CBC Vs CBD: Key Differences, Benefits, And Which One To Choose

Admittedly, CBC and CBD are cannabinoid cousins. They both won’t get you high, their legality is hardly ever in the grey, and both have earned a loyal following in the wellness space. But can you substitute one for the other 100%? Experts will tell you, not quite. 

CBC and CBD offer different benefits bound by how they interact with the body. While CBC binds to a group of receptors known as TRPV1 receptors in the nervous system, CBD has a higher affinity for serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors. 

Simply put, CBC is better suited for the physical side, while CBD is your go-to for mood and mindset.

This guide breaks down what is CBC vs CBD—what they are and how they differ, so you can choose the right fit for your needs.

WHAT IS CBD?

When you Google CBD, top search results are for cannabidiol, which (as Harvard Health puts it) is one of the primary compounds in cannabis (alongside Delta 9 THC). This is quite impressive as the “common bile duct” or “central business district” are other plausible options for the “CBD” keyword as well. 

When it comes to cannabis, the two most popular cannabinoids are Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While the former is intoxicating, the latter is not. This makes it quite easy to tell the two apart. 

Interest in CBD is at an all-time high, and this is not just hype. The global CBD market was valued at USD 9.14 billion in 2024. For perspective, that’s neck to neck with the global collagen market, which was valued at approximately USD 9.9 billion in the same year.

Celebrities and athletes have played their role in growing the groovy train. Whoopi Goldberg, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, and Tom Hanks, among others, have spoken about their use of CBD products to enhance health and wellness.

And that’s just half the story as far as CBD goes, apparently, the market is gunning for a value of $22B by 2030. That’s about the current value of the US gardening market.

WHAT IS CBC?

Unlike CBD, a quick Google search for CBC might get you a little confused. You’ll probably see links for Canada’s national broadcaster or even “complete blood count” before you land on cannabichromene, one of the lesser-known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. 

 

But don’t let the search results fool you. CBC has been quietly gaining attention in the wellness world, and for good reason.

First isolated in 1966 at the Weizmann Institute of Science, CBC is part of the so-called "big six cannabinoids." It's non-intoxicating, meaning it won’t get you high, but it does something pretty interesting in the body.

CBC binds to a group of receptors (TRPV1), which are mainly found in the central nervous system. This and the other mechanism tied to CBC don't get as much attention as CBD's, but CBC's theoretical benefits are promising.

As of now, CBC hasn’t caught up to CBD in terms of product shelves or Google search traffic. But don’t count it out. If the trend holds, CBC could be the next big name in plant-based wellness.

CBC VS CBD: CHEMICAL & FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCES

It would interest you to know that CBD and CBC have an identical chemical formula—C₂₁H₃₀O₂. However, the way the atoms are arranged is a bit different. This makes them “structural” isomers of each other. 

And by the way, Delta 8 and Delta 9 are isomers too, but of a different kind.

The tiny difference between CBD and CBC in the arrangement of their atoms makes significant differences in how the two molecules interact with the body, and consequently, their effects. Think of it like the difference between two keys; a tiny alteration determines whether the key can open a lock or not.

CBD binds weakly to the body’s primary cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. However, it has a strong affinity for serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT1A, which are involved in regulating mood and stress response.

A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that CBD can displace THC from its bond with CB1 receptors. Think of it as someone swapping seats in a movie theater, wherein CBD slides into the seat of THC, forcing THC to go somewhere else. This ultimately reduces the intensity of THC’s psychoactive effects.

This also explains why full-spectrum THC products, which can sometimes contain CBD, are significantly less intoxicating.

CBC, in contrast, binds more directly to TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors. These receptors are found throughout the nervous system and are linked to how the body processes physical discomfort, swelling, and heat. 

While some studies suggest CBC may play a role in sensory function, the evidence is still limited, so it’s too soon to say for certain.

BIOSYNTHESIS & FULL-SPECTRUM EFFECT

Before CBD and CBC take on their roles in the body, they both start out as the same cannabis cannabinoid: CBGA, which is short for cannabigerol acid. Many other cannabinoids, including THC, come from CBGA; hence, CBG is commonly referred to as the “mother cannabinoid.”  

