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Cannabichromene (CBC)

Cannabichromene (CBC): The Minor Cannabinoid Explained

Cannabichromene (CBC) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It’s non-psychoactive and has unique effects, including potential anti-inflammatory and CB2 receptor activity. Learn what CBC is, how it behaves in vaporization, and why temperature matters. (Educational content only.)

Illustration: Cannabichromene (CBC) molecular diagram

What Is Cannabichromene (CBC)?

Cannabichromene (CBC) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. While less abundant than THC or CBD, CBC contributes to the plant’s overall chemical profile and may interact with receptors differently from other cannabinoids. CBC does not cause psychoactive effects and is considered part of the “entourage effect” alongside other cannabinoids and terpenes. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Biologically, CBC shows selective affinity for the CB2 receptor and interacts with TRP channels (such as TRPV1 and TRPA1), which are part of how cannabinoids influence neuronal and inflammatory pathways. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Effects and Research Notes

Unlike THC, CBC does not bind strongly to the CB1 receptor, which is associated with psychoactive effects. Instead, it can influence other receptors and regulatory mechanisms involved in inflammation and cellular signaling. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Research suggests CBC has:

  • Non-psychoactive cannabinoid profile
  • Selective activity at CB2 receptors and TRP channels
  • Preclinical evidence of anti-inflammatory actions in lab models :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Potential synergies with other cannabinoids

Note: current research is preliminary. Effects are not approved medical claims. See our Dry Herb Vaporization Guide for broader context on how cannabinoids interact with vaporizer temperatures.

Vaporizing Cannabichromene: Temperature Insights

Cannabinoids vaporize at different temperature ranges. Cannabichromene’s boiling point has been estimated around 220 °C (428 °F), meaning it generally requires a higher setting within a dry herb vaporizer to vaporize effectively. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

When using a vaporizer, keep in mind:

  • Lower temperatures tend to release lighter compounds (terpenes, early cannabinoids).
  • Mid-range temperatures vaporize THC and CBD ranges (~315–356 °F / 157–180 °C).
  • Higher temperatures near CBC’s boiling point can help release CBC, but may also introduce harsher vapor if you overshoot. Adjust slowly and pay attention to your device’s heat profile.

For an overall comparison of vapor vs combustion, and to learn how temperature affects extraction, visit our Combustion vs Vaporization page.

Where CBC Fits Among Other Cannabinoids

Cannabichromene is one of many cannabinoids that vaporize at higher temperatures compared with THC and CBD. Our broader cannabinoid temperature guide provides a full list of cannabinoids and their vaporization ranges:


Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBC psychoactive?
No. Cannabichromene (CBC) is generally considered non-psychoactive and does not produce the “high” associated with THC. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
What is the estimated boiling point of CBC?
CBC’s boiling point is estimated around 220 °C (428 °F), which is higher than many cannabinoids. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Does CBC have effects besides anti-inflammatory?
Researchers are studying CBC’s interaction with receptors and pathways that may influence inflammation, pain signaling, and cell communication, but robust clinical evidence in humans is limited. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Can you vaporize CBC in dry herb?
Yes. In a dry herb vaporizer, reaching temperatures near its boiling range (~428 °F) can release CBC vapor, though many cannabinoids vaporize at lower temperatures first. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}