{"id":5831,"date":"2022-01-11T10:00:52","date_gmt":"2022-01-11T15:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=5831"},"modified":"2026-03-23T06:27:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T10:27:24","slug":"exploring-cbn-the-sleepy-cannabinoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/exploring-cbn-the-sleepy-cannabinoid\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring CBN, the Sleepy Cannabinoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

While digging for natural sleep solutions, you may have come across products that contain cannabinol (CBN), a cannabis compound that’s been dubbed \u201cthe sleepy cannabinoid\u201d due to its potential as a sleep aid. Just like THC<\/a> and CBD<\/a>, CBN interacts with the body\u2019s endocannabinoid system (ECS)<\/a> and may provide numerous benefits. But just how effective is it at helping consumers catch some z’s, and what else can it do? Let’s find out.<\/p>\n

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  1. What Is the Cannabinoid CBN?<\/a>\n
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    1. What Sets CBN Apart From CBD?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
    2. Does CBN Help With Sleep?<\/a><\/li>\n
    3. Other Potential Benefits of CBN<\/a>\n
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      1. Anticonvulsant<\/a><\/li>\n
      2. Antibacterial<\/a><\/li>\n
      3. Anti-inflammatory<\/a><\/li>\n
      4. Appetite Stimulant<\/a><\/li>\n
      5. Pain Reliever<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
      6. Final Takeaway<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n


        \n<\/b>What Is the Cannabinoid CBN?<\/h2>\n

        CBN is a compound found naturally in the cannabis plant, otherwise known as a phytocannabinoid. A little-known fact is that contrary to popular belief, CBN was actually the very first phytocannabinoid to be isolated<\/a> back in 1896.<\/p>\n

        It is technically psychoactive, which simply means it affects the mind. However, CBN is only mildly intoxicating\u2014its effects are thought to be between 1\/10 and 1\/4 as potent<\/a> as the \u201chigh\u201d effects brought on by THC, so consumers are unlikely to feel distinct cognitive changes after ingesting it. This is because of weaker binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.<\/p>\n

        CBN actually begins its life<\/a> as a cannabinoid acid<\/a> called cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which then becomes THCA<\/a>. You may be familiar with THCA, as it\u2019s also the predecessor of THC. In order for THCA to convert to THC, cannabis flower must be decarboxylated<\/a> with heat (this is why we smoke cannabis or bake it before using it in edibles).<\/p>\n

        CBN, however, is formed over time as THC is exposed to oxygen, UV light, and heat<\/a>. For this reason, CBN is mostly found in aged cannabis following long periods of storage\u2014even under ideal storage conditions<\/a>\u2014as opposed to fresh flower.<\/p>\n

        Although CBN does not exactly replicate the potent highs produced by THC, many seek it out for its potential therapeutic benefits\u2014one of the most well-known being its sedating properties. Because it\u2019s not receiving as much interest from researchers as CBD and THC, these benefits are still largely speculative. That said, several studies support various uses of CBN and justify the need for further research to unlock the full potential of this cannabinoid.<\/p>\n

        What Sets CBN Apart From CBD?<\/h3>\n

        CBD and CBN may share similar namesakes, but they are actually quite different. Both are psychoactive cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp<\/a> (a fibrous subspecies of cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC) that are derived from CBGA and potentially offer relief from pain and inflammation. Research has uncovered some similar uses between them, but the likeness mostly ends there.<\/p>\n

        For more information on CBD, or cannabidiol, check out The Complete Guide to CBD: Everything You Need to Know About Cannabidiol<\/a><\/p>\n

        CBD has been much more thoroughly researched and is proven to have anti-inflammatory<\/a>, anxiolytic<\/a>, anticonvulsant<\/a>, and analgesic<\/a> properties, making it a common relieving agent for anxiety, epilepsy, and chronic pain, among others. While some studies have pointed to CBN also having potentially anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticonvulsant properties, most existing research has explored its ability to sedate and promote sleep.<\/p>\n

        Here are some of the main ways that CBN and CBD stand apart from each other:<\/p>\n