CBC (cannabichromene) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid first isolated in 1966. The plant makes it from CBGA, the same precursor as CBD and THC, through its acid form CBCA. In lab and animal studies CBC acts mainly outside the cannabinoid receptors, and there are no clinical trials in people yet.
Key facts
- Chemical formula
- C₂₁H₃₀O₂, the same as CBD and THC, with a different structure
- How it forms
- CBGA → CBCA (by the enzyme CBCA synthase) → CBC when heated
- Intoxicating?
- No; its effects in mice did not involve CB1 receptors
- First isolated
- 1966, by Gaoni and Mechoulam
- Human research (as of October 2026)
- No clinical trials; cell and animal studies only
- UK status (as of October 2026)
- Not named in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
What is CBC and where does it come from?
Cannabichromene was described in 1966 by Yehiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam, who isolated it from hashish and called it "a new active principle" (Gaoni and Mechoulam, 1966). It is one of the cannabinoids, the family of compounds that also includes CBD and THC.
Hemp makes all three from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Separate plant enzymes turn CBGA into THCA, CBDA or CBCA, and heat then turns CBCA into CBC (Sepulveda et al., 2024). CBC is usually a minor cannabinoid, although some varieties contain more of it (Zagožen et al., 2021). Its acid form is covered in what is CBCA? When CBC is exposed to light, it can turn into CBL (cannabicyclol).
| Cannabinoid | Acid form | Made from | Intoxicating |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBC | CBCA | CBGA, by CBCA synthase | No |
| CBD | CBDA | CBGA, by CBDA synthase | No |
| THC | THCA | CBGA, by THCA synthase | Yes |
What is CBC's chemical structure?
CBC has the formula C₂₁H₃₀O₂, the same as CBD and THC. The atoms are arranged differently: CBC has a two-ring chromene core with a pentyl side chain. That difference changes which receptors it acts on. A relative with a shorter side chain, CBCV, occurs in hemp in trace amounts.
How does CBC act in the body?
Most of what is known comes from cell and animal studies:
- TRP channels: CBC was a potent activator of the TRPA1 channel in cell tests (De Petrocellis et al., 2011).
- Cannabinoid receptors: in mice, CBC produced some cannabinoid-like effects that were not blocked by a CB1 blocker, and it reduced paw swelling by a route that did not involve CB1 or CB2 (DeLong et al., 2010).
- Endocannabinoids: CBC reduced the cellular uptake of anandamide, one of the body's own cannabinoids, in lab tests (De Petrocellis et al., 2011).
In the same mouse study, a dose of THC too small to have an effect on its own increased CBC's effects (DeLong et al., 2010). For the receptors, see our guide to the endocannabinoid system.
Video: what is CBC?
What has CBC been studied for?
A 2024 review lists pain, bacteria and seizures as the areas studied so far, almost all in the laboratory or in animals (Sepulveda et al., 2024). In cultured human sebocytes, the cells that make skin oil, CBC lowered lipid production (Oláh et al., 2016). This was a cell study, not a trial in people, and none of this research shows that a CBC product treats a condition.
Is CBC legal in the UK?
CBC is not named in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which lists cannabis, cannabinol and cannabinol derivatives such as THC as Class B drugs. Hemp products that contain CBC still have to meet the rules for THC. See is CBD oil legal in the UK?
Is there CBC in CBD oil?
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum hemp extracts can contain small amounts of CBC alongside CBD; isolates do not. Our guide full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate explains the difference. Our oils on this store are cosmetics for use on the skin and are in the CBD oil collection.
From our production
We test every batch in Switzerland, and we have never had a failed test since 2013. I sign every certificate of analysis myself, and each one lists the cannabinoids measured in that batch, including minor ones such as CBC where they are present.
— Robin Roy Krigslund-Hansen, co-founder and CEO
Frequently asked questions
What is CBC (cannabichromene)?
CBC, or cannabichromene, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid in hemp and other cannabis plants. The plant makes it from CBGA through its acid form, CBCA, and it is usually present in much smaller amounts than CBD.
Does CBC get you high?
No. CBC is not intoxicating. In mice its effects did not involve the CB1 receptor, the receptor through which THC causes a high.
How is CBC different from CBD and THC?
All three come from CBGA, through different plant enzymes. THC is intoxicating; CBD and CBC are not. In lab studies CBC acts on TRP channels and other targets rather than mainly on the cannabinoid receptors.
What has CBC been studied for?
Mostly in cells and animals: TRP channels, inflammation in mice and oil production in cultured skin cells. There are no clinical trials showing that CBC treats any condition.
Is CBC legal in the UK?
CBC is not named in the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Hemp products that contain it must still meet the rules for THC and other controlled cannabinoids.
Is there CBC in CBD oil?
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum hemp extracts can contain small amounts of CBC; CBD isolate does not. The certificate of analysis shows which cannabinoids were measured in a batch.
Related guides
This article summarises published research. It is not medical advice. Formula Swiss CBD oils are sold as cosmetics for use on the skin, and our pet oils are for external use. They are not food supplements or medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed:
Sources
- Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R. Cannabichromene, a new active principle in hashish. Chem Commun. 1966:20-21. doi:10.1039/C19660000020
- Sepulveda DE, Vrana KE, Kellogg JJ, et al. The potential of cannabichromene (CBC) as a therapeutic agent. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2024;391(2):206-213. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38777605/
- Zagožen M, Čerenak A, Kreft S. Cannabigerol and cannabichromene in Cannabis sativa L. Acta Pharm. 2021;71:355-364. doi:10.2478/acph-2021-0021
- De Petrocellis L, Ligresti A, Moriello AS, et al. Effects of cannabinoids and cannabinoid-enriched Cannabis extracts on TRP channels and endocannabinoid metabolic enzymes. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163:1479-1494. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21175579/
- DeLong GT, Wolf CE, Poklis A, Lichtman AH. Pharmacological evaluation of the natural constituent of Cannabis sativa, cannabichromene and its modulation by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2010;112:126-133. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20619971/
- Oláh A, Markovics A, Szabó-Papp J, et al. Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions. Exp Dermatol. 2016;25:701-707. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27094344/
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Schedule 2. www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/38/schedule/2
