Understanding CBN: The Next Chapter in Cannabinoid Research

In this article, we’ll cover what CBN is, its potential benefits, and how you can incorporate this powerful compound into your daily routine.

CBN, or cannabinol, is one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in marijuana and hemp. Ironically, CBN is the first cannabinoid to be isolated; in 1896, the cannabinoid was isolated from the red oil resin of Indian hemp. By 1940, its chemical structure and chemical synthesis were achieved in U.K. and U.S. laboratories. But a few years later, CBD and THC were discovered and for decades dominated both scientific endeavors and public discourse.

Because of its lower binding affinity to ECS receptors, CBN is only mildly psychoactive with about 1/4 the potency of THC. This means that a moderate serving of CBN won't necessarily produce the "high" associated with marijuana. You would need to take a significant amount of CBN to produce effects similar to a smaller quantity of THC. But CBN is typically not enjoyed with this type of experience in mind. 

If THC is driving at highway speeds, CBN is a pleasure cruise through back country roads. It is known to provide a calm, relaxed state rather than send you to the pantry searching for munchies. 

When a cannabis plant is harvested, the fresh flower contains a variety of cannabinoids. THC and CBD are the most abundant, while minor cannabinoids like HHC, Delta-8, and CBN are only present in trace amounts. As the flower is exposed to air, light, and heat, the THC molecules begin to undergo a chemical transformation known as oxidation. When this occurs, THC loses its psychoactive potency and becomes CBN. In other words, CBN is produced as THC degrades. 

So, CBN can be extracted from natural cannabis flower. Alternatively, CBN can be derived synthetically from THC, or plants can be bred to produce higher concentrations of CBN. 

You might be thinking, “This compound sounds an awful lot like CBD.” And while you might be correct in that both are often used to help with relaxation and relief, there are fundamental differences that set them apart. 

CBD and CBN sound similar and are both known to bind predominantly to the body's CB2 receptors. However, one of the biggest differentiators between the CBD vs. CBN is their psychoactivity. 

CBD has been a popular choice for those seeking relief from things like stress or muscle soreness, without altering their cognitive state. It is completely non-psychoactive.

CBN, on the other hand, is considered mildly psychoactive, but again its effects are significantly milder than THC. You may even see some research describing it as non-psychoactive due to how relatively tame the compound is. Sitting somewhere on the spectrum between CBD and THC, this translates to a calming effect without the more pronounced effects of THC. 

Interestingly, there is growing evidence that CBN and CBD or THC together can create a degree of “botanical synergy” or an entourage effect. Meaning, the calming effects of CBN can be amplified when taken with either of the two cannabinoids. 

To fully grasp how any cannabinoid works, it's essential to first understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a vast network in the human body that plays a vital role in regulating physiological processes, including sleep-wake cycles and immune system function. It works under a lock-and-key model, with CB receptors as the "locks" and endocannabinoids as the "keys." Endocannabinoids, or endogenous cannabinoids, are chemical messengers your body naturally produces to regulate this system, and primarily include anandamide and arachidonoyl glycerol.

However, phytocannabinoids- which come from cannabis plants- are similar enough in structure that they, too, can interact with the ECS. Without research into phytocannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBN, the discovery of this vital bodily system in the 1980s would never have taken place.

CBN has been shown to have a higher binding affinity to CB2 receptors with some affinity for CB1. Alternatively, THC has a higher affinity to bind with CB1 receptors, with some for CB2 which might give some insight as to why effects can be amplified when taken together. 

CB2 receptors are found in places like the immune system, spleen, tonsils, and the gastrointestinal tract where they help maintain homeostasis and regulate immune responses, pain perception, and inflammation. CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system and play a crucial role in influencing functions such as pain perception, mood, memory, appetite, and sleep. 

According to research, CBN’s calming effects can potentially help individuals with sleep disturbances fall asleep more easily and achieve deeper sleep. Additionally, these effects can reduce racing thoughts and stress levels helping to foster a sense of tranquility, and relaxation and promote overall well-being.

Some studies have also shown CBN can potentially help regulate the immune system, which in turn can reduce inflammation and inhibit pain responses.  This is due to the interaction with CB2 receptors throughout the ECS. 

The anecdotal evidence touting the benefits of CBN has continued to pile up.  Though research around CBN is still limited, its potential to act as a natural alternative for those struggling to fall asleep and those seeking holistic pain relief options has been an exciting discovery.  

Considering all this, it is important to note that there is stronger evidence around the effects of CBN when paired with CBD or THC, which is a detail often left out by companies pushing CBN as a miracle sleep aid. 

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