Most cannabis consumers are familiar with THC and CBD, but how familiar are you with CBN? Do you know how and when to use it?
Just like THC and CBD, CBN has a purpose, which may be worth looking into for your care plan.
What is CBN?
CBN is a cannabinoid that comes from the degradation of THC. As cannabis is subjected to air and sunlight it oxidizes, and THC begins to slowly transition into small percentages of CBN. Not all the THC in your bud will become CBN, but small amounts will. In turn, it also lowers the potency of THC within the strain. CBN is a ‘non-euphoric’ cannabinoid like CBD but usually is paired with another cannabinoid, such as THC, to enhance its effects.
CBN is said to be more of a sedating cannabinoid and is generally utilized for sleep. As more research comes out, we’re noticing as cannabis ages and CBN becomes more abundant, other components of the plant called terpenes become less and less. Certain terpenes with a more sedating effect – like Myrcene and Caryophyllene – tend to stick around, while others are eliminated due to the aging effect of the cannabis. Because of this, cannabis with higher amounts of CBN alongside sedating and relaxing terpenes would have a more relaxing and soothing effect compared to freshly harvested plants.
What is CBN used for?
In most marketplaces, you’ll notice CBN is advertised for sleep, but it does have the potential to help with other conditions as well. CBN may help with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, appetite stimulation, antibacterial effects, and glaucoma. With CBN not being ‘euphoric’, it may be beneficial for people who are looking for a cannabis alternative to THC but do not wish to experience the high.
Because CBN is a relatively newer cannabinoid, there is ongoing research, and it’s only a matter of time before we truly understand this cannabinoid and its potential purpose. What we do know is the combination of cannabinoids (like CBD, THC, and CBN) alongside other components like terpenes alter the effects of one another – which we refer to as the ‘Entourage Effect’.
THC, CBD & CBN
Cannabis has a multitude of cannabinoids found within the plant, and each strain contains different amounts of them. CBD and THC are very well known in this space already, and we use them for certain conditions like pain or relaxation. CBN, on the other hand, is slowly entering the market and being used in conjunction with CBD and THC. When CBN is combined with THC or CBD, it has the potential to enhance the effects of these cannabinoids and may provide a different outcome compared to using CBD or THC alone.
Because CBN is a derivative of THC, it may have similar relaxing effects but without euphoria. Combined, THC and CBN should provide a more intense sedating effect with less impairment. If you are finding THC is not assisting as well as it used to, it may be time to consider adding CBN.
Another thing to consider when using CBN and THC together is the amount of THC needed to have a therapeutic effect may be less than using THC alone. Many formulations will include only 1-2mg of THC and approximately 5-6mg of CBN. CBN may have the potential to reduce the amount of THC required to assist with sleep, anxiety, or even pain. The same goes for CBD, people who use larger quantities of CBD may benefit from using CBD and CBN together so they can reduce their overall consumption of CBD.
In conclusion, CBN is becoming a more popular product, and it’s only a matter of time before it’s widely available, just like THC and CBD. If you are having difficulty controlling symptoms or are looking for a product to help enhance the effect of THC or CBD, consider trying CBN in combination with your other products.
Written By: Kyle Popkie, CTE Pembroke, ON.