CBN (aka Cannabinol) has been found to produce very potent sedative effects. So if you’re suffering from sleep problems, you might want to consider trying CBN oil for sleep and insomnia. While CBD and THC have positive effects on sleep, studies revealed that it’s this other cannabinoid that offers a more powerful effect in comparison.
Can’t Sleep? You’re Not Alone
According to statistics, sleep problems affect about 50 to 70 million Americans. Chronic insomnia, the most common type of sleep problem, accounts for 10% of those with sleep problems.
Deep, restful sleep plays an integral role in our mental and physical health. It’s during sleep that our cells are given ample time to heal and recover from our daily stresses, injuries, and illnesses. It is also during sleep that the body flushes away toxins that have accumulated in the brain while we’re awake.
Numerous studies revealed that sleep deprivation increases our risk of developing chronic medical diseases like diabetes, heart problems, and stroke. To reduce these risks, we need at least seven to nine hours of restful sleep.
While sleeping pills help you fall asleep faster, they do have side effects to be wary of. They cause daytime drowsiness, appetite changes, heartburn, and changes in bowel movements. Sleeping pills are also known to produce burning sensations in the extremities and trembling of one part of the body. Long-term use of sleeping pills can also result in dependence, addiction, and an increased risk of overdose.
Researchers found that CBN produces potent sedative effects. Its sedating and relaxing effects help promote sleep and relieve insomnia.
But what is CBN? How does it affect sleep and insomnia? More importantly, is it safe and effective?
What is CBN (aka Cannabinol)?
In addition to THC and CBD, CBN is the third, most common cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. It produces almost the same benefits as THC and CBD.
Some of its therapeutic benefits include pain reduction and inflammation control. It’s also known for its anticonvulsive and antibacterial effects. CBN also stimulates appetite and promotes bone cell growth. However, CBN is most widely known for its very powerful sedating effects.
Unlike CBD which is an altogether different cannabinoid from THC, CBN comes from THC itself. Enzymes from the plant transform a compound called CBGA or Cannabigerolic Acid into the precursors of the three major cannabinoids:
- THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.
- CBDA or cannabidiolic acid.
- CBCA or cannabichromenic acid.
As the plant gets exposed to heat and sunlight, these three precursors become the cannabinoids we are most familiar with – THC, CBD, and CBC. While we consider CBG a minor cannabinoid, it’s interesting to note though that THC and CBD came from CBG.
Now, prolonged sun and air exposure degrade THCA. It loses four of its hydrogen atoms and converts into CBNA, which is the precursor of CBN. Exposure to more air and ultraviolet rays then converts CBNA into CBN. Heat application also turns CBNA into CBN.
Although CBN comes from the degradation of THC, it produces little to no psychoactive effects. This makes it a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate the psychoactive effects of THC. The patients benefit from the therapeutic effects of CBN without any intoxicating effects.
Where can you buy CBN Oil?
At this time, we can recommend two CBN Oil suppliers, both offering high-quality CBN sleep products at reasonable prices. They are:
Slumber CBN
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Visit SlumberSleep.com
Pot Luck Expo
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Visit PotLuckExpo.com
As mentioned earlier, THCA converts into CBN if it is exposed to sun, air and heat for a longer period of time. As such, older plants and poorly stored buds and flowers contain a higher level of CBN compared to fresh ones.
Unfortunately, most plants contain only minute levels of CBN. So if you’re looking for high-CBN strains for your sleep problems, it would be easier to look for premium-grade CBN oil for sleep and insomnia.
How does CBN Oil induce sleep?
Our body produces its own natural cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. These bind to the cannabinoid receptors of our cells’ endocannabinoid systems (ECS). Once activated, the ECS modulates several physiological responses, including sleep.
The ECS has two major cannabinoid receptors. You have the CB1 as well as the CB2 receptors. Activation of the CB1 receptors induces sleep.
Now, the cannabinoids from the plant also stimulate the ECS. THC, for one, binds to the CB1 receptor and induces sleep. However, THC’s activation of this receptor also produces psychoactive effects like increased paranoia and anxiety. THC also stimulates the pleasure and reward centers of the brain, which is why cannabis can be pretty addictive.
