What is cannabicyclol (CBL)?

Cannabis contains a wide variety of chemical compounds, some of which are known to have psychoactive and/or medicinal properties. Cannabicyclol (CBL) is one such compound; it is considered a minor cannabinoid because it is present only in small amounts in the cannabis plant. CBL is produced by cannabis from a precursor compound called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is also used to produce other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
 

Although CBL is less well known than other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, it is attracting increasing interest due to its potential properties. Studies have shown that CBL may have antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which could have implications for the compound’s potential medical use. Additionally, research is underway to determine whether CBL has other medicinal properties or effects on the endocannabinoid system. Find more information in this article. 

Cannabicyclol is a cannabinoid—that is, a chemical compound found in the hemp plant—similar to THC, CBD, and CBG.

The molecular formula of CBL (C21H30O2) is identical to that of most known cannabinoids, which are distinguished by their unique atomic arrangements. What sets it apart is that its structure contains no double bonds, unlike THC. This already gives us an interesting clue, since these double bonds are responsible for the psychoactive and intoxicating effects of tetrahydrocannabinol. Consequently, scientists believe that CBL does not alter consciousness—in other words, it does not cause a “high.”

As a point of interest, cannabicyclol was found in a cannabis sample discovered in 2008 in a Chinese tomb dating back to 2700 B.C., along with cannabinol. In the same sample, researchers found very little CBD and no THC. However, the presence of CBN indicates that the plant was once rich in THC (CBN is the result of the natural breakdown of this molecule). Given the small amount of CBL currently present in cultivated cannabis plants, this suggests that this cannabinoid could become relatively more abundant as the plant ages.

However, this molecule is not yet available on the market, unlike, for example, cannabidiol, which is used to make CBD oils and other products. The mystery that still surrounds it is partly to blame for its absence.

Cannabicyclol (CBL) is produced by cannabis from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is a precursor compound for the production of other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. CBL synthesis occurs when CBL synthase converts CBGA into CBL. This enzyme is present in the resin glands of cannabis, which are found on the plant’s flowers.
 

CBL production in cannabis depends on many factors, including the plant variety, the plant’s age, growing conditions, and the extraction method. Some cannabis varieties are known to produce higher levels of CBL than others. For example, CBL has been found in greater quantities in certain Indica cannabis varieties, which are known for their sedative properties.

It is important to note that CBL is produced in small quantities in cannabis plants, making it less abundant than other cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. As a result, it can be difficult to obtain significant amounts of CBL from the cannabis plant. However, sophisticated extraction techniques and purification processes can be used to isolate CBL from other cannabinoids and obtain higher concentrations.

CBL is thus produced by cannabis from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) through a specific enzyme, CBL synthase, which is present in the plant’s resin glands. Although CBL is present in small amounts in cannabis plants, it can be isolated using extraction and purification techniques. CBL production by cannabis depends on many factors, including the plant variety and growing conditions.

Because this is an extremely rare cannabinoid, research into its potential properties is virtually nonexistent. Some laboratories, such as Steep Hill Labs, have reached conclusions about possible anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. However, the scientific community remains skeptical about this. It encourages further research to avoid publishing hasty conclusions.

Nevertheless, since it is a cannabinoid with no psychotropic effects, we can assume that its effects are comparable to those of CBD. By analogy, we could attribute to it some of the therapeutic or healing effects of CBD:

• Treatment for Anxiety
• Remedy for Insomnia
• Analgesic effect
• Anti-inflammatory
• Relief from nausea and the urge to vomit
• Anticonvulsant
• Appetite Stimulation
• Prevention of Tumor Growth

Cannabicyclol is one of the least-studied cannabinoids. Although it was discovered in 1964, a comprehensive pharmacological evaluation has not yet been conducted, meaning we still have no direct evidence that CBL offers unique benefits compared to other cannabinoids. While THC and CBD have been in the spotlight for several years, research on CBL is limited and mostly dates back several decades to the discovery of its atomic structure.

• CBL was first discovered by Raphael Mechoulam's Israeli research team in 1964. Chemical experiments with cannabicyclol have since been conducted, but little attention has been paid to its potential medical applications.
• Research on cannabinoids, including CBL, provides evidence of a potential effect on reducing inflammation and cancer; however, CBL has not been isolated, and further research is needed.
• Thus, it appears that CBL plays a role in the entourage effect and enhances the effects of other cannabinoids, but this remains to be proven.

While certain cannabinoids bind to the body's CB1 and CB2 receptors and have different effects on anxiety, pain, and even inflammation, one might think that CBL could also exert its effects in the body. But unlike CBD, there isn’t enough research to prove the actual effects of CBL. However, recent consumer interest in CBL is likely to encourage further research, including a comprehensive pharmacological evaluation.

Structure, research, effects—how does CBL differ from other cannabinoids in cannabis? 

In addition to being non-toxic, CBL does not appear to be very similar to CBD. The two cannabinoids in cannabis do not result from the oxidation of the same molecule. While CBD is produced when CBGa is converted to CBDa, CBL is metabolized from CBC. We will learn more about the similarities between CBD and CBL once we have substantial data on the potential benefits of CBL.

CBL and CBT are more closely related than most cannabinoids. Both substances are derived from CBC: while CBL is formed from CBC through oxidation, CBT is formed when CBC undergoes an enzymatic reaction. As with CBL, we don’t know much about the potential benefits of CBT, but the ever-growing popularity of cannabinoids ensures that research into these two substances will continue.
 

CBL is not very similar to THC. These two substances develop very differently as the cannabis flower matures, and the effects of CBL and THC are unlikely to overlap in general terms. We still don’t know much about the effects of CBL, but unlike THC, CBL is not psychoactive.

No, currently, while some products may contain traces of CBL, manufacturers do not intentionally fortify their products with this as-yet-unknown cannabinoid. However, in the future, CBL may be found in products rich in CBC and CBG, for example, to ensure an optimal entourage effect. CBL may also be found to have interesting specific properties and could be incorporated into wellness products such as CBL oil or CBL creams.

As cannabis is the subject of a growing number of studies, it is possible that some of these studies will clearly demonstrate the benefits of CBL. The absence of psychoactive effects makes it an ideal candidate for marketing.

When products containing cannabicyclol become available, they will most likely target adventurous consumers who are already familiar with cannabinoids and want to try something new. We do not yet know what potential benefits CBL may offer, so it is difficult to speculate in more detail about this cannabinoid’s potential appeal.
 

There are so many cannabinoids available today that consumers have overcome their skepticism and are more likely to embrace any new cannabis cannabinoid—such as CBL and CBT—as soon as it becomes available and its properties are discovered. CBL’s mystery is currently its greatest asset. But as we learn more about what this cannabinoid has to offer, CBL will find its rightful place in the growing pantheon of cannabis compounds considered legal.

Although CBL is not yet available, it could become commonplace in the near future.