What is CBN?

Posted by Lark on December 6th, 2021

What is CBN?

CBN is a weak psychoactive cannabinoid; it does not produce the same buzz as its cousin THC. However, it\'s well known for its relaxing and sleep-inducing properties.

CBN is not a direct product of the cannabis plant like THC and CBD. Instead, when THC is aged or exposed to UV light or heat, it breaks down into smaller cannabinoids, including CBN. For the same reason, mature cannabis plants have higher CBN content.

How Does CBN Works?

CBN works similarly to THC and CBD by binding to cannabinoid receptors. However, its affinity is much lower than these two cannabinoids. CB1 is the most studied cannabinoid receptor and is found in the brain. CB2 is found mainly in the immune system and gastrointestinal tract. There are many more receptors in the body that are not extensively studied.

When cannabinoid bind to receptors, they start a series of cellular events that lead to neurotransmitters\' release. Each neurotransmitter has a different function and can affect memory, pain, mood, appetite, and more.

CBN binds very weakly to cannabinoid receptors, so it does not cause the same sensation as THC. For example, THC causes a strong euphoric feeling by stimulating dopamine release. But CBN gives only 25% of the dopamine response as THC.

Benefits of CBN

Most people use CBN for sleep,  but some preliminary research suggests CBN may have other exciting benefits.

Sleep Aid: CBN is a solid option for people who have chronic insomnia. CBN users claim that it aids them in falling asleep and improves their sleep quality.

Pain Relief: CBN has analgesic properties and can help people cope with acute and chronic pain in conditions like fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis.

Neuroprotective: CBN may help protect the brain and spinal cord from damage caused by inflammation and oxidation. Continuous usage over a year can delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. But, again, extensive study in humans is still needed.

Anxiety Reduction: Due to its ability to modulate GABA receptors, CBN has been shown to reduce anxiety in both humans and animals.

Appetite Stimulant: It seems that cannabinol also helps increase appetite in people with AIDS, cancer, or other conditions that lead to weight loss.

The Entourage Effect With CBD

CBN and CBD have several structural similarities, yet they differ in how they affect cannabinoid receptors in the body. When used together, they seem to potentiate each others\' effects. Promising studies indicate that combining the two can create a potent analgesic (pain killer) and reduce anxiety manifolds compared to when either is used alone.

Legal Status

Unlike CBD, CBN is treated like marijuana because of its mild psychoactive effects. You can buy CBN products in states where recreational use of marijuana is legal or if your physician has prescribed it.

There is still a lot of unknown about cannabinol, but the little that is known points to some exciting potential benefits. With more research, cannabinol could prove to be an important cannabinoid in the therapeutic cannabis arsenal.