CBD vs CBN: what are their benefits
Cannabinol, or CBN, is another of the cannabinoids—compounds naturally occurring in the cannabis plant—that is attracting attention because it shows promising therapeutic potential. To what extent, however, time and above all further research will tell.
The results of preclinical research published by InMed show that CBN is more effective than its "close relatives" CBD and THC, among other things, in alleviating extreme intraocular pressure that causes damage to the optic nerve and a disease known as glaucoma.
Therefore, drug manufacturers are starting to produce eye drops containing CBN to treat it. CBN is certainly not a recent discovery, even though products containing it appeared on the Czech market only a few years ago. And people use it primarily as part of sleep preparations for its hypnotic and sedative effects . Among them are Hemnia's CBN oils called Good Night's Sleep .
In the following, we will compare the similarities and differences between CBN and CBD. We will explore the differences in dosage, usage and side effects.
The main differences between CBD and CBN
CBN is short for cannabinol. It is considered a minor cannabinoid because it is only found in trace amounts in cannabis plants. This is also why preparations with its content are significantly more expensive compared to products in the plant with more abundant CBD. As a by-product of oxidation, it is found in old cannabis that has been exposed to oxygen. In other words, CBN appears in plant material as THC ages and degrades.
CBD (cannabidiol) is present in large quantities in hemp plants – in terms of content, it is second only to THC, the important cannabinoid responsible for intoxicating psychoactive effects. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating. In addition, it can also suppress the side effects of THC, including the occurrence of anxiety and paranoia.
Both CBD and CBN have a similar molecular structure, but their effects differ. Most producers use decarboxylation (heat) to obtain CBN, or expose THC-rich strains to extreme UV light to trigger oxidation. This is a process that mimics the natural aging of dry cannabis.
Each of the three cannabinoids mentioned (CBD, THC and CBN) interacts with the sentocannabinoid system differently.
The ECS, or endocannabinoid system, consists of two receptors, CB1 and CB2, which modulate several functions of our organism, are responsible for maintaining balance and have an effect on our mood. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the nervous system, the brain and its surroundings. CB2 receptors in tissues and cells related to the immune system.
Endocannabinoids produced by the organism and cannabinoids (those that our body does not synthesize itself) bind to these receptors. For example, THC binds directly to CB1 receptors. CBN binds similarly, only to CB2 receptors. CBD interacts with these receptors indirectly by activating the enzymes responsible for their stimulation.
Is CBN stronger than CBD?
If you were to take CBN in high doses, it can be psychoactive. It is slightly more psychoactive than CBD, but compared to THC, its effects are very weak, meaning it does not produce the same intoxicating effects.
Overall, CBD is more potent than CBN when considering its beneficial effects. Moreover, CBN is difficult to obtain, hence it is not available in abundance in the market.
In 2011, the British Journal of Pharmacology published a study that outlined the effects of CBN as a relaxant with pain-relieving potential . According to some studies, it could also act as a neuroprotectant and appetite stimulant .
CBD vs. CBN: Is it legal?
Currently, CBN is legal. So if it is obtained from technical hemp. CBD and other products extracted from hemp are considered legal if they contain less than 1% THC.
Hemp extracts that are derived from non-technical hemp are still considered illegal. But laws usually differ from state to state and are constantly changing.
CBD vs. CBN: Psychoactivity
Some studies suggest that CBN is not completely non-intoxicating. But it seems to be about 10 times weaker than THC.
Doses of 20-50 mg of CBN are unlikely to produce any psychoactive effects. However, exceeding this amount can produce conditions strikingly similar to THC use.
CBD, on the other hand, is completely non-psychoactive, which means that no matter how much you take, you won't experience feelings of intoxication and euphoria.
Health benefits of CBD vs. CBN
Compared to CBD, there has not been much medical research on CBN to support its effects with sufficiently credible evidence. This is not because CBN does not have health benefits. However, it is not yet nearly as popular as CBD in academic circles. We look forward to seeing much more research on this particular cannabinoid soon.
recently published a study in the journal Psychopharmacology in which they administered CBN to rats . Rats showed an increased appetite . But when the rats were given CBD, they had less appetite, suggesting that you can use both CBN and CBD to control your appetite, depending on your needs.
CBN can help alleviate sleep problems , especially insomnia . Scientists have suggested that it has potential for use as a sedative .
On the other hand, CBD can regulate our immune system. Like CBD, CBN can be used to relieve pain caused by things like arthritis.
Although both CBN and CBD have a lot to offer, they can work much better when combined than they would on their own.
This concept supports the so-called entourage effect, which suggests that cannabinoids act synergistically and enhance their therapeutic potential. Most experts therefore recommend using full-spectrum extracts , which contain the entire spectrum of cannabinoids, in order to take advantage of the effects of CBN and CBD together and to the fullest.
CBN is much more expensive than CBD. Why?
The cannabis plant contains many cannabinoids, the most abundant of which is THC. The second cannabinoid present in large amounts is CBD. Both of these cannabinoids can be easily extracted in high concentrations.
Although CBN is a by-product of THC, it is not nearly as abundant in the plant as the other compounds. It requires special extraction methods, which are more expensive for manufacturers and must then be logically reflected in the resulting price.
As a result, if you go for CBN isolates, they are even more expensive and can cost 4 to 10 times more than CBD. The price is high mainly because the demand exceeds the small supply.
Once more manufacturers start offering CBN, prices will drop. Plus, the price varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it's best to check multiple sites and stores to get a broader picture. But at the same time, insist on quality and the necessary certifications.
Taking CBD and CBN together
Based on the hypothesized entourage effect, the combination of CBN and CBD works better than the isolates.
CBN can act as a sedative. Since CBD is also known to regulate sleep cycles, the two cannabinoids together could help with insomnia and other sleep-related problems. This synergistic effect is also used by our "Good Night's Sleep" oils, which contain both CBN and CBD . In addition, both cannabinoids naturally improve mood and promote a sense of calm and balance .
Side Effects of CBD Vs. CBN
CBD does not have any serious side effects even if you consume it frequently because it does not have a narcotic effect. However, if you accidentally consume a really excessive dose, you may experience dry mouth and fatigue, and acute diarrhea may occur.
Nor does CBN have any psychoactive or other side effects in normal doses. If the recommended amount is exceeded, only malaise and drowsiness will occur.
Bottom line, taking these two cannabinoids poses no risk as long as you stick to the dosage schedule. The warning is only associated with contraindications to regularly used prescription drugs. In extreme cases, the symptoms of the disease could worsen. Therefore, do not experiment with CBD or CBN without consulting a doctor.
Summary: CBD vs. CBN
Both CBD and CBN can naturally improve our quality of life. Their molecular structure is similar, but their effects are different. They also interact differently with the endocannabinoid system in our body.
Although CBN is derived from THC, it does not have the same effects because it binds weakly to the receptors. It is mildly psychoactive, but nowhere near the strength of THC.
Many studies have been conducted on CBD, the same cannot be said about CBN, so you should ideally consult your doctor about its use.
Since both cannabinoids have promising potential, it is best to combine them to take full advantage of their unique synergy.
The issues of the effects of CBD or CBN are addressed, for example, by the following studies:
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