Over hedge and ditch: What is CBN, what effects does it have and does it help for sleep?
- What is CBN?
- Does CBN have psychoactive or non-psychoactive effects?
- Effects of CBN
- CBN for sleep or the path to rest
- Relaxation under the palm tree: What is CBN oil?
- CBN: Basic Facts
- Conclusion
What is CBN?
Hidden in the middle of the jungle is a greenhouse full of cannabis plants, and that's where we begin our next adventure. We've already covered CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol), so we won't skip our quest for the less explored but promising cannabinoid CBN.
First, we will take a look at the chemical process that takes place in the cannabis plant. Scientists have already managed to identify more than 150 cannabinoids, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD among the best-known representatives.
CBN (cannabinol) is the third most abundant cannabinoid found naturally in the plant. It is formed when THC is degraded by heat, air or light and is derived from THCA (tetrahydrocannabinol). As cannabis matures and is exposed to air, enzymes break down THCA into CBNA (cannabinolic acid). Subsequently, CBNA is converted into CBN by heat and UV light.
The cannabis plant contains a very low concentration of CBN, with higher concentrations in the raw plant material, but even this is low, usually 1 % or less. Freshly harvested hemp contains almost no CBN. Higher levels of CBN are found in old, dry hemp.
Let us refer to a 1999 study which found that the THC content of a sample of cannabis tested halved after 4 years. The researchers said that the THC oxidised, started to convert to CBN, and it turned out that the degradation was due to improper storage. In conclusion, the study said that THC degrades into CBN over time. The more time passed, the richer the old cannabis became in CBN.
Cannabinol can also be produced synthetically. The first synthesis was carried out by two different research groups in 1940. One led by R. Adams in the United States and the other led by Lord Todd in the UK.
And did you know that CBN is the first ever plant cannabinoid that scientists have successfully isolated? Scientists Wood, Spivey and Easterfield extracted CBN from an oil extract of cannabis as early as 1896. The molecular secret of CBN was then unravelled by R.S. Cahn in the early 1930s.
Does CBN have psychoactive or non-psychoactive effects?
Although cannabinol is derived from THC, it is not known to cause intense intoxication like THC. However, scientists are still divided, while some believe it has no psychoactive effects at all, others believe it has mild psychoactive properties, but these are 10 times lower than THC.
To better understand this, we need to go back in time. Before the discovery of THC, the jungle of scientific knowledge was full of conjecture, with scientists thinking that CBN was behind the intoxicating effects of cannabis. Although it may have some psychoactive properties, it is not as potent enough to induce a high.
Effects of CBN
Cannabinoids are bioactive compounds that interact with a cellular system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS consists of 3 important components:
- Endocannabinoids: neurotransmitters, they have the function of "messengers".
- CB1 receptors (central nervous system, in the brain) and CB2 receptors (immune system, digestive tract and other organs): endocannabinoids bind to them and transmit signals to many organ systems.
- Enzymes: break down endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their function.
This complex intricate network regulates many important body functions, including mood, sleep, pain perception, the immune system, memory, movement, appetite, and many others.
CBN binds to cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, but with arguably higher affinity for CB2 receptors. Unlike THC, CBN does not form a strong binding to CB1 and therefore does not have strong intoxicating effects.
Research into the benefits of CBN is at an early stage. However, experts expect that CBN may have potential:
- induce drowsiness
- relieve pain and inflammation
- promote overall mental health (relieve stress, anxiety)
- increase appetite
- boost the immune system
Although some of these benefits are promising, more studies need to be done.
CBN for sleep, or the path to rest
Does CBN help sleep? To find out, let's go back in time again. When the forest dwellers used old cannabis, it made them feel sleepy. They attributed this to CBN, so word spread that CBN had a sedative effect. But according to neuroscientist and psychopharmacology researcher Dr Ethan Russo, it's not CBN, but "old" terpenes. Russo said that aging cannabis loses monoterpenoids while retaining sesquiterpenoids, which are likely to produce a sedative effect.
Although several small studies suggest that CBN may be a sedative with potential in addressing insomnia, current evidence suggests that its sedative properties are not as pronounced when taken alone.
In a study led by Ethan Russo, they found that CBN shows possible potential sedative effects when combined with THC and certain terpenes. This brings us to the so-called entourage effect. According to this theory, the compounds are thought to act synergistically and to enhance each other's effects. It seems that CBN, especially when used with other cannabinoids, can promote restful sleep.
Definitive conclusions on how CBN affects sleep are not yet available. We can only let the scientists work and wait for further research.
Relax under the palm tree: What is CBN oil?
CBN oil is a cannabis extract, it is a combination of a cannabinoid extract from the cannabis plant and a carrier oil (carrier). By the way, CBN oil is often combined with CBD, for a simple reason. This is because researchers believe that CBN is more effective when combined with the two main cannabinoids, CBD and THC. Oils and drops that accomplish this are referred to as full-spectrum.
In contrast, a CBN isolate is a pure compound of CBN. Isolates are made from only one active cannabinoid. The 2021 review of studies had a clear objective, namely to answer the question: "Is there sufficient clinical evidence to support the claim that CBN has sleep-promoting effects?" This study found no sedative properties in CBN isolate.
However, according to another study, CBN combined with THC and CBD improved sleep quality in some users.
What does this imply? If you're looking for an oasis of relaxation, choose full spectrum or broad spectrum CBN oils.
Full-spectrum oils contain CBN and a variety of other cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG, terpenes, flavonoids and other compounds, including the allowed amount of THC.
Broad-spectrum oils do not contain THC but contain other cannabinoids in addition to CBN, such as CBD, CBC, CBG and CBDA.
Watch out, the coconut is falling! 🥥 Can you smell the coconut scent wafting through the rainforest? These fragrant coconuts are the source of MCT coconut oil, which is the carrier of Canntropy's broad spectrum CBN premium oil containing 40% CBN. Snuggle up under a palm tree 🌴 and take a moment to relax with our CBN oil.
CBN: Basic facts
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CBN |
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Occurrence in cannabis |
Yes, a minority cannabinoid, only found in trace amounts in the plant. |
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Production |
It is formed during the decomposition of THC (under the influence of heat, light and oxygen), simply put, it is an oxidized version of THC. |
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Psychoactive properties |
It is considered non-psychoactive. |
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Interaction with receptors in (ECS) |
Binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, probably higher affinity to CB2 receptors. |
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Therapeutic potential |
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Products |
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Conclusion
So together we have discovered another cannabinoid with significant therapeutic potential. Although CBN is not nearly as well researched as CBD, we can expect studies to emerge in the future that will reveal its further benefits.
CBN's potential to combat insomnia is related to its synergy with the cannabinoids THC and CBD and terpenes. Choose broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products that combine cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
If you are going for cannabinoid CBN, choose an experienced and verified guide that offers quality products. With us, you'll get safe products that are subject to lab testing, self-certified and contain no harmful substances.
Choose a route according to your capabilities and expected experience. Each trail leads to a different part of the hemp forest. You can head to an oasis of relaxation with CBN, CBD or H4CBD, or explore the wilderness with exotic cannabinoids.
Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned cannabivore, always start with the lowest dose possible.
Original author: Patricie Mikolášová, translated by: AI
Photo: Pixabay
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