CBN was one of the first minor cannabinoids ever extracted from cannabis and has been the subject of decades of research. Studies show that it is a powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agent, to name just a few. CBN also supports sleep enhancement, which can improve the lives of millions who suffer from insomnia. CBN’s sleep and immune-boosting benefits pair perfectly with full-spectrum CBD and THC products to optimize their wellness outcome.
This article reviews CBN's function, research and benefits. It also discusses the importance of CBN testing in hemp and cannabis products.
How Does CBN Form in Hemp and Cannabis Plants?
CBN (cannabinol) forms differently from most significant cannabinoids. While THC and CBD derive from CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) through the plant’s complex molecular changes, CBN forms from the degradation of THC. When THC is exposed to air, it oxidizes and converts into CBN.
Additionally, some CBN forms from its acidic precursor, CBNA (Cannabinolic Acid). CBNA forms when THCA, the precursor to THC, undergoes breaks due to exposure to oxygen. Then, when exposed to heat or UV light, CBNA further degrades into CBN.
How Does CBN Work in the Body?
Cannabinol (CBN) works in the body by interacting with cannabinoid receptors, primarily CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors appear mainly in the brain and nervous system and are known to bind with THC to elicit the plant’s psychoactive effects. CB1 receptors occur primarily in the immune system and interact with cannabinoids to exhibit anti-inflammatory benefits.
CBN’s affinity for CB1 receptors is ten times lower than THC, making it less psychoactive.
CBN has varying effects on CB2 receptors, sometimes showing anti-inflammatory properties.
CBN also influences several transient receptor potential (TRP) channels involved in sensing temperature, pain, and inflammation. Specifically, CBN acts as an agonist (activator) for TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, and TRPV4 channels. These channels help detect and respond to heat and physical damage, contributing to pain and inflammation management. Additionally, CBN is an antagonist (blocker) for the TRPM8 channel, associated with sensing cold and menthol. This unique combination of effects suggests that CBN can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and modulate various physiological processes.
CBN’s Chemical Structure?
CBN has a distinctive chemical structure within the cannabinoid family. Its structure includes two benzene rings joined to a central oxygen-containing ring, forming a dibenzopyran ring system. This unique arrangement also features a hydroxyl group (an -OH group) and a pentyl side chain (a chain of five carbon atoms). THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC also contain a five-carbon-atom chain.
Can CBN Get You High?
CBN has unique pharmacological properties and a mild psychoactive effect. It binds to both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors but with much lower affinity than THC, meaning it does not produce an intense "high."
A study in the Journal of Pharmacology found CBN alone had no significant psychophysical effects. Still, when combined with THC, it increases feelings of being drugged, drunk, dizzy, and drowsy.
What are the Reported Benefits of CBN?
CBN first appeared in scientific literature in the 1940s. Since that time, researchers have uncovered a multitude of findings surrounding its therapeutic effects:
Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Virual
CBN exhibits promising antiviral and antibacterial properties.
An in silico study highlighted CBN's potential ability to inhibit key SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins, such as the main protease and ACE2. These proteins play critical roles in the virus's replication and entry into host cells. CBN demonstrated significant binding affinity, suggesting its potential use in developing treatments for COVID-19.
Additionally, 2020 research comparing cannabinoids to commercial oral care products revealed CBN's effectiveness in reducing bacterial content in dental plaque. In this study, CBN significantly outperformed well-known brands like Oral B and Colgate, highlighting its strong antibacterial properties compared to traditional products.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research indicates that CBN is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that could help prevent a variety of age-, stress-, and allergy-related illnesses.
A 2023 in vitro experiment showed CBN exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by influencing gene expression at multiple levels, including transcription (the process of copying DNA to RNA), post-transcriptional regulation (modifications of RNA after it's made), translation (producing proteins from RNA), and post-translational regulation (modifications of proteins after they are made).
Specifically, CBN inhibits the activation of crucial inflammation pathways like NF-κB and the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which are crucial for producing inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and IL-6. This multifaceted approach helps to dampen the body's inflammatory response.
