CBN

If you’re curious about cannabis and the naturally occurring cannabinoids, you’ve probably already come across the CBN abbreviation. The hemp market is full of cannabinoids with abbreviations that sound pretty similar, making it quite hard to understand which is which.

To make things a bit easier on you, we can say that the cannabinoids starting with the letter “C,” such as CBD and CBN, usually may provide medicinal benefits. On the other hand, THC variants, also known as the “Deltas,” are responsible for the psychoactive experience of recreational cannabis.

If you’re looking to experience the potential healing essence of cannabis without being faced with the unpleasant THC high, you’ve come to the right place. In continuation, we will supply you with an extensive CBN buying guide that might help you understand the cannabinoid, how it works, and how you may use it to tackle many health conditions and symptoms without the use of chemically infused medicine.

What Is CBN

CBN or cannabinol is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid in the cannabis Sativa plant but can also be produced synthetically. CBD forms when THC gradually degrades because of heat, air, and light exposure. That means that older, dry cannabis plants have higher levels of CBN. As the milder and worn-out alternative, CBN doesn’t retain any of the psychoactive properties of THC. It may, however, carry along many of its potential health benefits.

CBN is often compared to CBD. These two cannabinoids feature an abundance of potential health benefits without exposing you to the hefty high produced by THC. The main difference between the two is that, unlike CBD, CBN is derived directly from THC.

Interestingly, CBD was actually the first cannabinoid to be isolated from the cannabis plant, even though it is less prevalent. It was isolated in the late 1800s, and by the 1930s, scientists were already finding ways to synthesize the cannabinoid.

Like CBD and THC, CBN interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Therefore, CBD may affect central nervous system functions and aid the body’s reaction to internal and external stimuli. CBN mainly targets immune system regulation, so most of its benefits are associated with it.

How Is CBN Made

CBN is originally converted using CBNa, the CBN precursor. CBNa is naturally abundant in elder cannabis or hemp plants, and the concentration gets even higher if you expose the biomass to UV light. Therefore, manufacturers use aged hemp plants and THCa and expose them to air or ultraviolet light to get CBN material, which causes THCa to convert into cannabinolic acid or CBNa.

The extraction and filtering of CBN are very similar to how many other popular cannabinoids are produced. Though many available methods exist, CBN is usually extracted through carbon dioxide extraction. CO2 extraction is used to pull out the fragile terpenes and could be followed by ethanol extraction to withdraw all other beneficial cannabinoids and compounds for a full-spectrum CBN extract.

CBN Products

Even though it isn’t as popular as CBD and THC, CBN is starting to pick up the fast pace of other cannabinoids. The cannabinoid may be a potent sleeping aid featuring impeccable sedative properties that might help you combat sleeping disorders like insomnia. Though improved sleep is the most popular potential benefit of CBN, it may also be very potent at relieving pain, and studies suggest that it could be an effective neuroprotector.

As a result of the many alleged benefits of CBN, the CNB market is slowly starting to awaken from the CBN sleepiness and offers some incredible products. If you want to give CBN a try, here are the most popular options you should consider:

CBN gummies

The most popular and exciting way to get the CBN goodness into your body is by ingesting edibles, and the best type of edibles are undoubtedly CBN gummies. CBN gummies are the favorite sleep aid of many people. They look, smell, and taste just like regular gummies but may provide your body with the healing essence of CBN. 

How to take CBN gummies?

As with all other supplements, you’ll have to give the gummies some time to kick in. CBN gummies take around 30 to 120 minutes to produce effects, which is understandable since we’re talking about edibles, after all.

With that in mind, you should never pop a couple of gummies at once simply because you think that they aren’t potent enough. These sleeping gummies might also contain other substances that aid sleep, like melatonin. Consuming more of it will be counterproductive and leave you restless.

Will CBN gummies make you high?

