Meta Description: If you are wondering what is CBN good for, the answer is – plenty of things. To discover everything about it, you can now check this article; don’t miss it!
There is a good chance that you ended up here because you hear the word cannabidiol everywhere, and you want to know what is the fuss and why it is so popular. As you can guess, CBN is a Cannabis ingredient, more precisely, the second active one found in the plant and the essential one.
Even though THC and CBD stole the spotlight in the past few years due to their purported therapeutic benefits, CBN has a lot to offer. Maybe it has fewer studies than its relatives; however, it also has several possible benefits.
There might be different reasons why you are here, so if you are interested in what is CBN good for, we have dedicated our post exclusively to this topic. Thus, let’s get started and discover more about the possible benefits of CBN!
About CBN
For all the rookies, we will start with some basic explanations and then get more scientific so that you would have a more profound idea of what CBN is.
Like CBD, cannabinol or CBN is a compound derived from the Cannabis plant and can be found in full-spectrum hemp products. However, what makes it unique is the way it is formed.
CBN is created through the extraction of the Cannabis plant as a degradation product of THC. It is the end product received when ITC is exposed to excessive heat and light, also known as oxidation. However, THC loses its psychoactive effects during this process, and we get this CBN form.
According to scientific research, CBN is most prominent in the very old and dried Cannabis flowers, and it was the first phytocannabinoid isolated from Indian hemp in 1896. It was found decades before CBD, although it is much less studied than this popular compound.
This sums up the idea that all cannabinoids are like siblings living in the same house. CBD and CBN have very few things in common that we will discuss further in the next section.
Differences between CBN and CBD
As we have mentioned, CBN and CBD have many things in common but also those that make them different. These two non-intoxicating compounds are present in the Cannabis plant, meaning they won’t make you high or produce any mind-altering effects.
Generally, they act similar to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system as they both may support a sense of calmness and relaxation.
But what makes them different? According to neurologists, CBD is the most prevalent cannabinoid in the Cannabis plant, and manufacturers find it easier to produce high amounts of it. On the other hand, the CBN content cannot be controlled since it is created from the breakdown of THC.
How does CBN work?
CBN works like most other cannabinoids by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system of receptors. Two types clustered in the central nervous system are distributed widely throughout the body, known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CBN mostly interacts with the CB2 receptors, while it doesn’t have much affinity towards the CB1, which is why it is believed to have much more impact on the immune system than the central nervous system.
CBN also carries the nickname “sleepy cannabinoid” because it has strong sedative effects, which makes it non-psychoactive, unlike CBD. While it still has specific levels of psychoactive components, it is not as overpowering as THC.
How safe is CBN?
Since there is a lack of research on CBN and its possible side effects, the only evidence we could find was from independent reviews attesting to CBN’s benefits. This is entirely individual to every user’s personal experience, and there is no probability that it will be the same with everyone.
Some of the reported side effects that consumers claimed they have noticed included drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, appetite changes, and in some rare cases, diarrhea.
We haven’t found any reports where consumers stated they had faced life-threatening health issues or serious health damage, making CBN a relatively safe compound.
CBN legality status
When it comes to the CBN’s legality status, it is a bit complicated. All the variants of recreational Cannabis and its extract have legal status in 18 states and can be consumed for medical purposes.
However, when it comes to CBN products, they are still not commonly prescribed by doctors for any health ailment. This means that these substances remain illegal at the federal level. So, before buying CBN products from any online shop, check your state rules and regulations.
What Is CBN Good for
According to the general consumer experience, it has been reported that CBN offers many positive effects that may benefit the body. However, since everyone is different, there is no clear proof that it might act the same. These are some of the main things that CBN is good for:
It might be a potent antibacterial agent
Studies have shown that CBN may be an especially strong antibacterial component. Various lab tests on strains of MRSA bacteria resulted in resistance to CBN, making it a potent antibacterial agent. This allows CBN to be possibly used as a fight-off medicine against bacterial ingestion in the place of the usual antibiotics.
It might have neuroprotective effects
There is a high probability for CBN to be a powerful neuroprotectant. This compound was taken as a test example by researchers in treatment for ALS, showing surprising results that carry the possibility of delaying the onset of this condition.
Even though this needs more research, it suggests that it might be an effective tool against ALS and other neurodegenerative conditions.
It might improve insomnia
This might not come as too much of a surprise for you since all the cannabinoids’ main ability is to possibly promote relaxation and help the body relax. There are many cases where consumers have reported that CBN products possibly helped them improve insomnia and get a good night’s rest.
Since CBN comes as a byproduct of the oxidation of THC, it’s no surprise that it may improve sleep quality even when consumed in very low doses.