As the cannabis plant matures, most of the CBGA is naturally broken down into other cannabinoids through specific enzymatic pathways. How the CBGA is broken down will determine the final cannabinoid output. Will it be CBD or CBC?

Through enzymatic action, CBGA can be converted into cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) via CBCA synthase, which later decarboxylates into CBC. Alternatively, CBGA can be acted upon by CBDA synthase to become cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), which then decarboxylates into CBD. This divergence in biosynthesis is why CBC and CBD, though related, have distinct chemical structures and biological effects.

Here's how CBGA is broken down to result in either CBC or CBD.

1. CBGA → (CBCA synthase) → CBCA → (heat/light) → CBC
2. CBGA → (CBDA synthase) → CBDA → (heat/light) → CBD

Eventually, only small amounts of the CBGA are left in the mature plant. But as you are about to learn, it's never too little when it comes to the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect refers to cannabis compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes) working together to provide a wholesome, powerful effect greater than what can be produced when each compound is working separately. 

When various cannabinoids and terpenes are combined, the result is a full-spectrum product, one that subsequently offers entourage benefits. The opposite of this is called an isolate, where only one cannabinoid is present in a product, resulting in a one-dimensional type of effect. 

Blended formulas capture the natural complexity of hemp, and for some users, this makes all the difference in how the product feels and performs for them. CBC, in particular, plays a unique role in all this. It’s believed to enhance the effects of certain terpenes such as β-caryophyllene, pinene, and myrcene. These terpenes are associated with qualities like relaxation, focus, and overall mood support. 

By coexisting in the same extract, CBC and CBD complement each other: CBD’s influence on serotonin receptors may support mood balance, while CBC’s affinity for TRPV1 receptors may enhance comfort. Together, they provide a richer, more nuanced effect than either compound could deliver alone.

CBC VS CBD: EFFECTS ON THE BODY AND MIND

While CBC (cannabichromene) and CBD (cannabidiol) share the same botanical origin and are both non-psychoactive, their individual effects are shaped by how they interact with the body’s receptors. 

CBD works like a multitasker, engaging with a variety of pathways. One of its best-studied actions is interacting with serotonin (5-HT1A), a type of receptor in the brain that responds to serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical). This may explain why CBD is often linked to calm and relaxation.

CBD is also a negative allosteric modulator of CB1 receptors, meaning it can subtly reduce THC’s ability to bind effectively with CB1 receptors. In practical terms, this can take the edge off THC’s psychoactive punch, resulting in a smoother, more balanced experience. That’s why products combining THC with CBD often deliver a gentler, less overwhelming high.

Possible Side Effects:

• Drowsiness when taken in high doses
• Dry mouth
• Stomach discomfort
• May interact with certain medications

CBC, on the other hand, shows a stronger connection to TRP channels (particularly TRPV1 and TRPA1) and may influence endocannabinoid tone indirectly. However, preclinical research on CBC’s effects is still in its early stages. 

Possible Side Effects:

• Similar to CBD, CBC can cause mild drowsiness or dry mouth in some users
• No major side effects have been widely reported

Zooming out, CBD’s effects are more focused on the mind, while CBC’s effects are more physical. 

Feature	CBC (Cannabichromene)	CBD (Cannabidiol)
Psychoactive?	No	No
Primary Receptor Action	TRPV1 & TRPA1 (Nerves)	5-HT1A (mood) and CB1 modulation (reduces THC intensity)
Research Stage	Mostly preclinical (lab & animal studies)	Extensive human and animal research
Interaction with Other Phyto Compounds	May amplify terpene effects like caryophyllene & pinene	Enhances calm, smooths THC experience
Best For	Physical ease	Mood enhancement

FLAVOR, AROMA & TERPENE PAIRING CONSIDERATIONS

While terpenes drive the flavor and aroma of cannabis, the right pairings can also enhance the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids.

CBC-Rich Flower Profiles

CBC-dominant flower and oils often feature bright, herbaceous, or subtly fruity notes, leaning toward fresh, uplifting aromas. Because CBC interacts strongly with TRPV1 receptors, it pairs beautifully with terpenes like β-caryophyllene (spicy, peppery) and limonene (citrusy), which may help amplify mood-brightening and focus-supportive effects. 

