While cannabinoids like CBD and THC have grabbed the cannabis headlines, remember that there are over 150 cannabinoids in the plant with unique therapeutic benefits. CBN (cannabinol) is one of many cannabinoids with active therapeutic benefits. It is often described as a sleep cannabinoid due to its sedative properties.
What is CBN?
CBN is a secondary cannabinoid derived from the oxidative breakdown of delta-9 THC. This is why CBN is mainly found in older flowers or mature buds.
The degradation process from THC to CBN is slow and takes from a few weeks to several years. A study published by the United Nations found that it takes four years for the potency of THC in the cannabis plant to decrease by 50%. This means that half of the total concentration of THC is converted into CBN in four years.
As a degraded product of THC, CBN is often present in trace amounts, which limits research into its potential use in cannabis production. There are also laboratory methods for converting THC to CBN.
CBN is mildly intoxicating and can produce a sedative effect, and has developed as the preferred cannabinoid for people who want to try cannabis for sleep without having to deal with the 'high' effects of THC or failing a drug test. drug testing. .
Like any other cannabinoid, CBN is capable of an entourage effect. A study published in 1975 showed how it could enhance the sedative effects of THC. Additionally, animal studies show that CBN helps improve sleep , an important benefit for people whose sleep is often interrupted.
Most researchers believe that the secret to unlocking the sleep benefits of CBN lies in the entourage effect . The entourage effect is a theory that suggests a possible interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes in the cannabis plant. These compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes) can act alone or in synergy to promote certain activities, such as sleep, psychoactive effects, etc.
What else is CBN used for?
In addition to CBN's potential to enhance the sedative effects of cannabis, it may interact with receptors to provide other therapeutic potentials. Information from a 2019 study found that CBN can help relieve pain and suggests that it may benefit people with fibromyalgia .
Although CBN is less studied than other cannabinoids, it has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects. Although some research is promising, more studies are needed on the long and short term effects of CBN.
Research on the effects of CBN is in its infancy and it has no established uses. However, experts hope it could have potential for the following purposes:
- pain management
- Induce drowsiness
- Increased appetite
- Fight inflammation
- coping with ADHD symptoms
- Support the immune system
- Glaucoma treatment
- Slow tumor growth
Some studies have investigated the potential effects of combining CBN with other cannabinoids . For example, studies are currently underway to determine if cannabinoids and terpenes can enhance the benefits of each compound.
Possible interactions and side effects
Although CBN is mildly sedating, its side effects are not known. There is not enough research for scientists to confirm whether CBN causes similar side effects to other cannabinoids, such as CBD. Nevertheless, most users confirm its sleeping/calming properties.
Is CBN legal?
The legal status of each cannabinoid depends solely on the source and the possible reaction in the body. Most hemp-derived cannabis products are legal because they contain no more than 0.3% THC. It benefits from legality on French territory, which authorizes the possession, production and sale of industrial hemp.
People who use CBN will not test positive for drugs. Except in high doses, a study published by the University of Utah shows that drug tests designed to detect THC can cross-react with CBN, causing a false positive. On average, a CBN concentration of up to 250 ng/ml in urine can be detected by a THC test.
What are high CBN CBD products?
Cannabis contains traces of CBN because it is a breakdown product of THC. the rates may differ depending on the products and the desired effect, here is a list of our best products containing cbn , available in different forms: Oils, capsules...
All our products are certified by a laboratory test.
