What is CBN (Cannabinol)?

While CBD may be the most noteworthy cannabinoid in hemp, it is definitely not the only one. Some cannabinoids are far less abundant, not quite as studied, and possibly still just as therapeutically important. CBN is a good example of a lesser-abundant, lesser-known cannabinoid that has not been extensively studied. What is CBN? What is CBN good for? Here is a closer look at the answers to those questions and more.

What is CBN?

CBN, also known as cannabinol, is one of over 100 unique cannabinoids that come from plants that belong to the cannabis family. CBN is not very abundant in cannabis unless it has aged or has been exposed to sunlight. This is because THCa (tetrahydrocannabinol acid) converts to cannabinol due to the decarboxylation process.

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What is the difference between CBN and CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is abundant in hemp, while CBN is not. In high-THC cannabis, CBN potency grows higher as the cannabis ages because the THC converts to CBN. Therefore, it is easy to see why hemp would not be likely to contain a lot of CBN.

While concentration in the plant is a major difference between CBD vs CBN, there are a few other differences to consider as well. For one, CBN may be mildly psychoactive when CBD is not, even though the matter is not entirely clear or well established. This is likely related to how the cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. CBN binds to certain receptors, CBD does not.

What is CBN good for?

Research into CBN effects on the human body is limited. Therefore, there is a lot that we do not know about this particular cannabinoid. Nevertheless, the small amount of research has shown some promising properties of CBN that should be considered.

Animal studies in 2019 found that CBN combined with CBD seemed to deter myofascial discomfort. CBN may also deter inflammation, even though human research has not been done to date to establish this as fact. Older animal studies have also proposed that CBN may have neuroprotective benefits, even though modern-day research on human participants has not been carried out.

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CBN FAQs

How much CBN should I take to sleep?

You may hear people mention CBN for sleep, but this particular cannabinoid has not been documented to have sedating effects. In a study performed back in 1970, no participants reported sleepiness when using CBN alone; only when CBN was used with THC.

Does CBN show on drug test?

CBN is not something a standard drug test is going to be measuring for in urine, saliva, or blood. Instead, most are designed to detect the metabolites of THC. Therefore, you would not likely fail a drug test by taking strictly CBN alone. Do keep in mind that full-spectrum products contain trace levels of THC, which could technically lead to a drug test detecting those metabolites.

Can CBN be stimulating?

CBN is not known to be stimulating. However, people who use CBN for something like pain may find the cannabinoid helps them find more motivation to focus on a project or get physically active.

What is CBN oil?

CBN oil is essentially the cannabinol cannabinoid molecules that have been extracted through supercritical methods and then suspended in some type of carrier oil, such as hemp oil or coconut oil. The exact ingredients, including whether other cannabinoids are present in the oil, will vary depending on the manufacturer.

Is CBN intoxicating?

Some claim CBN is not considered intoxicating, but some research claims that the cannabinoid may be mildly psychoactive, but definitely not as psychoactive as THC. It should be noted that CBN taken alongside THC could heighten the euphoric effects of THC. In hemp-derived products, THC levels are so low (less than 0.3 percent) this would not cause an issue.

Find CBN in Full-Spectrum CBD Products

Even though the CBN potency in hemp is not that great, this terpene is present just the same. Therefore, if you want to take advantage of the cannabinol cannabinoid, be sure to opt for full-spectrum hemp-derived products. At Hunger Mountain Hemp, all of our products are made with full-spectrum hemp extracts. Be sure to take a look at our lineup of oils, salves, and edibles.