CBCa: A Surprising, Tumor-Reducing Cannabinoid
There are over 100 cannabinoids present within the cannabis plant, each with complex and surprising properties for the human body. These cannabinoids include CBD and THC, two cannabinoids which are the most prominent in the cannabis sativa plant. Both of which are known for their properties - with THC known for its psychoactive effect, and CBD known to aid in rest and relaxation. These are the better-known cannabinoids, with large markets expanding to meet the needs of CBD users in maintaining health and wellness. However, with over 100 more cannabinoids, researchers are scratching the surface as to how each interacts with the body. One of the most surprising candidates is CBCa, which may have dramatic implications for how it can impact the wellness field. Here we introduce this surprising cannabinoid and its potential effects.
What are Cannabinoids?
To understand how CBCa works, it is important to frame it in terms of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a network within the body that controls things from appetite, to mood, to energy. Cannabinoids interact with this system in particular ways in order to affect the body’s functions. For example, THC, or the psychoactive component in the cannabis plant, binds with the CB1 and CB2 reactors, creating the ‘high’ feeling. CBD, on the other hand, only impacts the CB2 reactor, and tends to deal with the balance of the system at large, meaning it is not psychoactive and is utilized for health benefits.
What is CBCa?
CBCa is a cannabinoid acid, which forms before it becomes an activated cannabinoid. CBCa traces its roots to the ‘Mother of all Cannabinoids,’ or CBGA, where all cannabinoids find their origin. Within this system, a special enzyme known as cannabichromenic acid synthase catalyzes CBGA into CBCa. As a precursor to its cannabinoid, CBC, CBCa possesses unique properties. CBCa must go through a process known as decarboxylation, where it interacts with heat to change into CBC. Both CBCa and CBC interact with the CB2 receptor, yet do not latch on with CB1. This means that they both do not provide the psychoactive effect known in other cannabinoids.
What are the benefits of CBCa?
At the current moment, CBCa is not as well researched in comparison to other cannabinoids. Most of this is because after the process of decarboxylation, little to no CBCa is left for research. Still, there are possible positive benefits that are being further researched as interest grows over time. According to the 2017 edition of Advances in Pharmacology, CBCa may provide surprising benefits not associated with other cannabinoids.
One benefit of CBCa is its possible help with anxiety and depression. Along with CBD, CBCa is linked to increased levels of relaxation. CBC, its cannabinoid form, also has been linked to brain health by promoting cell growth within the body. Due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, CBC also has the potential to act as a pain inhibitor, blocking pain signals to help alleviate pain. CBC is also linked to helping manage pain through its anti-inflammatory properties.
Finally, one of the most surprising potential benefits of CBCa, and CBC, is its potential tumor-shrinking abilities. Although there needs to be more research conducted in this route, there are positive connections to CBCa and tumor interactions. In a 2021 study in the National Library of Medicine, CBCa, along with other cannabinoids, showed a positive reaction in their ability to inhibit and shrink tumor growth. While they are not cancer-curing, this could be an exciting step in the health field as scientists research further into these powerful properties. In terms of other cannabinoids, CBC is known to synergistically interact with other cannabinoids such as CBD, making it even more powerful in blends.
Where can I find CBCa/CBC?
This newer cannabinoid is regulated differently than its CBD counterpart. At present, CBD is covered through the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows it to be sold in health and wellness capacities. However, CBC does not enjoy this same protection, and as a newer cannabinoid, is regulated in a different way. Currently, as it does contain health benefits, you can obtain CBC by obtaining a medical marijuana card. This is typically granted to those with chronic conditions and varies by state in the United States. At present, this is the best way to obtain CBC. Talking to a health care provider is the best way to see if this cannabinoid may work for you!