Studies found that CBN is a partial agonist of the CB1 receptor. Although it is a weak CB1 receptor agonist, it produces the most potent sedative effect compared to THC and CBD. According to a study done on CBN’s sedative effect, 2.5 mg of CBN is equivalent to 5mg of diazepam.
But unlike THC though, CBN produces little to no psychoactive effects. This makes CBN a better and safer alternative to THC as a sedative, especially for those who want to avoid THC’s psychoactive effects.
What are some other ways that CBN Oil promotes better sleep?
In addition to being a potent sedative, CBN also has other therapeutic properties that help you sleep better.
CBN Oil Reduces Pain
Pain, especially if it’s chronic, negatively impacts sleep. It keeps you up at night and prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep. Studies found that lack of sleep contributes to the worsening of medical conditions.
CBN, by itself, produces analgesia when it activates the endocannabinoid system. By controlling pain, you get to enjoy better sleep.
One interesting study found that CBN reduces pain caused by high temperatures. This makes CBN a potential treatment option for burn patients.
CBN Decreases inflammation
Like its sister cannabinoids, THC and CBD, researchers also found that CBN has potent anti-inflammatory effects.
CBN has a greater affinity with the CB2 receptor. This receptor is abundant in the immune cells, and their activation results in the modulation of inflammation.
When CBN binds to the CB2 receptors of the abnormal immune cells, it induces their apoptosis or cell death. This effectively controls inflammation and stops the immune cells from releasing pro-inflammatory chemicals.
By reducing pain and inflammation, you can enjoy a better quality of sleep.
Are there Terpenes that work well with CBN?
In addition to its cannabinoids, cannabis and hemp also contain terpenes. Terpenes are basically the essential oils found in most plants. They give plants their distinctive colors, aromas, and flavors.
These terpenes also produce their own therapeutic effects. When cannabinoids and terpenes work together, they boost each other’s therapeutic effects and, at the same time, reduce the negative ones. This is called an entourage effect.
Now, there are terpenes that work very well with CBN in inducing sleep.
Beta-Caryophyllene, for example, promotes better sleep. According to one study, Beta-Caryophyllene decreases the time it takes for you to fall asleep. It also increases your sleep time. In addition to this, Beta-Caryophyllene also helps control pain and inflammation. These are two factors that affect good sleep.
Myrcene is another type of terpene found in hemp that also produces a sedating effect. One study showed that myrcene increases sleeping time by about 2.6 times. This terpene is also known for its muscle relaxant effect. Painful muscle cramps, spasticity, and tremors affect sleep and keep you up at night.
Linalool also boosts CBN’s sedative effects. It induces sleep and prolongs sleeping time. In addition to these effects, Linalool also produces anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and muscle relaxant effects. Stress, anxiety, and depression are all factors that affect sleep.
So if you’re looking for an excellent CBN oil for sleep and insomnia, make sure that it contains some of these essential terpenes as well. Their synergistic effect significantly improves sleep.
Are there CBN oils on the market?
Fortunately, you don’t have to smoke aged cannabis or spend hours looking for high-CBN strains. There are CBN-rich products out in the market right now that you can purchase. These CBN-rich oils come in tinctures, capsules, and even topical balms.
CBN oils also come in different dosages as well. So if it’s your first time to use CBN oil for sleep and insomnia, you can always start with a low dose.
Of note; before buying a CBN product, you need to check your state laws regarding the use of CBN.
What are the qualities to look for in a CBN oil for sleep and insomnia?
There are several factors that you need to consider before buying CBN oil for sleep and insomnia.
What is the extraction method?
A high-quality, CBN-rich oils make use of safe methods such as supercritical CO2 extraction to isolate and extract CBN. This method makes sure that the concentrates stay pure and clean.
Where did its CBN come from?
You want a CBN oil that came from pure, organic, and all-natural hemp. It should also be free from pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and harsh chemicals. You’re going to use CBN oil to treat a medical condition, so you want it to be free from contaminants.
What additional ingredients are used in the product?
