CBN

What is CBN?

CBN, or cannabinol, is a cannabinoid with a mild psychoactive effect. While there can still be psychoactive effects from CBN, these are significantly less than that of THC. CBN is produced in the largest amounts when cannabis or hemp plants are aging, and have been exposed to oxygen and light over at least a week or so.

The largest amounts of CBN are produced when cannabis is left open to light and oxygen. However, we do not recommend leaving your cannabis flower out for a week or two to try this potentially beneficial cannabinoid. Instead, we recommend searching for this compound in an isolated form.

As cannabis plants dry out with age, THC molecules slowly form into CBN. Because very little CBN is produced from fresh cannabis plants, isolating and utilizing this potentially useful compound has been challenging. Although CBN was discovered circa the 1940s, the compound has not been widely consumed because producing it is time-consuming.

The time-consuming aspect of producing CBN has recently changed, thanks to the development of new extraction equipment and the advancement of production methods. These have become available to us in large part because of the legal cannabis market expanding in many states.

Market analysis tells us that CBN products, specifically sleep aids infused with the cannabinoid, are on the rise -- especially in California. In 2021, sales of CBN products totaled around $60 million in the state. The majority of these sales are from CBN-infused edibles.

Effects of CBN

Similar to CBD, CBN is non-psychoactive, generally speaking. Unlike THC, consuming CBN likely won’t get you high. Many canna-curious consumers of CBD and CBN products tell us, however, that they feel noticeable relief from these products. As such, this experience can be new to them, resulting in intense relaxation and even euphoria, which may mimic mild effects of THC.

Potential Benefits of CBN

Before CBN’s recent uptick in sales, the most common application for this compound was to help treat patients with epilepsy. This is because CBN may have anticonvulsant effects.

As previously mentioned, CBN has been gaining much popularity as a natural sleep aid. While this news is certainly positive for those of us who have trouble sleeping, CBN might not even be a natural sedative.

The common misconception is that older cannabis is high in CBN, this cannabis makes consumers sleepy, and therefore CBN is a natural sleep aid. The fact is that THC might be more of a sedative than CBN. More unbiased studies on the potential sleep aid benefits of CBN are necessary.

In one rodent study, CBN was found to delay the onset of arthritis. Another showed potential for the cannabinoid to be utilized as a neuroprotectant, which could slow or even reverse the process of Alzheimer's in the brain. Additionally, CBN may help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and other mood disorders.

What We Learned: CBN

CBN is yet another cannabinoid with healing potential that has been underserved by the mainstream. Here’s what we learned about CBN:

• CBN, or cannabinol, is a cannabinoid with a mild psychoactive effect.
• While there can still be psychoactive effects from CBN, these are significantly less than that of THC.
• CBN is generally non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t get you high.
• Canna-curious consumers of CBD and CBN products may feel noticeable relief from these products.
• As such, this experience can be new to them, resulting in intense relaxation and even euphoria, which may mimic mild effects of THC.
• CBN is produced in the largest amounts when cannabis or hemp plants are aging and have been exposed to oxygen and light.
• Production of products with CBN has recently increased, thanks to legalization leading to the development of new extraction equipment and the advancement of production methods.
• CBN products are being touted as a sleep aid, often mixed with other ingredients aimed at promoting rest and relaxation. In 2021, sales of CBN products totaled around $60 million in the state. The majority of these sales are from CBN-infused edibles.

As is the case with all things cannabis, we are only barely scratching the surface when it comes to understanding the benefits of cannabinoids like CBN. The future is bright for the legal cannabis industry, and HashDash will be there to answer your questions every step of the way.

Speaking of which, you’re getting closer to completing our Cannabinoids Guide. Excellent work. Get the below question right and keep moving!