What is CBN
Updated: Aug 9, 2023
Within the hemp plant, there are hundreds of individual cannabinoids, and while CBD (cannabidiol) is the most popular due to its abundance and unique properties, we know that it’s not the only one that can offer relief. CBN or cannabinol is another cannabinoid that is worth focusing on. CBN is a minor cannabinoid, that can deliver specific targeted properties that aid in the way that we feel both physically and mentally throughout the day.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol has a fascinating history, as it was initially discovered in 1899, long before the discovery of CBD or THC. It was the first cannabinoid to be isolated and analyzed and was even believed to be the chemical compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. This is likely because of the fact that delta 9 converts naturally into cannabinol as it ages.
CBN is a minor cannabinoid that is present in trace levels in the hemp plant. But, modern methods allow us to easily isolate and concentrate the cannabinoid, hence the influx of CBN-based products in today’s hemp market.
Is CBN Psychoactive?
When it comes to discussing the psychoactive potential of cannabinol, things get a little confusing. After over 100 years of research, its intoxicating properties remain largely misunderstood. CBN is a psychoactive cannabinoid, but only when taken at very high doses which are not compatible with today’s CBN formulas. The exact threshold dosage that would activate these effects is not known, and we also don’t fully understand the mechanisms at work that determine why it’s intoxicating only after a certain amount has been consumed.
In other words, CBN products in the marketplace used solely will not give customers an intoxicated experience. Cannabinol’s intoxicating effects are only unlocked when a person consumes an extraordinary amount of it. Even then, those effects are reported to be extremely mild compared to delta 9 THC.
We recognize that some may be concerned about how this could impact a drug test. There is no evidence of cannabinol causing a failed drug test result, since it’s not a cannabinoid that is metabolized by THC-COOH, an enzyme that standard urine tests are searching for.
What Can CBN Do?
Despite the fact that cannabinol was the earliest cannabinoid to be isolated, we still don’t have access to substantial research on its properties. Why? Well, this likely has to do with CBD essentially steeling its spotlight, being a cannabinoid that’s far easier to isolate based on its natural abundance within the hemp plant.
What we can say is that because cannabinol is a cannabinoid, it works in the same manner as CBD in the general sense. All cannabinoids feed the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is in charge of keeping us in homeostasis. The process is simple: when we consume cannabinoids like CBN, they attach to individual cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. Each cannabinoid receptor therefore gains the ability to regulate an adjacent bodily process that affects how we feel.
For example:
- CB1 receptors in the nervous system use cannabinoids to balance things like mood, cognition and pain sensitivity.
- CB2 receptors in the digestive and immune systems balance things like inflammation, digestive function and immune function.
CBN is a cannabinoid that works with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, which means that its effects can pertain to all of the above. It’s believed that it works more closely with CB1 receptors, which would explain why its effects on certain nervous system functions seem to be particularly potent. That being said, these are the main properties associated with cannabinol:
1. Antibacterial: CBN has been found in studies to offer strong antibacterial properties, which can be useful both in internal and external applications. For instance, CBN seems to offer uniquely potent properties against certain infections.
2. Sleep: CBN is perhaps best known for its potential to support a better night's sleep, with many people finding it to be the most “calming” cannabinoid out of all of the ones found in the hemp plant. Again, this likely has to do with its affinity for CB1 receptors in the nervous system that control our sleep response. The large majority of CBN products are targeted toward sleep function.
3. Mental or Emotional State: As CBN seems to offer nervous system effects that improve the potential for sleep, many people find that the cannabinoid helps them ease tension.
4. Appetite: Like many cannabinoids, CBN seems to have the ability to increase appetite, which can be helpful to those who are struggling to consume enough food daily.
Is CBN a Legal Hemp Derivative?
Yes, CBN is a federally legal cannabinoid. This is because of the U.S. 2018 Farm Bill which had determined that all hemp derivatives are protected under federal law, assuming they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight.
While certain states have banned psychoactive cannabinoids like delta 8 THC, CBN is legal in all 50 states.
What are the Differences Between CBN and CBD?
Now, let’s quickly see how CBN compares to its big brother cannabinoid, CBD. Here are the key differences that will determine which cannabinoid is better suited for you.
1. Overall Effects: We’ve already gone over the effects of CBN, so how do they compare to those of CBD? Well, CBN is primarily associated with having a mellowing effect on one’s state of mind, as is CBD. But, CBD is not as potent in this area, and some people actually feel exhilarated after taking CBD.
2. Price: CBN products tend to be a bit more expensive as it takes more plant material to derive a generous amount of CBN, being a trace cannabinoid. But, the prices are overall comparable.
3. Intoxicating Properties: Neither Broad Spectrum CBD nor CBN has any intoxicating properties when taken in standard doses.
4. Legality: Both cannabinoids are fully legal across the United States.
5. Studies: CBD has more studies pertaining to its function when comes pared to CBN
CBN: A Cannabinoid Fully Worth Exploring
As you can see, cannabinol is a cannabinoid that can add value to your daily routine. And, the good news is that it can be taken with other cannabinoids with no interaction concerns, meaning that if you’re already enjoying CBD or CBG, you can confidently consume CBN as well. With its distinctive properties and the amount of sleep formulas that contain servings of the cannabinoid, you may find that it’s an extremely useful addition to your nighttime regimen. Come see how CBN Sleep Tincture can help improve your sleep function today!
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