What is Cannabinol (CBN)?

What is Cannabidol or CBN in the Cannabis Plant? from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

Cannabinol (CBN) is one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis. It is a compound unique to the plant, which means the cannabis is the only source of CBN.

While more people are focused on the more famous cannabinoids THC and CBD, the other cannabinoids also have valuable medical properties that are worth knowing. CBN is no different; it has a specific set of health benefits for everyone who consumes cannabis. CBN occurs as a result of degrading THC or when the THC has been exposed to oxygen or heat, which is what happens when you leave your buds out. Poor storage of cannabis can result to more CBN; this is why you tend to feel its effects more when you smoke old weed or weed that’s been left out. Oxidation causes the THC content in cannabis to be converted into CBN; although this also happens to plants that haven’t been cured properly. Since CBN is a product of degradation, fresh cannabis plants don’t usually contain high concentrations of them.

However, prohibition has made it difficult to fully study and understand CBN and other cannabinoids, but this is what we know today.

Health Benefits of CBN

Sleep Aid

cannabis sleep aid

CBN is one of the cannabinoids responsible for making users sleepy, especially in indica strains. CBN has a tranquilizing, sedative effect and is the strongest cannabinoid in terms of its potential for sleep disorders. CBN as well as other derivatives have also been shown to be useful in prolonging sleep time in animal subjects. CBN shows promise as a natural alternative for those suffering from sleep apnea, insomnia, or other sleep disorders. According to Steep Hill Labs, just 5mg of CBN is just as effective as taking 10mg of diazepam, which are pharmaceutical medications designed to induce sleep.

Pain Relief

pain relief

CBN has also shown to be beneficial in addressing pain sensitivity by activating the release of peptides from sensory nerves. This response to pain can occur without affecting the CB1 and CB2 receptors which means that CBN can work well together with CBD which also reduces pain by activating the receptors. What you get is a much stronger pain relief when the cannabinoids work together.

Glaucoma

glaucoma and cannabis

When administered topically, CBN can help reduce ocular tension significantly, which is the primary cause of glaucoma. Studies show that CBN is effective in reducing the risk for glaucoma as well as halting its progression.

Anti-convulsive

Studies show that CBN as well as its derivatives are effective in prolonging seizure latency in animal subjects. The findings reveal that CBN may be beneficial in acting as epilepsy treatment as well as medicating other seizure-related illnesses.

Antibacterial

CBN can also be used as a natural topical antibacterial. Studies show that this cannabinoid is beneficial in fighting against the effects of MRSA.

Stimulates Bone Growth

CBN is an agonist of both CB1 and CB2 receptors although it’s much weaker than other cannabinoids. However, CBN is valuable for supporting bone health and preventing bone disorders, while reducing the risk for osteoporosis.

Stimulates appetite

CBN can help stimulate the appetite, which is necessary for proper nutrition among patients of chemotherapy, HIV/AIDs, or those who are suffering from eating disorders.

Anti-inflammatory

CBN also has anti-inflammatory properties, one of the most important health benefits of the cannabis plant. Several chronic and serious medical disorders are rooted in inflammation; so preventing any kind of inflammation from happening is critical to maintaining good health. CBN’s anti-inflammatory properties makes it beneficial for preventing Crohn’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and others.

Where to find CBN

CBN is usually present in more indica strains because of its ability to induce sleep more than sativas or hybrids. If you want to make the CBN effects of your bud more pronounced, all you need to do is leave it out and expose it to air. These days, more patients and scientists have a better understanding of CBN although more research is needed; so it’s easier than ever to find cannabis products that contain more CBN or other cannabinoids than usual. CBN has little or no psychoactive effects at all; if it was possible to medicate with this cannabinoid alone you would have a fast-acting and natural sleep aid that won’t get you high at all.