What Is CBN and How Does It Work?

There are over 100 different cannabinoids, but only about a handful are common. Of course, there are the most common cannabinoids, THC and CBD, but there are other minor cannabinoids, too, like CBN.

Although it's found in small amounts, CBN is a commonly found cannabinoid in cannabis flowers. Now you might be wondering—what is CBN, and what's it good for?

Find out all that and more as we tell you everything you need to know about CBN.

What Is Cannabinol (CBN)

Like CBD, cannabinol (CBN) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. That means that CBN doesn't make you feel high.

However, CBN is unique because of the way that it's made. Most cannabinoids are produced by the cannabis plant itself, but CBN isn't.

Normally, CBG is created by the cannabis plant first, and then enzymes turn the CBG into other cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

CBN, on the other hand, is actually a byproduct of THC degradation. That means that CBN comes directly from 'damaged' THC.

By damaged, we don't mean the THC is broken, but THC turns into CBN from too much sun exposure, heat, or time. In fact, CBN was one of the first cannabinoids discovered back in 1896 for that reason.

That's because storage and transport in the 1800s was poor and most cannabis flowers imported from abroad likely had much of the THC turn into CBN.

That's why fresh bud usually contains less than 1% CBN. The longer the weed is around, the more CBN it'll have—especially if that weed isn't properly stored.

Since CBN is a byproduct of THC, it's not possible to make a high CBN strain. The only way to get a lot of CBN is to let some weed age like a fine wine.

How Does CBN Work?

CBN works through the same system that CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids do—something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex system of receptors responsible for the body's homeostasis.

That means if we get injured, sick, or something isn't right, the ECS kicks in to help us feel better and return to a healthy state. In the ECS, there are two types of receptors, called CB1 and CB2.

You can think of these receptors as locks and cannabinoids as keys. When the cannabinoids connect (or unlock) the ECS receptors, something happens.

CB1 receptors are responsible for making us feel high, and it's the receptors that THC binds to. CB2 receptors help activate the immune system.

The exciting thing about CBN is that it's able to connect (or unlock) both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Now you might be wondering—if CB1 causes psychoactive effects, doesn't that make CBN psychoactive?

Not necessarily, because researchers have found that CBN has a quarter of the potency of THC. It's possible that CBN may be psychoactive but only in extremely high amounts.

What Are the Benefits of CBN?

The fact that CBN can interact with both ECS receptors has gotten researchers interested in the cannabinoid.

Since CBN can interact with CB1 receptors without the feeling of being high, it could be helpful for cancer patients. That's because CBN could cause appetite stimulation and anti-nausea without the overwhelming effects of THC.

The effects of CBN could also be helpful for those with glaucoma. Since glaucoma is treated with THC, CBN could be used instead—once again without the high from THC.

On top of that, CBN may be able to protect neurons in the brain. One study found that CBN could delay the onset of neurological diseases like ALS.

Most interestingly, a study found that CBN and CBD together may be able to produce a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. The thing is, CBN and CBD alone didn't have the same effect as when they were together.

It's possible that the sedative and relaxing effects of cannabis are from the combination of CBN and CBD. After all, anti-inflammation can soothe muscles and dull pains—perfect for pure relaxation and sleep.

Try CBN Today

CBN may have many therapeutic qualities that can support a wide variety of physical ailments. Luckily, you're likely already getting the benefit of CBN from full-spectrum CBD tinctures, hemp flowers, and any other cannabis product that already has CBN in it.

In that case, you'll want to purchase your cannabis products from a safe, reliable, and professional cannabis company. That's where Simply Crafted comes in because they have a wide range of CBD, Delta-8 THC, CBG, and CBN products that are all lab-tested for safety.

If you want only the highest-quality cannabis products with CBN, then head on over to Simply Crafted today.