You already know that cannabinoids are key components of the cannabis plant, and there are many of them such as CBD, CBDv, CBG, THC, and so on.
But have you heard about CBN (cannabinol) which has recently started to get attention for its possible uses and benefits?
Yes, you have used other cannabinoids plenty of times for their wide range of potential benefits but where does CBN stand in their comparison?
Don’t worry as here in this post we will shine a light on the two powerhouses CBD and CBN, their differences, benefits, potential side effects, and more. So read on for additional insight into CBN vs CBD.
What Is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural, abundant, and popular compound found in marijuana and hemp plants and belongs to the group of chemicals known as cannabinoids.
Although it’s a psychoactive substance, it doesn’t induce a euphoric (high) effect in the user like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
While many people have started to include CBD in their routine to help themselves with different health issues, scientists have found that it is most effective for anxiety, depression, and seizures.
In fact, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved CBD-made ‘Epidiolex’ which helps to manage certain types of seizures in people. This proves how useful CBD can be for our overall health and well-being.
As far as the legality of CBD is concerned, it remains in flux despite being available in most parts of the United States. But not without varying degrees of restriction in their CBD laws.
What Is CBN?
CBN stands for cannabinol which comes from THC, a part of cannabis. Although THC is associated with a high effect, CBN doesn’t induce the same feelings.
CBN forms when THC degrades due to exposure to heat, light, and/or air but can also be produced synthetically in CBN facilities.
People use CBN for its potential to enhance the quality of sleep and also to relieve chronic pain. It also helps to rest and recover better by interacting with your body’s CB1 receptors which play crucial roles in how you perceive pain and how well you sleep.
Just like CBD, CBN is available in the market in various forms such as CBN oils/tinctures, capsules, gummies, etc.
Although research is still going on about CBN, a lot of users are enjoying its results as a sleep enhancer without going through undesirable grogginess the next day.
Still, we will advise you to consult your healthcare provider while figuring out CBN vs THC and before including CBN products in your routine.
What’s the Endocannabinoid System and How CBD and CBN Work?
The endocannabinoid system or ECS is a special group of messengers in the human body that keeps it balanced and feeling good.
It’s a series of molecules and receptors throughout the body that is connected with the nervous system and plays a crucial role in different processes such as appetite, memory, mood, digestion, immune system, sleep cycle, stress management, and so on.
CB1 (Cannabinoid Type Receptor 1) is the most studied receptor in this system and the way different cannabinoids bind with this receptor affects the influence they have.
For example, when THC binds to CB1, it leads to an intoxicated or euphoric feeling whereas when CBD binds to the same, it may induce feelings of relaxation without the intoxicating “high” of THC.
CBD doesn’t stick directly to these spots like CBN and helps your body to use its own cannabinoids in a better way. Because of this, you might feel less nervous and hurt less if you have been unwell or met with an accident.
With both CBD and CBN coming from cannabis plants but playing different roles in your endocannabinoid system, it’s awesome how they can help you stay healthy in their own way.
What are the Differences Between CBN and CBD?
A lot of research has been done about CBD while CBN, is still in the early stages. Here is the CBN and CBD difference:
Differences in Effects
CBD and CBN have different effects on our bodies. For example, CBD may help with anxiety, seizures, pain relief, neuroprotection, etc.
Whereas CBN helps to enhance the quality of sleep as it is made by the breakdown of THC, the psychoactive element of cannabis.
When trying to decode the difference between CBD and CBN products, always remember that CBD may be more suitable if you want to manage your anxiety or pain. Whereas, CBN could be clinical for managing insomnia or sleep issues.
Cost Differences
CBD products are available in a variety of forms such as oils, gummies, topicals, etc. resulting in a lower cost per milligram compared to CBN products. On the other hand, CBN is a rarer compound, which can make it more expensive than CBD.
The difference in cost between CBD and CBN products also reflects their availability and the processes involved in extracting these compounds from the cannabis plant.
If you are shopping for CBD and CBN products, you should consider the cost differences before choosing between them.
Legality
Another factor where CBD and CBN vary is their legal status. While CBD is legal in several states, the legality of CBN can be a bit more complicated as it is made from THC, which remains illegal in some regions.
It’s crucial to be aware of the laws in your region before buying CBD or CBN products as the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-made CBD with less than 0.3% THC at the federal level, but individual state laws may be different.
Again when buying CBD and/or CBN products, ensure that they comply with all legal regulations.
On top of this, remember that while federally legal, some forms of CBN and CBD products like oils or CBN edibles may still face restrictions in some regions due to their association with marijuana.
What are the Health Benefits and Uses of CBD?
