CBC vs. CBD: Understanding the Differences, Benefits and Best Uses

CBD (cannabidiol) has been a trending cannabinoid since 2018, but now minor cannabinoids like (CBC) cannabichromene are becoming the talk of the town in health and wellness communities. 

While CBD is has been crowned the king cannabinoid for stress relief, CBC is a lesser-studied cannabinoid that offers more acute benefits like anti-inflammation, relief from body aches and mood enhancement. 

Lets discuss how they compare, whether you should take them together, their differences, pros and cons, and their overall effectiveness.

What Is CBC?

Cannabichromene (CBC) is a natural, non-intoxicating compound found in marijuana and hemp plants. Unlike THC, CBC does not produce psychoactive effects and will not get you "high". Anecdotally it has been known to help with body aches, inflammation and can even improve your mood. It works by interacting with receptors in the body that regulate pain and body function.

Also, in cannabis inner circles, it's becoming apparent that it's an "activator" cannabinoid - in that it enhances the effects of other compounds... such as THC. 

Potential Benefits of CBC:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: CBC may help reduce swelling in the body. Many people with conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease take it, although more studies need to be released to analyze its effectiveness with these ailments. 

• Pain relief: CBC activates pain receptors, making it a potential natural analgesic. A lot of athletes or those with rigorous, physical lifestyles are starting to take CBC to help decompress and deal with muscle aches. 

• Mood enhancement: CBC may support emotional balance and act as a mood lifter, for those looking for alternative methods in maintaining or improving happiness levels. 

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most well-researched cannabinoids. Here at Sunday Scaries it is a hallmark substance we use in every CBD edible and almost all of our products. 

CBD does not produce a high and is widely used for its calming and sleep improvement qualities.

QUICK SCIENCE STUFF: Unlike CBC, which interacts with pain and inflammation receptors, CBD mainly works by enhancing the body’s natural cannabinoids and interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS.

Potential Benefits of CBD:

• Anxiety and stress relief: CBD is most commonly used to help with really bad stress and mental anguish. 

• Sleep management: Many people use CBD to help induce sleep while waking up non-groggy. Especially in conjunction with CBN, in products like our CBD sleep oil. 

• Anti-seizure properties: CBD has been FDA-approved as a drug for treating epilepsy in the form of Epidiolex.

CBC vs. CBD: Key Differences

Is CBC More Effective Than CBD?

Whether CBC is more effective than CBD depends on the condition being treated.

• For body aches and inflammation: CBC has shown promise in targeting pain receptors directly, making it potentially more effective for localized swelling.

• For anxiety and stress: CBD is better studied and widely used for stress relief and anxiety management.

• For neuroprotection: Both CBC and CBD show neuroprotective benefits, but CBC may have a stronger influence on brain cell growth. More studies need to be performed to back this. 

• For overall wellness: CBD is more accessible and well-researched, making it a more reliable choice for general health benefits.

Pros and Cons of CBC vs. CBD

Pros of CBC:

✔️ Potentially more effective for body aches and inflammation ✔️ May support brain cell growth (neurogenesis) ✔️ Non-intoxicating with no risk of dependency ✔️ Stimulates other cannabinoids 

Cons of CBC:

❌ Less research compared to CBD ❌ Harder to find in products ❌ Effects may vary depending on the individual

Pros of CBD:

✔️ Well-researched with strong scientific backing ✔️ Widely available in various forms (oils, gummies, topicals, edibles etc.) ✔️ Very effective for stress relief and sleep aid  ✔️ Legal and non-psychoactive

Cons of CBD:

❌ Effects may take longer to notice in some individuals and compound over time ❌ Many consumers need a small amount of THC (Full-spectrum CBD) to feel the effects ❌ May cause mild side effects like dry mouth or drowsiness

Can You Take CBC and CBD Together?

Yes, you can. Taking CBC and CBD together enhances their effects through the entourage effect—a phenomenon where cannabinoids work synergistically to increase their benefits.

Benefits of Combining CBC and CBD:

• Stronger body ache relief: CBC and CBD together may offer better management for aches and pains than either cannabinoid alone.

• Enhanced anti-inflammatory effects: The combination may be more effective for those dealing with swelling, irritation or tenderness.

• Mood support: While CBD is excellent for dealing with stress, CBC’s mood-enhancing properties can complement CBD’s calming effects.

• Full-spectrum wellness: Using both can help you experience the broadest range of cannabinoid benefits.

How to Take CBC and CBD Together

1. Look for full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products like our strongest CBD gummies that contain CBC and other minor cannabinoids.

2. Use tinctures or oils to control your dosage more precisely.

3. Start with small doses and gradually increase based on how your body responds.

4. Monitor your experience to determine the best ratio for your needs.

Best CBC and CBD Products

If you’re interested in trying CBC and CBD, consider the following product types:

• Full-Spectrum CBD Oils: These (like our Sunday Scaries CBD Oil) contain a mix of cannabinoids, including CBC.

• CBC-Enhanced Tinctures: Some brands offer high-CBC formulations for specific therapeutic effects.

• CBD Gummies with CBC: Edibles with a blend of cannabinoids provide long-lasting benefits.

• Topicals: CBC and CBD creams or balms may work well for localized pain relief.

• THC Gummies with CBC: We offer a wide arrangement of THC gummies that contain CBC. Most notably our delta-9 THC gummies and THC gummies for sleep. 

Final Thoughts: CBC vs. CBD—Which One Is Right for You?

Both CBC and CBD offer impressive therapeutic benefits, but their effectiveness depends on your needs.

• Choose CBC if: You want targeted body ache relief or mood enhancement.

• Choose CBD if: You’re looking for stress relief, sleep aid or general wellness support.

• Use both if: You want to maximize benefits through the entourage effect.