Over 100 identified cannabinoids found in the parts of the cannabis plant have varying effects on the body. Two of the most known major cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
What most folks don’t know is there are minor cannabinoids with equally valuable benefits, like cannabinol (abbreviated to CBN). CBN was the first cannabinoid to be isolated in 1940, way before CBD was isolated.
Get to know the essential aspects of CBN, like its uses, legality, consumer trends, and more, in this article.
🔑 Key Takeaways
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Cannabinol is naturally produced after THC molecules start to break down following the maturity of hemp. This process, called decarboxylation, needs heat and oxygen to kick off.
CBN has a mild intoxicating power that is fourfold weaker compared to THC’s strength. This effect can be explained through CBN’s curious way of interacting with the human endocannabinoid system or ECS (the body’s homeostasis regulator).
Cannabinol is a weak CB1 receptor partial agonist. Meaning, it can’t completely bind with CB1 receptors. Even if it can, it’s not strong enough to elicit a high level of psychoactivity. This mechanism also explains why CBN seems to exude a gentle lull instead of a euphoric high that’s great for relaxation and sleep.
| 📚 Definition The ECS has two types of receptors spread throughout the body: CB1 and CB2. These receptors bind with the cannabinoids you consume which influence how the ECS works. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. |
Compared to THC and CBD, CBN has a lesser collection of research. However, CBN is known to possess unique qualities such as being referred to as a “sleepy cannabinoid” due to its sedating tendencies.
With not much clinical study, it’s difficult to determine the potential side effects of CBN. However, two side effects are evident—drowsiness and getting a positive drug test result.
Get more context on CBN’s side effects and look for ways to mitigate them in this section.
Does CBN make you sleepy?
Especially when combined with CBD, CBN can make you feel sleepy and lethargic. For this reason, taking CBN during the day is not recommended as it might interfere with productivity.
The good news is, CBN’s sedating tendencies are helpful during bedtime, when a user might want to catch sleep quickly.
A study found that CBN can lead to a false positive drug test result. Albeit “false” the reading can still be a positive marijuana result. Experts recommend not taking chances and immediately abstain from taking CBN temporarily if you have any upcoming drug screening.
Although CBN is not THC, CBN extracts can contain traces of THC which will result in the detection of marijuana metabolites.
The same thing applies to all cannabinoids like CBD or CBG. Don’t take any cannabis-derived compound before a drug screening unless you’re completely sure the product is in isolate form with zero traces of THC.
| 🍃 Mitigating CBN Side Effects Some of the ways to reduce the risk of the CBN side effects are:
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Both cannabinoids might have a resemblance to their acronyms but CBN and CBD are definitely not the same thing. Both cannabinoids come from cannabis but each has different chemical structures, traits, and effects.
Here are some of the stark differences between CBN and CBD:
| Differences | Cannabinoid | |
| CBN | CBD | |
| Molecular Structure | C21H26O2 | C21H30O2 |
| Concentration | Less abundant | More abundant in volume |
| Psychoactivity | 4 times weaker psychoactive than THC | Completely non-psychoactive |
| Formation | Formed as THC breaks down from an aging cannabis plant | Formed from CBDA through heat and air exposure |
| Research | Less-researched | Well-researched |
| Effects | Tend to be more expensive and rare | Readily available and cheaper |
The ECS is a system responsible for maintaining the balance in the body. It regulates sleep, and appetite, among other things. Both compounds, CBN and CBD, engage with the ECS.
By binding to ECS receptors, CBN and CBD can influence several bodily regulations the ECS manages like sleep. The big question is, which compound is better suited to support sleep?
It turns out, that both cannabinoids can improve your quality of sleep. They just have different ways of supporting it. It might even be better to mix the two to enhance each compound’s effects.
CBN’s slightly sedating properties make it the perfect transition to deep sleep. Meanwhile, CBD’s relaxing properties make it a holistic approach to improving the quality of sleep.
CBN is also more perfect for nighttime than daytime use while CBD is more appropriate for daytime use.
For beginners, start with a lower CBN oil dose of 5 mg to 25 mg. Some respond well with 5 mg but others might need to slightly amp up the dosage to achieve desired results.
If you’re one of those who needs to increase their dosage, add 5 mg of CBN oil to your regular dose and try it for a week. Add another 5 mg if nothing is happening the next week.
Here is a CBN dosage chart recommendation and other information you might need for other products like gummies and vapes.
| Dosing Aspects | CBN Oil | CBN Gummies | CBN Vape | CBN Capsules |
| Starting dose | 5 mg | 10 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg |
| Bioavailability | 20-30% | 10-20% | 30-50% | 10-20% |
| Onset time | 10 to 15 minutes | 45 minutes to 1-hour | 10 to 15 minutes | 45 minutes to 1-hour |
| Lasting period | 2-4 hours | 4-6 hours | 2-4 hours | 4-6 hours |
Is CBN legal? The short answer is: that it depends on the source.
A hemp-derived CBN product is federally legal according to the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (formerly known as the 2018 Farm Bill). The Act effectively separated the definition of hemp from the controlled substance, marijuana.
| The definition of hemp according to the 2018 Farm Bill under 7 U.S.C. §1639o reads: “the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids . . . with a delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.” |
It’s safe to assume that CBN extracted from marijuana plants or contains more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis is illegal.
Cannabinoids like Delta 8 THC and CBD are stealing the spotlight on consumer trends. However, since 2021 started, companies have been leveraging CBN’s reputation for sleep, and the demand, if not climbing, is still there this 2023.
CBN product sales totaled over $65 million in 2021. Sales were predominantly from CBN edibles sold in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Oregon.
As more brands started to enter the CBN market, more products were introduced like CBN paired with THC in a 5 to 1 proportion. Aside from Edibles, CBN is starting to get infused vapes, sleeping masks, tinctures, and capsules.
The cannabinoid industry continues to expand and with the emergence of lesser-known cannabinoids like CBN, people have more options to explore now. Available in edible form, oils, tinctures, vape juice, and more, CBN is slowly getting known for its mild sedating effects suitable for those who want a quick wind down by the end of the day.
It’s important to note that experts recommend further clinical exploration of the potential benefits and safety profile of CBN for human consumption. In the meantime, stick with the average dosage and purchase from credible dispensaries and online stores.
What is CBN in gummies?
Nowadays, CBN can be infused in gummies which makes CBN consumption easier and fun. Although the onset of effects is slower on CBN gummies, the effects last longer.
What is CBN oil?
CBN oil is a product where carrier oil is mixed with concentrated CBN. It’s often consumed through the sublingual or oral method. A full spectrum CBN oil could contain a concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids as well.
What are CBN and CBG?
CBG, which stands for cannabigerol, is another cannabinoid like CBN. As a non-intoxicating compound, CBG can’t make you high with effects closely resembling CBD.
How long does CBN stay in the body?
Depending on the CBN product you’re using, the frequency, and how much was consumed, CBN could stay in your urine from 2 to 5 days.
What is the CBN dosage for dogs?
For a 30 ml-sized bottle with 300 mg CBN concentration, start with .25 ml per 20lbs dog weight 1-2 times a day.
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