Sleep Aid
Studies show that CBN alone is inactive in human volunteers for sleep. However, when combined with THC, CBN produced greater sedation than THC alone. This synergistic effect suggests that CBN enhances the calming properties of THC, contributing to the overall entourage effect of cannabis.
Pain
CBN (cannabinol) has the potential to relieve pain through multiple mechanisms.
CBN activates CB1 receptors, although it is a weaker agonist compared to THC. This means CBN can interact with these brain and nervous system receptors to help reduce pain.
Additionally, a study by Zygmunt et al. (2002) found that CBN can activate capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves independently of CB1 and CB2 receptors. Capsaicin-sensitive nerves are involved in the sensation of pain and the body's response to injury.
When CBN activates these nerves, it causes the release of a neuropeptide called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which leads to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and can help alleviate pain.
This dual action—both through cannabinoid receptors and other pain pathways—suggests that CBN could be an effective pain reliever without the strong psychoactive effects of THC.
Brain Health
CBN may also be a brain-protective agent that can delay the onset of neurological diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s.
In 2019, researchers tested non-psychoactive cannabinoids for their neuroprotective effects using a drug-screening platform designed to mimic brain aging and neurodegenerative conditions. They evaluated the cannabinoids' ability to reduce neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, energy loss, and inflammation and their effectiveness in clearing protein fragments from neurons that disrupt cell function. The study concluded that several cannabinoids, including CBN, showed potential for protecting brain cells and could be candidates for Alzheimer's treatment.
Appetite Stimulation
CBN seems to act as an appetite stimulator, similar to THC, although to a lesser extent.
A 2012 study showed that CBN increased feeding behavior in rats. It also reduced feeding latency and increased meal size and duration, increasing overall food intake. Researchers found that the effect was mediated through the CB1 receptor.
CBN Products
CBN typically occurs on all full-spectrum hemp and cannabis products, including vapes, oils, waxes, and edibles. CBN extracts, isolates, and distillates also exist but are less prevalent.
One example of a CBN vape comes from Hempzilla, combining 175 mg of CBD and CBN in a broad-spectrum formula. The brand says this product is THC-free and terpene-rich, providing a calming, non-psychoactive experience.
ACS Cannabinoids Guide
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CBN Products for Sleep
CBN products tailored explicitly for sleep have emerged as a growing category in the hemp and cannabis market. Consumers can find various CBN-infused evening options, such as tinctures, capsules, and edibles. Many also contain THC to maximize the sleep-inducing benefits.
Extract Lab’s CBN Isolate
Extract Lab’s CBN Isolate contains 1000mg CBN per jar, ready to be ingested alone or mixed into at-home formulas. Several reviews indicate the formula works well for sleep and relaxation. For example, customer Saul M. said:
“I like using this instead of melatonin for sleep! I also take it during the day sometimes if i am stressed, and it helps.”
Extract Labs is also a responsible brand that tests its products for a full panel of safety and purity analyses. The ACS Laboratory Certificate of Analysis (COA) below shows that this isolate product contains 97.8% CBN and is free from heavy metals and residual solvents.
Extract Labs COA from ACS Laboratory
Kiva Confections Petra CBN 2:1 Blackberry Mints
Kiva's Petra Blackberry CBN mints combine fresh blackberry and vanilla flavors with sugar-free, plant-based ingredients. With 2 MG THC and 1 MG CBN per mint, Kiva markets these edibles as perfect for those seeking a restful night's sleep or a relaxing power nap.
Metta Hemp CBN:CBD Nitetime Disposable Vape Pen
Metta Hemp's CBN:CBD Nitetime Hemp Disposable Vape Pen delivers the soothing effects of CBN in a fast-acting form. With a blend of CBD, hemp-derived terpenes, and 100mg CBN, this lab-tested vape pen promotes a sense of ease and relaxation, without any additives or fillers.
