Up until recently, most cannabinoid research has focused on THC and CBD. But as scientists are digging deeper into the cannabis plant’s health benefits, it appears that cannabinol (CBN) may become the next shooting star.

There are at least 113 different cannabinoids in hemp plants and marijuana — this is how many have been identified so far — but we’ve known relatively little about the compounds other than THC and CBD up until now.

Times are changing, and so is our knowledge. Progressive marijuana legalization across the United States promotes deeper studies of the herb’s constituents. We’re realizing “minor cannabinoids” like CBG, CBC, and CBN may have potential therapeutic benefits, contributing to something known as the “entourage effect.”

In this article, we’ll focus exclusively on what is cbn, how it compares to THC and CBD, and why it may improve sleep quality.

What is CBN?

CBN, short for cannabinol, is a mildly psychoactive compound in marijuana.

In other words, you won’t find CBN in large amounts in hemp plants, as this particular cannabinoid is a breakdown product of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marijuana’s most abundant constituent.

As the THC in marijuana buds age, it transforms into CBN through a process known as THC-oxidation. According to early research, CBN could provide a range of medical benefits, similar to those provided by THC and CBD.

Studies indicate that CBN may have antibiotic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Unfortunately, CBN is only present in minuscule amounts, even in a dried plant. Its levels rarely reach 0.5%, but you can make it more abundant by storing your cannabis improperly for a long time — allowing any THC to break down into CBN. This is mostly the reason why its psychoactive effects are subtle.

There’s also a growing interest in CBN for its potential as a sleep aid , with anecdotal reports suggesting sleep promoting effects on par with sedatives. Many also report their sleep disturbances improving and having a more balanced sense of calm.

Early evidence from sources like the National Cancer Institute also hints at pain relief and anti-inflammatory actions, but concrete clinical data is still evolving [1]. Potential synergy with immune cells and cannabinoid receptors likewise merits further study.

What are the Differences Between CBN, CBD, and THC?

To begin with, CBN is less abundant than the major cannabinoids THC and CBD. While CBD or THC levels in selectively bred strains can reach up to 30%, the amount of CBN rarely surpasses the one-percent mark.

Luckily, you don’t need much cannabinol to experience its benefits.

Despite being a byproduct of THC’s degradation, CBN shows very little psychoactivity. It may provide sedative effects, but you won’t feel high or stoned. On the contrary, it can even reduce the potency of marijuana. This is why aged marijuana generally has less psychoactive effects than fresher buds.

Unlike THC and CBD, CBN doesn’t seem to have a direct influence on the endocannabinoid system. It’s a weak partial agonist of the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.

Currently, researchers have yet to understand the drug metabolism process and effects of cannabinol in contrast to THC and CBD, both of which have far more research behind them.

How is CBN Produced?

Have you ever wondered why your old weed makes you so sleepy?

That’s how cannabinol works. This compound is produced gradually over time as your marijuana ages and THC turns into CBN. What’s left is a weed with potent sedative properties that may help you improve the quality of your sleep, relieve pain, increase appetite, and more.

The degradation of THC begins with the harvest when the cannabis plant is collected and stops receiving nutrients from the roots, impairing the biosynthetic pathways of cannabinoids.

Once that happens, the psychoactive properties of marijuana are subsequently weakened. Keep in mind that raw cannabis contains THC in its inactive form (THC-A), so when raw weed ages, the THC-A turns into CBN-a, short for cannabinolic-acid.

If you want to boost CBN levels in your weed, you need to expose it to the air and give it time to oxidize. This is the same effect as storing your weed incorrectly.

As THC oxidizes and becomes CBN, the buds of your weed may go “stale” due to the larger amounts of cannabinol. Of course, they will lose their bag appeal, but you’re getting the potential benefits of CBN to compensate for this downside.

Explaining the Oxidation of THC

CBN and THC are almost identical on a molecular level. If it wasn’t for the four extra hydrogen atoms in THC, their chemical makeup would be exactly the same.

THC loses these atoms through regular exposure to air, heat, and light. If you’re wondering whether your medical cannabis loses potency over time, the answer is a sound ‘yes.’

According to a study conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, THC concentration in an exposed sample can decrease two times over a four-year period, with the fastest degradation level during the first two years [1].

Thus, if you don’t want to lose THC in favor of CBN, make sure you keep your weed away from:

• Air
• Light
• Excessive heat

Is CBN Psychoactive?

There is no clear answer to this question.

 Some studies indicate CBN is non-psychoactive, while others point out to this cannabinoid as “having very mildly psychoactive effects.”

CBN might not be psychoactive in the way we define this quality in marijuana. It won’t make you feel high, euphoric, or very hungry because it’s not as strong an agonist of cannabinoid receptors as THC.

