What Is CBN & How Is It Different From Other Cannabinoids?
You might have heard about CBD and THC, but what about CBN? Known as the “sleepy cannabinoid,” CBN is making waves in the cannabis world for its potential to help with relaxation and sleep. But what exactly is CBN, and how does it compare to other cannabinoids?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CBN, including:
- What Is CBN?
- Where Does CBN Come From?
- Is CBN Psychoactive?
- What Are the Potential Benefits of CBN?
- CBN Compared to Other Cannabinoids
- FAQs about CBN
What is CBN?
CBN, or cannabinol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. But unlike THC or CBD, it isn’t produced directly in the trichomes, the resin glands of the plant. Instead, CBN develops gradually as THC breaks down due to exposure to light, heat, and oxygen—a process known as natural decarboxylation. This transformation often occurs in older cannabis plants, making CBN more prominent in aged plant material.1
As the first cannabinoid to be isolated in 1896, CBN caught the attention of both researchers and cannabis users alike in the 1940s.2 Though CBN is only mildly psychoactive, with a fraction of the potency of THC, it has still piqued interest for its potential therapeutic effects, particularly as a sleep aid.3
While scientific studies on CBN are still in the early stages, its presence in aged cannabis has made it a topic of interest for both researchers and consumers. Combined with its gentle psychoactive properties, CBN offers unique possibilities for wellness, particularly in promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.
Where Does CBN Come From?
CBN is actually a product of oxidative degradation. When Delta-9 THC is exposed to air and light over time, through a process of natural decarboxylation, it breaks down into CBN. This process means that older cannabis plants or improperly stored cannabis may have higher levels of CBN compared to fresher flower. Though CBN is a natural cannabinoid, it isn’t produced in the trichomes like other cannabinoids. Instead, the cannabinoid is a result of the plant’s aging process.4
Is CBN Psychoactive?
While CBN can produce mild psychoactive effects, it’s not nearly as potent as THC. Unlike THC, which binds strongly to the CB1 receptors in the brain, CBN binds much more weakly, making its psychoactive potential only about 25% as effective as THC. This means that even at higher doses, CBN tends to produce much milder effects, offering cannabis enthusiasts a slight sense of relaxation without the intense high commonly associated with THC.5
What Are the Potential Benefits of CBN?
CBN has a range of potential benefits, although research remains more limited compared to its more well-known counterparts, CBD and THC.6 However, the early findings show promise in several key areas:
- Sleep Aid: CBN is often highlighted for its mild sedative properties, which can make it an option for those seeking alternative ways to improve sleep quality. It's commonly recommended for individuals with insomnia or who have difficulty staying asleep, though more research is needed to confirm its overall effectiveness. Many users report that it helps them feel more relaxed, naturally easing them into sleep without the grogginess associated with other sleep aids.7
- Pain Relief & Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Similar to other cannabinoids, like CBD, CBN may offer pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. This has made it an attractive option for those managing chronic pain, arthritis, or inflammatory conditions. While more research is necessary, the potential to alleviate pain without the high associated with THC has gained attention.8
- Antibacterial Properties: Some studies suggest that CBN may act as a potent antibacterial agent, making it a potential candidate for addressing certain bacterial infections. This includes bacteria that may be resistant to traditional antibiotics.9
CBN Compared to Other Cannabinoids
CBN is just one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Here’s how it compares to some of the others:
CBN vs CBD
CBD is a well-known cannabinoid with no psychoactive effects, while CBN can produce mild psychoactive effects. CBN is considered a weaker version of THC because of how it’s made (i.e., a byproduct of naturally decarbed THC). However, CBD is a distinct plant compound with a different interaction profile with the endocannabinoid system. CBN has not been studied as extensively as CBD, though both have shown promise for pain relief and sleep.10
CBN vs CBG
CBG (cannabigerol) is another cannabinoid that is not psychoactive.11 It’s often praised for its potential anti-anxiety properties, whereas CBN might be more beneficial for sleep. Both CBN and CBG may aid in pain management, but their effects vary due to their unique interactions with the endocannabinoid system.12
CBN vs THC
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, making it much more potent than CBN. CBN is only about 25% as effective as THC in terms of producing a psychoactive response. Unlike THC, CBN is often sought for its milder effects, making it a good option for those who want relaxation without an intense high.
FAQs About CBN
Do you have more questions about CBN? Here are some common questions to help you get started, or ask your favorite budtender the next time you visit a dispensary.
Are there cannabis strains with more CBN?
Higher CBN levels are usually found in aged cannabis or strains that have been exposed to light and air over time. But some cannabis strains with high CBN concentrations include Bubble Gum, Durban Poison, Banana OG, Mr. Nice, Animal Cookie, Purple Cadillac, and Death Bubba.13
Is CBN synthetic?
No, CBN is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that forms when THC degrades because of age or environmental conditions.
Is CBN psychoactive?
CBN can be psychoactive, but only mildly. In comparison to THC, CBN is far less intoxicating, offering a gentler effect.
Cannabis Products with CBN
If you are interested in exploring CBN benefits, many cannabis products are now formulated to include this lesser-known cannabinoid. These products range from tinctures to edibles, and there are CBN-rich cannabinoid blends that may offer a balanced experience of relaxation and therapeutic potential. If you are keen to learn more about CBN, chat with your favorite Verilife budtender the next time you visit one of our licensed cannabis dispensaries.
Sources:
1. “CBN (cannabinol),” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/cannabinol-cbn
2. “Minor Cannabinoids: Biosynthesis, Molecular Pharmacology and Potential Therapeutic Uses,” Frontiers, November 29, 2021, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.777804/full
3. “Cannabinoid pharmacology: the first 66 years,” National Library of Medicine, January 2006, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1760722/
4. “Cannabinol: History, Syntheses, and Biological Profile of the Greatest “Minor” Cannabinoid,” National Library of Medicine, November 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9658060/
5. “Cannabinol,” ScienceDirect, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/cannabinol
6. “CBD vs. CBN: Benefits and Differences,” Healthline, January 14, 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-cbn#cbn-benefits-uses
7. “How CBN Can Improve Your Sleep, Mood, and Health,” Psychology Today, March 21, 2019, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201903/how-cbn-can-improve-your-sleep-mood-and-health
8. “CBD vs CBN: What’s the Difference?,” WebMD, October 8, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/cbd-cbn-what-is-difference
9. “Review: Minor Cannabinoids Acknowledged to Possess Therapeutic Properties,” NORML, January 6, 2022, https://norml.org/news/2022/01/06/review-minor-cannabinoids-acknowledged-to-possess-therapeutic-properties/
10. “What is CBN?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/cannabinol-cbn
11. “What Is CBG? Benefits, Risks And More,” Forbes Health, September 7, 2023, https://www.forbes.com/health/cbd/cannabigerol-cbg/
12. “Is CBG the Next CBD? Here's What You Should Know,” Real Simple, December 30, 2022, https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/cbd-versus-cbg
13. “What Is CBN? Guide to the Cannabinoid,” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/cannabinol-cbn-cannabinoid
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
This content is not intended as medical advice. The information provided is meant to encourage cannabis education, not replace direct patient-healthcare professional relationships. Always consult your primary care physician or other healthcare provider prior to using cannabis products for treatment of a medical condition. Any statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products referenced are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products are only available where consumption of cannabis is legal.