Everything you need to know about CBN
Everything you need to know about CBN
Cannabinol(CBN) is one of dozens of hemp-derived cannabinoids currently being studied by scientists. Read on and discover the main qualities of CBN, a mildly psychotropic cannabinoid that can exist solely due to THC.
Content:
- What is CBN?
- How does CBN work?
- What are the effects of CBN?
- Products with CBN
- CBN: a minor cannabinoid, but potentially important for your health
What is CBN?
Cannabinol is classified as a cannabinoid found in small amounts in the hemp plant. Still, the substance can be very useful in health products. And as more and more research appears on the cannabinoid’s effects, we can also better determine the extent to which CBN has a beneficial effect on bodily processes, such as sleep and appetite.
However, isolating and utilizing CBN comes with several challenges. As mentioned, cannabinol is considered a “minor” cannabinoid because it occurs naturally in low concentrations in living cannabis plants, especially compared to CBD or THC. And this brings us to the second challenge: CBN is a derivative of THC. And you can probably imagine that this might lead to problems when it comes to legality.
Also interesting to note, CBN was one of the first cannabinoids discovered in the 19th century. However, its chemical structure was not determined by scientists until about 1930.
This is because not all cannabinoids are present in the plant in the same proportion or at the same time. For example, cannabinoids slowly change into various other compounds when exposed to light, air or heat. This is especially true of CBN, which is formed when THC oxidizes. Thus, to take advantage of a naturally high CBN content, you must use mature cannabis plants or ripened plant material.
What is the difference between CBN and CBD?
The most striking difference between CBN and CBD is how the two cannabinoids are created. As already briefly touched upon, CBN is formed when THC breaks down due to aging and exposure to the elements. CBD, on the other hand, is on its own branch of the cannabinoid family tree. Because CBD is relatively abundant in modern hemp and cannabis plants, it is considered a “major” cannabinoid, as opposed to the “minor” CBN.
The difference in chemical structure also affects how CBD and CBN interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD acts as a kind of manager of the ECS, while CBN has more affinity for specific receptors in your body, namely receptors related to sleep, mood and appetite.
Moreover, CBN is considered mildly psychotropic, especially at higher doses. However, this issue is somewhat sensitive. In fact, the cannabinoid is not intoxicating, like THC, but you should count on mental effects. CBD is generally thought not to induce a psychoactive effect, but this too is still debated. Either way, both cannabinoids are often used as health supplements, without having much effect on your consciousness.
Not to mention the potential benefits of the entourage effect. This phenomenon revolves around the influence of cannabinoids when they work together, with CBN and CBD in combination potentially possessing great potency.
What about CBN and drug testing?
Since CBN is created thanks to THC, it makes sense to wonder what happens if you have to take a drug test. In general, CBN is not included in the list of drugs that drug tests look for. That said, CBN is of course derived from THC. So there is always a very small chance of a false positive result in a drug test.
However, products carefully made from hemp containing CBN are highly unlikely to cause problems during a drug test. But if the CBN product is made from material from the cannabis plant, there is a greater risk that the THC content will exceed the legally permissible amount.
How does CBN work?
To understand how cannabinoids like CBN can affect important biological functions, we must first look at the ECS. The purpose of this regulatory system is to maintain the balance between different biological systems, such as your immune, digestive and central nervous systems.
The ECS performs this task primarily through a network of CB1 and CB2 receptors, with each receptor group activated by specific compounds. For example, when a cannabinoid binds to a receptor on cells in your immune system, it can drive various biological changes here.
This is explained somewhat simplified, but thanks to the ECS, all cannabinoids work with your body in this way, including CBN. However, cannabinol seems to bind mainly to CB2 receptors, which are mainly located in the immune system and peripheral organs.
CBN and the ECS
In addition, test tube studies suggest that CBN may also affect TRP channels. This is a group of receptors roughly related to sensations such as pain, body temperature and taste.
Fortunately, CBN has no affinity for CB1 receptors, so the molecule does not induce any notable psychotropic side effects. But, as is often the case with lesser-known cannabinoids, we still do not know exactly what the mechanism of action of CBN is, as well as exactly what its effects are.
What are the effects of CBN?
Preclinical studies indicate a handful of interactions, but isolating CBN is challenging. Therefore, no comprehensive studies have yet been done. Early results seem very positive, but larger, comprehensive trials are needed to say more about this.
CBN and the appetite
THC’s appetite-stimulating properties have been widely studied, but the downside is that the compound has psychotropic side effects. Therefore, the University of Reading tested whether cannabinol (along with CBD and CBG) might also be able to influence appetite, without unwanted side effects.
During the study, CBN and CBD showed an interesting impact on “appetite behavior,” while CBG caused “no changes.” Therefore, the researchers concluded that cannabinol could potentially be an alternative to THC in the future.
CBN and inflammation
The FASEB Journal published a comprehensive review examining the effects of numerous compounds from Cannabis sativa. Of the 12 compounds evaluated, CBN showed a promising relationship with chronic inflammation.
Moreover, the review concluded that the compounds “generally did not generate adverse effects.” However, the scientists did note that the mechanism of action was different from that of traditional NSAIDs (drugs used in inflammation), and therefore further research is needed.
CBN and sleep
Some also claim that CBN may be beneficial for sleep, but a review by American researchers calls this into question. That does not mean, however, that CBN has little or no effect on your sleep. Rather, it seems that the complex relationship between CBN and the endocannabinoid system simply needs to be better explored.
The 2021 study correctly states that “more randomized controlled trials are needed” and that “these studies should specifically evaluate effects on sleep” through validated surveys. The upside, however, is that CBN appears to have few undesirable side effects, making it certainly worthwhile to further investigate its impact on sleep.
Products with CBN
Isolation of significant amounts of CBN is difficult, but not impossible. Consequently, numerous CBN products are now available. In addition, there are many CBD oils, capsules and supplements that utilize cannabinol for more rounded effects.
– CBN oil: such oils harness the influence of CBN and that of mild amounts of CBD for a multifaceted impact on your health. Dosing is similar to using CBD-rich products: often taking 3-4 drops three times daily is a great way to become familiar with CBN.
– Complete Sleep: this sophisticated blend of CBD, CBN, chamomile and lavender may support natural sleep from which you truly rest. A key benefit of CBN is its synergy with other natural ingredients that are beneficial for sleep and sleep quality. This easy-to-use supplement has long-lasting effects with the above compounds and is ideal for people who want to experience the properties of CBN.
– Stay Asleep Capsules: these convenient capsules also play on the synergistic effect between CBN and other natural ingredients. With CNB, CBD, hops and 5-HTP, this unique formula supports a good night’s sleep in an all-natural way. Restful sleep is super important for your mental and physical health, and supplements that contain multiple cannabinoids can come in handy.
CBN: a minor cannabinoid, but potentially important for your health
Despite the elusive nature of CBN, there is no doubt that this subordinate cannabinoid may have potential in terms of sleep, inflammation and appetite. However, it is important to conduct more placebo-controlled trials with humans, looking at the effects of CBN in isolation as well as in combination with other natural ingredients.
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