By now you’ve probably already heard of THC and CBD, the two most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. What you might not know is that there are actually several more cannabinoids worth knowing. One of these is CBN, or cannabinol, a compound that is drawing more and more interest for its potential benefits. What is CBN and what do you need to know about it?
What is CBN?
CBN, short for cannabinol, is a newly popular cannabinoid that may have several therapeutic benefits.
The CBN cannabinoid is created as THC ages and breaks down (or in chemistry lingo, degrades). Because of this, CBN is predominantly found in older cannabis flower or products where the THC has had a chance to degrade.
While CBN can still be found in some strains, it is usually present in small amounts that may not be enough to truly take advantage of its effects. For example, while high-THC strains can contain upwards of 30% THC content, high-CBN strains might contain as little as 0.4% CBN.
Nevertheless, you can still take advantage of CBN through the use of certain products that have been specially infused with CBN extracts to contain higher levels of the cannabinoid. If you’re looking for something that is rich in CBN, check dispensary shelves for a CBN-infused edible or a CBN oil.
CBN Effects
What is CBN good for? There are several potential benefits of CBN.
One area where CBN may be effective is in stimulating appetite. Preclinical research in animals found that CBN induced appetite and increased overall consumption of food.
Another area where CBN has shown promise is as a neuroprotectant. Neuroprotectants are substances that protect the brain and/or nervous system from damage. One study found that CBN was able to delay the onset of ALS in rodent models of the disease, and more general research has been investigating the neuroprotective properties of several cannabinoids.
Additionally, researchers have found that CBN is just one of many different cannabinoids that may offer antibacterial protection against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, a highly infectious bacteria that has become resistant to many of the antibiotics used to treat it.
It’s also been suggested that CBN may have sedative properties that could help folks get better rest. More dedicated research is needed to understand the full picture when it comes to CBN’s impact on sleep, but early evidence suggested that there could be a synergistic effect between CBN and THC that helps promote sleepiness.
CBN vs CBD
They’re both known as non-intoxicating cannabinoids with potential therapeutic properties, so many people want to know: What’s the deal with CBN vs CBD?
Currently there is a lot more research on CBD and its effects. Still, we do have a basic understanding of one major difference when it comes to how these two compounds interact with the body.
CBN is believed to be a ‘weak partial agonist,’ meaning it’s able to bind directly, albeit weakly, to the CB1 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. This also means that CBN may have mild intoxicating effects at high doses. CBD, on the other hand, does not bind directly to CB1 receptors but impacts the way that other cannabinoids and neurotransmitters bind with them.
Like CBN, CBD may offer potent antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits while working synergistically with THC. Unlike CBN, CBD is also used for its anti-seizure benefits and is believed to have therapeutic potential for anxiety.
CBN at Exclusive
Looking for a CBN-rich product to see how this cannabinoid might benefit you? Come by our dispensary or check out our online menu to see what high-CBN products we’ve got available right now.