No, CBN gummies won’t make you high unless they’re infused with high doses of THC. CBN is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, so CBN isolate or broad-spectrum CBN gummies won’t get you high. Though full-spectrum CBN gummies contain traces of THC, these concentrations are usually negligible and not enough to induce a high. If you purchase CBN gummies with high THC content (illegal in most states), you may experience a THC high.

CBN oils and tinctures

CBN oils and tinctures are CBN-infused liquids. The CBN inside these products is most often distilled in a carrier oil, usually MCT or hemp seed oil. They offer incredible flexibility in consumption, as even though they’re categorized as edibles, CBN oils and tinctures may work pretty quickly.

Even though they’re used the same way, CBN oils and tinctures are different products. CBN oil extracts are withdrawn using CO2 extraction, while tinctures are synthesized using alcohol.

How to take CBN oils and tinctures?

CBN oils and tinctures are consumed orally but can be taken in two distinct ways.

The first and most fast-acting way of consuming CBN oil is sublingual. You’ll need to place a drop of the oil or tincture under the tongue, as the sublingual tissue quickly absorbs the CBN and transfers it directly into the bloodstream.

The second consumption method is by ingestion, where CBN drops are swallowed like edibles, meaning that they’ll take 30 to 120 minutes to be absorbed and kick in.

How much THC is in CBN oils and tinctures?

The THC content of CBN products is usually pretty low or entirely nonexistent. The THC concentration depends on the spectrum of the extract and varies between products. To get accurate info about the THC concentration of the oil or tincture, you should look at the cannabinoid profile stated in the lab results.

CBN vape cartridges and pens

CBN may also be enjoyed through vaping cartridges and pens. These battery-operated devices contain CBN vape juice that can be heated to a specific temperature, causing it to vaporize. They are very convenient for passionate smokers, as CBN vapes and pens might produce fast-acting effects while eliminating many of the potential health risks that come with smoking.

How to vape CBN cartridges and vapes?

Even though CBN is generally considered a safe cannabinoid, we suggest you start low and slow when vaping. Choose a milder potency cartridge and give your body the time to get accommodated with the substance. Once you’ve established your CBN tolerance, you may slowly work your way up, increase your doses and consider higher potencies.

How much CBN is inside the cartridge?

The CBN concentration of vape juice varies between products. Reputable manufacturers display the CBN concentration for each product clearly, so you may know how to dose the cartridge correctly. If you know the CBN potency and the number of draws for each cartridge, you can quickly calculate the potency of a single draw by dividing the total potency by the number of draws. 

You may safely start with a slightly higher dose if you already have an established tolerance to CBN or even CBD. Otherwise, stick to milder potencies.

Also read: How Many Hits Are in a 1 Gram Vape Cartridge?

How to Find the Best CBN Products

Neither CBN nor any other cannabinoids are currently regulated by the FDA or other governmental regulatory agencies. Because of that, there aren’t any consumer protections to ensure that the products are entirely safe for consumption, so users have to choose between trusting manufacturers or conducting their own research to verify the quality of the products.

But how can you verify whether a CBN product is pure and safe for consumption? If you aren’t entirely sure what to look for in the best and most reliable products on the market, you should consider several factors. Our CBN buying guide is here to help you find the ultimate quality.

Lab results

The lab results are a golden standard that every CBN manufacturer should follow. With no other regulatory practices, the lab results are something that might help you find genuine and reliable products.

Full panel lab results will unveil many truths about the product. From the cannabinoid profile to the presence of any harmful and unwanted compounds, the lab results can help you learn a lot about the product, as long as you know how to interpret them.

By looking at the cannabinoid profile, you can determine whether the manufacturer accurately marketed the CBN concentration and the content of all other cannabinoids. You can get a detailed overview of the concentration of every cannabinoid and find out whether the product is legally compliant or contains cannabinoids that you’re looking to avoid.

Apart from the cannabinoid profile, in the lab results, you can also look at the presence of any other compounds. That allows you to look for impurities you otherwise wouldn’t know were present. If you note high concentrations of any heavy metals, that might indicate that the hemp used in the product was grown in contaminated soil.

