What Is CBN?

Lately, THC and CBD have been making headlines for their many therapeutic abilities. But in reality, there are well over 100 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that may have psychoactive and therapeutic benefits of their own. One of these lesser-known cannabinoids is CBN. 

What Is CBN?

CBN (cannabinol) is a mildly intoxicating cannabinoid that is perhaps best known for being an oxidation product of THC. CBN appears when THC ages, or when it degrades from being exposed to heat or light. When this happens, THC effectively breaks itself down into CBN. Because of this, CBN tends to be present in higher amounts in older cannabis. 

If cannabis is stored properly, this process can be slowed down and delayed. This is part of the reason why your Grand Rapids dispensary budtender will usually recommend that you store your cannabis in a dark, dry place. 

Since the levels of CBN in cannabis are determined by environmental factors instead of genetic factors, there are no high-CBN strains that exist naturally in nature. Instead, CBN is obtained through the oxidization of THC. 

How Does CBN Work?

On its own, CBN is not believed to produce any intoxicating effects. But nevertheless, this cannabinoid may have therapeutic value. 

When CBN enters the body, it interacts with cell receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Like THC, CBN binds directly to CB1 cell receptors in the ECS, although at a fraction of the binding strength as THC. 

What does CBN do? Similar to CBD, CBN is non-intoxicating but it can affect the high produced by THC when both are in the system at the same time. And thanks to its sedating properties, CBN has gained a reputation for being the ‘sleepy cannabinoid’. However, it’s believed that CBN actually produces these effects when it exists in combination with THC, and probably not on its own. 

That doesn’t necessarily mean that isolated CBN doesn’t have it own benefits though. Here are just a few of the potential benefits of CBN.

CBN and Inflammation

CBN may have potential as an anti-inflammatory. A 2016 rodent study found that CBN was able to improve the symptoms of arthritis in mice. When combined with THC, a known anti-inflammatory, CBN’s anti-inflammatory effects may be compounded by the entourage effect. However, much more research is needed into CBN’s anti-inflammatory potential before it can be confirmed.

CBN and Appetite 

Similar to its predecessor THC, CBN may also have the ability to stimulate appetite. A 2012 rodent study found that CBN altered the eating patterns of mice to consume more food. CBN could potentially be a good option for those seeking appetite stimulation without the high. 

CBN and Glaucoma

Like THC, CBN has been found to be useful in reducing intraocular eye pressure, known to be the biggest risk factor for developing glaucoma. 

CBN as a Neuroprotectant

CBN may also have potential as a neuroprotective agent. A 2005 rodent study found that the administration of CBN was able to delay the onset of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease. This may mean that CBN could help prevent or even treat the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.

CBN and Sleep

On its own, CBN won’t make you sleepy, but a 2011 study found that combining THC and CBN resulted in a more sedating high for test subjects. The combination of THC and CBN could be a potent sleep-aid. 

Have sleep troubles? Next time you grab some cannabis from your favorite Grand Rapids dispensary, let it sit in the heat for a while before using it so that it develops a higher CBN content. And remember to write about it in your cannabis journal!

While CBN may not appear naturally in cannabis, it can be isolated and concentrated into cannabis products. Next time you’re at your favorite Grand Rapids dispensary, keep an eye out for a high-CBN tincture or edible! Stop by today and check out Exclusive, the best cannabis dispensary Grand Rapids has to offer!