August 11, 2024
CBN vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?
Table of Contents
The hemp plant contains more than 100 different cannabinoids, all of which can interact with our endocannabinoid system to create a wide variety of effects, from calming and relaxed to uplifted and euphoric. Yet there are two cannabinoids that don't just sound similar but also seem to have overlapping effects: CBN and CBD.
With so much in common, it's time to put together a face-off between CBN vs. CBD. Let's explore them in depth, how they work in synergy, and what effects to expect.
What Is CBN?
Chemical Formula: C₂₁H₂₆O₂
Cannabinol (CBN) is one of the many calmer compounds found in cannabis. Yet unlike other cannabinoids naturally produced during the plant's growth cycle, CBN only appears when tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) breaks down after exposure to heat or oxygen. This THC-to-CBN degradation will also happen as freshly harvested cannabis ages, and it's why older flower tends to lose its potency as it ages.
But CBN isn't just a secondary cannabinoid leftover from THC; it's valuable in its own right. While the effects vary based on serving size and individual physiology, CBN is generally very mellow, with almost no psychoactive effects or heightened sensations. Many people refer to it as the "sleepy cannabinoid" because of its ultra-relaxing qualities.
Its chiller effects come from its weak affinity to the CB1 receptors in the brain. By comparison, THC fits like a key into a lock into the CB1 receptor, but CBN is only mildly compatible. So, while CBN can still produce slight psychoactive effects, these are only apparent at higher serving sizes or when CBN is combined with other psychoactive cannabinoids.
Currently, research is looking into CBN’s sleepy characteristics and potential neuroprotective effects, with several clinical trials exploring its therapeutic value.
What Is CBD?
Chemical Formula: C₂₁H₃₀O₂
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most prevalent cannabinoids found in cannabis, and it has gained widespread popularity in recent years thanks to its completely non-psychoactive effects.
People love CBD for its calming and relaxing nature. Instead of euphoria and bliss, you can expect relief from physical discomforts, improved mood, and a general sense of well-being. It is a great pre-bedtime option in larger serving sizes, and in smaller servings, it could boost alertness.
Like CBN, CBD also has a more indirect approach when interacting with our endocannabinoid receptors. It doesn't strongly bind to CB1 receptors, so you won't enter into an altered state of mind with this mild cannabinoid. Instead, CBD delivers many notable effects via other receptors and pathways linked to relaxation and stress relief.
Because CBD doesn't affect your state of mind, it's a great alternative to THC-types for everyday wellness. Many people turn to CBD products to help dissolve daily stress, bad days, and bodily discomforts without impacting productivity.
Over the last decade, there has been a significant uptick in CBD research. Thanks to this intense investigation, CBD has a well-established safety profile, even at higher servings.
But it's also now under scientific study for a wide variety of health concerns, including anxiety, inflammation, brain injury, and pain. Again, all of this is preliminary work, and the results aren't conclusive. But interestingly, the Food and Drug Administration has approved CBD in one specific formulation for use for treatment-resistant epilepsy.
CBD vs. CBN: Which Is Better?
In a side-by-side comparison between CBN vs. CBD, there are more similarities than not. Both are mild, have calming effects, and, at specific serving sizes, may help you get to sleep at night.
Neither comes with the euphoric, blissed-out experience you may be familiar with from THC products, and both have established safety profiles and lower risk of side effects than their more psychoactive cousin. Importantly, thanks to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, both CBN and CBD are federally legal if derived from hemp.
With so much in common, how could you possibly choose between the two? Your choice all boils down to the subtleties of their effects and a bit of personal experimentation.
Try CBD for daily stress, physical discomfort, and general well-being. If sleep is your primary focus, start with CBN. Just keep in mind experiences vary depending on serving size and individual physiology.
We recommend trying both CBN and CBD in a combined formula. This idea leans into the Entourage Effect, a theory that states that cannabinoids may work better together than if taken in isolation. When CBN and CBD join forces, each operating through slightly different mechanisms in our endocannabinoid system, their effects may be amplified for greater benefit.
A Calming Formula: CBD and CBN Products
Speaking of blending benefits, Hometown Hero has two uniquely formulated options to capture the synergies between CBD and CBN.
Rest Capsules
As the name suggests, our Rest Capsules have been specially formulated for sleep. These are nano-emulsified, fast-acting pills, often kicking in within 15 minutes, making the perfect addition to your bedtime routine. Thanks to 25mg or 50mg Delta-8 THC, plus a balanced ratio of 5mg CBD and 5mg CBN, you can expect your daily stresses to melt away and a much more relaxing experience drifting off into dreamland.
ORCA Relax
For another super relaxing nighttime option, check out ORCA Relax tablets.
These are made for rest without any THC. In each tablet, you'll get 25mg of CBD plus 5mg of CBN. To further enhance the restful nature of the blend, they also contain 20mg of lavender oil, which is known to interact with the GABA receptors in the brain to quiet the mind and soothe the nervous system. Again, these pills provide a rapid onset thanks to nano-emulsification, meaning you'll be able to find the rest you crave... faster.
CBN vs. CBD: What Will You Choose?
Calming, relieving, and, at times, sleepy, CBD and CBN are two of the gentlest cannabinoids in the cannabis universe. It's part of the reason why there is such scientific interest in their potential applications. They seem to offer a sense of ease without the intensity of psychoactive cannabinoids like THC.
With so many commonalities between the two, it makes sense to explore them together in balanced blends. Which means, will you start your journey with our Fast-acting Rest Capsules or ORCA Tablets?
Until next time, happy exploring, and Mind Your Mind.
FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
