CBN (cannabinol) is a minor cannabinoid, which means it's not found in very significant quantities in cannabis plants. CBN is found more concentrated in older marijuana flowers. It's been given the nickname the "sleep molecule" because many marijuana users found that older flowers produced a "couch-lock" and sleepy effect, and aged marijuana buds will naturally have higher levels of CBN.
CBN was at first mistaken as the primary psychoactive compound, but it turns out CBN is a metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the true main psychoactive cannabinoid. CBN is formed as the THC molecule degrades from UV exposure and oxidation.
What Are The CBN Oil Effects?
As a metabolite of the THC compound, CBN's shape allows it to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in our body. While CBN vs THC, are almost similar to one another, CBN doesn't appear to unlock the same flood of feel-good hormones that induces the marijuana high from THC, so it's classified as a non-intoxicating compound.
Activating these receptors with CBN may help balance mood, metabolism, the sleep-wake cycle, pain sensation, and the immune response.
What Are The CBN Side Effects?
CBN appears to be very safe and well-tolerated, similar to CBD. If you take too many CBN products, you can experience listed side effects such as fatigue, dry mouth, & dizziness.
Most of the negative experiences with CBN involve taking large doses and poor-quality products, so it's advised that you build up your doses slowly and only shop for CBN with reputable brands.
Some of the side effects of CBN you should look out for include:
- Changes in appetite
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Dry mouth
Thankfully none of the side effects of CBN oil are long-term, and they should subside after the CBN has run its course through your system. The effects of CBN can last 4–6 hours, depending on the dose and your metabolism.
Some people may also experience negative drug interactions when taking a CBD product or CBN products as cannabinoids and most prescription medication are metabolized by the liver.
Can CBN Help With Sleep?
CBN isolate products are becoming extremely popular in the cannabis space as a natural way to promote sleep. The problem with this marketing is that it lacks substantial scientific evidence.
The rumor emerged from people smoking high CBN cannabis flower or aged cannabis and experiencing a heavy, relaxed body and sleepiness. Leading cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo argues that this was due to the degradation of the THC molecule, which then lessens the psychoactive nature of the flower initiates the transformation of other phytochemicals—not just THC into CBN [6].
Most studies looking at CBN's health benefits found that it produces more substantial effects combined with other cannabinoids to produce the entourage effect. If you're looking to use CBN products to support a good night's sleep, it's best taken as a full spectrum with THC or broad spectrum extract rather than a pure CBN product [7].
There are many cannabinoids found to support healthy sleep cycles through their ability to tone the endocannabinoid system, which helps to keep the sleep-wake cycle in homeostasis.
CBN acts on certain receptors to support anti-inflammatory functions and muscle relaxation that may help some people fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night, depending on what causes their insomnia, but it's not known as a particularly sedative compound.
CBN is sometimes compared with melatonin due to its potential sleep-promoting effects. While melatonin is well-known for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, CBN may help through its anti-inflammatory functions and muscle relaxation properties. For those who had bad experience using melatonin, CBN gummies with zero melatonin are a viable option for sleep support.
Is CBN Legal?
CBN is regulated under the same laws as CBD with the introduction of the 2018 Farm Bill Act.
As long as the CBN is derived from hemp plants that contain less than 0.3% THC, it's considered legal. The problem is that it's very difficult to get high concentrations of CBN from hemp plants, as CBN is a byproduct of THC oxidation.
How Do CBN and CBD Compare?
CBD, widely found in hemp, stands out as a chief cannabis compound, heavily researched alongside THC. Users turn to CBD benefits span pain relief, sleep assistance, digestion, and focus, largely attributed to its enhancement of the endocannabinoid system. Unlike its direct binding to cannabinoid receptors, CBD optimizes endocannabinoid sensitivity and maintains their levels by halting their breakdown.
In contrast, CBN presents its own unique set of advantages. While both CBN and CBD can be sleep aids, CBN might be more sedative. Their mutual support for the endocannabinoid system is evident, but the way they interact with receptors sets them apart. Comprehensive research is essential to delve deeper into their individual and comparative effects.
Potential Cannabinol Effects
Preliminary research suggests that CBN may have a range of potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This section will summarize some existing scientific evidence on CBN's health benefits.
While further research is needed to confirm these findings, this preliminary research provides some promising clues about CBN's therapeutic potential.
1. CBN May Cause The Munchies
In this rodent study, CBN increased food consumption and duration of feeding time without any dangerous side effects [1]. These early stages of research on the effects of CBN on appetite are promising as CBN could be a viable alternative for those who need an appetite boost without getting high from THC.
