What is CBN: CBN Benefits (CBN for Sleep)

What is CBN?

CBN, or Cannabinol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is produced when the popular psychoactive cannabinoid Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) degrades and its molecular structure changes as a result of exposure to too much light or heat (usually due to improper storage).

CBN was the first phytocannabinoid cannabinoid (a cannabinoid only found in cannabis) to be isolated. CBN was:

• First isolated in 1896 by Thomas Barlow Wood, WT Newton Spivey, and Thomas Hill Easterfield,
• Had its chemical structure clarified in 1932 by R.S. Cahn, and
• Was synthesized in a lab in 1940 by Lord Todd in the UK and R. Adams in the U.S.

While THC is the chemical precursor to CBN, CBN is not psychoactive unless consumed in excessive amounts. Rather CBN has many of the relaxing and sedative effects experienced when consuming strains that contain THC. This is because like THC CBN binds to CB1 receptors found in the basal ganglia, brainstem, cerebellum, hippocampus, and neocortex and binds to the CB2 receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), glial cells, peripheral immune system, and hippocampal CA2/3 pyramidal neurons. Unlike THC CBN has poor binding abilities making it non psychoactive.

All cannabis will generally have 1% or less of CBN in it. Old dried cannabis typically has higher levels of CBN. If you leave your cannabis out or if you do not store it popularly causing it to be exposed to light and the general elements it will oxidize, lose its potency, and produce higher levels of CBN.

Is CBN legal

While CBN is the first isolated phytocannabinoid it is not currently regulated under the controlled substances act. This means it is considered legal in all 50 states so long as it derived from hemp plants, which contain less than 0.3% THC, or cannabis plants that are grown and consumed legally in accordance with state laws.

How is CBN consumed?

CBN can be inhaled, taken orally, or topically. The naturally low levels of CBN in cannabis have resulted in brands creating CBN concentrates, CBN edibles, and CBN rich strains. These product options are favorable among cannabis consumers who seek CBN’s benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.

CBN Benefits

Early research suggests CBN benefits include but are not limited to:

• Appetite stimulation
• Antibacterial properties and effectiveness against several antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• Analgesic effects and enhanced pain relief
• Help with sleep and the promotion of deeper sleep cycles
• Possible treatment for allergic airway disease
• Possible treatment of cell damaging diseases such as Huntington’s disease
• Possible treatment for glaucoma
• Possible treatment for muscle pain disorders such as fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorders
• Promotion of relaxation
• Reduced allergen mucus production
• Reduced inflammation
• Sedative effects making it a good alternative to pharmacological drugs such as Diazepam and Valium
• Support to decrease cell damage

CBN Side Effects

The side effects of CBN have not been thoroughly researched and are still being studied. However, CBN is thought to be safe for consumption as long as it is not taken in excessive amounts.

Some of CBN’s side effects are desired effects CBN consumers want to experience such as drowsiness (to facilitate sleep) or low blood pressure (to support the treatment of diseases such as glaucoma). As such, when discussing CBN side effects or the side effects of any cannabinoid it’s important to consider what unwanted experience did one have.

CBN side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure
• Lethargy

Some people who consume CBN may experience changes in their perception of reality. This may only happen when large doses of CBN are consumed.

To support a positive cannabis consumption experience it’s important to start with a small dose of CBN, track time, track doses, track effects, and gradually work up to a large dose of CBN.

Does CBN Make You Sleepy

A study conducted by the Department of Immunology, Allergy Midwest Allergy Sinus Asthma PC, sought to understand CBN and sleep and answer the question “Does CBN make you sleepy.”

The study examined sleeplessness, defined as less than seven hours of sleep per night, and broke down sleeplessness into four categories:

• Difficulty initiating sleep (DIS)
• Difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS)
• Early morning awakening (EMA), and
• Nonrestorative sleep (NRS).

In the study 60 participants who suffered from sleeplessness were administered CBN over a period of seven days. Participants responded to a survey before they consumed CBN and after consuming 1 mg – 4 mg of CBN for seven days. The study found that:

• CBN quickly induced sleep upon first falling asleep and after waking up.
• CBN increased sleep time.
• CBN improved the quality of sleep.

CBN is known for its sedative and relaxing effects, which can lead to feeling drowsy. It works by binding with receptors in the body that help regulate sleep cycles. Early research suggests that CBN may be beneficial for people who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night.

• CBN Dosage for Sleep
• The recommended CBN dosage for sleep in the study above was 2 mg for women and 3 mg for men.

The study’s recommended dosages were tolerated well by all but twelve of the 60 participants who experienced CBN side effects. The side effects were eliminated in each of the twelve participants by reducing the dose.

Of the 60 participants 17 participants needed to increase their dose and did so to find an optimal dosage that alleviated their sleeplessness.

As with any cannabinoid the right dose for one person isn’t always the right dose for another person. To optimize CBN dosage for sleep:

• Start slow, 1 – 4 mg, based on your cannabis experience
• Track your dose
• Slowly increase your dose until the desired effects are achieved

A CBN dosage for sleep is 1 – 4 mg taken before bed. This dosage is recommended for people who suffer from sleeplessness. More or less CBN maybe needed depending on individual biochemistry.

As the study illustrates, the individual effects of CBN are unique to each person. To optimize your CBN dosage for sleep consult with your doctor or a medical professional to account for your unique needs.

CBN for Sleep Reviews

The reviews on CBN for sleep are mostly qualitative as minimal research exists and is conflicting. There are studies, such as the one we have discussed, that conclude CBN is helpful for sleep, sleeplessness, and staying asleep while there is other research stating CBN does not help sleep.

The qualitative reviews from people who consume CBN for sleep, and from research participants, suggest that CBN can be helpful in promoting deeper sleep cycles. If you are staring at the clock at night and unable to sleep then CBN may be a helpful sleep aid for you.

CBN Drug Test

If you consume CBN and your employer or potential employer requires drug testing there is a high chance that you will test positive for THC.

A study in The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine sought to understand if CBN would show up on a THC drug screen. Given the structural similarity between CBN and THC the study looked at “potential cross-reactivity with immunoassays designed to detect THC metabolite.”

CBN Drug Test (Study Results)

To form a conclusion the study looked at the drug test results of the following consumption combinations to determine if CBN would result in a positive THC drug test:

• No consumption of CBN or THC
• Only the consumption of THC
• Low, moderate, and heavy consumption of CBN
• The consumption of both CBN and THC

The results found that CBN will generate a positive drug test result with low, moderate, and heavy consumption.

If you are seeking employment and will have to take a THC drug test we advise that you refrain from consuming CBN to prevent a positive result. If your current employer randomly tests for THC we suggest you consult with your employer before consuming CBN to determine if it will be an issue for drug testing.

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