Chances are when you think about what makes cannabis “work,” you’ll think of two cannabinoids: Tetrahydrocannabinol, popularly known as THC, and Cannabidiol, or CBD. Although THC and CBD are the most renowned cannabinoids by far, there are more than 100 found in the plant, each with its own set of characteristics.
Cannabinol, or CBN, is one of these minor cannabinoids, and it has recently gained more attention as researchers begin to explore cannabis in greater detail. This guide offers an overview of CBN and how it could affect your experience, so you can better choose the right cannabis products for your routine.
What is CBN?
CBN is a minor cannabinoid found in small quantities, usually less than 1%, in most strains of cannabis. However, CBN tends to be more abundant in old cannabis flower; that’s because as THC degrades, it converts into CBN. Check out our guide to THC to learn more about how THC develops and degrades in cannabis plants.
Where does CBN come from?
All cannabinoids degrade over time when cannabis is exposed to environmental factors like light, oxygen, and heat. When THC degrades, it converts into CBN, a mildly psychoactive compound that’s approximately one-quarter as potent as THC. The longer cannabis flower ages, the more THC degrades and the more CBN it tends to contain.
How does CBN work?
Just like other cannabinoids, CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system in your body. It binds to the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system and shares its mode of action with THC. Even though CBN interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, it shows greater affinity for CB2 receptors.
CBN is believed to influence how our bodies process THC, including THC’s euphoric effects. This is called the entourage effect, and this refers to the capability of a cannabinoid or other compound of cannabis to boost the efficacy of other compounds.
CBN vs. THC
Expect CBN to offer similar effects as THC, but considerably muted. It would take much higher amounts of CBN to provide the same level of intoxication as THC, though. As a result, you may hear CBN described as non-intoxicating, but that is not precisely true. CBN is also typically associated with relaxing, soothing effects and feelings of drowsiness, though research suggests this may not always be the case and could depend on the presence of other compounds.
CBN and THC work similarly within the body. Once THC enters your body, it binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Similarly, CBN also binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, although it displays a higher affinity for the CB2 receptors.
CBN vs. CBD
CBD doesn’t bind to cannabinoid receptors quite like other cannabinoids. Instead, it modulates the channels through which endocannabinoid signaling occurs. This trait allows CBD to alter or augment the effects of other cannabinoids. If you heard that CBD may affect how THC makes you feel, it’s because of this process.
Unlike CBD, CBN binds with both cannabinoid receptors and shows a particular inclination toward the CB2 receptor. Also unlike CBD, CBN is intoxicating, just not noticeably so unless consumed in significant enough amounts.
CBN benefit: why this cannabinoid might be worth trying
While there’s lots of excitement around CBN, there’s little research done on the cannabinoid regarding its potential benefits. However, animal and pre-clinical studies suggest that CBN could offer the potential in helping to manage the following symptoms and conditions.
Pain management
An animal study conducted in 2019 revealed that CBN reduces muscle pain in lab rats. The study further revealed that CBN may help relieve muscle and chronic pain disorders such as pain in the jaw muscles, nerves, and joints. This study suggests CBN could be an option for pain management in cases where the symptom is often difficult to alleviate. However, more research is needed to determine whether these results could be replicated in human subjects.
Sleep support
Even though there is little research done on CBN for sleep support, anecdotal evidence suggests that many consumers find taking CBN makes them drowsy. There is little scientific evidence favoring the use of CBN to improve sleep quality, though. The existing research was conducted in the 1970s and, even though CBN shows signs of helping people fall asleep quicker and sleep longer, more research is needed to support these claims.
Appetite stimulant
A rodent study revealed that CBN increased appetite in lab rats, leading them to eat more food than the control group. This study offers promising potential for medical patients who need an appetite boost but want to avoid the intoxicating qualities of THC. However, more research is needed, as the results of animal studies do not always translate into human trials.
Antibacterial
Further study on CBN has confirmed that cannabinol may be effective as an antibacterial agent. CBN was tested on different strains of bacteria resistant to traditional antibiotics, and researchers found it to be a strong antibacterial against most resistant bacteria.
3 CBN products available at Queen City
Ready to try CBN? Plainfield’s Queen City has options ready to go on our menu.
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Grön Blackberry Lemonade Pearls
- CBN per serving: 10mg
- 10 servings per container
- Price: $32
Blackberry Lemonade Pearls comprise equal amounts of CBN, CBD, and THC. Each pearl contains 10mg of each cannabinoid, blended to help relax your body and mind before sleep. The tart-sweetness of blackberry and lemon make this edible a unique bedtime treat. If you need a smaller dose, you can easily slice a “pearl” in half to ease into the experience.
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Ozone Grape Night CBN gummies
- CBN per serving: 5mg
- 10 servings per container
- Price: $28
Ozone’s Grape Night CBN gummies are soft chews with a sweet grape flavor. They offer a delicious way to enjoy THC and CBN, blended in a 2:1 ratio. This means that each serving contains 10mg THC and 5mg CBN.
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Snoozzzeberry CBN Soft Chews
- CBN per serving: 2mg
- 10 servings per container
- Price: $35
Snoozzzeberry CBN Soft Chews contain a bit less CBN than other products on this list. At 2mg CBN and 10mg THC per serving, Snoozzzeberry is a great option if you’re first dipping your toe into the CBN experience.
Shop CBN products at New Jersey’s premier dispensary
Whether ready to snooze with some CBN or want something a bit more high energy for your day, Queen City has you covered. Located in the heart of central New Jersey, Plainfield is a quick trip from Routes 28 and 22, I-78, and so many points from towns like Edison, Westfield, and Scotch Plains.
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