2. CBN May Have Antibacterial Properties
It's believed that cannabis Sativa plants produce cannabinoids to protect the plant from harmful bacteria, pests, and the environment.
A few studies suggest that CBN may have antibacterial actions that inhibit the growth of microorganisms that cause disease. This in vitro study observed that CBN and other cannabinoid concentrates inhibit the growth of several methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria strains [2].
3. CBN May Provide Muscle-Relaxing Benefits
Researchers found that CBN on its own and combined with CBD offers potent anticonvulsant and analgesic effects (pain relief) in an in vitro study [3]. The combination of CBN and CBD seemed to have longer-lasting effects than isolate compounds.
4. CBN May Support Eye Health
CBN may also provide support for eye health without inducing intoxicating effects—unlike THC. One study found that CBN successfully relieved intraocular hypertension in rabbits [5]. Again, this research shows its potential medical effects, but as of right now, there's not enough evidence to suggest that CBN should be used to treat glaucoma in humans or replace current treatments.
Overall CBN Effect
Research on CBN use for medical treatment for health conditions is still ongoing and limited. Overall, the recent scientific research on cannabinol is very encouraging and suggests that CBN could play an important role in the future of cannabis-based therapies.
The effects of CBN seem to vary in individuals depending on the product, dosing, and the individual's health. The general sentiment of CBN use seems to be very calming and relaxing.
Most product dosage ranges for CBN products should start at around 20–50 mg of CBN per serving—but you will need to test out the compound for yourself and see how you react to it, and adjust accordingly
There are currently no CBN products approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or mitigate any health conditions. If you have an underlying health condition, it's best to consult your doctor for professional advice.
The best CBN products are full spectrum extracted oils as they provide more potent and well-rounded effects. You should be cautious of marketing claims on CBN isolate products as there's a lack of scientific evidence for its ability to provide support for anxiety or sleep on its own.
FAQ
What are the side effects of CBN oil?
CBN oil may lead to side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. It also has the potential to interact with other medications, consult a healthcare professional before adding CBN to your routine.
What does CBN feel like?
CBN, or cannabinol, typically induces relaxation and a mild sense of euphoria. It's commonly associated with sedative effects and may promote calmness, though individual responses can vary depends on dosage and individual tolerance.
Does CBN get you high?
CBN may cause mild psychoactive effects, but it's usually less potent than THC and doesn't typically result in a strong "high." CBN-containing products usually have minimal THC, around 0.3% or less.
Can CBN cause anxiety?
No, CBN on the other hand has shown potential in some studies for its calming effects, which could aid in anxiety management. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before considering CBN or any other supplement for anxiety.
Does CBN make me sleepy?
Yes, Cannabinol (CBN) is commonly associated with sedative effects and may contribute to feelings of sleepiness.
Resources:
- Farrimond, J. A., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2012). Cannabinol and cannabidiol exert opposing effects on rat feeding patterns. Psychopharmacology, 223(1), 117-129.
- Appendino, G., Gibbons, S., Giana, A., Pagani, A., Grassi, G., Stavri, M., ... & Rahman, M. M. (2008). Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: a structure− activity study. Journal of natural products, 71(8), 1427-1430.
- Wong, H., & Cairns, B. E. (2019). Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain. Archives of oral biology, 104, 33-39.
- Mack A, Joy J. Marijuana as Medicine? The Science Beyond the Controversy. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000. 9, MARIJUANA AND GLAUCOMA.
- Elsohly, M. A., Harland, E. C., Benigni, D. A., & Waller, C. W. (1984). Cannabinoids in glaucoma II: the effect of different cannabinoids on intraocular pressure of the rabbit. Current eye research, 3(6), 841-850.
- Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.
- Corroon, J. (2021). Cannabinol and Sleep: Separating Fact from Fiction. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 6(5), 366-371.
- Cassano, T., Villani, R., Pace, L., Carbone, A., Bukke, V. N., Orkisz, S., ... & Serviddio, G. (2020). From Cannabis sativa to cannabidiol: Promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Frontiers in pharmacology, 11, 124.
- Devinsky, O., Cilio, M. R., Cross, H., Fernandez‐Ruiz, J., French, J., Hill, C., ... & Friedman, D. (2014). Cannabidiol: pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Epilepsia, 55(6), 791-802.
- Velasco, G., Hernández-Tiedra, S., Dávila, D., & Lorente, M. (2016). The use of cannabinoids as anticancer agents. Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology and biological psychiatry, 64, 259-266.Chicago
