What is the CBN cannabinoid?
When researching CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids like CBG, you may have run across and asked yourself, what is CBN? CBN, or cannabinol, is another beneficial cannabinoid from the cannabis plant that has massively grown in popularity due to its many benefits to our bodies, namely sleep promotion. It is a minor cannabinoid that comes from the degradation of THC but remains non-psychoactive like CBD. CBN has different types of benefits for us and has the potential to be a natural sleep aid without side effects unlike Melatonin and sleep pills. With so many CBN products now available, it’s time to learn what CBN is and what it can do for your body!
What is the difference between CBD and CBN?
CBD (Cannabidiol) and CBN (Cannabinol) are indeed two distinct compounds found in cannabis plants, each with unique properties and origins. CBD is typically extracted from strains of cannabis that are high in CBD and low in THC, as well as from industrial hemp, which is legally defined as a cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. On the other hand, CBN is formed through the degradation and oxidation of THC, particularly in older cannabis plants or those exposed to significant amounts of light and heat.
Both CBD and CBN have therapeutic potential, with studies suggesting that they may help improve sleep quality, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation. However, their effects can differ. CBD has been extensively studied for its potential to treat a variety of conditions, including seizures, anxiety, and depression, and is a key ingredient in the FDA-approved drug Epidiolex, which treats certain forms of epilepsy. CBN, while less researched, is gaining interest for its possible sedative effects and its role in pain management.
What are the benefits of CBN?
CBN, like CBD, is still in the early stages of discovery. Research is still young but the cannabinoid is already showing many protective qualities such as:
- Sleep Promotion/Insomnia Relief
- Antibacterial
- Neuroprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
- Appetite Stimulation
- Intraocular Relief for Glaucoma
CBN for sleep?
Does CBN really help with insomnia? CBN’s main contribution to the hemp industry has been its introduction as a sleep aid. Sleep pills and “natural alternatives” like Melatonin have undesirable side effects. Sleep capsules and pills can lead to dependency and an inability to fall asleep without them, while ingesting supplemental Melatonin daily can cause your body to stop naturally producing enough further exacerbating your issue with rest.
The initial case was made by Steep Hill Labs, a test laboratory based in California. Proponents of cannabis have long spoken about the presence of CBN in outdoor cannabis and its role in creating a higher sedating effect than cannabis plants grown indoors. The case can also be made that CBN works in concert with other cannabinoids and terpenes to produce the effects often spoken of. Only time and more research will expose the actual benefits CBN on sleep but if you are using CBN boosted products such as a CBD + CBN Sleep Tincture or CBN Sleep Capsules and benefitting from it, there is no reason to stop.
CBN is antibacterial
Like many other cannabinoids, CBN has been shown to exhibit antibacterial properties. When tested on strain on MSRA bacteria (which is resistant to traditional antibiotics), CBN was shown to have the potential to be a potent antibacterial agent. More research is needed to further this claim, but preliminary results are promising.
CBN is a neuroprotectant
CBN may also carry neuroprotective properties. One study, conducted on rodents, tested the use of CBN as a treatment for ALS. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease named after the famed Yankees first basemen who contracted the disease in 1939. CBN, in the study, was shown to delay the onset on symptoms in the rodents, showing the potential for similar use in humans.
CBN is an appetite stimulant
Like THC, CBN has exhibited its ability to increase the appetite of rodents in a study. For those who are weary of THC ability to produce a high, CBN may be a great alternative for helping to increase the appetite of people undergoing treatments like chemotherapy that can curtail hunger. More research is necessary to to see if CBN will help those seeking the munchies without the high.
CBN is anti-inflammatory
Many cannabinoids are able to help relieve and reduce inflammations and CBN appears to be no different. In one study on rodents – I know, more rodent studies, showed the potential for CBN to be used against rheumatoid arthritis. The use of CBN was able to lower the amount of inflammation caused by the arthritis and has a major potential to be a game-changer for those suffering from this condition.
CBN helps to lower intraocular pressure
CBN may also be able to help those suffering from glaucoma, or painfully high pressure in the eye. THC is widely used to help alleviate this condition, but comes with the unfortunate side effect of causing a high for many. CBN, in a study on rabbits, was found to relieve intraocular pressure. The results were not shown to be superior to other glaucoma treatments, but has shown it ability. Once again, more research is needed as cannabinoid mixtures of THC, CBN and possibly CBD may also be beneficial, while reducing the amount of the high.
Can CBN make me fail a drug test?
As mentioned earlier, Cannabinol comes from the degradation and oxidation of THC. As such, CBN has been shown to be able to produce false positives during THC testing.
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CBN has a chemical Similarity to THC:
- CBN is chemically similar to THC and interacts similarly with the endocannabinoid system.
- While most drug tests do not specifically screen for CBN, they primarily target THC.
- Some drug testing technology may struggle to distinguish between CBN and THC.
- A study from the University of Utah found that CBN might show up as THC in urinalysis tests. The amount of CBN required to cause a failed test varied: in one test, 20 times as much CBN as THC was needed, while in another study, consuming just 5 times as much CBN resulted in a failure.
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Threshold for False Positives with CBN:
- Immunoassays designed to detect THC can cross-react with CBN.
- To produce a false-positive result, at least 5 times the THC cutoff level is required. For instance, 250 ng/mL of CBN in urine can show up in a standard THC test with a cutoff of 50 ng/mL.
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How long does CBN stay in your system?
- CBN can stay in your system anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks depending on your metabolism and usage.
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Recommendation:
- If you have an upcoming drug test, it’s advisable to avoid CBN products to prevent potential false positives.
- While CBN may aid sleep, its presence could lead to THC detection in drug tests.
Remember to stay informed and make informed choices based on your specific situation. If you’re concerned about drug testing, consult with a healthcare professional or consider alternative options.
Key Takeaways
So what is CBN? CBN is a legally derived cannabinoid from cannabis that is showing increasing benefits animals and humans without the psychoactive high. CBN use is still in its early days and as more research comes to fruition, we will learn more about the minor cannabinoid, its role in impacting our bodies and its role in promoting rest. CBN, like all cannabinoids, seems to have many positive effects for use medically and we will continue to follow the research and keep updating this post as more studies bear fruit.