Pairing CBC with pinene (piney, crisp) can add mental clarity and a refreshing inhale.

Here are some CBC-rich strains with their corresponding concentration percentage:

• Maui Dream: 0.487%
• Blue Cherry Soda: 0.462%
• Purple Cadillac: 0.719%
• Bubba Cookies: 0.462%
• Charlotte’s Web: 0.432%
• Purple Candy: 0.511%
• Sour Tsunami: 0.486%
• Valentine X: 0.528%

CBD-Rich Flower Profiles

CBD-rich strains tend to carry more mellow, earthy, or floral tones, often described as grounding and soothing. They pair well with myrcene (grassy) and linalool (sweet, floral) for a calming, sedative effect, or limonene for mood balance. They also shine when combined with β-caryophyllene (spicy) and pinene (woody). 

Here are some CBD-rich strains with their corresponding concentration percentage:

• Remedy: 14%
• ACDC: 14%
• Lifter: 16%
• Charlotte’s Web: 13%
• Cherry Wine: 17%
• Ringo's Gift: 13%
• Harle-Tsu: 13%
• Sour Tsunami: 13%
• Elektra: 20%
• Sour Space Candy: 17%

Choosing by Flavor + Effect

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS AND USE CASES

Here's a practical look at how CBD and CBC are typically used:

• If mood enhancement, better sleep, or mental clarity is your goal → CBD has the better human clinical track record. Look for full-spectrum products if you want potential moderating effects on THC.
  
• If desire for body ease is your focus → CBC-rich or CBC-inclusive full-spectrum products might be of interest, but treat claims as preliminary and favor products that publish third-party test results.
  
• Full-spectrum blends that include both CBC and CBD + terpenes are the most likely to deliver nuanced, complementary effects, but the exact response is individual.

Both cannabinoids can be taken daily and are generally well tolerated. The right option, or combination, depends on what you’re looking to support: CBD for emotional balance and CBC for physical ease.

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY AND FORMS

Of all the cannabinoids in the market today, CBD has the most exhaustive repertoire of products, including unorthodox ones like suppositories and transdermal patches. The most common products that you are likely to come across in dispensaries or online include:

• CBD oils
• CBD capsules
• CBD gummies
• CBD edibles
• CBD topicals,
• CBD vapes

CBC products, on the other hand, are few and far between, especially if you are looking for pure forms. Most CBC is found combined with other cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBC, in broad-spectrum products or even THC in full-spectrum products.

Due to its low natural concentration and higher production cost, CBC products are often more expensive and limited in variety.

LEGAL & REGULATORY LANDSCAPE

While both CBD and CBC derived from hemp are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, state-level regulations tell a more complicated story. Some states regulate all cannabinoids more strictly, while others have specific labeling, testing, or marketing rules for hemp products. 

For instance, CBD has been the subject of more FDA oversight, particularly in food and beverage applications, while CBC, being newer to the consumer market, flies under the regulatory radar for now.

Internationally, the legal landscape can vary dramatically. In Canada and parts of Europe, CBD is widely available but still regulated, while CBC remains lesser-known and is sometimes treated in the same category as other hemp cannabinoids. 

For consumers, the takeaway is simple: while both CBC and CBD are generally legal in hemp form, it’s always smart to check your local laws and only purchase from reputable companies that provide third-party lab testing and clear labeling.

WHAT ARE THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN CBC AND CBD?

Despite their unique characteristics, CBC (cannabichromene) and CBD (cannabidiol) share some striking similarities:

1. Derived From Cannabis Plants: Both CBC and CBD can be extracted from either hemp or cannabis plants in general, though hemp is the primary legal source under the 2018 Farm Bill. They’re both naturally occurring cannabinoids.

2. The Same “Mother Cannabinoid”: Both come from the mother cannabinoid CBGA, broken down through different enzyme pathways. 

3. Structural Cousins: CBD and CBC are isomers. They have an identical number of atoms, but their structures differ due to the arrangement of the atoms in each molecule. This slight difference in structure accounts for their distinct effects in the body.

4. Non-intoxicating Nature: Neither CBC nor CBD produces a “high,” making them appealing for users seeking potential therapeutic benefits without psychoactive effects.