Here are some notable health benefits and uses of CBD:
Anxiety and Depression Management
CBD has been researched deeply for depression and anxiety management. It has potential calming effects, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and boost mood.
Some studies even suggest that CBD may work with serotonin receptors in the brain, which are responsible for regulating mood.
Neuroprotection and Seizure Reduction
CBD has also been deeply studied for its potential neuroprotective qualities and reduction of seizures. Research suggests that CBD may protect the nervous system and relieve the frequency and severity of seizures in conditions such as epilepsy.
This is because of its working with the endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in regulating neurological function.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant
Inflammation is one of the root causes of chronic pain. When the levels of inflammation go too high in your body, it causes the muscle tissues to swell and press against your nerve endings.
Then your immune system also attacks your joints to lower inflammation levels, ultimately resulting in pain and discomfort.
Luckily, CBD’s role in lowering inflammation throughout the body has been significant and therapeutic. Still, more studies are needed in this regard.
Antinausea and Vomiting
CBD is also recognized for its potential anti-nausea and anti-vomiting properties, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy or those suffering from other treatments and conditions that induce nausea.
It’s able to do that by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, which play an important role in regulating nausea and vomiting.
Analgesic
Chronic pain can really irritate us and make us miserable in our daily lives. Some examples of chronic painful conditions are migraines, headaches, and arthritis.
But no need to worry as CBD has shown a lot of promise in relieving pain output and signalling, with many health enthusiasts choosing CBD as a natural alternative over conventional painkillers.
Sleep
Good quality sleep is so rare these days, no thanks to our super busy and hectic lifestyles. But this doesn’t mean that it isn’t essential as poor sleep can harm how our body heals and repairs, increasing the risk of physical and mental health problems.
Fortunately, CBD’s anti-stress qualities interact with receptors throughout the body that can boost serotonin levels, improve your mood, and even relax your heart rate thereby allowing you to sleep better.
So make sure to do your research when trying to figure out CBD vs CBN for Sleep.
What are the Health Benefits and Effects of CBN?
CBN is popular for its potential as a sleep aid, helping to enhance sleep quality and promote relaxation. It also shows great promise in providing pain relief by working as a sedative, hence proving to be beneficial for people struggling with fibromyalgia or myofascial pain.
Here are some of its benefits in detail:
Sleep Aid
If you are having a hard time sleeping properly, CBN might help. It has potential sleep-inducing effects which could make it clinical for giving you a better and deeper sleep without the grogginess that often comes with other sleep aids on the market.
When it comes to promoting better sleep, CBD also has significant potential. Its ability to manage stress and anxiety could play an indirect role in improving your sleep quality.
By calming the body and mind, CBD might provide a relaxed state which is more suitable for falling asleep quicker.
Pain Relief
CBN has also been studied for its potential to manage chronic inflammation and pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which may reduce pain perception and improve overall comfort.
While more research is required in this regard, some studies suggest that CBN could be beneficial for managing discomfort caused by conditions like arthritis or temporomandibular disorders.
Stimulating Appetite
Another potential benefit of CBN is stimulating appetite which THC also does but not without some undesirable psychoactive effects. So this makes CBN quite appealing to people who want or need to increase their food intake without the risk of getting high.
Whether you are using CBN or CBD, it’s crucial to begin with low doses and slowly increase as required.
Also always talk to your healthcare professional before including these cannabinoids in your routine, especially if you are already taking prescription medications or have any medical conditions currently.
CBD vs. CBN: Side effects
Both CBD and CBN have potential benefits and are generally well-tolerated but they do not come without their share of potential side-effects. It’s important to be aware of them before including CBD and CBN products in your routine so here they are:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Grogginess
Both CBD and CBN are available in a variety of forms and products such as oils, edibles (gummies & foods), capsules, topicals (are applied directly to the skin), and vapes.
Also, keep in mind that each person may react to these compounds so always make sure to consult your healthcare professional before including CBD or CBN products in your routine.
This is especially more important if you have any existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
It will let you understand any relation between your personal health circumstances and the use of CBD and CBN compounds.
Can You Mix CBD and CBN?
Yes, you can mix CBD and CBN and doing so can address various health concerns in a harmonious manner. Some products even have both cannabinoids together and studies suggest that mixing them will yield better results than if they are taken separately.
For example, the sedative qualities of CBN can enhance the calming ones of CBD, hence helping in managing anxiety and promoting sleep in a better way.
As a consumer seeking CBD and/or CBN products online, understanding their combined usage can arm you better for meeting your specific health needs and also for experimenting with them.
