Everything You Need To Know About CBN | CBN VS CBD
Are you struggling to get a good night's rest? Whether it be from stress, illness, or working long hours, CBN may be just what you need to help you fully relax into a longer, more restful sleep.
Cannabis is known for its abundant supply of cannabinoids. Some of the most commonly known cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but did you know cannabis contains around 100 different cannabinoids?
Each cannabinoid comes with an array of health benefits. When they're taken together, they create the entourage effect, synergistically creating even more health benefits than individually.
Today we're talking about CBN for sleep. This article will cover how CBN is different from CBD and how it can help you sleep better.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds in the cannabis plant that, when taken orally, interact with the body's Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
The ECS helps regulate and maintain homeostasis, directly influencing our appetite, mood, memory, reproductive system, and sleep cycle.
How does CBN affect our body's ECS when compared to CBD?
CBN vs. CBD
If you are familiar with CBD, you may wonder what the differences are between CBN and CBD. As one example, the hemp plant produces more CBD and CBN.
CBN for sleep isn't as popular as CBD for sleep because there isn't as much of a demand, and there aren't as many human or animal studies done on CBN for sleep to prove its safety and effectiveness.
Although based on consumer experience, CBN products have shown to be effective in assisting with sleep. Most do not realize that popular types of CBD oil already contain CBN in trace amounts.
As we learn more about CBN and its health benefits, we will continue to better understand how CBN is used for sleep. Let's compare CBN and CBD.
What is CBN?
CBN is known as "the sleepy cannabinoid." The scientific name for CBN is cannabinol. CBN is naturally produced in very small amounts in the cannabis plant.
As cannabis ages, more CBN is produced. CBN is directly linked to the cannabinoid Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
When THC is exposed to heat, light, or oxygen, the cannabinoid's chemical structure is changed, turning it into CBN. So, as the plant ages, it loses THC and gains more CBN.
Interestingly, CBN has been shown to increase THC's effects when taken together. However, CBN does not have psychoactive effects like its parent cannabinoid THC.
One study showed that CBN had sedative effects when taken in large doses. That is why it is known as "The Sleepy Cannabinoid."
Some studies also show that CBN may be more effective in improving sleep when combined with CBD.
Common uses for CBN:
- Sleep - This a 1975 study (1) shows that CBN has a calming effect that may improve sleep.
- Pain - This 2019 study (2) shows that CBN may help alleviate muscle pain.
- Inflammation - This 2016 study (3) shows that CBN may help to decrease inflammation.
- Increased appetite - This 2012 study (4) on rats showed that CBD might decrease appetite while CBN may increase appetite, benefiting those who struggle to gain weight.
What is CBD?
You may be more familiar with CBD than CBN since CBD is growing exponentially in popularity, but let's review it.
Research shows that CBD is:
- Safe
- Non-addictive
- Non-psychoactive
- Shows no signs of dependence from long-term use
- CBD will not cause a failed drug test or intoxication
Common uses for CBD:
- Increasing sleep quality
- Managing stress and mental health
- Reducing discomfort in muscles and joints
- Topical treatment for skin problems
Can CBN help me fall asleep?
According to the CDC (5), 1 out of 3 Americans are not getting enough sleep. Adults between 18-60 should sleep at least 7 hours every night for optimal health.
As a result, many people turn to prescription medications. Long-term use may pose risks of addiction, dependence, and negative effects on health.
Not getting enough sleep long-term leads to poor health as well. Some side effects may include stress, irritability, weight gain, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
We suggest taking CBN isolate or CBD with CBN together for sleep. Studies show that when the two cannabinoids are taken together, they may be highly effective in improving sleep.
How does CBN work?
Within the ECS are two receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are responsible for the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors help the immune system.
CBN prefers to attach to CB2 receptors for immune function, which is why CBN is so beneficial as an anti-inflammatory, pain aid, and sleep aid.
When you sleep, your immune system produces cytokines. These are proteins that increase sleep.
Cytokines are also produced when the immune system is under stress, fighting inflammation, or fighting an infection. When you aren't getting enough sleep, your body doesn't produce as much of these cytokines.
CBN may help to promote the production of cytokines and ultimately improve sleep.
Does CBN make you drowsy or groggy?
Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of taking CBN, especially when paired with CBD. We don't recommend taking CBN during the day, when driving, or when working machinery if you take more than 2 mg.
If you take CBN for sleep at night, you should not feel drowsy in the morning. Your mind should feel refreshed and functioning normally to handle daily tasks such as driving.
If you feel groggy for a significant amount of time after waking up, try taking a small dose next time. Everyone's body responds a little differently to each cannabinoid.
Will CBN Get Me "high?"
Since CBN comes from the breakdown of THC in its natural form, CBN can be mildly psychoactive when taken in large doses.
Fortunately, CBN is available in isolated form. You can purchase CBN alone or with other cannabinoids like CBD for the perfect synergy.
When you purchase CBN Isolate, the seller should provide a Certificate of Analysis to show that their products meet high-quality standards, are pure, and truly an isolate.
Poor quality products, or "Amazon knock-off' brands, are usually highly diluted, are not pure, and the dosages may be off.
CBN sold from these companies may even be selling isolates that are not truly isolated and could contain THC.
Be sure to choose CBN from a company with an established reputation and highly rated reviews.
How much CBN should I take?
It's important to remember that everyone's body is different and reacts a little differently to cannabinoids.
One person may need more or less than another and may experience slightly different effects from taking CBN.
We recommend referring to our dosage calculator. Here you can find the appropriate amount based on your weight.
Depending on your desired results and how your body responds to CBN, you can take more or less.
If you are highly sensitive, maybe start with a lower amount than recommended, such as 2-5 mg, and go up from there.
Sum it Up!
CBN is a unique and wonderful cannabinoid with so much to learn about. We look forward to future research on the amazing cannabinoid.
CBN for sleep products can improve sleep because of its highly sedative effects, helping the body's immune function and reducing mental stress.
CBN has the most sedative effects of all the cannabis cannabinoids. It pairs well with CBD for sleep, inflammation, and pain, enhancing THC.
When shopping for CBN products, purchase from reliable companies that share third-party testing results.
Why shop at Zatural?
We guarantee that all our products are high-quality, therapeutic grade, and pure. Our CBN products are customer favorites. We hope you take the chance to enjoy them too!
CBN Product Collection
For educational purposes only.
*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Comments
Hi Angel, that is correct CBN isolate does come in powder form. If you visit our CBN isolate product description there is more information on how to properly use the product and measure out a dosage. Here is a link to the product: https://zatural.com/collections/cbn-isolates/products/cbn-isolate-powder
I understand that this CBN comes in a powder form.
What is the RECOMMENDED dosage and HOW is the dosage measured ?
Do you include a TEENY-TINY little SPOON?