Natural ingredients

Another thing you might want to look for in the best CBN products is natural and organic ingredients.

The CBN inside these products is derived from hemp, so make sure you’re purchasing CBN products derived from 100% natural and organic ingredients. Reputable companies are conscientious about sourcing their hemp plants, and so should you.

When purchasing CBN, make sure you look into how the CBN was grown and sourced. If possible, try to find out where it was sourced, as hemp sources are pretty important. You want legally compliant hemp plants for the best products, and the best way to get compliance is if the manufacturers source their hemp locally.

But the hemp-derived CBN extracts aren’t the only ingredient you’ll encounter in CBN products. Depending on the product, you need to consider multiple other ingredients. For instance, gummies often contain additional flavors, colorings, and gelatine. Therefore, you should pay attention to whether the flavors and colorings are natural or synthetic.

Flavors are often found in many products, not just gummies, but synthetic flavors might be the cause of significant issues and irritations. So if you’re considering products with added flavor, make sure that the flavorings are 100% natural.

Extraction methods

CBN is naturally abundant in older hemp plants because it is formed by the degradation of THC. However, to make oils, gummies, tinctures, and other CBN products, the manufacturers must first extract the CBN from the plant.

Like other cannabinoids, CBN is also extracted through a supercritical extraction process, using chemical solvents like ethanol to withdraw the cannabinoid from the plant. Though numerous solvents can be used in the process, CO2 extraction is considered the safest approach.

CO2 or carbon dioxide extraction uses CO2 that passes through a couple of states to extract the CBN safely. Pressure is applied while CO2 passes from liquid to gaseous state back and forth. The CO2 changes states of matter, not leaving behind any residues from the extraction process.

However, that’s not always the case with other extraction methods, which may leave unwanted residues from the process, contaminating the purity of the product and jeopardizing its safety.

User feedback

Another valuable guide that might help you determine the quality of a CBN product is user feedback. Hemp users are one big worldwide community, and they never hold back any information that might be valuable to other users.

Therefore, if you’re looking to see other people’s experiences with a specific product, you can always look up the product o cannabis forums or reviewing platforms.

Visiting a couple of forums will help you get much more information than what you would have gotten from the manufacturer’s website. Apart from that, you may get genuine and unbiased opinions from like-minded individuals, which might help you make the right call when having second thoughts about any product.

While going through user feedback, you could include user comments on official websites, but official feedback can sometimes be favored and biased. If you’re looking to get genuine information on which you can base your decision, make sure to include some independent reviewing platforms and hemp forums.

Personal preferences

Last but not least, your personal preferences should be your list of criteria. Even though it isn’t quite as extensive as the CBD market, the CBN market still offers an appropriate range of products, meaning that you’ll have many options to choose from.

While looking at different products, make sure you treat yourself to something that’ll satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds. If you’re considering CBN gummies, make sure you get the flavor right. In terms of CBN vapes, think about a juicy aroma that’ll contribute to an even richer experience.

Every type of product has its advantages and downsides. Some products may be more fast-acting, while others might offer better flavor and target some specific outcomes. Whatever you choose, make sure you get the most out of its advantages to indulge in a fun and pleasant experience you’ll enjoy.

The Benefits of Using CBN

As one of the less-studied cannabinoids, the potential benefits of CBN are yet to be discovered and proven. However, it is believed to retain many of CBD and THC health benefits while eliminating the psychoactive high that comes with THC.

Though research is still ongoing, recent studies and user reports state that CBN comes with the following potential benefits:

Better sleep

When mentioning CBN, the first thing that comes to mind is its potential sleep-promoting properties. Many trials and user testimonials claim that CBN promotes better quality sleep, while some studies suggest that CBN enhances its sedative effects when combined with THC.

CBN is believed to possibly enhance sleep by reducing psychological arousal caused by stress and pain. Though research is inconclusive, many users claim that CBN is an excellent sleep aid.

