Cannabis is an incredibly complex species; one could spend a lifetime studying the effects, uses, and cultural impact of this special plant. Marijuana contains more than its fair share of extraordinary compounds, boasting a bewildering array of potent ingredients that includes cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more. Each of these substances has its own special properties, and we zoom in on one of them here: CBN. Although CBN only occurs in small quantities in cannabis plants, this cannabinoid brings a unique set of benefits, both for recreational and for medicinal use.
Table of Contents
Cannabinol Characteristics
When it comes to cannabinoids, CBN (cannabinol) is a bit of an odd one out. You’ll only find it in well-matured plants, after THC has oxidized to form CBN. CBN is present in younger plants, but concentrations are exceedingly low there.
CBN is mildly psychoactive, and it appears capable of triggering modest euphoria. Still, your chances of getting high from CBN are slim at best. Its most probable noticeable effect is the intensification of THC’s euphoric high.
In contrast to THC, CBN has no direct influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Scientists suspect that CBD may be capable of toning down the effectiveness of marijuana. Although the characteristics of CBN are still largely unclear, lacking the extent of research enjoyed by CBD or THC, it does appear to confer several potential health benefits.
The Benefits Of CBN In Cannabis
Research indicates that CBN has powerful therapeutic potential, just like CBD, CBG, THCV, and other cannabinoids.
Soothing, Sedative Effect
Of all the compounds found in cannabis, CBD has the strongest sedative properties. This explains its use against insomnia, particularly when combined with delta-9-THC and CBD. A 1995 study on insomnia in mice proved CBN’s effectiveness in this respect.
This cannabinoid helps people fall asleep sooner as well as promoting continued sleep throughout the night. As an important benefit, consumers will wake up clear-headed afterwards. By contrast, regular sleep medication usually causes drowsiness that many people experience as an undesirable side-effect. Scientists involved in these studies indicate that CBN is probably most effective when combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis, due to the entourage effect. Strains containing high levels of THC and myrcene appear particularly promising in treating sleeplessness issues. Of course, combinations that include THC are not an ideal solution for everyone, but full spectrum CBD supplements containing CBN can be a good non-psychoactive alternative.
The sedative properties of cannabinol appear even stronger than those of traditional tranquillizers such as Valium. Some people have claimed that the soothing effect produced by CBD can feel similar to a 10mg dose of diazepam.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Like several other cannabinoids, CBN has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Inflammation can arise after injuries, but they can also be caused by chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthrosis, asthma, or eczema. CBN does not interact with the receptors of the ECS; instead, it regulates endocannabinoid levels produced by the system. Moreover, CBD directs certain immune cells to act against inflammation. It can also impair certain substances that cause inflammation if left unchecked.
CBN In Cannabis To Treat Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition that causes skin inflammation associated with red, flaky spots. Initial study results indicate that CBD can curb excessive growth of keratinocyte skin cells. These cells are hyperactive in case of psoriasis, which causes the chafed, flaky skin symptoms. That marks CBN as a potential treatment for this highly common skin disease.
CBN Has Antibacterial Properties
Several studies have been conducted in an attempt to map the effectiveness of cannabinoids against certain bacteria; particularly of the MRSA variant. This type of bacteria is increasingly problematic in hospital settings: they can cause deadly infections that resist treatment with existing antibiotics. The resistance of these bacteria is caused by the constant, widespread use of antibiotics. Studies demonstrate that CBD is highly effective against bacteria, including high risk ‘superbugs’ such as MRSA.
Chronic Pain Treatment
Weed is often used to treat chronic pain. CBN could add a new dimension to this tried use of marijuana compounds. Cannabinol appears to promote production of peptides in nerve cells that can reduce sensitivity to pain. New studies indicate that these analgesic effects occur without involvement of the CB1 or CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Further research will have to identify how this effect occurs.
The Possibilities Of Cannabis With CBN
As we have seen, CBN shows potential for use with pain, insomnia, inflammation, and infection. Further benefits of CBN include potential as an appetite stimulant, possible protection against epileptic seizures, and vasodilatory properties. This means CBD could help lower blood pressure. All things considered, there appears plenty of reason to keep a close eye on this cannabinoid, no matter how hard it is to isolate cannabinol in large amounts.
Most cannabis strains contain CBN, and even though percentages are usually much lower than those of, say, CBD, we always stand to profit from its presence at least in theory. Growers can of course try to increase CBN percentages in their own harvests. That will take quite some time, however: wrapping fresh buds in plastic and storing them in a dry place for about three years is the customary advice. After that, a plant that originally contained about 20% THC should hold between 3 and 5% CBN. We’ll leave it up to you to decide whether that is worth the wait.
At any rate, our Full Spectrum CBD and CBG Oil contain small amounts of cannabinol for anyone intent on finding CBN. In our online seeds catalogue, you can find strains averaging about 1% CBN content like Dutch Duchess and Grapefruit Superstar. After a 9 to 10-week flowering time, they will yield flower buds containing THC, CBN, and a whole host of other valuable cannabis compounds for any grower to enjoy.