The hemp plant is one of the most diverse plants on the planet. In America, farmers were legally required to grow hemp in the 1700s. Hemp has been made into products such as paper, textiles, lamp fuels, building materials and ropes.
The diversity of the plant includes over 100 different cannabinoids. Each cannabinoid has its own unique benefits. Most people have heard of CBD or THC but there is another cannabinoid gaining attention and that is CBN.
What is CBN Isolate?
CBN or Cannabinol is a cannabinoid that is derived from hemp. CBN isolate is a concentrate of the purest form of CBN meaning that there are no other cannabinoids or terpenes, just pure CBN. Isolate is a tasteless powder extract that comes in a powder form and has multiple therapeutic purposes.
CBN has often been recommended to be taken in the evening but research is showing that the cannabinoid has more unique benefits and can be taken anytime of the day. CBN isolate extract can be added to anything from food, oils, capsules, treats and topicals.
Is CBN Isolate psychoactive?
CBN Isolate can be mildly psychoactive cannabinoid. However, it is unlikely to cause any psychosis because it takes an extremely large dose to cause mind-altering effects. For the most part, this cannabinoid is considered non-psychoactive and will not produce a “high” like THC does. You will get the benefits of CBN without feeling impaired when they use it.
How is CBN Created?
CBN is found only in trace amounts in the hemp plant. The hemp plant contains zero amounts of CBN in the first few weeks of life. CBN is only found in aged hemp.
All cannabinoids begin as CBGA before they develop. However, CBN doesn’t directly originate from CBG. It requires an extra step to become CBN. CBN is created within the hemp plant when THCA is broken down through oxidation, heat and when the plant ages.
How to Use CBN Isolate
You might be wondering what to do with a pile of odorless CBN isolate powder but there are a variety of ways to use CBN isolate.
There are a number of different ways to consume CBN isolate and it’s completely up to you. Here are some of the most common delivery routes: sublingual, topical, inhalation and oral.
Sublingual
Apply the CBN powder directly under your tongue and hold it there for about 60 seconds. With this method, the CBN is absorbed by the mucous membranes and delivered directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system to provide more immediate and effective relief.
Another sublingual method is to blend CBN with a carrier oil and be administered using a dropper. Just apply small amounts of the oil under the tongue.
Both sublingual methods are excellent if you want to monitor your dosages closely. It gives you ultimate flexibility over your dosage because you can adjust the amount of CBN by measuring/dropping more or less under the tongue.
Topical
For topicals, mix the CBN isolate with your favorite lotion and apply it to your skin. Make your own creams, balms, bath bombs, soaps, roll-ons and gels that can be applied to the skin.
Inhalation
Vaping or dabbing CBN isolate is an extremely effective way to consume CBN because it’s highly bioavailable. The cannabinoid is absorbed in the lung tissue much more efficiently when inhaled as opposed to other methods.
CBN isolate can be mixed with terpenes to create homemade CBN concentrates that can be vaped or dabbed. The isolate can also be made into crystal slabs that can be dabbed using a traditional oil rig.
The biggest worry when using CBN to vape is the potential damage to the lungs. Although vaping is much healthier than smoking, it’s unclear what the health implications are.
Oral
There are a variety of ways that you can take CBN orally. You can infuse the isolate into edibles such as gummies, honey sticks, or lollipops. This is a tasty way to consume pure CBN accurately.
CBN isolate can be measured and put into capsules or pills, allowing you to ingest an accurate dose. They’re great if you want a completely tasteless way to consume CBN.
Edibles and capsules are excellent if you don’t like the taste of CBN oil but want to consume the cannabinoid orally. They’re also perfect if you want the precise dose of CBN every time you’re consuming the product.
If you want to get a bit more creative, you can have a go at baking and infuse your daily meals with CBN isolate. Toss it around in your salad, sprinkle it on a sandwich or mix it in your casserole.
The downside to orally taking CBN is that it’s not absorbed very well by the gastrointestinal tract. Giving it a low bioavailability. In order to increase bioavailability, CBD isolate can be added to carrier oils, such as MCT oil, to increase its chances of permeating the gastrointestinal system and reaching the bloodstream.
Which is better: CBN isolate or full spectrum CBN?
It depends on the reason for taking CBN. Isolate is best for avoiding any possible trace amounts of THC. However, full spectrum CBN is highly effective as part of a whole plant extract. This is when it’s combined with terpenes, waxes and other cannabinoids of the hemp plant. This is called the entourage effect which describes all of a plant’s compounds working synergistically.
What is the difference between CBD and CBN?
Yes, both are cannabinoids found in the hemp plant but they have different effects on the body. They can be used together but should not be used in place of the other.
One of the differences between CBN and CBD is their chemical makeup.
CBD does not produce an intoxicating response. There is a small chance that CBN can with a large enough dose.
CBD will cancel out the negative effects of THC. More research is needed on CBN and THC together but it is believed that CBN increases THC potency.
They interact with our endocannabinoid systems differently. CBD doesn’t bind to either cannabinoid receptor, while CBN binds with both to some degree.
How are CBD and CBN similar?
There are a few similarities:
- They can be consumed in the same ways.
- Both will be introduced into your bloodstream when you consume them, excluding topical products.
- Both interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system.
- There are some overlapping therapeutic priorities.
- Both cannabinoids activate neurons to produce their effects.
What Receptors does CBN interact with?
The ECS or endocannabinoid system consists of two receptors the CB1 and CB2. CBN works by influencing both cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. The ECS influences many different bodily functions.
CBN binds well to the CB2 receptors and has many potential benefits. CB2 receptors are located in the cells of the immune system. The immune cells circulate through the body and brain via the bloodstream. They are also found in a few neurons, such as the brainstem and hippocampus.
CBN interacts with the CB1 receptors to a lesser degree while still providing some related benefits from CBN. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the central nervous system and the nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. CB1 receptors are also found in your lungs, liver, and kidneys. The CB1 receptor produces wide-ranging physiological effects.
CBN Isolate: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Contains only CBN.
- Plenty of product variety.
- No risk of showing up on a drug test.
- Suitable for people with adverse reactions to other cannabinoids.
- No hemp taste.
Cons:
- Only one cannabinoid.
- No entourage effect.
- May get more therapeutic potential with full spectrum.
Summary
CBD has been getting the most attention but we should not overlook CBN because it has many potential uses in alternative therapy and with further research we are confident that CBN has a lot more benefits.
CBN can be an isolate exactly the same way that CBD is made into an isolate and other cannabinoid substances. While CBN and CBD have some similarities, they are different compounds with their own individual effects and complement each other when taken together.
If you wish to try CBN click here to shop our selection of quality CBN products.