It does, however, have powerful sedative effects which might explain the questions about its psychoactive properties — at least in part.

The Major Benefits of CBN

There are plenty of benefits to using CBN. First and foremost, this cannabinoid is well established as a calming agent — it’s more potent in this matter than any other cannabis compound.

CBN (is believed) to support a good night’s sleep without producing many of the unwanted side effects of prescription sleeping pills. The first records of the sedative properties of cannabinol date back as far as 1975, followed by a 1995 study on insomniac mice where it proved its efficacy in relation to improving the quality of sleep [2, 3].

CBN also pairs well with other cannabinoids like CBD to enhance potential therapeutic benefits for sleep disorders, myofascial pain, or other concerns. Some medical cannabis patients use cannabinol in conjunction with higher doses of CBD to potentiate these calming properties.

Research on CBN: Current Findings

Please note that research involving CBN is still in the early stages. Below, we run through some of the most promising research on this unique cannabinoid, but acknowledge that this evidence is not strong enough to make ANY CLAIMS on the applications of CBN.

More research is needed to examine these effects within the human body through rigorous clinical testing and meta-analysis — which is something we’re still several years away from achieving.

Aside from being a powerful sleeping aid, CBN may ameliorate a wide range of health concerns. Below you’ll find other therapeutic effects of cannabidiol backed by studies.

1. Infection

A 2008 study found that CBN causes the death of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (MRSA), which is responsible for triggering an array of potentially harmful infections [4].

2. Convulsions

Cannabinoids have been used to fight epilepsy and seizures for a while now. CBN was recently found to exhibit anti-convulsing effects in various studies conducted on animals. However, the studies also concluded that these properties are weaker than in THC and CBD [5].

3. Inflammation

Early research suggests that CBN may have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Studies run on rodent models have shown the cannabinoid’s ability to effectively curb inflammation in mice. [6].

4. Appetite

Another study on animal models (rats) that consumed CBN found that the rodents who were exposed to higher doses of CBN also consumed larger portions of food more frequently. The possible reason behind CBN’s impact on appetite is its affinity to the CB1 receptor. CBN may prove a decent alternative for THC in boosting appetite due to far weaker psychoactive effects [7].

5. Bone Health

In his work “Taming THC”, cannabis expert Dr Ethan Russo discusses the potential influence of CBN in triggering stem cells in the bone marrow. While he underlines that this is only a theory that would have to be further proven, this would mean there’s a chance that CBN could help speed up bone formation and regeneration processes [8].

6. Malignancy

Cannabidiol targets cellular pathways that promote tumor growth. Research has found that CBN can bolster marijuana’s anti-cancer effects and reduce Lewis lung carcinoma, a type of lung cancer [9].

7. Skin Health

Psoriasis is an annoying skin condition that creates flaky, crusty patches of skin that are covered by white-gray scales. According to preliminary research, CBN may reduce keratinocyte (a type of skin cell) proliferation. These cells became hyperactive in psoriasis sufferers, which is the main reason behind the creation of those flaky skin patches [10].

8. Nociception

As mentioned, CBN is a weak CB1 and CB2 agonist meaning it has very little influence on these cannabinoid receptors. However, as a byproduct of THC’s degradation, it’s believed to have an effect on pain transmission.

For example, in one study, CBN was found to trigger the release of peptides from sensory nerves which dampens pain sensation. Researchers speculate that the analgesic effects produced by CBN are independent of CB1 and CB2 receptors and result from the compound’s interaction with another cannabinoid receptor we have yet to discover [11].

Is CBN Legal?

The waters are murky when it comes to the legality of marijuana’s compounds, even though the plant remains illegal in many places across the world.

THC, the main psychoactive ingredient, is the main bone of contention and the reason why so many countries have banned marijuana within their borders. As CBN is the byproduct of THC oxidation, it’s logical to assume that the compound is illegal in the same places where THC has been prohibited.

However, CBN is not present on the list of scheduled controlled substances, so its legal status isn’t as clear as you might expect. But then again, cannabinol comes from THC, which, in turn, is a Schedule I substance, so even if cannabinol itself were legal it would be risky to source it because it would call for large quantities of weed.

CBN-Rich Strains

There are a few marijuana strains with reasonable CBN content. You’ll be lucky if your strain has more than 1% cannabinol.

Here’s a list of “high-CBN” marijuana strains:

• Blackberry: 0.4%
• Bubble Gum: 0.38%
• Durban Poison: 0.63%
• Lemon Kush: 0.49%
• Purple Cadillac: 0.31%
• Super Green Crack: 0.79%

How to Get More CBN From Your Flowers?

The easiest way to get CBN from your weed is to age it.

