Exploring the Potential Benefits of CBN for Sleep

Cannabinol (CBN) is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. It is formed when THC, the psychoactive molecule in cannabis, breaks down after exposure to heat or oxygen. After harvest, THC also naturally degrades into CBN over time, though much more slowly.

Unlike THC, CBN is only mildly psychoactive, and with a standard serving, it won't produce intense euphoria or elevated sensations. It interacts with the same endocannabinoid receptors as other cannabinoids but as a partial agonist. This means that when it binds to CB1 and CB2, it only triggers a partial response. 

What does this cannabinoid feel like? It is mellow and calming. Although effects depend on serving size and individual physiology, you won't experience an altered state of reality. Instead, you might feel so relaxed you end up falling asleep. 

The number one reason people are so interested in CBN products is their potential to aid sleep. CBN has recently emerged in cannabinoid products targeting rest, gaining attention due to a few recent clinical trials. However, like many areas of cannabis research, the science behind CBN and sleep is still in its early phases.

Between 1970 and 1980, there was a flurry of activity examining CBN's effects on humans, but these studies didn't specifically focus on CBN's potential impact on sleep. Moreover, they were small and poorly controlled.

With new, better-designed trials in the works, CBN for sleep is getting a lot more attention. Here are the most recent and relevant developments in CBN sleep science.

A recent study published in 2022 evaluated the effects of CBN alone and in combination with CBD on sleep quality. Researchers conducted this as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Although it's far from published results, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is just wrapping up. It investigates the potential of CBN as a treatment for insomnia, including any impact on sleep quality and next-day function.

The study involves a small group of 20 participants diagnosed with insomnia who received three treatments in random order: 30mg of CBN, 300mg of CBN, or a placebo. The results haven't been made public yet, and CBN is not currently approved as a medical treatment for any sleep disorders. 

There is no proven "dosage" of CBN for sleep for two reasons. First, there just isn't enough evidence from recent clinical trials to make a recommendation. The completed trial above worked with 30mg of CBN, but the second trial (which is still in the works) tested 30mg to 300mg.

The second reason why there is no one-size-fits-all serving of CBN for sleep is that everyone experiences cannabinoids differently. Effects vary depending on individual physiology, just like with other cannabinoids, where body mass index, genetics, and other conditions impact how we process them. 

The amount that works for you may not work for someone else and vice versa. This is why it's important to follow the “start low and go slow” approach while incorporating CBN into your own nightly routine.

CBN research may be in its infancy, but other cannabinoids have more established track records regarding their impact on sleep, including CBD. Could they work together for greater benefit?

While the small study above didn't find measurable improvements by combining CBD with CBN, this may simply be due to the study size and structure. Previous studies looking at CBD alone have found it does impact sleep quality.

For example, a 2021 study explored low-dose CBD for stress, anxiety, and sleep problems through an online survey. Among other findings, survey participants reported that CBD was an effective means for them to manage stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. There is obviously some overlap between these issues, but of the participants taking CBD for sleep, 50% said it helps them fall asleep faster.

In another instance, a small group took 50mg of CBD for eight weeks in a placebo-controlled study. After completion, the researchers discovered CBD seemed to improve sleep quality, as measured by the questionnaire.

It's hard to ignore how relaxing CBN and CBD both feel, whether alone or in a synergistic combination. Even if it hasn't been perfectly captured with clinical trials, both cannabinoids are increasingly popular choices for a better night's sleep.

The synergy between cannabinoids like CBD and CBN may be thanks to the entourage effect, which suggests that botanical compounds are more powerful when used together than in isolation. 

As we saw above, current research is pursuing this angle, looking at how cannabinoids with similar effects may improve sleep. With that in mind, the best CBN products for sleep probably contain more than just a single, isolated cannabinoid.

Hometown Hero has a few options that blend calming cannabinoids, terpenes, and other natural ingredients to build off these botanical synergies for fast-acting, relaxing options.

Active cannabinoids: Delta-8 THC, CBD, CBN

These Delta-8, CBN, and CBD capsules are designed to improve sleep quality. Each capsule contains 25mg or 50mg of Delta-8 THC, 5mg of CBD, and 5mg of CBN. Each of these cannabinoids was chosen for relaxation to promote a more restful sleep.

Another botanical blend focused on sleep is the ORCA Relax tablets tablets, formulated with 25mg of CBD, 5mg of CBN, and a dash of soothing lavender. These fast-acting, sugar-free pills are designed to help you unwind and release whatever is on your mind so you can get a better night's sleep.

Undeniably, research into CBN for sleep isn't conclusive. But even without a massive body of research, people are reporting that CBN has decidedly sleepy effects. Especially in combination with other cannabinoids, CBN is becoming a go-to ingredient in a calming bedtime routine.

With that, we wish you a good night, and until next time: Mind your mind.