Zip of Weed: Slang, Size & Origin 
Live Resin Sauce, Sugar, Badder & Batter: Concentrate Textures 
What Is Living Soil Cannabis? 
What Is THCV? The ‘Diet Weed’ Cannabinoid What Is CBC? The Third Major Cannabinoid
CBC — cannabichromene — is the third most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis, behind THC and CBD. Despite being present in almost every cannabis plant, CBC has flown under the radar for consumers. Here’s what CBC is, why it’s just now getting attention, and what products are starting to feature it.
Key Details
What CBC Is
Cannabichromene (CBC) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid produced in most cannabis and hemp plants. It’s non-intoxicating — like CBD and CBG, it doesn’t produce a high.
CBC forms from the precursor CBGA as the plant matures. Most strains contain small but measurable amounts of CBC (typically under 1% of total cannabinoid content), though a few specialty strains are bred to boost CBC content.
Why CBC Has Been Overlooked
CBC has been known in cannabinoid chemistry for decades, but consumer-facing products have been slow to feature it. A few reasons:
Low natural abundance: most strains don’t produce much CBC, so isolating it requires specialty breeding or extraction.
Less research: THC and CBD have dominated cannabis research for decades. CBC research is much earlier-stage.
No clear ‘marketable’ effect: unlike CBD (calm), CBN (sleep), or CBG (focus), CBC doesn’t have a widely established consumer-facing narrative yet.
As the minor cannabinoid market matures, CBC is starting to get more attention — especially as an ‘entourage’ addition to full-spectrum products.
CBC in the Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is the idea that cannabis compounds work together to create the full experience — not just cannabinoids in isolation, but cannabinoids plus terpenes plus minor compounds.
CBC is one of those minor players that shows up in trace amounts in most cannabis products. Full-spectrum extracts typically contain CBC alongside CBD, CBN, CBG, and trace THC. Isolate products (pure CBD, pure CBG) by definition lack CBC and other minor cannabinoids.
For consumers who prefer the ‘full plant’ experience, CBC is part of what makes full-spectrum products feel different from isolates.
Where CBC Shows Up in Products
Full-spectrum tinctures: CBC is naturally present in any true full-spectrum hemp or cannabis extract.
CBC-specific products: a small but growing category. Some brands now sell CBC-dominant tinctures or capsules.
Minor cannabinoid blends: formulas that combine CBC with CBD, CBG, and CBN for a ‘broader’ profile.
Flower: some specialty strains have been bred to boost CBC content, though this is still rare on the market.
Should You Seek Out CBC?
For most consumers, CBC isn’t a reason to go out of your way. You’ll get trace amounts through any full-spectrum product without specifically targeting it.
If you’re particularly interested in minor cannabinoid research or want to explore the full cannabinoid family, CBC-specific products are available but expensive and limited in selection.
At Social: we stock full-spectrum products that naturally include CBC. Ask your budtender about broad-spectrum or full-spectrum formulations if you’re interested in the complete cannabinoid profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBC?
Cannabichromene — a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that’s the third most abundant after THC and CBD. Naturally present in most cannabis plants in trace amounts.
Does CBC get you high?
No. CBC is non-intoxicating and doesn’t produce the high associated with THC.
What’s the difference between CBC and CBD?
Both are non-intoxicating, but they’re different chemical compounds. CBD is much more abundant and well-studied; CBC is present in smaller amounts and less researched.
Is CBC in every cannabis plant?
Most cannabis and hemp plants produce measurable CBC, though typically less than 1% of total cannabinoid content. A few specialty strains have been bred to increase CBC levels.
Is CBC legal?
CBC from hemp (<0.3% THC plant material) is federally legal. Cannabis-derived CBC is sold through state-legal markets.
Related Reading
Shop at Social Dispensary
Looking for quality flower, concentrates, edibles, or vape cartridges? Social Dispensary operates licensed retail cannabis stores across Colorado with carefully curated menus and everyday value pricing. Browse our current specials, or visit any of our Denver metro locations for in-person help from our budtenders.
Find a Social Dispensary near you.
See this week’s deals · Join Be.Social Membership
Educational content for adults 21 and over. This article is informational and is not medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Statements about cannabis on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, talk with a licensed healthcare provider before using cannabis. Do not drive or operate machinery after consuming. Keep cannabis products away from children and pets.