Pain relief

Like its relative cannabinoids, CBN is also believed to reduce physical pain. When combined with CBD, these two cannabinoids make for an incredible synergy that may effectively combat pain coming from various sources.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Though human trials are lacking, CBN displays some auspicious anti-inflammatory properties. Animal trials suggest that CBN may reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. However, before you take CBN as an anti-inflammatory aid, you should wait for conclusive evidence or consult with your doctor first.

How Long Do CBN Products Take To Kick In

The time it may take for your body to embrace the alleged benefits of CBN varies based on many factors. Between your body’s build, the potency of the product, and the type of product you’ve chosen, CBN products may take from 15 minutes up to a couple of hours to kick in.

CBN edibles are the slowest acting alternative. Since they have to be ingested and fully digested to produce effects, the results of CBN edibles might take a couple of hours before kicking in. Metabolism speed is vital here, as the quicker the CBN is metabolized, the faster you may experience the CBN benefits.

Smoking products get a head start here. Smoking or vaping the CBN means that it will travel directly into the bloodstream, delivering the desired potential outcomes within 10 to 20 minutes.

When using CBN products, ensure you give them enough time to work. Wait for a little longer to see whether the recommended dose will provide you with the effects before doubling it. Otherwise, you risk taking excessive doses of the cannabinoid for absolutely no reason.

How Long Do the CBN Effects Last

The duration of the CBN effects also varies significantly depending on a couple of factors. Although smoking products are often praised for their faster-acting effects, user reports claim that their effects tend to wear off slightly faster.

On the other hand, edibles take pretty long to manifest, but according to user feedback, they often lead to prolonged efficiency. Whether it is relaxation or potential pain relief, gummies and other edibles are often considered to extend the efficiency of CBN, meaning that the wait might be well worth the while.

Generally speaking, the effects of CBN usually last between 2 to 6 hours. The efficiency of the cannabinoid may also enhance a month after consuming the substance, as regular use may allow the CBN to accumulate in your system and provide you with even better and more prolonged possible effects.

How to Dose CBN Properly

CBN is usually well-tolerated as the degraded and milder version of THC. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to expose your body to unnecessarily high concentrations of the cannabinoid for no good reason.

Taking higher doses of any cannabinoid might impact your tolerance to the substance, and you may need to take explicitly high doses to achieve some mild effects. That’s why it is always best to start with controlled milder doses.

The perfect dose of CBN depends on how you intend to consume it.

If you intend to consume CBN by vaping or smoking, you may need significantly lower doses of the cannabinoids. A generally accepted and pretty effective dose for inhaling CBN is 6mg. Suppose you’re interested in CBN edibles, then you might have to take higher doses of the substance. The recommended dose range for oral consumption is both higher and broader. It is thought that CBN concentrations between 4mg and 66mg are most suitable for CBN edibles.

Furthermore, the presence of other cannabinoids also significantly amplifies the efficiency of CBN, so full-spectrum extracts call for lower amounts to get the same potential results.

Is CBN Legal?

The legal status of cannabinoids is always a concern, so in this CBN buying guide, we’ll give an extensive explanation of the legal status of CBN.

Like CBD products, CBN products are also legal for consumption, as long as they follow the 2018 Farm Bill. That means they have been derived from industrial hemp and feature THC concentrations lower than 0.3%. With the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC were declared agricultural commodities, making their derivatives legal for consumption.

However, no law implicitly states the legal status of CBN products. Therefore, they exist in a legal gray area because they’re derived from legally compliant hemp.

The gray area has its perks and downsides. The upside is that you may legally enjoy many exciting cannabinoids such as CBN. On the other hand, no governmental regulatory bodies certify the quality or legal compliance of CBN products, so you’ll have to be careful about what you’re purchasing.

State laws

The 2018 Farm Bill poses a legal gray area for cannabinoids on a federal level. However, things might not be the same at the state level. Some countries are already enforcing explicit laws that regulate the consumption of specific cannabinoids.

