Cannabinol, or CBN, is created from degraded THC. However, this doesn’t mean they are the same thing. They offer distinct effects and potential benefits.
THC is naturally abundant in freshly harvested cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBN is not naturally found this way. Instead, CBN is created when THC degrades due to air, light, heat, and aging. THC oxidizes and converts to CBN.
This also means that CBN is generally considered to be 1/10th as potent as THC in terms of psychoactive effects. THC is known for its “high” because of its more substantial psychoactive effects, while CBN only produces very mild psychoactive effects that aren’t considered psychotropic.
CBN vs. THC Differences
Not only do THC and CBN have different extraction methods, but they also interact with the body in different ways to produce unique effects. There are a few important key differences between CBN and THC. Each cannabinoid is associated with its relaxing effects, but these effects align with different purposes.
For example, THC’s relaxing effects are more associated with a “chill vibe,” whereas CBN’s relaxing effects have become associated with nighttime support. CBN has even been described as having sedative-like effects by its users.
|
Aspect |
THC |
CBN |
|
Psychoactivity |
Strong psychoactive effects ("high") |
Mild or non-psychoactive |
|
Source |
Fresh cannabis plants |
Formed as THC degrades over time |
|
Effects |
Euphoria, altered perception, relaxation |
Relaxing, calming, sedative-like |
|
Health Benefits |
Pain relief support, nausea, appetite stimulation |
Sleep aid, anxiety support, mild pain relief support |
|
Legal Status |
Legal when under 0.3% total content, Strictly regulated (depending on region) |
Fewer restrictions, but legality varies |
|
Availability |
Some states have a zero-tolerance policy for THC, while some allow it when under the 0.3% federal limit, and some states have legalized THC in higher doses. |
The 2018 Farm Bill made CBN legal federally. However, if the product contains THC, then it may not be available in all states. |
CBN and THC Together
CBN and THC combined can be a pretty powerful combo. Since both of these cannabinoids are associated with relaxing effects, the combination of them can lead to an enjoyable experience when looking for relaxation support.
Some products, like full spectrum CBN products, combine the two in thoughtful doses so you experience the entourage effect with enhanced effects from both THC and CBN products. This can take the guesswork out of determining an appropriate dose of each if you combine them.
CBD and CBN, also are considerably more accessible. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, these two cannabinoids are legal federally. Some states have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to THC, so you will be unable to buy full THC + CBD products in those places, but there are many THC-free CBD products.
THC and CBN vs CBD
The main difference between CBD compared to THC and CBN is that it’s not psychoactive. While CBN is only considered mildly psychoactive, CBD doesn’t offer psychoactive effects at all. This can be ideal for those who are sensitive to psychoactive effects or find that THC worsens their feelings of anxiety.
These three highly popular cannabinoids also interact with the body in different ways. THC binds primarily to CB1 receptors in the brain, potentially affecting mood, memory, and motor skills. Whereas CBD primarily interacts with CB2 receptors, which are mainly located in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. This has led to some exciting research surrounding CBD’s potential support for modulating immune responses.
CBN is somewhere between CBD and THC because it has a particular affinity for interacting with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, it doesn’t bind as strongly to these receptors as THC does, which is why its effects are considered to be more subtle.
Which is the Better Choice, CBN or THC?
CBN and THC both offer unique health benefits. Some of these health benefits may align with your personal health goals more than others. Full-spectrum CBN products will contain THC as well, which can also be an enjoyable experience.
The main difference between CBN and THC is the strength of the psychoactive effects. While CBN is considered to be psychoactive, since it can alter your brain’s functions, it does not produce strong enough effects to notice. If you’re someone who enjoys the psychoactive behavior of THC, then you may want to go with a THC product or a combined CBN and THC product.
