There are around 80-100 cannabinoids that naturally occur in cannabis. Still, only a few of them have widespread use because they occur naturally in large enough quantities in the plant to be harnessed easily, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive cannabinoid that alters mood and gets users high, and cannabidiol (CBD), which has no psychoactive properties.

However, the scientific community is constantly interested in the other cannabinoids and their therapeutic benefits. Here, we look at cannabicyclol (CBL), one of the lesser-known cannabinoids, and its potential benefits and shortcomings.

What is Cannabicyclol (CBL)?

THC turns into cannabinol (CBN) when it starts to break down in the same way that cannabicyclol (CBL) naturally occurs when another cannabinoid, cannabichromene (CBC), oxidizes. CBL remains structurally similar to CBC, CBD, and CBG, all known to act as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. Scientists in the cannabis industry are determined to unlock its benefits for therapeutic use. 

Understanding Cannabicyclol

Chemical Structure and Classification

Cannabicyclol (CBL) is gaining momentum in the cannabis industry because of its unique chemical structure. Unlike THC and CBD, which have tricyclic cores, CBL has a bicyclic core consisting of two fused rings and could be more accessible to synthesize and work with than the cannabinoids above and other, more complex, cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. 

Occurrence in Cannabis

CBL is found in much smaller quantities in cannabis plants due to only forming when CBC begins to degrade from exposure to some aspects like heat and light. However, the amount of CBL a single plant can produce depends on the strain of cannabis. 

Discovery and History of CBL

Historical Background

CBL has been around for a long time. Discovered by an Israeli team of cannabis researchers headed by cannabis pioneer Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in 1966, it was one of many cannabinoids identified. 

Evolution of Research

More recently, the therapeutic benefits of CBL are receiving more attention to determine how to harness them through various extraction methods that isolate the compound using special equipment.

Pharmacological Properties of CBL

Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System

CBL is still relatively new to the scene and lacks the in-depth research that we have about more popular cannabinoids, THC and CBD. However, CBL could react similarly to that of the endocannabinoid system in the human body, such as CBC. 

Potential Effects and Benefits of CBL

Unlike THC, It doesn't interact much with CB1 or CB2 receptors, which means it doesn't have a psychoactive effect on the body like CBD. It is more likely that CBL will react with the endocannabinoid system like other non-psychoactive cannabinoids and could potentially have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain relief properties. 

Cannabicyclol vs. Other Cannabinoids

CBL vs. THC and CBD

CBL, like THC and CBD, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, but in much smaller quantities. CBL will likely need to be synthesized for medicinal purposes. While they both have the potential for pain relief and more physical benefits, THC is psychoactive and will have a more noticeable effect on the user. 

CBL is more similar to CBD as neither is psychoactive. However, CBD has been around for a long time and has been tested more deeply. 

CBL is unique because of its bicyclic chemical structure, which could make it easier to synthesize than other cannabinoids. It can also be formed using cannabinoids found in more significant amounts within cannabis plants like CBD. 

CBL vs. Other Minor Cannabinoids

CBL won't get users high, unlike another minor cannabinoid that is gaining popularity, THCP-O, which could have major psychoactive traits. It is much more likely that it'll be used for medicinal reasons when researched more. Unlike CBL, CBN, formed when THC degrades, has a minor psychoactive effect on the body.

Current Research and Studies of CBL

Ongoing Research Projects

From chronic pain to fighting cancer, cannabis researchers are trying to determine the real-world use of CBL. Research by The Department of Physics, European University of Bangladesh, has dived deep into the thermophysical properties of CBL to determine how it could best be used going forward. 

Preliminary Findings

While research remains in its early stages, promising results regarding CBL's anti-inflammatory properties suggest that it could be a great cannabinoid for fighting chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, there's a long way to go before we can truly assess the potential of this lesser-studied compound. 

Legal Status and Regulations of CBL

Regulatory Landscape

Currently, you won't find CBL available at the local smoke shop. You'll struggle to get it anywhere outside of a laboratory. It's still relatively complex to synthesize and requires specialist equipment. Other cannabinoids like THC and CBD are widely available, and even minor cannabinoids like CBG are available for use. 

Impact on Cannabis Industry

Getting your hands on CBL products might take a while, but this isn't down to its legality. CBL containing under 0.3% THC would be federally legal under the 2008 Farm Bill. However, these products aren't currently available, and there's no date set for when they might be. 

The Future of CBL

CBL Uses

Preliminary research into CBL is promising and presents an exciting forecast for a cannabinoid that could help with a variety of health issues. According to early research, CBL could react with the endocannabinoid system like other non-psychoactive cannabinoids and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain relief properties. 

Future Research Directions

Perhaps most excitingly, studies suggest that CBL could inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. If further research continues in this fashion, CBL could quickly become one of the most useful cannabinoids around. 

Conclusion

Discovered by pioneer Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in the 60s, cannabicyclol (CBL) has the potential to become a household name like CBD with further research. The compound's bicyclic core, consisting of two fused rings, makes it easier to synthesize and work with than other cannabinoids. 

Unlike THC, It doesn't interact much with CB1 or CB2 receptors, which means it doesn't have a psychoactive effect on the body like CBD. It is more likely that CBL will react with the endocannabinoid system like other non-psychoactive cannabinoids and could potentially have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain relief properties. 

With more research, scientists will be able to understand the therapeutic properties of this lesser-known cannabinoid and harness it for an incredible range of things, from pain relief to fighting cancer.