CBN Cannabinol: A Minor but Mighty Cannabinoid 

Cannabis is such a special plant in part because of the variety of cannabinoids it contains, each with their own benefits, applications, and experiences. CBN cannabinol is definitely one of our favorite minor but mighty cannabinoids. 

While we’ll focus on discussing what CBN is and each of its benefits in this article, part of the joy of cannabis is incorporating a variety of cannabinoids into your healthy lifestyle. At the end of the day, each person has their own needs and desires. At Sava, know the importance of finding the right cannabinoid for you.

What Is the CBN Cannabinoid? 

CBN stands for cannabinol, one of many cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. CBN cannabinol holds a special place in the scientific study of cannabis because CBN was the first cannabinoid to be isolated in the late 1800s.

However, due in part to prohibition, cannabis research slowed significantly after the discovery of CBN. Thanks to decriminalization and legalization efforts in recent years, CBN and the cannabis plant as a whole are beginning to be better understood. 

How Does CBN Make You Feel? 

The CBN cannabinoid works like all cannabinoids, by binding to two different types of receptors throughout our bodies. CB1 receptors are located in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are located in the immune system and other parts of the body.

CB1 receptors react to stimuli by producing psychotropic and euphoric effects, as are common with THC. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, may relieve inflammatory conditions and pain, without the psychoactive effects.

The effects of CBN can be different for everyone, but feedback from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive. When THC enters your bloodstream, it floods CB1 receptors that in turn alter your perception and give you an elevated feeling. When CBN enters the system, it binds to both sets of receptors but with a higher affinity for CB2 and provides balance to the body.

If you take a small dose of CBN, it may give you the experience of relaxation and peace of mind. Meanwhile, a slightly higher dose of CBN can help you drift off into a restful slumber. Some customers have described the experience of CBN as a strong body relaxation, a feeling similar to being draped in a heavy blanket. As with any cannabinoid, we recommend starting low and going slow to find the effects that work best for you.

How is CBN Extracted? 

Back in 2008, a team of scientists excavated The Yanghai Tombs in Xinjiang-Uighur Autonomous Region, China. The excavation revealed a 2,700-year-old Chinese shaman’s tomb that contained a large supply of preserved cannabis. Their findings showed us two things. First, they offered evidence of just how long cannabis has been used medicinally. Second, when tested in a laboratory, this ancient cannabis contained high levels of CBN. 

CBN is found in trace amounts in most cannabis strains, however, CBN cannabinoid can be found in relatively higher quantities in older cannabis. 

Cannabinol, like all other cannabinoids, is derived from CBGa, the acidic form of the mother cannabinoid, CBG . However, unlike other cannabinoids, CBN is a step removed from CBG in that the CBG must first be converted into THCa (or THC), and when THCa is exposed to light and air for long periods of time, it produces CBN. This process is what changes THCa into CBN.

Cannabis brands often use an evaporation process for CBN extraction. The process begins by soaking the plant in a solvent until the terpenes and cannabinoids are pulled out of the plant. The solvent is then separated from the biomass and evaporated, resulting in a crude CBN extract, which then typically goes through further distillation processes to create a purified distillate. This is what is used in many of the CBN products we know and love.

CBN Benefits In Research 

Because of its low psychotropic effects, CBN has many benefits with fewer side effects compared to THC. CBN is an especially approachable cannabinoid for people who are new to cannabis.

Although further research is needed on the replicable scientific effects of CBN, what CBN is good for may prove wide-ranging. Many of our customers use CBN to get a good night’s rest, but there are many other potential uses.  Along with CBN for sleep, here are a number of potential CBN benefits that are being studied. 

CBN for Better Sleep 

One of our favorite CBN benefits is its ability to help us get a good night’s sleep. A study on CBN in 1975, however, suggested that CBN alone is not sedative, it’s the combination with THC that works wonders for your shuteye.

One possibility is that CBN interacts with CB2 receptors, while THC interacts with CB1 receptors, to cause an entourage effect and enhance the sedative qualities. Anecdotally, from farmers and other cannabis users, using THC and CBN for sleep is a foolproof way to improve the quality and duration of your sleep and wake up rested. However, more research is needed to scientifically validate what people have reported for years with respect to CBN for sleep.

CBN and Its Potential for Pain Relief 

A 2019 study on CBD and CBN for pain found that using both cannabinoids was effective to reduce myofascial pain in rats. Once again, the study suggests that the combination of CBN and CBD is what caused the pain reduction.

The results suggested that non-psychoactive cannabinoids may mitigate the suffering caused by chronic muscle pain disorders, without side effects.

A recent study also found results that pointed to the utility of CBN for pain relief, through its influence on the same neurons that are sensitive to capsaicin as an analgesic.

Additional research is definitely needed for the effects of CBN on pain. However, we can’t help but get excited about the possibility that CBN could be an effective and natural way to relieve pain.

