The Potential of Cannabichromene (CBC) as a Therapeutic Agent

• Published in: The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics Vol. 391; no. 2; pp. 206 - 213
• Main Authors: Sepulveda, Diana E., Vrana, Kent E., Kellogg, Joshua J., Bisanz, Jordan E., Desai, Dhimant, Graziane, Nicholas M., Raup-Konsavage, Wesley M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.11.2024; The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
• Subjects: 2-AG; 2-arachidonoylglycerol; AEA; Analgesics - pharmacology; Analgesics - therapeutic use; anandamide (arachidonoylethanolamine); Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Anticonvulsants - pharmacology; Anticonvulsants - therapeutic use; cannabichromene; cannabichromenic acid; cannabidiol; cannabigerol; cannabigerolic acid; cannabinoid receptor 1; cannabinoid receptor 2; Cannabinoids - pharmacology; Cannabinoids - therapeutic use; CB1; CB2; CBC; CBCA; CBD; CBG; CBGA; FAAH; fatty acid amide hydrolase; Humans; interleukin; lipopolysaccharide; LPS; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor; PPAR; Special Section: Cannabinoid Signaling in Human Health and Disease—Minireview; THC; transient receptor potential; transient receptor potential ankyrin; transient receptor potential melastatin; transient receptor potential vanilloid; TRP; TRPA1; TRPM8; TRPV; Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol; CBCA; FAAH; IL; TRPV; CBD; TRPA1; CBC; CBGA; CBG; LPS; THC; CB2; CB1; TRP; PPAR; 2-AG; TRPM8; AEA
• ISSN: 0022-3565; 1521-0103; 1521-0103
• DOI: 10.1124/jpet.124.002166

There is a growing interest in the use of medicinal plants to treat a variety of diseases, and one of the most commonly used medicinal plants globally is Cannabis sativa. The two most abundant cannabinoids (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol) have been governmentally approved to treat selected medical conditions; however, the plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, including cannabichromene (CBC). Although the cannabinoids share a common precursor molecule, cannabigerol, they are structurally and pharmacologically unique. These differences may engender differing therapeutic potentials. In this review, we will examine what is currently known about CBC with regards to pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and receptor profile. We will also discuss the therapeutic areas that have been examined for this cannabinoid, notably antinociceptive, antibacterial, and anti-seizure activities. Finally, we will discuss areas where new research is needed and potential novel medicinal applications for CBC. Cannabichromene (CBC) has been suggested to have disparate therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antibacterial, and antinociceptive effects. Most of the focus on the medical benefits of cannabinoids has been focused on Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. The preliminary studies on CBC indicate that this phytocannabinoid may have unique therapeutic potential that warrants further investigation. Following easier access to hemp, CBC products are commercially available over-the-counter and are being widely utilized with little or no evidence of their safety or efficacy.