Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently stolen the limelight with its supposed therapeutic effects, but it isn’t the only cannabinoid in cannabis plants that has been discovered to have health benefits (there are more than 100 of them). Cannabinol, or CBN, is on the rise, as well.
Unlike CBD and THC, CBN is relatively understudied and utilized. CBN has shown promise in treating a range of illnesses, although it is less researched than CBD and THC. Find out more about this uncommon cannabinoid’s advantages and drawbacks. Looking to try something new? Check out this.
What Is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis sativa plant. It can also be produced synthetically.
CBN is also produced when THC degrades as a result of heat, air, and/or light exposure. “This is why higher amounts of CBN are found in aged, dried cannabis,” according to InMed Pharmaceuticals CEO, president, and director Eric Adams. However, CBN does not have the psychoactive intoxicating effects that THC has.
The Difference Between CBN and Other Cannabinoids
The first findings of several studies on cannabidiol generally suggest that this chemical is even more promising than CBD.
Nonetheless, it is prudent to be cautious, since research is still in progress. As a result, the distinctions between CBN and CBD are yet to be determined.
There has been some CBN usage in the form of oil, pills, or topicals, but it is not yet very common.
Differentiating Between THC and CBN
CBN is not the case with THC, which remains illegal in France. THC is a powerful psychoactive that has the potential to have long-term psychotropic effects on the body and mind.
Consumers of THC-rich cannabis are breaking the law and risk serving significant time in prison.
The legalization of medical and therapeutic marijuana has done nothing to encourage the use of recreational cannabis. THC is a narcotic that is illegal under federal law.
Similarities and Combination Effects
Though it’s early, the two chemicals might function better together in tandem.
Anxiety and sleep
Trusted Source conducted a study in The Permanente Journal on the effects of CBD dosages in people with anxiety and sleep issues.
Within a month of using CBD, around 79% of participants had reduced anxiety levels and kept them stable while on the drug. Around 67% had improved sleeping habits, but this number varied more often.
Again, this is early evidence, and future studies can help back these claims.
Pain relief
CBD and CBN had an analgesic effect in rats, similar to chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia, according to a study published in Archives of Oral Biology.
Another interesting finding was that combining CBD and CBN resulted in a larger effect. The authors point out that while the impact was not as strong as other cannabinoids, such As THC, the combination had the advantage of being non-intoxicating.
Does CBN work?
While the CB2 receptor and immune cells have been studied, there hasn’t been much research on CBN and its potential immunological effects. Cannabis writer Lindsay MaHarry says that although she finds CBN effective, she doesn rarely has issues falling asleep. “I use it when I need to, but I don’t use it every day. “I’m still on my path to recovery, so I’ve been experimenting with a lot of CBD products. My favorite is the Bloom Farms CBN tincture, but perhaps their dreamt product was even more effective… [With CBN], you can be groggy in the morning, but that’s why you take it early. Anything you consume after midnight is likely to pass through your system without causing any problems.”
The more subtle high associated with CBN became more apparent, as cannabis growers and others in the movement began to connect it. “The THC degrades into CBN. They tested the flower and found the CBN content in the flower that made them less anxious and paranoid even while smoking the same amount, they feel so relaxed,” Vazquez Mitchell said.
She has also said, however, that CBN is not a sleep pill, and she warns against confusing correlation with causation. It does not follow that because CBN is associated with a more relaxed high that it is the reason for better sleep. However, the fact that people who consume CBN report a more calm and less psychedelic high has seemed to be enough to associate CB N
“This is mostly just branding,” says Vazquez Mitchell. When it comes to using cannabis products for sleep, dosage is most important, and finding the right balance of THC (or THC combined with CBD, resulting in the entourage effect) for rest. “Scientists couldn’t seem to show that CBN itself was responsible for the smooth feeling. If I take 2.5 mg of THC, I’m really calm and want to go asleep, but if I take 10 mg I become boisterous.” It’s a little bit like alcohol when it comes to how much you should take: if you take a small amount you’re happy, but if you take too much you’re sad.
Summary
CBD and CBN have both been studied for use in alternative medicine. While the two cannabinoids have some similarities, they are two distinct chemicals with unique effects.
Many people utilize cannabinoids anecdotally for a variety of concerns, despite the fact that more research might help determine their effects or build on the foundation of prior studies.
People who wish to use these chemicals should first talk to their doctor to ensure there are no drug interactions or other factors that they should be aware of.
