What Is CBN and What Are Its Benefits?

What’s the deal with CBN?

Cannabis connoisseur or not, most people know the two most popular cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are CBD and THC. They’ve always been at the forefront, and for good reason—they’re famously the biggest factors in getting you high.

While CBD and THC are important, there are many more minor cannabinoids (about 150) in a cannabis plant, like CBN (cannabinol), that make cannabis that plant everyone knows it as. 

What is CBN?

CBN, which stands for “cannabinol”, is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid found only in trace amounts in cannabis. Basically, it’s just another cannabinoid that makes up a cannabis plant. While it is similar to that of CBD, the way it’s made is completely different. For instance, the way CBN is made is through oxidation of THC, which is when THC is exposed to light and heat, it breaks down, and eaves behind CBN. Since it’s the product of oxidization, it means that your cannabis won’t ever contain high levels of it. 

What is the difference between CBD and CBN?

Here’s the thing, CBD and CBN are just two compounds that make up an entire cannabis plant. And as we know now, CBD is a way bigger compound in the plant as a whole, but CBN’s place is just as important. One of the main differences between CBD and CBN is that CBN is the process within the plant, while CBD is a powerful compound found in the plant and one that can also be manufactured to have higher amounts in different strains. CBN on the other hand cannot be made to have a stronger amount. 

Another big difference is that CBN binds to the CB1 receptor in the brain, which is what makes it a minor psychoactive compound, meaning you feel the typical “high” you would get from smoking weed. CBD does NOT attach to the CB receptors directly, which means that CBD doesn’t produce any of the typical euphoric feelings you get from being high. So while CBD relaxes your body for sleep, CBN relaxes your mind for sleep, kind of like taking melatonin. 

What are the benefits of CBN?

CBN may be a small part of the cannabis plant, but that doesn’t mean its benefits should be left out. This compound has a ton of benefits ranging from building up resistance to bacterial to even some magical, anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the biggest benefits of CBN are: 

• Antibacterial
• Appetite stimulation
• Fighting Glaucoma
• Anti-inflammatory

However, the research that is currently being done on CBN is limited, so use caution and talk to a doctor to see what the best option for you is.

What types of products contain CBN?

The right products will naturally differ from person to person, but there are quite a few ways you can ingest CBN. The three most popular products are: 

• CBN vapes: the fastest way to get CBN into your bloodstream. As soon as you inhale, that breath of CBN goes to the lungs and disperses straight into the bloodstream for almost instant effect.
• CBN oils: you ingest CBN oil sublingually, which means you place it into your mouth and under your tongue. It’s the most common form of taking CBN, but since it’s going through your stomach, it will take longer to feel the effects than smoking.
• CBN edibles: just like CBN oil – brownies, cookies, gummies, and other edibles or beverages are a great way to ingest but will take longer to hit your bloodstream than vaping. When you eat CBN, it goes through your stomach and needs time to digest before it works its magic.

At the end of the day, CBN is an amazing compound in the cannabis plant that can add some serious aid to sleep and relaxation. If you’re on the hunt for a natural sleep aid or a stress-free night – CBN could be the answer you’ve been looking for all along.