CBN / Cannabinol – Frequently Asked Questions

There has been some promising research suggesting that CBN can help aid bone healing and growth, by stimulating the production of new bone. 

Additionally, by acting as an anti-convulsant, CBN can be used in the treatment of epilepsy. However, cannabinol’s anti-convulsant capabilities are reported to be far weaker than those of THC and CBD.

Other potential medical applications being researched include CBN’s potential to treat glaucoma, to act as an antibiotic, as supported in a 2008 study which found it to be effective in treating MRSA and to act as an anti-inflammatory agent. 

Cannabinoids, including CBN, alter and improve one’s mood via their interaction with the endocannabinoid system, and, in turn, influence the function of some neurotransmitters and hormones.
 
This chain of interactions ultimately means CBN – and other cannabinoids – can affect your body’s energy levels, appetite, mood, cognitive function, and more. 

It’s because of these body-altering effects some people are looking to cannabinoids to improve the quality of their sleep, help them quit smoking, tackle anxiety, and improve their appetite. 

The scientific research conducted into cannabinoids, particularly CBN, has thus far proved inconclusive but nevertheless highly promising. 

Cannabinoids like CBN and CBD exert effects on the human body by interacting with its endocannabinoid system; the system which works to regulate some of the body’s physiological functioning and responses, such as appetite, mood, and cognitive functions

CBN Stands For “Cannabinol.”

Cannabinol is an interesting cannabinoid. Unlike THC and CBD, CBN directly came from another cannabinoid, THC. However, the transformation takes time. Moreover, THC first has to degrade before it becomes cannabinol.

After harvesting the plant, the buds are stored in containers before they are processed. However, if the plant isn’t stored properly and it gets exposed to air, its THC loses some of its hydrogen as it oxidizes. This chemical reaction degrades THC and transforms it into cannabinol

The older the material, the higher the cannabinol content since THC slowly but gradually degrades over time.

In fact, a study analyzing the genetics and chemical compounds of an ancient cannabis found in China revealed that the material contains a very high CBN level.

However, because most growers and consumers want the plants fresh, we produce only a small amount of cannabinol.

But heat and UV light exposure also speed up the degradation process of THC into cannabinol. This benefits us, especially since we are now more aware of CBN’s therapeutic benefits and how it benefits us health-wise.

While conventional prescription drugs may effectively control anxiety disorders, some people prefer using medical hemp oil to treat their symptoms. They find hemp oil, like CBN oil for anxiety and stress, far more effective than the traditional medicines offered by pharmaceutical businesses. It’s safer than they are too.

In fact, a study on 2,774 individuals revealed that 46% of them switched to this alternative form of treatment. Of these individuals, 13.6% of them use it for anxiety, 12.7% for depression, and 35.8% for chronic pain.

CBN is used by some to tackle sleep ailments and improve one’s quality of sleep. By acting as a sedative, CBN effects may support prolonged sleep, as scientific research initially showed via a study in samples of mice.

Many people confuse CBN oil and CBD oil. After all, they produce almost the same therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. However, there are big differences between the two that make each cannabinoid unique. Knowing these differences helps you choose the best oil for your health.

Some research has suggested cannabinol is “mildly psychoactive”, while other studies found it to be non-psychoactive.

Cannabinoids like CBN and CBD exert effects on the human body by interacting with its endocannabinoid system; the system which works to regulate some of the body’s physiological functioning and responses, such as appetite, mood, and cognitive functions

Drug tests typically look for the active ingredients in cannabis, which are THC and its metabolites. So if the product contains high THC levels, you’ll test positive.
 
Some hemp CBD products though contain less than 0.3% THC, maybe even less. But you would have to consume large doses for THC and its metabolites to show up in a drug test. Think 1,000 to 2,000 mg of CBD daily! But to be sure though, a home urine drug test kit helps ease your worries.
 
However, if the hemp oil you’re taking contains pure, 100% CBD, you can breathe easy. CBD doesn’t show up on drug tests. Drug tests only look for THC, and CBD and THC are different cannabinoids.
 
Now, CBN is a different thing. While it produces no (or maybe just a little) psychoactive effects like CBD, CBN comes directly from THC’s degradation.
 
THC degrades into CBN when it’s exposed to air and sunlight for a long time. This is why you’ll see a higher CBN content in poorly-stored plants, compared to fresh ones.
 
Exposure to heat also converts THC into CBN. This is why we’re seeing more CBN products now. We no longer have to wait for THC to degrade so we can extract more CBN.
 
So to sum it up, CBN is a metabolite of THC, and drug tests look for THC and its primary metabolite.

CBN products available for purchase today are commonly derived from hemp, rather than marijuana. These products generally contain less than .03% THC and are considered non-psychoactive and are legal even in most states where marijuana is still illegal. Using these products will not generally show up on drug tests.

CBN disrupts the way cells pass the pain-generating signal. It locks onto the CB1r and activates the ECS of the cells. Once the cell’s ECS is activated, it slows down its release and transmission of pain-generating chemicals, resulting in pain reduction.

Your endogenous cannabinoids work the same way. Upon a noxious stimulus, the “receiver” cells release endogenous cannabinoids that travel in a backward direction. They activate the ECS found in the cells that transmitted the pain signal and “tell” them to slow down their release of the pain-generating chemicals. Their activation of the ECS inhibits the transmission of pain signals.

Unfortunately, endogenous cannabinoids are produced on-demand. Their analgesic effects also don’t last that long since special enzymes quickly degrade them for fast cell reabsorption.
CBN, in a way, takes the place of endogenous cannabinoids in relieving pain.

Here’s a list of CBN Research studies to get you started.

For Use as a Sleep Aid / Anti-Convulsive
Cannabinol Research Link

For Glaucoma Prevention
Cannabinol CBN Research Link  
Research Link 2

For Use as an Appetite Stimulant
Cannabinol CBN Research Link

Additional CBN / Cannabinol Studies
(CBN) Cannabinol: A Sleeping Synergy
What are CBN’s Effects and Benefits?
Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: a structure-activity study.
Cannabinol delays symptom onset in SOD1 (G93A) transgenic mice without affecting survival
 Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabinol Activate Capsaicin-Sensitive Sensory Nerves via a CB₁ and CB₂ Cannabinoid Receptor-Independent Mechanism

Cannabinol is the non-abbreviated term for CBN.

Possible side effects from CBN Oil are unsurprisingly related to “sleepiness” which is what most users are looking for. Dizziness, Sleepiness and Drowsiness are to be expected. The one side-effect that you may not be expecting and that you should be aware of is loss of appetite.