CBD oil is not the only hemp-derived solution making waves in the world of health and wellness. As more research is done into cannabis, we are learning that other compounds could deliver potential benefits as well. The market is already seeing an influx of other cannabinoid products as governments relax regulations on hemp products. The most promising of the new cannabinoids are CBDa and CBC. Both are gaining attention from cannabis enthusiasts and researchers alike.
What is CBC?
Cannabichromene (CBC) like all cannabinoids, stems from CBGa. During the plant’s lifecycle, CBGa is cyclized into CBCa. It is non-intoxicating because CBC can’t bind with CB1 receptors in the brain. It is, however, capable of binding with CB2 receptors in the body.
CBC oil is gaining recent attention because it shows potential medical benefits. We are far from knowing the potential of this new, exciting cannabinoid, but rest assured we will know more in the near future.
CBC Extract
There are many outlets online selling CBC oil. You may purchase CBC as an isolate or in a full-plant extract along with other cannabinoids.
To create CBC extract, CBCa must be decarboxylated. This is done in a manufacturing facility by adding heat and pressure to CBCa. Once the molecule reaches the correct temperature it is ready to be consumed in the form of an extract.
CBC vs. CBD
Both cannabinoids do not have the molecular structure to bind with CB1 receptors, therefore neither will create the high associated with THC. We have far more research on CBD, but you can expect to see more CBC studies in the future as interest grows.
What is CBDa?
Another cannabinoid gaining attention is CBDa. The most promising aspect about CBDa is that it has the ability to inhibit COX-2. Aspirin works the same way in treating minor pain conditions. If we can prove that CBDa can provide the same types of benefits, we could see the cannabinoid being rolled out as an FDA-approved treatment in the future. While there is potential, we aren’t quite at that point.
CBDa Vs. CBD
CBDa is the precursor to CBD. All cannabinoids are formed from CBGa. As a hemp plant progresses, CBGa is converted into CBDa cannabinoid. CBDa oil can be extracted and used in a variety of consumer products. The most commonly available today are oils, topical, and soft gels.
CBDa to CBD
During the manufacturing process, CBDa is decarboxylated into CBD, usually by using CO2. This allows the CBD to be activated in the product.
Up until a few years ago, most manufacturers and researchers believed that cannabinoids needed to be decarboxylated to be useful in humans. As we learn more about cannabis it is becoming clearer that the precursory states of the most common cannabinoid could be used for their benefits.
It is hard to say how cannabinoids like CBDa and CBGa are going to be utilized in the future, but if you look at the preliminary data, there seems to be at least a reason to conduct deeper research.
The Future of Cannabinoids
Who knows what the world of cannabis will look like in a decade? Just a few years ago no one had heard of CBC and CBDa outside of a research facility. Today we have at least 6 major cannabinoids that are being produced at scale and widely available online.
We expect to see prices go down as the development of these lesser-known cannabinoids is perfected. Cannabis strains are also being catered to producing other cannabinoids outside the scope of CBD.
CBD is no longer the only beneficial cannabinoid. We are excited to see the applications of CBC and CBDa as well as more cannabinoids coming to light.