CBN is already a potent sedative. But if you want to maximize its effects, choose a CBN oil for sleep and insomnia that contains other terpenes as well. These compounds work synergistically together, enhancing and boosting their therapeutic effects.
Is the CBN oil manufacturer trustworthy and reliable?
You should be able to get in touch with CBN oil manufacturers if you want to know more about their product. A good manufacturer will always be ready to answer all your questions about their CBN oil.
You will also find pertinent information about their CBN oil on their website. If you look at their product details, you should see information about the cannabinoid and terpene potency. You should also see a seal of trust from professional third parties. This indicates that their product was tested for the presence of pesticides, bacteria, mold, heavy metals, and residual solvents. Look for certifications that prove that their CBN oil product is safe and free from toxins.
What’s the best way to use CBN oil for sleep and insomnia?
In the same way you would use THC and CBD to make sure they work well for you, you also need to assess your reactions to CBN oil. Should a small dose fail to promote better sleep, you can always increase your dosage.
Starting at a low dose of CBN oil is especially important since CBN is a potent sedative. As mentioned earlier, CBN’s sedative effects are much more potent than THC and CBD. A small dosage, about one drop, half an hour before bedtime is usually enough to help you sleep faster. If the dose isn’t sufficient, increase your dosage by one drop at a time.
There are different ways that you can take CBN oil. You can place a drop under your tongue, or you can take it in a capsule form. The former provides faster effects since it’s directly absorbed into the bloodstream. The latter, on the other hand, still has to go through the digestive system and the liver where it will be metabolized before they can go into the bloodstream. Sedative effects are typically felt half an hour after ingestion.
What are the side effects of CBN?
THC produces psychoactive effects; CBD does not. CBN lies somewhere in between. After all, CBN comes from the degradation of THC.
However, CBN’s psychoactive effect is milder (if there’s any) compared to THC. In fact, its psychoactive effect is only about 10% of THC’s potency. You would have to ingest about 100mg of CBN to feel the effects of a 10mg THC. This high dosage is pretty absurd since CBN already produces relaxing and sedating effects at 2.5mg.
Taking CBN oil does have a few side effects, especially if it’s your first time trying it. Some report grogginess, dizziness, and drowsiness. But CBN’s therapeutic benefits far outweigh these side effects. Moreover, these side effects typically go away after some time. If you do feel some side effects, cutting back on your dosage helps.
CBN has a good safety profile. To give you an idea of its safety, nicotine is lethal to mice at 3 mg/kg. CBN’s medial lethal dosage, on the other hand, is 13,500 mg/kg.
Quick Summary of CBN Oil For Sleep
- CBN (aka Cannabinol) has been found to produce very potent sedative effects.
- Sleep problems affect about 50 to 70 million Americans.CBN (aka Cannabinol) has been found to produce very potent sedative effects.
- Numerous studies revealed that sleep deprivation increases our risk of developing chronic medical diseases like diabetes, heart problems, and stroke.
- While sleeping pills help you fall asleep faster, they do have side effects to be wary of causing daytime drowsiness, appetite changes, heartburn, and changes in bowel movements.
- Long-term use of sleeping pills can also result in dependence, addiction, and an increased risk of overdose.
- CBN is the third, most common cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants.
- Some of CBN’s therapeutic benefits include pain reduction and inflammation control.
- CBN is best known for its very powerful sedating effects.
- CBN produces little to no psychoactive effects.
- Pain, especially if it’s chronic, negatively impacts sleep. CBN Oil Reduces Pain
- CBN Decreases inflammation
- By reducing pain and inflammation, you can enjoy a better quality of sleep.
- before buying a CBN product, you need to check your state laws regarding the use of CBN.
- Consider these factors before buying CBN oil for sleep and insomnia.
- What is the extraction method?
- Where did the CBN come from?
- Is the CBN oil manufacturer trustworthy and reliable?
- Start with a low dose of CBN oil since CBN is a potent sedative.
- THC produces psychoactive effects; CBD does not. CBN lies somewhere in the middle.
- CBN has a good safety profile.
Don’t let insomnia deprive you of the benefits of sleep. Take control of your life now and ask your primary care physician about CBN oil for sleep and insomnia.