We hear a lot about CBD, but did you know that it's not the only cannabinoid - a molecule produced by hemp - that cannabis plants make? Among the dozen or so molecules, there's cannabinol (CBN). Less well-known than cannabidiol, it nevertheless possesses virtues that are attracting increasing attention.
What is Cannabinol (CBN)?
Although its name is similar to cannabidiol (CBD), the two molecules are quite different. Cannabinol (CBN) is in fact closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance found in cannabis.
What exactly is CBN? First of all, it's not a substance naturally produced in hemp, but obtained by heating and oxygenating THC. CBN is therefore initially present in cannabis plants as an acid (CBNa). The effects of CBN are therefore often associated with those of THC, but without the psychotropic effect. Please note that CBN is not psychoactive, so it is not classified as a narcotic and is completely legal in the UK. Like other cannabinoids, CBN stimulates the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors, providing certain benefits for body and mind.
What are the potential effects and benefits of CBN?
Research into the effects and benefits of CBN is still in full swing. Although the scientific community has little experience with this molecule, it has already been credited with a number of health and well-being benefits. As mentioned above, CBN is not a narcotic. Nor is it considered addictive. On the other hand, cannabinol could :
- Help reduce anxiety;
- Stimulates appetite;
- Fights certain bacteria;
- Helps you fall asleep and sleep better;
- Beneficial for skin problems and burns;
- Helps fight asthma;
- Reduces glaucoma.
Current studies are focusing in particular on the appetite-stimulating effects that the substance brings, since, unlike THC, it produces no undesirable psychoactive side-effects. Studies continue to be carried out on a regular basis to investigate CBN in greater detail.
How to use CBN
As you may have already guessed, CBN is a rare molecule, rarely found in the environment. However, brands dedicated to hemp-based products offer CBN in various forms, the most commonly found being oil. You can consume CBN oil as it is, by depositing the desired quantity under the tongue. Alternatively, you can add it to your culinary preparations, for example. CBN is also often sold in capsules to be taken with water, but the effects will take longer to be felt than with sublingual use.
Alternatively, some stores offer cannabinol in concentrate form, to be added to preparations or used to supplement the CBN content of another product.
What are the differences between CBD and CBN?
Although both substances are derived from hemp, the two molecules don 't have exactly the same chemical composition or origin within the plant either. CBD is harvested from hemp flowers and leaves. CBN, on the other hand, is obtained by oxygenation of cannabis flowers and, as explained above, is the source of CBNa acid. Another important difference is the way the molecules act on the endocannabinoid system. CBN is said to have a more stimulating effect on both body and mind, while CBD is said to be more soothing.
Can CBN and CBD be mixed?
There are no contraindications to mixing CBD and CBN. On the contrary, whatever the hemp-derived product, the aim is to maximize the entourage effect, which is, let's not forget, the process by which the various cannabinoids act in symbiosis and simultaneously maximize each other's effects and benefits.
So, mixing CBD andCBN oil can be a good option to promote some of the virtues of cannabinoids. You can adjust the levels of the molecules according to the desired effects.
CBN: better than CBD or not?
In short, we can't say whether CBN is better than CBD or not. The two cannabinoids are very distinct, both in terms of price range and ease of commercial availability, not to mention their effects on the body and the scientific background we have on the substances. While CBN is thought to have more stimulating effects, CBD is said to have calming and soothing properties. Ultimately, the best product depends on what you want to use it for, and what ailments you want to try to soothe.