Marijuana and hemp growers often use the color of the trichomes to determine harvest dates. The trichomes begin clear and gradually become more cloudy as they ripen. As they become overripe the trichomes begin turning amber in color.

Growers that want to boost CBN content need to wait until most of these trichomes have turned amber before harvesting.

Now we need to discuss the extraction process of CBN.

The other way to do it is to store your weed “incorrectly” to allow the THC to oxidize.

If you want to benefit from CBN but don’t fancy smoking stale buds, try using the below method:

1. Place your harvested buds in your curing jars in a bright and warm place with a humidity level of around 65%
2. Poke several holes in the top of the jar to give your weed access to air.
3. Watch your buds to ensure they don’t become too died or stale.
4. If the buds are drying too fast, place them in an airtight container and move them to a cool and dark place.
5. Wait about 30 days or more.
6. Now you should have more CBN in your weed.

CBN Oil: Is it Real and How is it Made?

Yes, CBN oil is a real thing, and as you can probably guess, this product is a result of extracting CBN from the marijuana plant. As no marijuana plant doesn’t naturally come with significant concentrations of the compound, it’s necessary to let the buds age first.

After the oxidization process, you can begin the extraction. The good news is that you don’t need CBN in abundance to feel its effects.

If you intend to make CBN oil, make sure you wait beyond the regular harvest time before the extraction. As soon as the trichomes turn amber or yellow, it’s an indicator that the plant has enough CBN. Please keep in mind that CBN’s boiling point is 365 F — a bit higher than the boiling point of THC.

If you want to get the most out of your CBN, we suggest that you look for companies with expertise in aging, curing, and drying marijuana rather than doing it on your own.

Final Thoughts on CBN and Its Benefits

Up until recently, most of our attention was focused on THC and CBD, but as it turns out, we shouldn’t overlook the immense medical potential of the so-called “minor cannabinoids” such as CBN.

Cannabinol is arguably the best natural sedative on the planet and because it only shares a small portion of THC’s psychoactive effects, it won’t get you high. If you want to try CBN for yourself, the easiest way is to let your marijuana go stale so its THC can transform into CBN.

Extracting CBN from weed takes some time and practice, so perhaps it’s best to look for CBN-infused products online. If you suffer from insomnia or believe that the quality of your sleep leaves a lot to be desired, cannabinol could help you throw away your sleeping pills and embrace the power of herbal sedation.

Alternatively, you may use CBN to get relief from convulsions, inflammation, and bacteria among other ailments.

Have you ever tried aging your marijuana for the purpose of increasing its CBN content? What’s your take on the benefits of this cannabinoid? Let us know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Does CBN Mean in Gummies?

CBN in gummies refers to edibles infused with cannabinol (CBN) rather than THC or CBD. Users often choose these if they’re seeking a mild sedative effect without intense psychoactive effects. Because CBN pairs well with other cannabinoids, certain products may blend CBD or small amounts of THC in the hemp or cannabis extract for a more balanced sleep profile.

2. What Kind of High is CBN?

CBN is typically noted for its sleep promoting effects instead of a strong high. Most people report deep relaxation, making it excellent for improving sleep disturbances. It’s gentler than delta-9 THC, so you likely won’t feel stoned or disoriented.

3. Is CBN Hard on the Liver?

There’s minimal data on cannabinol (CBN) and liver toxicity. Unlike some pharmaceuticals, cannabinoids usually exhibit low toxicity, but more research is essential. Anyone with a disease affecting liver function should speak with a healthcare professional before using it.

4. Will CBN Show Up on a Drug Test?

Standard tests primarily detect THC metabolites, not CBN specifically. However, CBN comes from delta-9 THC oxidation, and according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine, using high-CBN products might result in trace THC exposure, potentially yielding a positive result.

If you want to try CBN, choose the vendor wisely and make sure the brand offers lab-tested products that come with certificates of analysis. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), many products in the hemp industry are often mislabeled, increasing the risk of unintended exposure or overconsumption. 

5. Does CBN Get You Stoned?

CBN doesn’t produce a heavy high. It’s more aligned with improved sleep quality and subtle relaxation. Users might feel slightly sedated and calm, but rarely do they experience full-blown psychoactive effects or euphoria.

References:

1. Kroner, G. M., Johnson-Davis, K. L., Doyle, K., & McMillin, G. A. (2020). Cannabinol (CBN) Cross-Reacts with Two Urine Immunoassays Designed to Detect Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Metabolite. The journal of applied laboratory medicine, 5(3), 569–574. https://doi.org/10.1093/jalm/jfaa020
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Understanding cannabidiol (CBD). SAMHSA Publications. Retrieved from https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep22-06-04-003.pdf