The cannabis plant gives us many beneficial cannabidiol compounds. Of course, the most famous of these cannabinoids is CBD or THC, but have you heard about other hemp compounds like CBN (cannabinol)?
Most likely, you haven’t. The popularity of CBD and THC commonly overshadows it, but it doesn’t mean CBN is without its own potential health benefits.
Let’s take a look at all things CBN, and why you may want to consider using a CBD oil that is rich in CBN.
What is CBN?
CBN (also known as cannabinol) is one of the many chemical compounds in cannabis plants and hemp plants. Some people confuse it with cannabidiol (CBD) oil or cannabigerol (CBG) oil, but CBN oils have a different compound with a potentially different set of health benefits. One of these health benefits is to help with better sleep.
Like CBD and CBG, CBN is one of the non-psychoactive minor cannabinoids found in trace amounts from cannabis plants or hemp plants. CBN comes mainly from a process involving cannabis that is aged and stored for a while.
CBN is also derived from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the cannabis plant’s main psychoactive chemical, but because of the process, you won’t feel the intoxicating effects of THC.
Since CBN is non-psychoactive like CBD and CBG, this means you won’t get the typical “high” sensation most commonly associated with cannabis products.
Even though far less research is being conducted on CBN, some early research shows promise for this cannabinoid, mainly how the compounds work with the endocannabinoid system of the human body to provide healthy sleep cycles.
How do CBN oils compare to CBD oils? Let’s take a look at how the two cannabinoids compare.
CBN Oil vs. CBD Oil – What’s the Difference?
Right away, the first difference between CBD and CBN oil is that there has been way more research done on CBD. CBN research is in its early stages, and it is not a popular cannabinoid to study like studying CBD.
Related read: Comparing CBN vs CBD: How Are They Different?
CBN is also not as readily available on store shelves and online shopping sites as its counterpart CBD. CBN products, unlike CBD, are not as well-known or studied, and the exact benefits are not widely known. And most companies got on the CBD bandwagon instead. This makes CBN less accessible for the time being, but it is gaining some traction like CBD, and more products are emerging.
CBN and CBD are both cannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis sativa, or hemp plant. However, they are produced at different stages during the processing of the hemp plant. CBN oil is produced much later, and in much lower concentrations, than CBD oil.
The enzymes, ultraviolet light, and heat are known to produce changes at various stages during the plant’s life. These changes help to transform CBGA (or cannabigerolic acid) eventually into the minor cannabinoid known as CBN.
CBN has been studied as use as sleep cycle support. Research suggests that taking CBN oils is more effective than CBD for helping as an effective sleep aid. However, CBD products still reign supreme in helping a wider variety of conditions, including pain relief, joint health, stress reduction, anxiety management, and much more.
CBN Sleep Products and Better Sleep?
Companies that sell CBN oils mainly market their products as CBN sleep aids. Research has shown that CBN does have sedative properties and can help with sleep issues. This supports the idea that CBN oils help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer, getting a better night’s sleep. Even though there is a bit of research in this area, many CBN users claim it does provide sleep benefits.
A study from 1975 suggested that CBN is a sedative. However, this specific study only researched five subjects and tested CBN along with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, and it might have been the reason for the sedative effects and not necessarily the CBN.
Another reason that people feel that CBN helps with sleep is because CBN becomes more prominent as the cannabis flower ages. The older the flower, the more CBN is present. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is exposed to air for more extended periods, turning into CBN.
Many people claim that if they consume aged cannabis, it works effectively, providing a good night’s sleep. This may explain why CBN is associated with its sedating health benefits.
Since there is very little known about CBN and how it may affect sleep, more research will be needed to fully determine how CBN works with the body’s ability to sleep. However, there are some other known effects associated with CBN.
The Other Effects of CBN Oil
Once again, it’s worth noting that there hasn’t been much research done on the cannabinoid known as CBN. Even though some studies show the promise of this lesser-known cannabinoid with sleep-related issues, there hasn’t been a substantial amount of proof to back any of the health claims.
However, with very little research available, here’s what we know already about some of the effects of taking CBN oils:
- CBN may be used to relieve pain. A 2019 study using a rat model found that CBN helped ease pain in rats. The study concluded that people who took a CBN and CBD supplement might ease the pain of conditions like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain. The combinations act as peripheral analgesics to help reduce inflammation.
- CBN oil products might be able to stimulate a person’s appetite. Having the appetite stimulated is vital for people dealing with cancer and HIV who have lost their appetite.
- CBN may have neuroprotective properties. Neuroprotective means that it may help protect nerve cells against any damage, degeneration, or impairment of their function. A study from 2005 indicated that CBN delayed the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a rat model.
- A CBN product may have antibacterial properties. A 2008 study concluded that CBN could kill off bacteria – even strains that were once resistant to many prescribed antibiotics.
- CBN may have anti-inflammatory effects. CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids seem also to have anti-inflammatory properties.
More research will be needed to verify the claimed benefits of these CBN studies. A focus on more human studies will be instrumental in determining if a CBN product can offer more than a good night’s sleep.
