The cannabis industry has exploded into existence since it’s legalization in 2012. While cannabis is known for the more popular cannabinoids like THC and CBD, there is another cannabinoid that offers the benefits of CBD called CBN (cannabinol). We’ll discuss what is CBN the difference between CBN and CBD. We’ll also discuss what are the potential benefits of CBN.

What Is CBN (Cannabinol)?

Cannabinol (CBN) is a compound created by aging tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) within cannabis by exposing the product to both heat and light over a period of time; it’s not a naturally occurring product. In short, CBN is an oxidation product of THC. Old cannabis  or extracts that are left unrefrigerated or in the light will have high levels of CBN.

What Is the Difference Between CBN and CBD?

CBN and CBD are two distinct cannabis components. They may share similar medicinal properties but they differ when it comes to how they’re produced and how it interacts in the body. 

CBN without the process of adding heat and light, doesn’t occur naturally. On the other hand, cannabidiol (CBD) naturally occurs as cannabis grows and is harvested by extraction by CO2 or other methods. Each cannabinoid interacts with the receptors in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), whose main job is to maintain bodily equilibrium. 

While CBD research shows it does not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors the way THC dose, CBD does prevent endocannabinoids from breaking down. CBN shares a similar structure with THC, but only binds to CB1 receptors at one-tenth the strength while also binding to CB2 receptors more strongly than THC. This means that individuals can use CBN without getting ‘high’ but still get all of the benefits.

What Are the Potential Benefits of CBN?

Research has been done into the effects of CBN but only to mice subjects.  Results have shown that CBN may have a wide variety of benefits. The benefits of using CBN in medical research have been shown to treat sleep disorders, relieve pain, and help alleviate inflammation (such as that suffered by arthritic patients). 

In rodent studies, CBN has shown to be a treatment for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and delay its degenerative effects to the individual, that it stimulates the individual’s appetite (which can be extremely beneficial to cancer patients who struggle to eat), and helps reduce intraocular pressure for those that suffer from glaucoma. It provides a more gentle, sedative high compared to that of CBD. 

Other benefits include appetite stimulation and antibiotic properties against resistant strains such as Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

This isn’t to say that it CBN is more powerful than over the counter prescriptions. But with further research, the benefits of CBN can eventually be used to treat these illnesses. Human trials will help determine these factors.

Final Thoughts
CBN on its own isn’t intoxicating to the best of our knowledge. But the effects and benefits of CBN have not been fully studied in human subjects, only with mice. With further research, and with CBN becoming more accessible, it’s possible to be just as beneficial to individual’s health and wellbeing.