In this article, we will address the topic of CBN oil for pain, the science, and the possible uses of CBN oil for pain reduction.
The cannabinoids we are most familiar with are THC and CBD. We know they both have numerous therapeutic effects. We also know that THC is psychoactive, while CBD is not.
However, the cannabis and hemp plants contain more than a hundred different types of cannabinoids. We still lack scientific research on all of them, but studies are already being done on some of them to investigate their beneficial effects and therapeutic potentials.
Some studies are even focusing on CBN. They found that it, too, possesses powerful therapeutic properties. Researchers found that CBN, like THC and CBD, also produces a potent analgesic effect.
But what is CBN? How does it produce its analgesic effect? More importantly, can CBN oil for pain work?
What is CBN?
CBN, unlike CBD, is a cannabinoid that came from another cannabinoid, THC. In fact, it is a byproduct of THC degradation.
When the plant is harvested and stored, its THC gradually degrades over time and transforms into other compounds. One of the compounds THC transforms to is the precursor of CBN called cannabinolic acid or CBNA. Time, poor storage, exposure to light and air, and heat application gradually turns CBNA to CBN.
Because CBN came from THC, it also possesses some psychoactive effects. However, unlike THC, CBN’s psychoactive effects are not that potent. In fact, CBN’s potency is only about 10% of THC’s.
But like THC though, CBN also activates both cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), with a stronger affinity to the CB2r or cannabinoid receptor type 1. It is through its activation of the endocannabinoid system that CBN controls pain.
How does CBN produce its analgesic effect?
To better understand how CBN produces its analgesic effect, you first have to understand how pain is transmitted.
Upon a painful stimulus (a cut hand, for example), the injured or damaged cells release special pain-generating chemicals that attach to the pain receptors of the surrounding “receiver” cells. Imagine this system as a sort of lock and key. The key is the pain-generating chemical, and the lock is the receptor.
Once “unlocked,” the pain signal gets passed from one cell to another in a forward direction. It travels from the injured area to the spinal cord and then to the brain where it’s interpreted and analyzed.
The brain, in turn, sends signals on how to react to the painful stimulus. You protectively grasp, shake, or rub the injured hand. Researchers believe that this new sensation or stimulus “overrides” the input caused by the injured area, thus reducing pain perception.
The analgesia system in the brain then kicks in to control pain perception. The brain cells release endogenous opioid-like chemicals that bind to the opioid receptors. The activation of the opioid receptors blocks the transmission and perception of pain. The pain-inhibiting signal then travels from the brain, to the spinal cord, and to the injured area. Pain perception is then reduced.
Now, 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.
Is CBN oil for pain effective?
CBN oil does help control pain. When you consume CBN oil, the cannabinoid immediately activates the ECS when it binds to the CB1r. But what makes CBN oil a potent analgesic is its other effects on the body.
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CBN reduces inflammation when it activates the CB2r or cannabinoid receptor type 2 of the immune cells.
The immune system is our body’s primary defense mechanism against illnesses and diseases. However, its activation also causes the immune cells to release pain-generating chemicals. This is why you oftentimes feel pain when there’s an inflammation.
With CBN controlling inflammation though, there will be a reduction in pain sensation.
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CBN relieves anxiety and depression.
There’s a link between pain and anxiety and depression. Researchers found that those who suffer from these mental health problems have more disabling pain.
CBN produces anxiolytic effects like diazepam. By reducing anxiety and depression, chronic pain becomes more manageable.
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CBN promotes better sleep.
Those who suffer from chronic sleep deprivation have poorer pain control. One study revealed that sleep deprivation prevents or slows down the body’s natural way of inhibiting pain.
As mentioned earlier, CBN possesses powerful sedative effects. By helping you sleep better, you’re giving your body a chance to improve its natural way of controlling pain.
What are the things to look for in a CBN oil?
Before buying CBN oil for pain, you might want to take a look at the product’s content first.
For example, CBN oil for pain products that contain CBD and essential terpenes can effectively control chronic pain. CBD and terpenes like beta-caryophyllene and myrcene have painkilling effects. These compounds enhance each other’s analgesic effects, making the product a potent remedy for chronic pain.
CBN oil for pain products that contain linalool is also beneficial for patients with chronic pain and painful muscle cramps. Linalool has anxiolytic and muscle-relaxant properties. So, in addition to pain control, these compounds also work together to relieve stress and anxiety.
How do you use CBN oil for pain?
Most CBN oil for pain products recommend half a dropper as the initial dose. You can add the CBN oil to your meal or tea, or you can simply place it under your tongue for about a minute and a half. The former is best for chronic pain since CBN stays longer in the system, while the latter is best for acute pain since it delivers faster effects.
Should you fail to feel any improvement in your chronic pain, you can simply increase your dosage the next time you take CBN oil for pain. But if you develop some adverse side effects like dizziness, then decrease your dosage.
Our endocannabinoid systems are built differently from each other. Like your fingertips, they are unique. So how you respond to CBN oil for pain may be different from how a friend reacted to the same. It will take a bit of a trial and error, but you’ll soon get the best CBN oil for pain dosage that works for you.
Chronic pain can be pretty devastating and debilitating. It can prevent you from enjoying life, and it can contribute to the worsening of your overall health.
So don’t let your pain control your life. CBN oil for pain has numerous therapeutic effects that can help you live a pain-free life.