What is CBN Oil: The Definitive Guide

What is CBN Oil: The Definitive Guide - NanoCraft

CBN Oil: What Is It and How Is It Used?


If you’ve been on the fence about trying cannabis or are curious about trying a new form of it, you’ve probably heard all about the two most popular endocannabinoids currently on the market: CBD and THC. These two typically generate all the buzz, however, these aren’t the only cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. Although the term cannabis can be an umbrella term, many cannabinoids live under this fella - you’ll find minor cannabinoids, like cannabinol (CBN), amongst many others. 

Within this cannabis plant umbrella, each medicinal compound is unique and different from one another, especially in terms of its effects and benefits. As I’m sure you’re wondering, ‘how is THC different than CBD? How is CBD different than CBN?’ 

In today’s article, we’ll be diving deep into the world of CBN, how it can affect you mentally and physically, and all that you need to about it when it comes to looking for CBN products. 

Let’s get to talking about cannabinol (CBN) more.


What is CBN Oil?

CBN is the medical abbreviation for cannabinol - a non-intoxicating compound, best known as the cannabinoid that develops when THC ages over time. Because of this, cannabinol is usually present in older cannabis, in very high amounts. While this might not be up your alley, others may purposely seek older cannabis just for the full-bodied effects of the CBN. 

Biologically, cannabinol comes from the decomposition and oxidation of tetrahydrocannabinol, derived from the hemp plant. Thus, when THC is exposed to CO2 and heated, it converts into CBN. Pharmacokinetically, CBN is between 1/6 and 1/10 of the potency of the CB1 receptor that THC is. This compound has a mild psychoactive response but is much less than tetrahydrocannabinol.

Like I mentioned above, CBN is a byproduct of THC and is typically found in very small amounts in cannabis strains. Cannabinol was the first cannabinoid to be isolated; originally thought to have been the one responsible for the psychoactive component of cannabis (aka before the discovery of THC). 


The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Named after the plant that led to its later discovery, the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the most important physiologic systems involved in maintaining and establishing human health and wellness. 

The goal of this system is to maintain homeostasis, our personal maintenance system to keep a stable internal environment despite fluctuations or changes in our external environment. 

The endocannabinoid system can be described as a signaling system within your body, composed of endocannabinoids, endogenous receptors, and enzymes that work simultaneously with most other physiological systems. These cannabinoids can be found throughout the body in the brain, connective tissues, glands, immune cells, and organs. Think of the ECS as a cyclic process within our bodies: binding cannabinoids to our receptors, doing what it needs to do, then using enzymes to break them down. 

So how do CBD, CBN, and THC work in the ECS?


CBN Oil and Its Functions

Chemically, CBN shares a very similar composition as THC. It is thought to primarily bind to the CB2 receptor, but may still interact with the CB1 receptor too. It acts as an agonist to the TRPV2 receptor, a natural-occurring protein that helps regulate multiple biological systems in the human body. Because of this, this makes CBN potentially effective in helping alleviate inflammation, pain, bone health, lowering blood pressure, as well as treating skin conditions and irritations. 

CBN has continued to make its way in topicals, edibles, tinctures, vapes, capsules, and sublingual sprays, to name a few,  in higher doses than previously seen before. 

What’s so important about it? Is it just the current hype trend you need to hear about?


What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

There’s no question about it - you’re curious about CBD. If you live in a state where marijuana is legal, you might be seeing CBD products popping up just about anywhere and everywhere. Even though it’s just about everywhere, most still aren’t quite sure what it is or how it works. 

CBD is the medical short term for cannabidiol - it’s a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, derived from the cannabis sativa plant, also known as the hemp or marijuana plant. As a naturally occurring compound used in oils, salves, and tinctures, it aims to provide a feeling of relaxation and calmness. Unlike THC, this compound won’t get you “high”. 


CBD Oil and Its Functions

Cannabidiol does not bind directly with CB1 and CB2 receptors, within the endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, this cannabinoid acts indirectly with the endocannabinoid receptors and influences them in other ways. Cannabidiol influences these receptors through upregulations of other compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system’s receptors. Because it doesn’t connect directly with the receptors, it doesn’t cause users to “feel high” or “stoned”. Some experts consider CBD oil to be an “anti-marijuana”.  

 

CBD vs CBN: What is the Difference?

Just to clear the air, CBD and CBN are different. Individually taken, cannabidiol (CBD) tends to cause a feeling of clear-headedness and alertness. On the other hand, cannabinol (CBN) may take on sedation-like effects. When it comes to users’ appetites, the endocannabinoids can act slightly differently too. Cannabidiol may act as a mild appetite suppressant and cannabinol tends to stimulate one’s appetite.

Taken together, these cannabis compounds are known, anecdotally, to help assist with symptoms of inflammation and pain.

Whatever the intended usage of both or either compound, one should always consult a physician prior to consuming any natural remedies or supplements. 


What are the Benefits of CBN?

Currently being explored in the research, cannabidiol is showing promise for potential benefits. Do note, current research on this compound is limited and sparse, with very few studies demonstrating its effects on the human body. 


1. May Stimulate Appetite

A 2012 Psychopharmacology study analyzed the effects of CBN and CBD on rodents and their feeding patterns. Researchers found that cannabinol increased the amount of food the rats consumed, suggesting that it could be an effective appetite stimulant. This compound could offer an alternative for those seeking “the munchies” without the high. But again, more research is needed. 


2. May Act as An Antibacterial Agent

A structure-activity study conducted in 2008 aimed to answer the question about cannabinoids containing antibacterial properties. Researchers tested CBN on strains of bacteria that were resistant to antibiotics. They found that this endocannabinoid was potent as an antibacterial agent against these resistant strains of bacteria. 


3. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

You guessed it, these cannabinoids may be a potent anti-inflammatory agent, capable of helping those with inflammatory ailments, disorders, conditions, etc. A recent 2016 rodent study concluded that CBN was shown to reduce arthritis. 

 

4. May be a Neurological Protectant

Emerging evidence has begun to look at cannabis and its impact on neurological disorders. Evidence from clinical studies on mouse models suggests that cannabinoids might provide some therapeutic benefit to neurological diseases. Researchers specifically looked at amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and suggested that CBN was able to delay the onset of this condition. 

Research findings done in the last ten years have just begun to show promise to what these incredible cannabinoids are capable of. More research is needed to continue to demonstrate these therapeutic effects on animals and humans. Human clinical trials and studies need to be done in the future, to provide evidence of its effect on the human body.


Cannabis Misconceptions: Debunked 

If you’ve heard or read about CBN before, you’ve probably seen it being discussed and praised as a sedative, a super sedative. 

Not much research has been done analyzing CBN’s sedating effects (or if there even is a sedating effect). However, one human study did work to answer this question in the 1970s. This human study was very small, with 5 volunteers, with none of the volunteers reporting that this endocannabinoid made them feel sleepy. 

So why is the hype around this compound being that it causes sedation? Hmmm.

Well, to put it simply, cannabis that is high in cannabinol is also high in sedating terpenes. These terpenes could be the ones responsible for these sedative effects. 

People may have started blaming CBN for the reason why they felt sedated through assumption. However, the sedative effect may have been from a combination of CBN and THC (and the terpenes present). Sounds like a mixture of sleepiness and sedation. 

While this compound may not be sedating on its own, you may be able to combine it with THC to get the sleeping benefits you desire. 

Another misconception we want to point out is that CBN is non-intoxicating. When taking alone, it’s non-intoxicating, but when taking with THC, it may increase the euphoric effects. If you’re wanting to take advantage of the benefits with the “high”, make sure you take products that don’t contain much (if any) THC.


Where to Purchase CBN Oil

When cannabinol isn’t necessarily plentiful in cured or fresh cannabis, it can be found in older cannabis, cannabis that has been exposed to high levels of oxygen. 

Brands are beginning to offer products with isolated CBN, usually seen in the form of edibles or tinctures. Pure CBN products are a great way to test out the endocannabinoid for yourself and see if it helps you!

Here, at Nanocraft, we've crafted our Night Formula with suite of known sleep support agents in tandem with our highly bioavailable Broad-Spectrum CBD and CBN, to assist you with flawless, continued rest. A taste of relaxing lavender, a blend of passionflower, a touch of melatonin, and a dream of CBN, this calming blend is the perfect way to prepare your mind and body for deep, restorative sleep.

CBN Oil: Final Thoughts

While cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol are leading headlines and highlights in the cannabis industry, cannabinol is making its way to the light, slowly but surely. Whether you are curious to try CBN with your current CBD or THC regime or you’re wanting to try a pure form of CBN, we encourage you to do your research and see what’s out there and may fit your needs best. 

Animal and human clinical trials and studies are continuously underway analyzing the effects and potential benefits of CBN, but much more is still needed to be done. Until then, the current research may hold promise. 

 

*DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It does not exploit or provide medical advice of any kind. Therefore, any reliance you place on the information below is strictly at your own risk. Please check with your medical provider before starting or changing a CBD routine.

 

Sources:

Appendino, G., Gibbons, S., Giana, A., et al. (2008). Antibacterial cannabinoids from cannabis sativa: A structure-activity study. J Nat Prod, 71(8), 1427-1430.

Corroon, J. & Felice, J. F. (2019). The endocannabinoid system and its modulation by cannabidiol (CBD). Altern Ther Health Med, 25(S2), 6-14.

Farrimond, J. A., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2012). Cannabinol and cannabidiol exert opposing effects on rat feeding patterns. Psychopharmacology, 223(1), 117-129.

Karniol, I. G., Shirakawa, I., Takahashi, R. N., et al. (1975). Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol in man. Pharmacology, 13, 502-512.

Weydt, P., Hong, S., Witting, A., et al. (2005). Cannabinol delays symptom onset in SOD1 (G93A) transgenic mice without affecting survival. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Other Motor Neuron Disord, 6(3), 182-184.

Zurier, R. B. & Burstein, S. H. (2016). Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis. The FASEB Journal, 30(11), 3682-3689. 


Nanocraft CBD
Content Writer | Physiologist | Researcher
Kirsten is currently in pursuit of a PhD in Health Sciences at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) in Northern Utah, specializing in Human Performance. She is a Research Assistant at RMUoHP in the Human & Sport Performance Laboratory as well as a Research and Development Writer for Nanocraft CBD. With a background in holistic care as an Exercise and Rehabilitation Specialist and Exercise Physiologist working with chronic pain patients, Kirsten’s desire to further her education and career in lifestyle medicine and cannabidiol research has been nothing short of her fruitful and passionate pursuit. She is very passionate about human physiology and plant-based medicine as well as the metabolic and nutritional adaptations that occur during exercise in athletes. Kirsten enjoys educating and informing people about the importance of lifetime movement as well as the influence of cannabis and CBD in sport. Her passion for plant and lifestyle medicine enables her to strive when promoting health, education, and holistic practice. 

No comments yet!

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Customer Reviews

 

Blog Search

Fillter By Tags

Fillter By Category

Back to blog