Take Delta 8 THC, for instance. Delta 8 exists in the same gray area as CBN, making it federally compliant. However, a dozen states have already posed additional regulations that ban it from consumption. Therefore, even though there aren’t any state laws on CBN when writing this CBN buying guide, you should check the legal regulations in your area before purchasing CBN, as cannabinoid regulations change day by day.

Is CBN Detectable on a Drug Test?

According to the latest research, CBN users might have difficulty passing a drug test. In a trial examining which cannabinoids react with immunoassays – the most widespread drug test, scientists found that CBN is likely to cause a false positive reading for marijuana. In fact, compared to CBD, CBC, and CBG, CBN is most likely to result in a positive reading.

The study has shown that even negligible amounts of CBN, as little as 100ng/ml of the cannabinoid, might be detectable and may register a positive result.

The likelihood of testing positive while consuming CBN tends to get even higher if you’re using full-spectrum CBN. Full-spectrum CBN contains traces of THC that will trigger the reagents of the drug test.

Therefore, if you’re looking to get a drug screening soon, it would be best if you restrain from using CBN for some time.

How long does CBN stay in your system?

There is no strict rule determining how long CBN might stay in your system. Each body is unique and triggers a different response to CBN. Genetic inheritance is responsible for the unique response to outside stimuli, but a couple of other factors correlate with the body’s response to the cannabinoid.

Your metabolism is one of the primary factors that play a significant role here. Taking CBN on a full or empty stomach especially impacts how long the substance might stay in your system.

If you take CBN more frequently, you’ll have CBN in the system for much longer. The metabolism quickly filters occasional use, but CBN accumulates in your body when used frequently, making it harder to eliminate.

The potency also impacts how long CBD might stay in your system, as higher doses take longer to metabolize. The product’s bioavailability is also essential, as quickly absorbent products are thought to stay in your body shorter.

CBN products typically stay in your system between 2 to 5 days, but this shouldn’t be used as a precise measure, as the range may not apply to everyone.

Related: How Long Does Edible CBD Stay in System

How to flush out CBN more quickly?

With the opportunity to consume CBN legally, the cannabinoid may be hard to resist. But if drug tests are a concern for you, you’ll be happy to know that there are a couple of things you can do to eliminate the unmetabolized CBN from your system.

Flushing out CBN isn’t particularly demanding. In fact, it can be an excellent refreshment for your overall health, as some of the practices used include some pretty healthy habits.

Drink plenty of water

Drinking water and other fluids will keep your body hydrated and stimulate frequent urination. Through the urine, you may be able to flush out any unmetabolized CBN more quickly.

Stick to a healthy diet

A healthy diet full of fiber and protein might significantly speed up the filtration of CBN. It may help CBN residues move through the digestive quickly, aiding faster filtration.

Exercise

Engaging in regular exercise or any modest activity significantly impacts and speeds up the metabolism. While exercising, your body sweats, potentially eliminating the leftover CBN through the sweat.

Where Can You Buy CBN

As a federally legal hemp derivative, CBN can be purchased freely. Therefore, you can find CBN products online, at specialized stores like local dispensaries and tobacco shops. Since CBN isn’t FDA-approved as a legal remedy for any symptoms, you won’t be able to purchase it at your local pharmacy.

When considering the different ways to source CBN, we recommend purchasing your CBN online. Online purchases allow you to examine and compare different products and conduct extensive searches before deciding on a specific product.

Purchasing CBN online will allow you to research each ingredient from the product list carefully. Most manufacturers offer full panel lab results, so you’ll get an excellent chance to take a closer look at every compound inside the product, which is very important when you’re shopping for cannabinoids.

Conclusion

To conclude this article, CBN may be an excellent natural remedy that might help you get all the benefits of cannabis without facing the THC high and the side effects that come with it. We hope that our CBN buying guide helped you learn more about the uprising cannabinoid and how to make the best use of it.