Possible Side Effects From Consuming CBN
CBD interacts with certain prescription medications such as blood thinners and antibiotics. However, there hasn’t been enough research to know whether or not this applies to CBN cannabinoid products as well.
As always, speak to a trained medical professional when you are about to add a CBN supplement to your daily routine.
Here is a list of the top medications that may create an adverse reaction to your system if taken with CBDN:
- antibiotics and antimicrobial medications
- anticancer medications
- antihistamines and decongestants
- antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
- blood pressure medications
- blood thinners
- cholesterol medications
- corticosteroids
- diuretics
- erectile dysfunction medications
- gastrointestinal (GI) medications, used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease or nausea
- heart rhythm medications or antiarrhythmic medications
- immunosuppressants
- mood medications for anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders
- pain and inflammation medications
- prostate medications
CBN is most famous as a product to help with healthy sleep cycles. However, many CBN sleep products, such as a full spectrum CBN oil, are combined with other cannabinoids and higher amounts of THC, which can be mildly psychoactive.
These other cannabinoids and ingredients may also affect your prescription medications. Talk to your doctor today to determine if it is safe for you to take CBN sleep products.
Keep in mind that this article’s content is for informational purposes only, but let’s see if CBN is likely safe to take.
Is CBN Safe to Take?
The side effects of CBN are not entirely known, but that doesn’t mean that there might not be potential side effects associated with taking CBN. These combined plant compounds working together in one product, such as some commercial sleep aid products, may have mixed results on the human body.
Since the products have combined ingredients, each ingredient may also have an adverse effect. Always do your homework before you buy!
Some of these products incorporate a specific blend of water-soluble CBN oil with a proprietary blend of major and minor cannabinoids and terpenes. Any one of those ingredients like the major and minor cannabinoid ingredients, carrier oils, flavors, and more could create an allergic reaction in the user.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and those taking prescription medications should avoid CBN products unless recommended by a medical professional. Although many have been deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration, it is best to ask your doctor first.
Choosing the Best CBN Oils
CBN is typically mixed with a full spectrum CBD oil or terpenes or other ingredients such as carrier oils and flavor. And usually, these products are advertised as effective sleep products because of the levels of CBN present in the formula.
The most common form of CBN is actually CBN oil. This oil typically comes in an amber-colored glass bottle with a dropper. To use the CBN oil, simply squeeze the dropper’s rubber bulb to draw in the desired amount of CBN oil. Remove the dropper and place the drops under your tongue. This is the quickest and easiest way to get the full effects of the CBN oil.
The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate CBN like CBD products. This would be the reason why you’ll see so many CBN brands labeling their product as an “effective sleep aid.” But are all of these CBN products made with the best CBN oil, and do they have the best ingredients?
Since these products are not heavily regulated, it could mean you aren’t exactly getting what you pay for. However, as with CBD oils, always look for a company that uses third-party lab-tested results and natural and organic hemp plant extract.
Check the labels and look for the QR code. This QR code will send you to an online certificate of analysis. This certificate of analysis lists all of the ingredients and product information to verify that the data is true and accurate. It is always essential to read the label and research the company you buy from.
Another thing to look for when you purchase your CBN oil is to ensure that the product is free of harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients. Ensure your CBN oil is also free of heavy metals, pesticides, and mold. The closer you can get to an organic CBN oil, the better.
Does CBN Oil Get You High?
No, the cannabinol CBN will not get you high, but there is something worth noting. Although it is considered a non-psychoactive compound, it may elevate THC if taken in conjunction with CBN.
However, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate products do not legally contain enough THC (0.3% or less) to give you a high feeling.
Many people will actually choose a CBN isolate product since it contains no THC. Many do so if they have to do a drug test the next day and want zero THC in their system.
Is CBN Oil Legal?
Yes, CBN oil is legal in the US. Section 297A of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products, extracts, and cannabinoids. However, these products must only contain a level of THC no higher than 0.3% percent. Since CBN (cannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant and does not contain high amounts of THC, CBN is now a legal cannabinoid in the United States.
Check out our state by state guide on CBD laws
Keep in mind that not all states have passed this law. There are only 50 states that have legalized CBD. Check your local state laws to see if it is legal to purchase or possess CBD, CBN, or any product made from hemp.
Some Final Thoughts on CBN Oil
When looking for a CBN oil product, it is best to always look for a CBN tincture, CBN gummies, or CBN oil made from a whole-plant hemp extract.
This way, you know you’ll be getting a complete product (or full-spectrum product) with all of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
These full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products also use a carrier oil like MCT oil. MCT oil allows the CBN to be delivered throughout the system more effectively. A broad-spectrum or full-spectrum hemp extract CBN oil product may be what you’re looking for.
However, if you are concerned about the level of THC (which will be 0.3% or less), then perhaps a CBN isolate product that contains zero THC will be better for you.
Whether it’s full spectrum CBN, broad-spectrum, or an isolate CBN version, always look for a third-party lab-tested product that uses organic hemp plants. New Phase Blends is one of those CBD brands that understand transparency when it comes to purchasing your CBD products. If you have any questions about CBD, CBN, or any of the other cannabinoids, we’re here to help!
