What is cannabicyclol (CBL)?

Among the phytocannabinoids well-known uses of hemp, the cannabicyclol (CBL) is one of the least studied, but certainly not the least interesting.

Although it is present in many cannabis strains, its concentration in trichomes is generally low. Only a few studies have been conducted on the potential therapeutic effects of CBL, and the results have shown that it has little biological activity. Nevertheless, CBL has an interesting and unique chemical structure and synthesis, topics on which most studies have focused to date, rather than on its therapeutic applications.

What's interesting about the CBL?

CBL is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid that is produced when another cannabinoid, the cannabichromene (CBC). Just as THC breaks down into CBN, CBC breaks down into CBL when exposed to light or heat. A study showed that ancient cannabis samples from China, dating back nearly 5,000 years, contained high concentrations of CBL and CBN, evidence of the presence of CBC and THC.

Cannabicyclol was first discovered in 1964. Cannabicyclol is unique because of the arrangement of its atoms and the absence of double bonds. The psychoactive effects result from the presence of double bonds found primarily in THC. Because cannabicyclol has no double bonds, it does not produce these psychoactive effects, just as CBD.

Therapeutic Effects of CBL

Since cannabicyclol is produced in very small quantities in cannabis, very little research has been conducted on this compound. Studies conducted by Steep Hill Labs have nevertheless revealed cannabicyclol’s antitumor and anti-inflammatory potential. It has been shown to be resistant to decarboxylation, meaning it is heat-stable and does not easily convert CBC into CBL. Furthermore, the research has been shown to regulate muscle contractions and also affect reproduction. However, information on this topic is scarce, and further research is needed to learn more.