Combining delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabichromene (CBC) could contribute to something known as “the entourage effect”. Both of these cannabinoids are found in various concentrations in the cannabis plant, and there is a great deal of excitement surrounding them.
But what happens when you double up and take both of them? Obviously, as they are both naturally found in cannabis, you will consume them if you take a full-spectrum product or smoke hemp/cannabis. But we’re talking about increasing the amount and taking a therapeutic dose of both.
Effects of THC on its Own
THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s where the cannabis “high” comes from. But as with every other substance, it’s all dose-dependent, and taking a small and therapeutic dose of THC isn’t going to turn you into a stereotypical airhead from a 1990s film.
Taking small amounts of THC in this manner is known as micro-dosing, a practice that involves consuming between 1 and 2.5 mg. The goal is to get many mild benefits without the heavy high or any of the nasty side effects that come with large quantities of THC.
Some of the effects of THC include:
- Relaxation
- Restful sleep
- Increased appetite
- Euphoria*
- Paranoia*
- Anxiety*
*In larger doses and with inexperienced users.
Effects of CBC on its Own
CBC is not as extensively studied as THC, and it’s also lagging behind CBD in that regard. We are learning more about it all of the time, though, and there have been some intriguing discoveries.
It has some interesting reactions with the brain’s TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, which are known to stimulate endocannabinoids. These cannabinoids are similar to the ones found in the cannabis plant, but they are produced naturally by the body. By stimulating the release of these compounds, CBC may go a long way to promoting the entourage effect.
Like THC, it’s thought that CBC can assist with relaxation. It has also been touted as a potential painkiller due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the most interesting research, however, concerns its stimulating properties. Whereas many cannabinoids are known to make users drowsy, CBC could have the opposite effect and may serve as a pick-me-up in the right dose.
This could once again be the result of the compound’s interaction with TRP receptors. In addition to stimulating natural cannabinoids, these receptors also deal with pain. There have been few clinical trials on the analgesic effects of CBC, but the ones that do exist are very promising, and there is a lot of anecdotal evidence as well. It’s thought that they also interact with adenosine receptors, the same ones that caffeine reacts with.
CBC can support brain health too. Studies have shown that it acts as a type of neurogenic, supporting the brain in the production of new cells and potentially helping it to recover after trauma.
Effects of Taking THC and CBC
THC has been studied for generations, and many of these studies have focused on small doses. One such study, conducted by the University of Illinois at Chicago, compared the effects of low doses (7.5mg) to medium doses (12.5mg), along with a placebo group. Participants were then placed in high-stress situations, and their responses were monitored.
Researchers noted that the microdose group was less stressed than the placebo group during the tests, while those on higher doses had more adverse mood reports. There were no notable changes to any vital signs in any of the groups.
The suggestion is that a microdose of THC could reduce feelings of stress and anxiety even when consumed on its own, so what happens if you add CBC to the mix?
Well, according to a study conducted back in 2010, cannabinoids like CBC and THC may help to combat depression, anxiety, and stress. In other words, not only does THC have this potential on its own, but that seems to be enhanced when combined with supporting cannabinoids in adequate doses.
Low levels of THC don’t have the same sedating and drowsy effect found in higher doses either. Those study participants who reported feeling less stressed didn’t record any adverse reactions such as drowsiness, and their blood pressure didn’t drop either. By adding CBC, another energizing cannabinoid, it could create an uplifting combination that also helps the user to manage stress and anxiety—all without affecting sleep patterns or the ability to work and focus.
Of course, everyone responds differently, and the effects will depend on everything from the dose to the user’s tolerance and weight.
The Best Way to Take CBC and THC Together
The energizing and uplifting combination of THC and CBC is why we used both of these cannabinoids in our Energized Mints. They contain just 2.5mg of each, which keeps the THC within the “non-euphoric” range while still providing the benefits that come with microdosing.
Our Energize Mints also contain supporting natural ingredients, such as green tea and rosemary. Together, they form an all-natural, uplifting mint that packs a punch as an anti-inflammatory.
Summary: Taking CBC and THC
We are still in the early days of CBC research. For decades, scientists focused primarily on THC, one of the cannabis plant’s most abundant compounds and the one responsible for its most notable effects. Following the many discoveries surrounding CBD, which eventually led to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD attracted all of the attention.
It’s only now that we’re starting to see more interest in CBC and its other cannabinoid cousins. There’s still a lot that we don’t know, and there will no doubt be some exciting discoveries in the near and far future. But the early signs are that CBC could mimic many of the effects of low doses of THC, and by taking them together, you could benefit from both of these compounds, as well as the entourage effect.
References
- https://www.gvbbiopharma.com/cbc-guide/#
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197018613002106
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuana-effects
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3417484/
- https://today.uic.edu/low-dose-thc-can-relieve-stress-more-does-just-the-opposite/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/