CBN as an Appetite Stimulant

A loss of appetite can follow many health conditions or treatment plans, and if not addressed, can create further health complications.

In 2012, scientists decided to perform a study on the effects of CBN for appetite stimulation. They reasoned that the effects of THC were already well-documented, and it was time to learn more about CBN. We’re so glad they did! The study found that CBN had the potential to stimulate hunger in cancer patients and others who suffered from appetite loss, with fewer intoxicating effects than THC.

More research is needed to strengthen our knowledge of CBN benefits on stimulating appetite.

CBN and Its Potential for ALS 

A very exciting possibility was discovered in a 2005 cannabinol study that showed that CBN worked to delay the onset of ALS in rats. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) affects the brain and spinal cord and can have degenerative effects on muscle control, taking a toll on movements like walking, talking, and swallowing.

It’s not clear that CBN would have the same effects on ALS in humans, but the results of this study suggest that further research in this area could be beneficial.

CBN to Treat Glaucoma 

A study in 2022 showed that CBN could work as an effective therapeutic intervention in glaucoma. 

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that can result in vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is caused by nerve damage in the eye that deteriorates over time. It was shown that CBN may promote the protection of retinal neurons that normalize pressure levels in mice, which may slow or halt the progression of glaucoma. CBN was even proven to be an more effective neuroprotection in glaucoma models than CBD and THC.

That such a recent study showed so much promise is something to celebrate, but more research is still needed to validate the effects of CBN on glaucoma. We hope this scientific momentum continues!

CBN Products to Aid Your Sleep

CBN isn’t the most widely available cannabinoid, but there are still some amazing products out there that we are thrilled to share with you.

Check out Sava’s CBN shop for our whole spectrum of products, or read on to discover some of our favorite CBN treats.

Delicious CBN Edibles

For a tasty bedtime treat that will help you fall asleep and stay asleep, we have two favorite CBN edibles.

Kikoko Sleep Cannabis-Infused Botanical Mints are our favorite microdosed CBN edibles. Each mint contains 3mg CBN and 2mg THC, along with peppermint to alleviate pain and a touch of melatonin to help regulate your sleep cycle.  

Kiva Midnight Blueberry Camino Gummies have a higher proportion of THC. Each gummy contains 1mg CBN and 5mg THC, along with a relaxing blend of terpenes, chamomile, and lavender. It’s the ultimate bedtime treat!

Shop from our wide variety of CBN gummies, chocolates and mints to find the perfect balance for your next edibles experience. We deliver CBN edibles directly to your door, privacy guaranteed.

Discreet CBN Pens

For a quick nighttime sleep aid, we recommend the Bedhead OG cartridge from Bloom Farms. Compatible with the 510-thread batteries, this CBN pen will give you a precise dose for a consistent, reliable, and restful sleep experience.

Concentrated CBN Tincture

Another great way to consume CBN for sleep is via a cannabis tincture. It’s an easy, concentrated way to get the relief you’re seeking.

We highly recommend the Lady Benbow CBD + CBN Tincture for a night of deep, tranquil sleep. The combination of CBN, CBD, melatonin, and calming essential oils are specifically formulated to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up rested and refreshed.

Convenient CBN Capsules

CBN Sleep Releaf Capsules from Papa & Barkley are an excellent vegan and gluten-free option to get your CBN-enhanced nightly rest.

The 1:2:4 CBN to CBD to THC formulation amplifies the restful effects of each cannabinoid. Every CBN capsule contains 7mg of combined cannabinoids for easy dosing and a perfectly tailored sleep experience.

Easy Dosing CBN Oil 

Recently, we’ve been obsessed with cannabis sublinguals for their easy dosing, long shelf life, and discreet packaging. Our favorite CBN oil right now is The Remedy CBN:CBD Oil from Mary’s Medicinals. Just two drops of the soothing citrus-vanilla oil under the tongue will allow you to relax and let go of a long day.

Extended Relief CBN Patches

If you’re looking for a consistent, hours-long experience, a CBN patch is an excellent option. The FORMULA Transdermal Patch contains a combination of cannabinoids to amplify their individual power. A 1:2:3 CBN to CBD to THC ratio is delivered discreetly and accurately through the patch to harmonize your endocannabinoid system, with wellness benefits lasting between 8-12 hours.

Get The Best CBN Products Delivered Directly to Your Door 

Now that you know what CBN is and how beneficial it can be to your wellness, you probably only have one question left: How can I buy CBN online?

Sava makes it easy to get the best of California cannabis delivered to your door. Our wide selection is carefully curated and individually vetted in order to ensure that our customers have a premium cannabis experience every time they order.

Buy CBN online by placing an order with our easy online ordering system. Get the CBN product of your dreams quickly, easily, and discreetly.

If you have any more questions, our dedicated cannabis professionals are always happy to help! Give us a call (9am to 5pm, Mon to Sat) at 415-993-9973 or leave us an email at info@getsava.com!