
Achieving that balance is the goal for millions of people who take CBD and other cannabis-derived products every day. CBD comes in three main formats:
- Full-spectrum | Contains all naturally occurring hemp cannabinoids, including the non-intoxicating, legal maximum of 0.3% THC.
- Broad-spectrum | Contains many naturally occurring cannabinoids, but no THC.
- Isolate | Contains only the CBD compound from the hemp plant.
All of the cannabinoids and terpenes found naturally in hemp have potential health benefits, so it’s fine to take CBD on its own or to take a broad-spectrum formula without THC. However, research suggests that these properties work best in unison — otherwise known as the “entourage effect” — which is why many CBD users opt for a full-spectrum formula.
Exploring the unique potential of CBC
As discussed, cannabinoids work within the brain to help our bodies achieve and maintain overall wellbeing. CBC works a little differently in that it is thought to specifically target inflammation and the pain response by specifically targeting what are known as the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1).
The scientific language can be confusing, so it may be helpful to think of it this way: When you bite into a hot chili pepper, your reaction is a product of the chemical capsaicin in the pepper triggering the TRPV1 receptor site. As a result, you might feel a burning or tingling sensation and your brain will tell your mouth to produce more saliva.
Studies have shown that using CBC over time can mitigate TRP receptor response in the brain, spinal cord and intestines, thus reducing the presence of chemicals that cause inflammation. CBC may also help our bodies produce more of our own endocannabinoids. It is the hope of many scientists that this dual effect of reducing the wrong chemicals and promoting the right ones can help CBC users manage inflammation and pain response in the body.
CBC’s anti-inflammatory properties have shown considerable promise in early studies for elevating mood, repairing nerve damage and balancing skin inflammation (such as acne).
Choosing the right protect for your wellness needs
As demand for CBC grows, it’s likely that providers will introduce formulas that contain a larger concentration of compounds like CBC. In the meantime, if you’re taking a full-spectrum CBD product, you’re already getting the benefits of CBC and other entourage cannabinoids.
Full-spectrum CBD can be taken orally (in the form of tinctures and soft gels) or applied topically in the form of transdermal cream. Many of our customers use these two main formats in combination, taking a daily oral dose to regulate mood and sleep, while applying topical treatments to treat skin rashes, old injuries and sore joints.
The main thing to remember is that when it comes to full-spectrum CBD products, quality matters. You should only source CBD products from a reputable provider like The Happy Camper. To ensure that you’re purchasing a quality product, be sure to visit the providers website and view their Certificates of Analysis. These documents verify the content of both the raw hemp and the extracted oil. The COA will tell you precisely how much of each cannabinoid is present, as well as indicating safe levels of pesticides and heavy metals.
Research has also shown that CBD is safe to use even in large quantities, so as long as you’re using a clean, quality product there is no cause for concern. But if you’re unsure about how much to take, our best recommendation is to start with a low dosage (5mg taken twice daily) and increase as necessary until you begin feeling the desired benefits.
Not sure which type of CBD is right for you? Take our simple three-question quiz.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.