It might have antioxidant properties
CBN may also work as an antioxidant, a molecule responsible for neutralizing the free radicals in the body. In one scientific research, doctors noted that CBN is very well tolerated and may be useful for specific health benefits.
It might be an effective stress relief
Another benefit where cannabinol stands strong is its ability to possibly relieve stress. While CBD is usually highly regarded for containing overwhelming potency that might promote calmness, according to many studies on this case, it looks like CBN is far more effective.
This is mainly because of its ability to interact with the CB1 receptors. Cannabis specialists also recommend that it be paired with other full spectrum hemp products, so combining the synergies might provide much more everlasting advantages.
It might help with bone regeneration
A famous neuroscientist and Cannabis expert has stated CBN’s potential benefits in improving the bone marrow’s health. The neuroscientist emphasizes that this component might assist the endocannabinoid system in bone formation and regeneration.
However, this theory is yet to be further proven, but it opens the possibility for CBN to be a successful treatment for various conditions related to the bones.
It might be an appetite stimulant
CBN might not cause much intoxication, but it may have a much more prominent effect in stimulating hunger. According to users, they have reported possible increased food cravings after consuming CBN.
Researchers have linked this phenomenon with the CBN affinity to the CBN1 receptor. This discovery might be a great alternative for treating eating disorders, especially if a person is sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC.
It might have pain-relieving effects
According to many consumers, cannabinoid products may have the ability to possibly provide analgesic benefits; however, this is yet to be further researched.
There are various studies where patients struggling with muscle soreness, arthritis, and migraine have reported noticing possible improvement and less tension throughout their body after consuming CBN products.
It might promote brain health
Even though CBN is mildly intoxicating, that doesn’t mean that it makes no kind of impact on the brain; on the contrary, almost all the cannabinoids, including CBN, show possible neuroprotective effects that might slow down or possibly prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson disease.
It might reduce skin problems
Another notable benefit of using CBN is its possibility to help treat various skin diseases like itching and skin irritation. One preliminary research suggests that CBN might treat crusty skin by decreasing keratinocyte proliferation.
Reducing their activity might prevent the appearance of flaky skin and relieve the other symptoms of discomfort.
How to Use CBN Products?
The high demand for cannabinoid products has resulted in new options emerging daily. Some popular brands offer isolated CBN variants in edibles and tinctures, most commonly marketed for possible sleep relief.
When you are shopping for a CBN product, make sure to check the labels for the content dosage and potency. Products with high CBN mean that they are high in THC too, which might not be something you would enjoy if you don’t want to end up high.
CBN oil
One of the most commonly used types of CBN products is oil. Manufacturers have perfected the method of isolating the compound to create high ratios of CBN and formulate it into tinctures.
It can be used in various ways, either by ingesting it directly in your mouth or adding it to food or drinks. If you are a vape enthusiast, you can use it with a vape cartridge.
CBN crystals
CBN crystals are naturally delivered products extracted from the hemp or Cannabis plant using the superior CO2 extraction method. These products offer the purest component form, free from THC and strong odors.
CBN crystals look like sugar and can be consumed by melting under the tongue, mixing them with oils, or sprinkling them in smokable flowers. The CBN crystalline powder can also be used as a dietary supplement by mixing it with smoothies and juices.
CBN gummies
CBN also comes in an edible form, mostly as a gummy infused with both CBD and CBN. Some products come as pure CBN and are recommended as a great substitute for sleeping pills.
These gummies come in natural furry flavors, including Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, etc. They are also infused with additional substances like L-theanine and ashwagandha to add to their possible relaxing benefits.
CBN Dosage
When it comes to dosing the CBN, you should keep in mind one important fact: it is more potent than the other cannabinoids, so we recommend starting with smaller doses.
If you are a beginner and find that a CBD dosage between 20-50 milligrams is ideal, then you need to take about 5 mg of CBN for possible significant relief. If you want to consume CBN for sleep, you should take no more than 5 mg of the oil before sleep.
Even though there is no possibility of overdosing on CBN, we wouldn’t recommend increasing the dosage since some people have reported feeling especially drowsy when consuming this substance in larger doses.
Conclusion
Now, when we come to the end of our article, you probably have a clear idea of what is CBN good for. Like the other cannabinoids, CBN carries a strong potential that might help manage various chronic symptoms. Since it has milder psychoactive properties than THC, you can use it safely without worrying about side effects.
Since these substances react differently with every individual’s body, you should never consume them if you struggle with serious health issues. In this case, we strongly advise you to talk with your doctor or medical care provider and ask for their approval.
If you notice any allergic reaction when trying CBN products for the first time, stop the consumption and call 911 immediately or head to the nearest hospital and seek medical assistance.
