Everyone knows about the main cannabinoids THC and CBD. However, there are up to a hundred cannabinoids that exist in cannabis.
One of these cannabinoids is known as cannabinol or CBN. CBN isn't as abundant as THC or CBD, but it's still a big part of the cannabinoid profile.
That means that every time you have cannabis, then you're having a dose of CBN too. However, interest in CBN has exploded because it may be great for getting a good night's rest.
Find out how CBN might revolutionize your sleep as we take an in-depth look at CBN and tell you everything you need to know.
What Is CBN?
CBN is a minor cannabinoid that's non-psychoactive, like CBD. That means that CBN is non-intoxicating and doesn't make you feel high.
However, CBN isn't produced by cannabigerol (CBG) like THC, CBD, or CBC. Usually, when a cannabis plant is growing, the first cannabinoid to appear is CBG.
Over time, CBG turns into THC, CBD, and CBC because of enzymes. CBN is different because it's actually a by-product of THC damage and degradation.
That means that THC becomes CBN but only after enough time has passed or if the THC was damaged. That damage could be from the sun, heat, or being pressed.
The History of CBN
Interestingly, CBN was first discovered way back in 1896. At that time, it was likely that CBN was consumed a lot more than it is now.
That's because, in the 19th century, the hash trade was alive and well. Hash makers in North Africa created hash by beating cannabis plants until the cannabinoids and kief fell into a bowl.
The hash makers would take this kief, heat it, press it together, and repeat the process over and over again. Then the hash blocks were transported to different parts of the world.
Now you might be wondering—what does this all have to do with CBN? Well, if you look at this process, there's a lot of heat and light.
As we mentioned, CBN is a by-product of THC that results from damage. If we consider the way hash is made and transported, then much of the THC will likely have degraded during the process.
Nowadays, the story is much different, and the cannabis we consume doesn't have such high amounts of CBN. In any given bud, it's estimated that the amount of CBN is usually less than 1% of all the cannabinoids.
Also, since CBN is the result of THC damage, that means that high-CBN strains can't be created. The only reliable way to get a lot of CBN is to have it age for a long time.
How Is CBN Different From Other Cannabinoids?
CBN is different from THC and CBD because of the way it works in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex system of receptors found throughout the body—from the brain to the immune system.
In a nutshell, the ECS is responsible for bringing us back into equilibrium. That means if you get injured or sick, the ECS kicks in to try and help you become healthy again.
However, cannabinoids interact with the ECS in different ways. For CBN, the cannabinoid can interact with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
This interaction is sort of like a lock and key mechanism. The receptors are the locks, and the CBN is the key.
The CB1 receptor is the primary receptor that THC connects to, and it's the one that makes us feel high. On the other hand, the CB2 receptor can influence the immune system and reduce pain and inflammation.
Even though CBN connects with the CB1 receptors, it doesn't cause a high. Some studies have shown that CBN may have only a quarter of the potency of THC.
CBN may be able to get one high but only with incredibly high doses.
What Are the Benefits of CBN?
Since CBN can interact with both receptors in the ECS, it may have a wide variety of therapeutic benefits. Researchers have found that CBN may be able to:
● Help glaucoma
● Act as an anti-inflammatory
One of the most important findings is that CBN may be able to protect the brain. Researchers found that CBN might be able to delay the onset of neurological diseases like ALS.
However, its most important benefit is that of supporting a good night's rest.
CBN's Main Benefit—Sleep
The reason why people have become so interested in CBN is because of how sedative it is. That means that CBN can help support a calm and relaxed mood, perfect for bedtime.
For starters, scientists have shown that CBN may have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. That means that it can aid in reducing pain and causing muscle relaxation.
With soothed muscles and dulled aches and pains, falling asleep becomes much easier.
However, there's another way that CBN might be a powerful tool for falling asleep.
Earlier, we mentioned receptors, such as ECS receptors. The thing is, CBN can also interact (or unlock) receptors outside of the ECS.
One of these receptors is known as TRPV2. Studies have shown that TRPV2 may be linked with the circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm is the body's internal clock that helps us fall asleep and wake up each day. Since CBN can interact with TRPV2, it's possible that it can trigger drowsiness and tell the body that it's bedtime.
It's thought that CBN works like melatonin. However, there's not enough evidence to say exactly how CBN can influence the circadian rhythm.
Need to Sleep? Try CBN
As you can see, CBN has many potential benefits. However, you're likely getting the benefits of CBN through CBD flower and full-spectrum tinctures.
However, if you need an aid for sleep, then a higher dose of CBN will likely do the trick. The only thing you'll need to do is find high-quality and lab-tested CBN products.
That's easy once you head over to Simply Crafted. Simply Crafted has a wide range of CBN products, such as gummies and tinctures.
Each CBN product is thoroughly tested so that you can have peace of mind knowing that each product is completely safe.
Try a CBN product today and get the rest you need and the rest you deserve.