Cannabinoids and VRB
At VRB Labs, as veterans and athletes, we know how important it is to maintain and protect our health and well-being. That’s why we are committed to transparent products that have worked for us and hope they work for you as well. If you are looking for support in the rest department, our Rest sleep blend is a cannabinoid blend that promotes sleep and regeneration throughout the night. For those looking to energize for the day ahead, our Work focus and calm blend provides a sense of calm and energy, to make sure you are operating at the top. For further questions about cannabinoids and how they influence VRB’s products, you can reference our Cannabinoids You Should Know Guide.
What are Cannabinoids?
To understand how CBCa works, it is important to frame it in terms of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a network within the body that controls things from appetite, to mood, to energy. Cannabinoids interact with this system in particular ways in order to affect the body’s functions. For example, THC, or the psychoactive component in the cannabis plant, binds with the CB1 and CB2 reactors, creating the ‘high’ feeling. CBD, on the other hand, only impacts the CB2 reactor, and tends to deal with the balance of the system at large, meaning it is not psychoactive and is utilized for health benefits.
What is CBCa?
CBCa is a cannabinoid acid, which forms before it becomes an activated cannabinoid. CBCa traces its roots to the ‘Mother of all Cannabinoids,’ or CBGA, where all cannabinoids find their origin. Within this system, a special enzyme known as cannabichromenic acid synthase catalyzes CBGA into CBCa. As a precursor to its cannabinoid, CBC, CBCa possesses unique properties. CBCa must go through a process known as decarboxylation, where it interacts with heat to change into CBC. Both CBCa and CBC interact with the CB2 receptor, yet do not latch on with CB1. This means that they both do not provide the psychoactive effect known in other cannabinoids.
What are the benefits of CBCa?
At the current moment, CBCa is not as well researched in comparison to other cannabinoids. Most of this is because after the process of decarboxylation, little to no CBCa is left for research. Still, there are possible positive benefits that are being further researched as interest grows over time. According to the 2017 edition of Advances in Pharmacology, CBCa may provide surprising benefits not associated with other cannabinoids.
One benefit of CBCa is its possible help with anxiety and depression. Along with CBD, CBCa is linked to increased levels of relaxation. CBC, its cannabinoid form, also has been linked to brain health by promoting cell growth within the body. Due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, CBC also has the potential to act as a pain inhibitor, blocking pain signals to help alleviate pain. CBC is also linked to helping manage pain through its anti-inflammatory properties.
Finally, one of the most surprising potential benefits of CBCa, and CBC, is its potential tumor-shrinking abilities. Although there needs to be more research conducted in this route, there are positive connections to CBCa and tumor interactions. In a 2021 study in the National Library of Medicine, CBCa, along with other cannabinoids, showed a positive reaction in their ability to inhibit and shrink tumor growth. While they are not cancer-curing, this could be an exciting step in the health field as scientists research further into these powerful properties. In terms of other cannabinoids, CBC is known to synergistically interact with other cannabinoids such as CBD, making it even more powerful in blends.
Where can I find CBCa/CBC?
This newer cannabinoid is regulated differently than its CBD counterpart. At present, CBD is covered through the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows it to be sold in health and wellness capacities. However, CBC does not enjoy this same protection, and as a newer cannabinoid, is regulated in a different way. Currently, as it does contain health benefits, you can obtain CBC by obtaining a medical marijuana card. This is typically granted to those with chronic conditions and varies by state in the United States. At present, this is the best way to obtain CBC. Talking to a health care provider is the best way to see if this cannabinoid may work for you!
Cannabinoids and VRB
At VRB Labs, as veterans and athletes, we know how important it is to maintain and protect our health and well-being. That’s why we are committed to transparent products that have worked for us and hope they work for you as well. If you are looking for support in the rest department, our Rest sleep blend is a cannabinoid blend that promotes sleep and regeneration throughout the night. For those looking to energize for the day ahead, our Work focus and calm blend provides a sense of calm and energy, to make sure you are operating at the top. For further questions about cannabinoids and how they influence VRB’s products, you can reference our Cannabinoids You Should Know Guide.
