What is CBN?

Even long-time users of hemp products often ask what CBN is. Cannabinol (CBN) is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has calming effects and may be beneficial for improving sleep quality and relieving pain. CBN is a mildly psychoactive compound that interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors and works with the endocannabinoid system.

CBD (cannabidiol) extracted from hemp is well known to an increasing number of people in Lithuania and all over the world for its therapeutic and cosmetic properties. Meanwhile, CBN (or cannabinol) is a lesser known compound. According to experts, undeservedly so: CBN has a calming effect and even a small dose of this compound can produce great results. What should you know about this component and how to use CBN products?

Note: This and other articles on Hempo's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'novel food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.

What is CBN?

How do CBD and CBN differ?

• Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression;
• Alleviating pain associated with multiple sclerosis, cancer, nerve damage;
• Easing arthritis symptoms;
• Treating rare forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome;
• Helping combat opioid addiction.

Unique effect

The highest amount of cannabinol is found in cut hemp plants that are kept under special conditions: exposed to heat, oxygen and natural sunlight. Similar to CBD, CBN provides a therapeutic effect and does not have intoxicating properties.

CBN is not as widely researched, known and used as CBD. However, this natural hemp product has unique benefits that have been confirmed by doctors and scientists:

• Calming properties. CBN has been shown to have properties that can alleviate various ailments such as stress, anxiety disorders and insomnia;
• Perfect for preventive use. Moderate doses of cannabinol can also be used for prevention, as it calms your body, remove the tension and improves your focus and concentration;
• Relieves pain. A study conducted in 2019 with laboratory rats showed that CBN effectively reduced pain and spasms in muscles, joints and other areas, as well as increased joint mobility. Experts note that the best results are achieved when CBN and CBD are used together;
• Helps patients with neurodegenerative diseases. US researchers conducted a study in which people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) took small doses of CBN for 12 weeks. It's a progressive neurodegenerative disease that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and eventually leads to complete body paralysis. It has been found that CBN can help prevent ALS disease or slow its progression significantly. Thus, CBN makes it possible to significantly improve the quality of life of patients.

How does CBN affect your body?

Once in the body, CBN starts to interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cellular signaling system that regulates many of the body functions.

CBN binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. These are the main receptors of the peripheral and central nervous system that interact with cannabinoids and, in response to CBN, provide a calming effect on the body.

What should you know about using CBN?

While no scientific studies to date have shown that CBN can have any psychoactive, intoxicating effects, in composition this component is related to the hallucinogenic substance THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Therefore, you should choose products where CBN is only a secondary ingredient. You can buy full-spectrum CBD oil or capsules that contain a small dose of CBN: even a small concentration of cannabinol has an obvious calming effect, helps relieve tension and fall asleep.

That being said, pure CBN oil may cause unwanted side effects such as extreme fatigue, weakness, dizziness or light-headedness.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of CBN

What is CBN: a summary