Cannabis is one of the world’s most versatile plants. This is because it can be used for recreational purposes as well as for medical reasons. The reason for Cannabis’ versatility is because it is made up of a large variety of compounds. The official name for the compounds that make up cannabis is cannabinoids.
The most popular compound found in Cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] which is the one that’s responsible for making people high. THC can also affect mood, emotion, and perception. Cannabis owes a lot of its popularity to THC. Other compounds found in cannabis include Cannabidiol [CBD] and Cannabinol [CBN].
Both CBD and CBN are now becoming quite popular compounds in the health industry. Science has confirmed that these two could offer treatment options especially when it comes to pain management.
Some of the other compounds found in cannabis include:
- Cannabitriol CBT]
- Cannabigerol [CBG]
- Cannabicyclol [CBL]
- Cannabielsoin [CBE]
While these compounds have their own unique features and uses, we have dedicated this article to CBD and CBN.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol [CBD] is one of the natural compounds found in cannabis. It is a safe and non-addictive product. Most of the CBD available in the market at the moment is obtained from industrial hemp. This type of CBD is also the only legalized CBD at the federal level in the US.
The 2018 Farm Act states that the industrial hemp should not contain more than 0.3% THC content when being used to produce CBD products. CBD has no psychoactive effects, so it cannot get you high. Some of the common sensations of CBD include feeling:
- Calm
- Pain-free
- Happy
- Relaxed
- Sleepy
Health Benefits of CBD
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties and psychoactive nature, CBD can be used to treat various ailments.
It Can Reduce Pain
Studies show that CBD could relieve pain. The human body contains a specialized system referred to as the endocannabinoid system [ECS]. The ECS is involved in regulating various functions such as pain, immune system response, sleep, appetite, etc. Research shows that CBD may reduce chronic pain by impacting the activities of endocannabinoid receptors, reducing inflammation.
It May Treat Insomnia
Insomnia is a common occurrence that affects many people. Lack of sleep can be harmful to your health since your body doesn’t get enough time to repair itself or get rid of toxins. CBD can improve sleep and ensure that you enjoy healthier sleeping patterns. It can also help manage conditions such as anxiety, stress, and restlessness which make it difficult to fall asleep.
It Can Alleviate Cancer-Related Symptoms
CBD can help to reduce the symptoms that are related to cancer. CBD also reduces side effects such as pain, vomiting, and nausea that are related to cancer treatment.
May Reduce Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that can have an overwhelming effect on one’s health and well-being. Anxiety and depression are normally treated with prescribed medications. However, these medications cause side effects such as agitation, drowsiness, insomnia, etc. This is why some people have decided to switch to CBD to manage their depression and anxiety. Research has shown that CBD is effective in managing depression and the good thing is that it doesn’t have as many side effects as the conventional medication.
Be sure to check out “CBD & CBG: How Do They Compare?” and see how CBD compares to another compound found in cannabis.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol [CBN] is also another compound found in cannabinoid. Although it has similar effects to CBD, it has a closer relationship with THC. Cannabinol is produced when THC is heated or exposed to air, meaning you can switch THC into CBN if you leave it to sit for some time or if you heat it in an oven on low temperature.
Through research, CBN has been found to have a potent sedative effect. According to Steep Hill, CBN produces a more potent sedative effect than the other compounds found in cannabinoids. Apart from its sleep-inducing effects, CBN might also have some other health benefits.
Potential Health Benefits of CBN
Let’s look at the potential health benefits of this hidden gem of the marijuana plant.
Anti-Bacterial
Studies on CBN show that it may be an incredible anti-bacterial agent. CBN was tested on lab on strains of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] bacteria that are resistant to traditional antibiotics. Researchers found CBN to be a potent antibacterial agent against these resistant strains.
Appetite Stimulation
Research done on rodents showed that CBN increased the amount of food that they ate. This suggests that CBN could be used to stimulate a person’s appetite. For people who are avoiding THC, which is also another appetite stimulant because of its intoxicating effects, you could try CBN because it’s a wonderful alternative that won’t make you high.
The Key Differences Between CBD & CBN
Although there are some significant similarities between CBD and CBN, the two compounds have some startling differences as well.
Even though CBD and CBN come from the same plant, that doesn’t mean that their chemical makeup or effects are the same. They are totally different compounds. CBN is produced after heating THC or exposing it to air. The process is called oxidation. It helps to get rid of the excess psychotropic effect on THC.
Since CBN is a by-product of THC, it should be obtained from dried marijuana plants and not from hemp plants or fresh marijuana. That’s because industrial hemp plants contain a significantly lower quantity of THC, which is not enough for CBN extraction. On the other hand, marijuana plants have more than 30%THC yield, which is adequate to extract CBN.
Another key difference between CBD and CBN is that CBD does not have a sedative effect. It can relax you, but generally, it is not sedating. On the other hand, CBN has proven to be quite sedative. The final distinction is that CBD has no psychedelic effect. CBN, on the other hand, has a mild psychotropic effect since it’s a direct breakdown of THC.
CBD & CBN Usage
There various ways that you can use CBD or CBN. These substances come in various forms. One of the best ways is to use oils that contain one of the two sublingually. You simply drop the right dosage under the tongue and hold it for a minute and then swallow it.
There is also CBD or CBN juice. They are more popular among vapers. Moreover, it comes with various options like the standard vape juice. There are also edibles types like CBD gummies which are very popular. However, they take longer to take effect unlike when smoked directly or when you use a tincture.
CBD & CBN Availability
You can get CBD products easily in the market since they are readily available. Various studies have been conducted on CBD and its benefits have also been proven. CBN products, on the other hand, are relatively new. This means that they are more difficult to access than CBD products.
But the good news is that companies within the cannabis industries are starting to focus their attention on CBN. In fact, some companies are already producing CBN products. Just like the CBD, CBN products also come in oils and tinctures.
Check out “Will CBD Oil Make Me Fail My Drug Test?” for a look at if taking CBD or other cannabis compounds will make you fail a drug test.
CBD and CBN are both cannabinoids and they have the ability to help people live a healthier life. However, they do so in different ways. For several years, several studies have been conducted to learn more about Cannabidiol [CBD]; what it’s all about, how it works, and its benefits on human lives.
However, CBN did not receive as much attention as its more popular relative. This is changing as experts are now opening their eyes to the potential benefits of CBN.
As consumers of cannabis products, our greatest hope is that every cannabinoid is properly researched. This way, people can get to enjoy the benefits and live happier, healthier, more productive lives. Thank you for reading!
