Cannabicyclol (CBL) is a minor, non-psychoactive, cannabinoid found in Cannabis. CBL is a degradative product like cannabinol, with cannabichromene degrading into CBL through natural irradiation or under acid conditions.
To learn about other cannabinoids go to our Cannabinoid Dictionary page.
Cannabicyclol, or CBL, is a non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid. We know very little about this cannabinoid and its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. Because it lacks a double bond structure (which is present in delta 8– and delta-9 THC), we know that it does not have psychoactive properties. However, we do know it is incredibly stable. That is because of some pretty fascinating history that involves an ancient tomb.
Cannabis samples found in a 2700-year-old Western Chinese tomb proved to still ample quantities of CBL. This makes sense because of how other cannabinoids degrade over time and eventually convert to CBL. This also explains why CBL is found in minute quantities during the initial growing period but in larger quantities once the plant is more fully mature.
CBL was first isolated in 1964. Scientists found it was created when the cannabinoid CBC oxidizes or is exposed to UV light. We do know that CBC affects the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the uptake of the neurotransmitter anandamide. Therefore, it is possible that CBL could affect the system in the same way. However, we don’t know for sure until more direct research is done on this particular cannabinoid.
