Hello cannabis friends!!🌿 We've had some incredible weather here of late (for winter in Oklahoma at least) and I hope you've been able to get out to enjoy the sunshine!☀️ Enjoying the sunshine is a great way to practice self-care, which can be desperately needed in our fast paced society. Cannabis can also be a useful tool in our self-care regimens by promoting relaxation and allowing us to pause for a bit in our busy lives. This week we're going to explore the therapeutic wonders of cannabis beyond the well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD. As a cannabis nurse educator dedicated to learning as much as I can about the medicinal mysteries of this plant, I'm thrilled to shed light on the promising health benefits of cannabichromene (CBC). Recent research published in the Journal of Cannabis Research has unveiled CBC's potential in addressing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), showcasing a remarkable reversal of hypoxia and a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Delving deeper into its medicinal repertoire, CBC exhibits neuroprotective qualities, especially in the context of Alzheimer's Disease, offering a novel defense against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. This phytocannabinoid doesn't stop there – it also demonstrates potent antibacterial properties, proving effective against the notorious Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). As a versatile antinociceptive agent (anti-pain), CBC emerges as a promising option for various pain conditions, signaling its potential as a responsible and effective medication within the realm of cannabis-based treatments. Join me on this journey of discovery as I share about the information found within some exciting research articles and we unlock the therapeutic potential of cannabichromene together.
In a recent research article published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, scientists investigated the potential of CBC in addressing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). They induced ARDS in mice and treated them with inhaled CBC, observing a remarkable reversal of hypoxia (low oxygen levels), a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines in lung and blood by 50%, and protection of lung tissues. The study indicated that CBC may exert its protective effects through transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels, particularly TRPA1 and TRPV1, suggesting a potential interaction that can restore immune balance and homeostasis in lung tissues.
Moving beyond respiratory health, CBC has shown promising neuroprotective qualities. In the context of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), CBC demonstrated a novel role in protecting against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and neuron damage. This study highlighted CBC, alongside other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, as effective in varying degrees against Aβ1-42, showcasing potential independent of their antioxidant capacity. These findings underscore the diverse therapeutic potential of CBC in addressing neurological disorders which can have a debilitating effect on people.
Furthermore, CBC has demonstrated antibacterial properties, particularly in combating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a significant public health threat. The phytocannabinoid cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) exhibited faster and more potent bactericidal (against bacteria) activity than the conventional antibiotic vancomycin, suggesting its potential as an alternative or complementary treatment for MRSA infections. CBCA is the precursor compound to CBC and the acid (A) is removed when the flower is heated during consumption. While consistent dosage may be needed, the efficacy of CBCA against MRSA emphasizes its potential role in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This is an incredibly interesting concept to me as I have seen and taken care of many patients who have MRSA and need to be hospitalized in order to receive the expensive and hard on your veins drug, vancomycin.
Lastly, CBC has emerged as a noteworthy antinociceptive (anti-pain) agent, showing effectiveness in reducing various types of pain in both male and female mice. Acting as an agonist of CB2 receptors and interacting with TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV3, and TRPV4 ion channels, CBC's broad spectrum of actions in antinociception highlights its potential as a therapeutic option for diverse pain conditions, including neuropathic, inflammatory, and thermal pain. The study's findings open the door to exploring CBC as a versatile and novel pain-relieving agent, further supporting its potential as a responsible medication option within the realm of cannabis-based treatments. When looking at the number of people who are dealing with chronic pain conditions related to inflammation or other reasons, CBC can be an exciting beacon of hope for those suffering.
🌿 Thank you, dear cannabis friends, for embarking on this enlightening journey into the therapeutic wonders of cannabichromene (CBC) with me! As we bask in the rejuvenating sunshine and prioritize self-care, it's essential to recognize the potential role of cannabis in enhancing our well-being. The recent exploration of CBC's diverse health benefits, from its remarkable potential impact on ARDS to its neuroprotective qualities against illnesses like Alzheimer's Disease, highlights the vast potential of this phytocannabinoid. In the realm of public health, the antibacterial prowess of CBC against MRSA offers a promising alternative to conventional treatments, potentially reshaping the landscape of combating antibiotic-resistant infections. The revelation of CBC as a potent antinociceptive agent, alleviating various types of pain, further underscores its significance in addressing the challenges faced by those dealing with chronic pain conditions. This journey into the therapeutic potential of CBC is not just about uncovering scientific findings; it's about offering a beacon of hope for individuals seeking effective and responsible medication options within the realm of cannabis-based treatments. Together, let's continue to explore, learn, and embrace the possibilities that this remarkable phytocannabinoid holds for our well-being. 🌱💚 #CannabisWellness #TherapeuticCBD #TherapeuticCBC #ExploreCBC #CannabisCommunity
References
Khodadadi, H. et al. (2021) ‘A potential role for cannabichromene in modulating TRP channels during acute respiratory distress syndrome’, Journal of Cannabis Research, 3(1). doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00101-0.
Marsh, D.T. et al. (2023) ‘The structurally diverse phytocannabinoids cannabichromene, cannabigerol and cannabinol significantly inhibit amyloid β‐evoked neurotoxicity and changes in cell morphology in PC12 cells’, Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology [Preprint]. doi:10.1111/bcpt.13943.
Galletta, M. et al. (2020) ‘Rapid antibacterial activity of cannabichromenic acid against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus’, Antibiotics, 9(8), p. 523. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9080523.
Raup-Konsavage, W.M. et al. (2023) ‘Antinociceptive effects of cannabichromene (CBC) in mice: Insights from von Frey, tail-flick, formalin, and acetone tests’, Biomedicines, 12(1), p. 83. doi:10.3390/biomedicines12010083.