What is Cannabinol?
CBN stands for Cannabinol. It comes from the oxidation and decomposition of aged THC derived from the hemp plant. Since it is derived from the small amount of THC found in legal hemp, it does provide a weak intoxicating effect, but nothing compared to the levels of THC found in marijuana.
How does CBN work?
Like other medicines, we don’t always know exactly why it works, but here is what we do know.
- The CBN compound interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of your body’s endocannabinoid system.
- CB1 receptors are densely concentrated in the brain and spinal cord (think brain buzz)
- CB2 receptors are densely concentrated throughout the immune and gastrointestinal system (think relaxation)
Between these two receptors, CBN tends to interact mostly with the CB2 receptors found throughout the immune system and gut which might explain why people feel so relaxed. But it also has some interaction with CB1 providing a weak and often sought after psychoactive experience.
What is CBN being used for?
Cannabinol is best known as a sleep aid and is often called the “sleepy cannabinoid”. It’s affinity towards the CB2 receptors provide a very relaxing body experience combined with a weak buzz. It’s a similar experience one might get with taking a mild sedative to help you get some good sleep but without the narcotic side effects.
Remember too that CBN is derived from older hemp. So it’s thought too that the terpenes found in older hemp, like mycrene and linalool also contribute to the the feeling of being relaxed and sleepy.
Other uses being reported: CBN for pain relief and anxiety. Anecdotally people report that CBN has helped them not only relax but also reduce pain and anxiety. This could be because most CBN formula’s are blended with a full-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids and terpenes. It’s believed that users are experiencing a mild level of what’s known as the entourage effect.
CBN might also help with inflammation, and some say as an anti-biotic agent. But the majority of uses tend to fall within the rest & relaxation category.
Is CBN Legal?
Yes. Any cannabinoid derived from hemp is legal.
Will CBN cause me to fail a drug test?
Whenever you consume THC your body excretes a molecule called C00H-THC. Urine tests are specifically looking for levels of C00H-THC. The tiny amount of THC found in most CBN blends is not enough to trigger a fail, but depending on the sensitivity level of testing, there is a slim chance you test hot.?
How is CBN different than CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the cannabis hemp plant. It’s trichrome rich oil can be extracted to make cannabis products like candies, gummies, lotions, creams, skincare, tinctures, & vape pen. The flowers can also be smoked or place in baked goods.
Because CBD is not psychoactive, users don’t get that “high feeling” associate with the effects of THC. It gives a relaxing experience when used and has proven to be very beneficial for many ailments, including epilepsy, mental health, insomnia, skin conditions, and more. CBD is even used in an FDA-approved medication that is used for severe forms of epilepsy.
CBD is the most popular in the Hemp plant. It’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties has been celebrated as a safe & natural plant based alternative to pain pills or medications such as ibuprofen. It is non-addictive and can even be used for pets and children.
The power of multiple cannabis compounds together
There are over 100 compounds known in hemp. More knowledge is being gained every day about their uses and medicinal benefits. Notable compounds already discovered and being use in a large scale include CBN, CBG, CBC, CBGA, CBDA, Delta-8 and even THCA.
Experienced formulators understand the value of these lesser known minor compounds. Industry leaders are creating formula’s by combining CBD and blending in proprietary amounts of minor cannabinoids like CBN, CBG & D8. The result has been an enhanced therapeutic experience for users.
Overall, when choosing to use any cannabis compound, it is always wise to research the products and companies that you prefer. Not all products are created equal, so it is wise to investigate where it’s made and each ingredient’s amounts.
Cannabis compounds promise a bright future as more research is being developed. Over the next ten years, we will know so much more about this wonderful and organic plant and all that we can benefit from.