If you’re a cannabis user, you’ve undoubtedly heard of THC and CBD, the two most common cannabinoids. However, these aren’t the plant’s only cannabinoids. Minor cannabinoids, such as CBN (cannabinol), are also present. Have you been wondering, “what is CBN?”
These therapeutic chemicals, which are unique to cannabis, may have quite diverse impacts and medical advantages from one another. So, if you want to know how cannabis will affect you, the first step is to understand the various cannabinoids.
Please keep reading for our full breakdown of everything you need to know about CBN effects, the CBN definition, and the differences between CBN and CBD.
What Is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is produced by the oxidation and breakdown of THC in hemp plants. This means that when THC is heated and exposed to CO2 (oxygen), it transforms into CBN. The molecule has a moderate psychoactive effect, similar to CBD but not as strong as THC.
CBN’s pharmacokinetics seems to be between 1/6 and 1/10 THC for the CB1 receptor. This is also known as the cannabinoid receptor type-1.
Understanding the Different CBN Effects and Benefits
CBN is formed when THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid, is broken down. It’s slightly psychoactive, but it doesn’t get you high as THC does.
CBN isn’t researched nearly as much as CBD. And, there is currently a microscopic study looking at its possible advantages. CBN is often promoted as a sleep aid, but additional study is needed to support these claims.
Here are some of the most frequent CBN applications and possible benefits.
Sleep and Appetite Boost
CBN and CBD, either alone or in combination, may aid in relieving insomnia by producing a general feeling of calm and relaxation in the mind and body.
While CBN is said to have a sedative effect on most people, CBD gives people a sense of alertness rather than sluggishness in the morning following nighttime usage.
CBN and CBD are acutely different when it comes to their effect on most consumers’ appetites. While CBD has been shown to be a moderate appetite suppressor, CBN has increased appetite.
Pain Management
CBD and CBN were shown to decrease myofascial pain in rats in a 2019 rat research. And, CBN and CBD in combination were much more effective than any of them alone.
The researchers concluded that CBN and CBD might help with TMJ problems and fibromyalgia discomfort.
If you’ve been looking for natural and effective ways of pain relief, then you’ll want to explore high-quality CBN extract.
Neuroprotective Elements
CBN was shown to effectively delay the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in rats in a 2005 research (ALS).
However, it is unclear if it has the same effects on people at this time.
Anti-Inflammatory Qualities
CBN has been shown to decrease the inflammation produced by arthritis in rats.
Human studies, on the other hand, are required to comprehend its potential advantages properly.
Antibacterial Powers
CBN is a robust antibacterial agent in studies. CBN was tested in the lab on MRSA bacterium types that were resistant to conventional antibiotics.
It was discovered to be a powerful antibacterial agent against these resistant strains by researchers. Perhaps your body will utilize CBN to treat bacterial illnesses that are resistant to antibiotics in the future.
CBN vs CBD: The Differences
CBD and CBN are two distinct compounds, despite their identical names.
CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid found in marijuana plants. Manufacturers may breed cannabis plants with a more amazing CBD content.
Because the breakdown of THC produces CBN, manufacturers cannot directly alter the quantity of CBN in a plant. You may accelerate the breakdown of THC into CBN by exposing it to heat.
Both cannabinoids are still in the early phases of research. CBD, on the other hand, is presently the subject of considerably more study. As a result, CBD is substantially more widely available.
The FDA has authorized CBD to treat two distinctive forms of epilepsy and TSC seizures, and the FDA has not approved CBN to treat any ailments.
However, you can rest assured that many studies are running as we speak.
Myths and Misconceptions About CBN
If you’ve read about CBN previously, you may be shocked to see that “insomnia” isn’t included among the medicinal advantages. CBN is often hailed as a super-sedative, but appearances may be deceptive.
So why do so many people claim it’s sedating?
There are two potential explanations, which point to the same source: People observed that older cannabis (rich in CBN) made them tired and thought it was because of the CBN.
First, the sedative effect may be caused by the combination of CBN and THC.
Researchers examined CBN alone, CBN plus THC, and THC alone in the same study that showed CBN did not make participants drowsy. At the same time, THC alone causes sleepiness. The combination of the two causes considerably more drowsiness. Those who use high CBN cannabis, including THC, may have observed the synergistic effects and mistakenly thought the sedative effect was due only to the CBN.
However, even if there is no link between THC and sedation, other variables may play.
To put it another way, older cannabis with a lot of CBN also has many sedating terpenes (other active chemicals in the plant). The sedative effects may be attributed to these terpenes rather than the CBN.
Exploring the World of CBN Products
If you’re new to the wide world of cannabis-based products, the alphabet soup of cannabinoids can be somewhat confusing. We hope that our guide has shed some light on what makes CBN tick. Also, now you have a solid answer to your question of “what is CBN?”
And, if you’ve enjoyed reading our article, then you’ll love checking out our additional tips and tricks. All of those will be available to you in our recreational section.
