According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, over 40 million adults in the United States have an anxiety disorder. This makes it the most common mental health issue in the US. Treating anxiety can look different for everyone.
Many CBD users have claimed the cannabinoid has helped them with their anxiety. We still need more medical research to understand the greater role cannabinoids can play in treating anxiety. So, while we can’t say cannabinoids can treat anxiety, we can point out that they have specific effects that can play a supportive role in a comprehensive anxiety treatment plan.
Cannabinol, or CBN, is not as well-known as CBD, but given its calming effects, it may be a good idea to consider incorporating it into your wellness routine.
Effects of CBN & Anxiety
CBN is most associated with its calming effects, but what other effects can you expect when taking it? Preliminary studies have found that CBN has potential effects such as sleep-supporting, supporting healthy inflammation, and brain health.
CBN Effects:
- Sleep Support (When combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes)
- Healthy Inflammatory Support
- Discomfort Management
- Brain Support
- Antibacterial Effects
Sleep Support
CBN, as an isolated cannabinoid, doesn’t have any proven sedative effects. However, when combined with other cannabinoids like CBD and THC and complimentary terpenes, CBN has been shown to support sleep quality [1].
Health Inflammatory Support
A few studies demonstrate CBN’s potential to support a healthy immune response. In a recent study, CBN reduced the release of pro-inflammatory ILs (Interleukins) when tested on an inflamed keratinocyte model [2].
The hemp plant's anti-inflammatory potential has made it very interesting for the medical industry. However, it’s important to remember that we are still in the research phase of cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory behavior.
Discomfort Management
CBN is not considered an analgesic in the traditional sense. However, researchers are interested in its potential to provide relief. In a 2019 study, CBN was found to alleviate nerve growth factor-induced sensitization in the masseter muscle of murine models by activating CB1 receptors [3].
While we need more research on human models to understand CBN’s potential analgesic effects better, researchers agree that the current evidence from animal models provides intriguing evidence worth exploring more [4].
Brain Health
A 2022 glaucoma study demonstrates CBN's direct neuroprotective effects on the cells of neuronal origin [5]. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, this research demonstrated that CBN improved cell survival compared to other cannabinoids tested, including CBD and THC [5].
This study provides exciting results that hopefully encourage researchers to continue examining CBN’s potential role in neurodegenerative diseases.
Antibacterial Effects
Many physicians and researchers have been interested in cannabinoids' potential antibacterial effects. In a 2020 study conducted on dental plaque, CBC and CBN were the most effective for reducing bacterial growth [6].
CBN’s potential antibacterial activity suggests that it may help combat bacterial infections, as that’s what its role is in the hemp plant; however, more research is needed to determine the full scope of its effectiveness in humans.
Is CBN Good for Anxiety?
Current research for CBN mainly focuses on its potential role for sleep, but even this research does show promising results for its effects on anxiety. With the effects discussed above, CBN may be able to support other aspects of wellness which may contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Given that CBN is created from degraded THC, it is considered mildly psychoactive (though only in extremely high doses). Its effects are much weaker than THC, so it does not produce the same “high” effect as THC. However, even though its mild, psychoactive effects can sometimes worsen anxiety.
Sensitivity to psychoactive effects is dependent on the individual and does not necessarily mean that CBN will worsen anxiety symptoms. Many consumers report feeling mellow when taking CBN. However, it is something to consider when choosing a cannabinoid to add to your anxiety management plan.
Should I use CBN or CBG or CBD for Anxiety?
CBD is known to have more mood-supporting effects than CBN or CBG [7].
When comparing these cannabinoids and their potential support for anxiety, its important to look at the research. CBD has the most research when it comes to its connection with mood support, though it’s still not FDA-approved to address anxiety.
There is not currently enough research on CBN’s effect on anxiety. However, there is more research examining CBD’s potential role in anxiety.
If you’re to go with the most-researched back option, then CBD is the best bet for support with a stress management plan compared to CBN or CBG.
Does CBN actually work for Anxiety?
CBN’s calming and sedative-like effects, it makes sense to be curious about how it could benefit your anxiety. While research is limited, there is promising results for CBN’s potential health benefits.
If the potential effects mentioned, such as calming, brain support, and immune support, sound like the effects you’re seeking, then you should discuss implementing CBN into your wellness plan with a healthcare professional.
References:
- Bailey, M. M., Emily Mills, M. C., Haas, A. E., Bailey, K., & Kaufmann, R. C. (2022). The effects of subacute exposure to a water-soluble cannabinol compound in male mice. Journal of Cannabis Research, 4(1), 44.
- Di Meo, C., Tortolani, D., Standoli, S., Ciaramellano, F., Angelucci, B. C., Tisi, A., ... & Maccarrone, M. (2024). Cannabinol modulates the endocannabinoid system and shows TRPV1‐mediated anti‐inflammatory properties in human keratinocytes. BioFactors.
- 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.
- Elikottil, J., Gupta, P., & Gupta, K. (2009). The analgesic potential of cannabinoids. Journal of opioid management, 5(6), 341.
- Somvanshi, R. K., Zou, S., Kadhim, S., Padania, S., Hsu, E., & Kumar, U. (2022). Cannabinol modulates neuroprotection and intraocular pressure: A potential multi-target therapeutic intervention for glaucoma. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular Basis of Disease, 1868(3), 166325.
- Stahl, V., & Vasudevan, K. (2020). Comparison of efficacy of cannabinoids versus commercial oral care products in reducing bacterial content from dental plaque: A preliminary observation. Cureus, 12(1).
- Zuardi, A. W., de Souza Crippa, J. A., Hallak, J. E. C., Campos, A. C. D., & Guimarães, F. S. (2017). The anxiolytic effects of Cannabidiol (CBD). In Handbook of cannabis and related pathologies (pp. e131-e139). Academic Press.
