What Is CBN?

We’d like to introduce you to CBD’s “sleepy cousin”, cannabinol, better known as CBN. 

If you haven’t heard of CBN before now, you’re not alone. As far as cannabinoids go, for decades the spotlight has firmly been on THC and now CBD. But what if we told you that CBN was the first cannabinoid discovered all the way back at the end of the 19th century? It’s true!

CBN is a compound found in hemp plants just like CBD. However, it’s made a little differently. CBN is created when THC degrades over time, but it doesn’t retain its psychoactive effects. So, you won’t get high from it as you would THC, but you may feel a few benefits or welcomed effects. Most notably, a calming, sedative effect which is why CBN has the nickname it does! 

In this article, we’re going to shed a little more light on CBN, focusing on how it compares to CBD, a few of its potential benefits and how to take CBN if you’re interested.

Differences Between CBD & CBN

CBD and CBN are two types of cannabinoids that exist in hemp plants. In general, CBD is found in much higher concentrations than CBN. But with a little work, experts in the field are able to extract enough CBN to put it to good use. 

CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical compound, so it doesn’t produce the high feeling that THC does. Some folks might think that CBN will be psychoactive because it’s a derivative of THC, but we haven’t found that to be true. The CBN used in our products is derived from industrial grade hemp and will not produce these unwanted effects. 

CBN has been researched for its potential to help with various issues similar to those for which people take CBD. Some of these include insomnia, reduction of inflammation and swelling, as an aid in reducing seizures and for controlling anxiety.

The Potential Benefits of CBN & How It Works

CBN works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system that we all have in our bodies. CBN works by binding to the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, according to research.

An exciting aspect of CBN is it’s not psychoactive like THC, so there’s no extreme high to deal with. Anecdotal reports have people explaining they feel more relaxed and less anxious after using CBN products. This is good if you want to wind down and get some sleep without worrying about the potential for feeling out of control, as some do when taking THC.

CBN has been researched for a whole bunch of reasons. Medical investigators are excited by its potential as an anti-inflammatory and for the modulation of pain perception. It also may help as an appetite stimulant which has a lot of potential.

The most exciting aspect of CBN for us so far is its benefit as a sleep-aid. This goes back to the calming, sedative effect that we mentioned earlier. And it’s one that appears to work well when paired with CBD. 

The favorable effects of combining CBN and CBD in a single product are due to what’s known as botanical synergy, or the “entourage effect.” This is when compounds in a plant work together to produce better and more favorable effects. Given what we already know about CBD’s potential for helping with sleep, it’s no wonder that it makes a great team when paired with CBN.

Though CBN was the first cannabinoid discovered, research into it is still in its early days. As time goes on, we look forward to learning more about CBN and its benefits to CBD users.

Products with CBN

CBN is often available as CBN oil and will come in bottles similar to how you buy your CBD drops. In fact, many CBN oils will also contain similar amounts (or more) of CBD as well. 

You’ll also find CBN in other forms, such as gummies. These are especially great because they’re convenient to take and make for a sweet treat. They’re perfect in the evening when you’re winding down and looking for both a snack and to get into prep mode for bedtime. 

For an even deeper sleep, you’ll want to try our Sleepi Bedtime Bestie gummies which are specifically formulated with a unique blend of organically grown CBD, CBN, melatonin and terpenes to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and improve your quality of sleep. By taking one of these bedtime besties 30 minutes to an hour before bed, you’ll be able to experience a calmer mind and a more restful sleep, packed in a tasty blueberry extract flavored gummy. 

How much CBN to take is very similar to how much CBD to take. And because, as we said, they’re often combined in CBD products, you can follow the same guidelines. Just remember to always listen to your body! It’s important to note that while CBN is formed from THC, it is present in plant material only after it has cured or aged for a certain period. So, if you or someone you know is looking to try CBN for the first time, your best bet is to purchase legitimate CBN products.

Final Thoughts on CBN

CBN does not produce the same psychoactive effects as THC. It offers an alternative way to experience cannabinoids without getting extremely high like one might from THC. If you’re looking for some relief from sleeplessness and to promote better homeostasis in your life, you may want to give CBN products a try!