What We Know About Cannabinol (CBN) & How It Differs From CBD

Read on to learn all about CBN, how it affects the body, and how to use it.

CBN is formed after the Cannabis sativa (cannabis) plant is harvested as a degradation product of THC. When THC is exposed to excessive amounts of heat and light (aka oxidation), it turns into a unique metabolite: CBN. Unlike THC, however, CBN does not have psychoactive effects.

"A way of looking at it is that all the cannabinoids are like siblings living in the same house. Even though CBD has gotten the most media attention over the last decade, it doesn't mean that the other siblings (like CBN) are not as cool and worthy. It just means their time to shine is soon," says integrative health pharmacist and cannabis educator Swathi Varanasi, PharmD.

As mentioned above, CBD and CBN are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and Varanasi highlights that both are "non-intoxicating substances, meaning they will not make you feel 'high' or alter your mind." They have also been shown to have some similar actions (via interactions with key cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system) and benefits in preliminary research2, Gordon explains, and both seem to help support a sense of relaxation and a balanced inflammatory response.*

CBD has also been studied more extensively in clinical settings than CBN, partially because it's more readily available. Clinical research shows that CBD can be helpful for easing stress and anxiousness4, improving resilience5, and supporting a positive mood6.* Patel adds that CBN can't quite compete (just yet) with the list of science-backed benefits CBD is thought to have. 

While studies are still very preliminary, Gordon highlights that CBN does interact with the primary CB1 cannabinoid receptor but gently so. "It binds slightly better to the CB2 receptor," he adds, "but still at relatively low potency. There are likely other interactions within the endocannabinoid system—although those haven't been demonstrated well yet."

There are a few purported benefits of CBN, although it's again important to highlight that experiments in humans are limited and have shown rather inconsistent effects.

The main impact of CBN seems to be on sleep. One randomized controlled trial published in 20218 revealed that products containing CBN had a beneficial impact on sleep quality. Varanasi makes the point that THC is the most well-known cannabinoid for sleep, and since CBN is a byproduct of the oxidation of THC, it is "no wonder that CBN is also demonstrating an ability to improve sleep quantity and sleep quality—even at low doses."

Beyond sleep, there is also some preliminary research showing CBN might work as an antioxidant9—a molecule that neutralizes free radicals in the body. While it's too early to say anything definitive about CBN's benefits, Gordon notes that its use is consistently very well tolerated and that as research continues, we'll be able to better understand CBN and its specific health benefits. 

If you're curious about using a full-spectrum product for stress relief, check in with your health care provider first to make sure it's the right fit for you. Refer to this list for some of mindbodygreen's favorite options.

While CBD is the most well-known cannabinoid, it's important to familiarize yourself with the entire array of cannabis plant compounds to get a sense of how they work together synergistically. When consumed in a full-spectrum product, CBN is one compound that seems to lend a little help in the sleep department. And who couldn't use that?