What is CBN? (Cannabinol)

CBN, or cannabinol, is a component found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBN does not naturally occur in plants like CBD or THC does, but is actually derived from THC-A (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). CBN occurs when THC oxidizes, though a simpler way of saying this is simply that CBN is aged THC.

Until recently, CBN was considered to be a waste byproduct of over-aged cannabis. However, studies over the past years have found it to be a beneficial and useful cannabinoid, especially when taken in conjunction with other cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG. CBN is sometimes sold as CBN isolate, though it is much more commonly found paired with CBD, and it is present in most full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oils.

Confused about the differences between CBN vs. CBD? You’re not alone! Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) are both part of the 100+ cannabinoids that have been found in the cannabis plant. Both CBD and CBN interact with the series of receptors in our bodies known as the endocannabinoid system.

However, a major difference when comparing CBN vs. CBD is that while CBD occurs naturally in the plant, CBN occurs when THC oxidizes and breaks down. For this reason, it is often thought that CBN has the psychoactive effects that THC does, though generally CBN is non-psychoactive and many CBN products are marketed as zero-high. While CBD is useful for sleep, among many other benefits, CBN is emerging as a big contender in the sleep-aid industry.

This full spectrum oil delivers the iconic duo of CBD and CBN: a match made in heaven! With 150mg of CBN and 1,200mg of CBD, this product from the reputable folks at Spruce™ was recently updated to include higher CBN content, which means more calm, relaxation, and sleep for you. If you’re looking to use CBN for sleep or insomnia, then this is an excellent choice. With a subtle and all-natural vanilla flavor, this lab-grade oil is  vegan, gluten free, and is produced without pesticides in the USA. And the cherry on top? The product is labelled as ZERO-HIGH, meaning you can get the relaxation and sleep aid you crave worry-free.

Ingredients

• CBN, CBD, Natural Vanilla Flavor, MCT (coconut oil)

With a 1:3 CBD to CBN ratio, it’s a no-brainer that this extra-strength formulation comes in second place. If you are suffering from insomnia, anxiety, or restlessness, this product may help you with more restful sleep, calm, and overall relaxation. What’s more, CBDistillery™ is one of the realest companies in the game right now: they are not only committed to third-party lab testing and certified by the US Hemp Authority, they’re also known for their honestly labeled, high quality products. They boast a pretty affordable product, but if it’s not to your liking you can also take advantage of their incredible customer service and their 60 day money-back guarantee.

Ingredients

• Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (Aerial Parts), Cannabinol (CBN), Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT), Natural Terpenes

This CBN oil is a full spectrum extract, but is made with NuLeaf™’s proprietary genetics that naturally create a whole plant hemp extract that is highly concentrated in CBN and contains significant amounts of additional cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, CBG, and more. If you would like to try out CBN and experience its many benefits, this is the product for you. This product is made from organic hemp plants grown in the USA, and since NuLeaf™ controls the entire farming and production process from seed to shelf you can rest easy knowing their products are of the highest quality.

Ingredients

• Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, Organic Virgin Hemp Seed Oil

This calming CBD + CBN tincture comes in five different potencies (from Regular Strength to Ultra Strength), meaning you can find your perfect fit. This competitively-priced product is made with all natural ingredients, meaning not only will it help you sleep, you’ll also sleep easy knowing you don’t have to worry about residual solvents or other nasty chemicals in your product. CBDfx™ is an excellent brand for vegans or those passionate about animal rights to purchase from, as their products are certified Cruelty-Free. This tincture is highly recommended for sleep issues such as insomnia, as you can try increasing potencies for particularly stubborn cases.

Ingredients

• Hemp Extract (aerial parts), CBD, CBN, MCT Oil, Coconut Oil, Stevia

The perfect addition to your nighttime routine. These full spectrum CBN gummies come in two delicious varieties: Deep Sleep Berry and Original Citrus. These CBN gummies are precisely dosed with a industry-leading 5:1 ratio of CBD to other hemp compounds including CBN, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. These compounds all work together to produce what is often known as the synergistic entourage effect: a synergistic interaction that deepens the potency of each compound when they’re taken all together. If you have to take regular drug tests, this is not the product for you as there are small amounts of THC present, though MEDterra™ products are third-party tested to ensure THC levels are below the legal limit of .3% THC (by weight).

Ingredients

• Original Gummies:
  • Organic Tapioca Syrup, Organic Cane Sugar, Water, Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, Organic Pear Juice Concentrate, Organic Tapioca Maltodextrin, Pectin, MCT Oil, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate
• Deep Sleep Gummies:
  • Organic Tapioca Syrup, Organic Cane Sugar, Water, Organic Hemp Extract, Melatonin, Organic Pear Juice Concentrate, Organic Tapioca Maltodextrin, Pectin, MCT Oil, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate

CBN is most often used for it’s sleep-aiding benefits. The efficacy of CBN for treating insomnia and other sleep issues is thought to be due to its origin as THC, which has sedating and relaxing effects.

As CBN grows in popularity, more studies are being conducted on its potential benefits. Early studies have found that CBN can also be used to help relieve pain and inflammation caused by conditions such as Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis; to have antibacterial properties; to assist in regulating the immune system; to reduce eye pressure caused by glaucoma; as well as benefit those suffering from seizure disorders such as epilepsy.

When purchasing a CBN product, there’s a few things to keep in mind. First of all, unlike the more popular CBD and THC, CBN is not often sold as a stand-alone product. If you’ve come across CBN isolate online or in stores, you’ve probably noticed that it’s quite pricey and difficult to find. As CBN grows in popularity and more producers catch on, you can expect the cost of CBN isolate to lower and availability to grow.

Luckily for you, many brands are realizing the potential of CBN and have started marketing it’s presence in their products. While many brands are now selling products marketed as CBD + CBN, CBN is usually found in both full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oils. If you want to make sure the product you’re purchasing has CBN, check the ingredient list, or see what compounds are included in the brand’s full/broad spectrum blends.