What is CBN (Cannabinol)?
It is a therapeutic sister cannabinoid of CBD (Cannabidiol). There are over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified in the hemp plant. The most famous cannabinoids are CBD and THC, but they’re not the only ones that possess therapeutic benefits.
There are two categories of cannabinoids, the first one is major cannabinoids and the second is minor cannabinoids. Both CBD and THC are major cannabinoids. While CBG and CBN are minor cannabinoids. Major cannabinoids are abundant in the hemp plant and minor cannabinoids are less abundant.
What is CBN Oil?
CBN oil refers to cannabinol (CBN) which has been dissolved into a carrier oil as a tincture to improve deliverability. CBN can also be made into edibles, topicals, salves, capsules or an isolate.
CBN oil can contain other cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes which are natural constituents of the hemp plant.
How does CBN Work?
Cannabinoids like CBN exert their effects on our body and mind by chemically binding with the cannabinoid receptors throughout the body that constitute our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a powerful regulatory system that is part of the central nervous system. Your ECS chemically influences your state of mind and physical wellbeing.
Within the ECS there are two prominent cannabinoid receptors named CB1 and CB2. CBN has a greater binding affinity for the CB2 receptor than the CB1 receptor. CBN’s affinity for CB1 and CB2 is weaker than other cannabinoids. CBN also regulates expression of the GPR55 and GPR18 receptors.
How is CBN formed within the hemp plant?
CBN (or cannabinol) doesn’t come directly from the hemp plant but is produced when the plant ages. Most cannabinoids start out as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) but after the cannabinoids are exposed to enzymes, ultraviolet light, oxygen and heat they make various changes during the plant’s life cycle. They will gradually transform into CBN.
As the hemp plant matures, natural enzymes transform the CBGA into either THCA, CBDA, or CBCA. When the acids are exposed to heat (decarboxylated) they will transform into THC, CBD, CBG or CBC.
If however, THCA is exposed to ultraviolet light (such as from sunlight) and oxygen, THCA transforms into CBNA (cannabinolic acid). This CBNA, when exposed to heat, decarboxylates into CBN.
How much CBN oil should I take?
Everybody is unique and will respond differently. Therefore, the amount of CBN you take may differ from that of others. It is recommended to take CBN at bedtime. Remember to start low, and go slow when first beginning CBN.
Gradually increasing that amount slowly only if needed. Only increase your dose of CBN as needed until positive benefits are apparent. Wait 30 minutes to one hour between doses.
Do not increase your dose more than three times in one day. Do not exceed three times the maximum recommended dose in a 24-hour period unless otherwise directed by a qualified medical practitioner.
Monitoring your CBN intake will help you determine your individual response to it in the safest and most comfortable manner.
Does CBN cause side effects?
In almost every study of CBN, there were barely any side effects in patients. CBN is recognized as being harmless, safe and non-toxic. Side effects are extremely rare but there were some minor side effects in a few patients.
Reported side effects were typically mild. They include dry mouth, increased appetite, or stomach upset. Taking CBN may cause drowsiness, tiredness and sleepiness.
Facts about CBN:
- Combining different cannabinoid-infused products is possible. This is called the entourage effect and you will have more of the benefits from cannabinoids.
- THC converts into CBN during its degradation.
- CBN is fat-soluble, not water-soluble.
- CBN also has synergistic effects with THC, CBD and other cannabinoids.
- CBN does not produce euphoria. In low doses CBN does not have any intoxicating effects. With high doses of CBN it could cause a weak psychoactive effect.
- CBN is believed to be non-addictive and is safe to take.
- Science doesn’t fully support that CBN has sedative properties by itself. However, it may have sedative properties when combined with other cannabinoids such as CBD or THC. If CBN is combined with terpenes such as myrcene, terpineol and linalool it may enhance the sedative properties.
- CBN doesn’t naturally occur in large quantities. CBN content within the hemp plant is usually less than 1% even in cured or aged flowers.
Conclusion
Cannabinoids are growing in popularity including CBN because of the number of therapeutic benefits. Research on CBN has been limited because of probation and more human studies are needed. Click here to shop CBN products if you are looking to add CBN to your regimen.