Finally, as always, consult your healthcare professional before using CBD and CBN products as they might have potential side effects with other medications and underlying medical conditions of yours.
Not to forget making sure that the products you buy are sourced from reputable sources and following the recommended dosages by your expert.
Can CBN Help Improve Sleep Quality?
Yes CBN can help improve sleep quality and a 2023 study has proved that. It showed that CBN can reduce nighttime awakenings and improve sleep disturbance, thanks to its ability to work alongside other compounds in the cannabis plant.
On top of that, CBN enhances the sedative effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, without the euphoric high, making it an effective solution for people who seek natural sleep remedies.
But please note that while these studies seem promising, more research is needed to understand the safety and efficacy of CBN as a sleep-enhancing supplement.
Is CBN More Expensive than CBD?
Yes CBN is more expensive than CBD as it’s a minor cannabinoid in the cannabis plant and hence occurs at lower concentrations than the two major cannabinoids — CBD and THC.
So it’s harder to isolate CBN for medicinal and research purposes and also its production involves the breaking down of THC which can be time-consuming and costly.
For example, CBN costs about $1/mg whereas CBD costs a massive 10 times lower than CBN. However please note that the prices of CBN products also depend on their quality and can also change in the future according to market dynamics.
Are CBD and CBN Legal?
Yes CBD and CBN are legal in most states, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill which made it possible.
But still, some states like Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Carolina, and South Dakota go by their own laws for CBD, and CBN products don’t matter if they are made from hemp or marijuana.
Also these states may treat all CBD/CBN products as illegal drugs making it extremely important to be aware of the local laws before buying or traveling with any cannabis products.
Great health and enjoyment are necessary but not at the risk of your mental peace so always keep the legality of any product you are using in mind.
What is the Recommended Dosage of CBN for Anxiety?
The recommended dosage of CBN for anxiety depends on the following factors:
Body Weight — The body weight directly determines how much CBN an individual should take because different sizes of bodies will demand different amounts of CBN to feel optimal effects.
Symptom Severity — The amount of CBN you will take to ease your anxiety will also depend on how severe your condition is and adjust according to that.
Body Chemistry & Tolerance — Every individual is unique, and hence will be his CBN tolerance. Therefore, the dosage you will take will be different than the one someone else is taking for the same purpose.
Finally as promised, here’s the formula for calculating the dosage of CBN for anxiety:
(0.05) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily CBN dosage in mg.
The Bottom Line
So that’s it, folks. All you need to know about the differences between CBD and CBN, their benefits, potential side effects, legal status, and more.
Having a good understanding of all these factors in CBN compared to CBD can help you make better decisions about their potential uses.
While CBD has been deeply researched for seizures, anxiety, and pain management, CBN is found to be helpful for sleep because of its mild psychoactive properties.
But remember (as we mentioned above) that both cannabinoids also have potential side effects that shouldn’t be ignored before their use.
So always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD or CBN products into your wellness routine so that you can enjoy their potential benefits in a safer and more responsible manner.
FAQs About CBD vs CBN
Can CBD get me high like THC?
No, CBD can’t get you high like THC as it’s not psychoactive and doesn’t change the way your brain works. Whereas THC is an ingredient in marijuana that works completely the opposite OF CBD.
Is CBN better than CBD for sleep?
Yes CBN is better than CBD for sleep, thanks to its sedative properties. While CBD is more effective for relaxation and anxiety, CBN targets irregular sleep patterns directly, proving to be a better choice for sleep-related issues.
Is CBN the same as CBD?
No, CBN is not the same as CBD and both are different compounds found in cannabis. While both CBN and CBD have their set of potential benefits, CBN is more popular for its sedative properties, whereas CBD is preferred for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects.
Does CBN Make You High like THC?
No CBN cannot make you high like THC however it can induce feelings of drowsiness and enhance the psychoactive effects of THC. Also, a lot of CBN users report feeling lifted after using CBN — both by using it alone and combining it with other cannabinoids.
Can I Take CBN for Anxiety?
Yes, you can take CBN for anxiety as it may have anxiolytic effects and substantial therapeutic benefits for people dealing with anxiety disorders. In fact, when combined with other cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, its anxiety-relieving potential reaches another level.
Can CBD and CBN relieve pain?
Yes, both CBD and CBN have great potential for relieving pain. While CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort, CBN may have subtle analgesic effects, potentially complementing the pain-relieving properties of CBD.
Can I take too much CBN?
Yes, you can take too much CBN and the side effects of doing so are stomach upsets, drowsiness, lethargy, nausea, and diarrhea. However, the incidences of overdosing on natural cannabinoids are quite rare.