MONTKUSH's True Sleep CBN Softgel
MONTKUSH's True Sleep CBN softgel is a sleep supplement derived from organic hemp. It combines a therapeutic terpene blend with 5mg CBN, 25mg CBD, and 1mg THC to promote relaxation and sleep quality through the entourage effect. MONTKUSH prioritizes organic hemp as a pure, chemical-free product and always conducts product tests with ACS Laboratory. The COA below shows that Montkush’s soft gels contain 7.5% total cannabinoids and 1.6% therapeutic terpenes.
Montkush COA from ACS Laboratory
Bcureco CBD/CBN Tincture
Bcureco CBD/CBN Tincture contains naturally extracted hemp-derived cannabinoids, MCT Oil and mint flavoring. It is 100% organic, full spectrum and free from harmful toxins, according to ACS Laboratory's COA below.
Bcure COA from ACS Laboratory
CBN sleep products like these are likely to continue their upward trajectory with ongoing research and positive anecdotal experiences.
Are There High CBN Strains?
Hemp and cannabis strains naturally produce CBN in low quantities below 1%.
Strains that contain relatively high CBN levels are derived from mature cannabis plants with high THC levels.
CBN crystals are natural crystalline products that are extracted from hemp or cannabis plants using CO2. They’re nearly 100% pure and free of THC and odors.
CBN crystals look like powdered sugar and can be melted under the tongue, sprinkled in smokeable flower or mixed with oils. You can also use this pure powder as a dietary supplement by mixing it in smoothies or juices.
Can You Smoke, Vape and Ingest CBN?
Yes. Like CBD and THC, CBN can also be smoked in flower form, vaped in an oil or wax, or ingested sublingually using a tincture.
Is CBN Legal?
CBN is federally legal as long as it’s extracted from hemp that contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. At a state level, CBN is also permitted in all cannabis strains where medical and adult use is legal.
How is CBN Potency Measured?
CBN is measured through potency tests in the same way that CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids are detected.
ACS Laboratory uses Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) machinery to precisely measure edibles and extracts. HPLC is the preferred instrument for these products due to its ability to test samples at room temperature without requiring heat, which changes the results.
Why Should Hemp and Cannabis Brands Test for CBN Potency?
Hemp and cannabis brands should test products for CBN because it is the third most widely known cannabinoid with significant therapeutic potential.
Promising research shows that CBN can fight bacteria, inflammation, neurodegenerative disease, and pain. It also has the potential to promote deeper, longer sleep.
CBN shares many qualities with THC and even enhances the compound’s psychoactive properties. However, it does not drastically alter cognition on its own, significantly benefiting many consumers who do not want mind-altering effects.
Bottom Line
At ACS Laboratory, we test hemp and cannabis products for CBN potency as part of our 10, 11, 13, and 25 Analyte Potency Tests. Contact us today to get started.
FAQ
What is CBNA, and how is it related to CBN?
CBNA is the acidic version of CBN. Hemp and cannabis plants do not directly synthesize CBNA. Instead, it forms when another compound called tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) breaks down over time. This breakdown happens due to exposure to air (oxygen) or sunlight (UV light), a process known as oxidative degradation.
Very little research has been conducted on CBNA. However, one in-silico docking study found that CBNA contains antibacterial properties similar to CBN. The study explored how CBNA can inhibit a specific enzyme (TrpE) essential for the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. By targeting this enzyme, CBNA, along with CBGA, could help fight TB, especially in cases where the bacteria have become resistant to existing drugs.
CBN vs CBD
CBN is very similar to CBD in its chemical structure and therapeutic profile. Still, it has essential distinctions in how it occurs and its potential for mild psychoactive effects.
CBN primarily forms as THC ages, resulting in mild psychoactive effects, unlike CBD, which is non-psychoactive.
CBN binds weakly to CB1 receptors, contributing to its sedative properties and making it potentially useful for sleep disorders. CBD does not bind with CB1 receptors.
Both cannabinoids show anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, but CBN has unique antibacterial properties and may stimulate appetite. CBD, on the other hand, is more widely researched for anxiety, epilepsy, and neuroprotection, highlighting its broader therapeutic potential.
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