What Is CBN and What Are Its Effects?
But what is this new cannabinoid? Is CBN good for your health or harmful? We explain everything about this molecule, which is sure to impress you.
What is CBN?
CBN, short for cannabinol, comes straight from the hemp plant. You already know CBD, CBG and THC. CBN is also part of the very long list of cannabinoids found in cannabis. Unlike the other molecules, however, CBN is not produced natively by the plant. Cannabinol cannot form without THC, and it starts out in acidic form: CBNa. CBN then appears through exposure to air, sunlight and heat: this is known as THC oxygenation. The combination of heat and oxygen creates CBN, which therefore derives from THC. The scientific name for this process is decarboxylation.
This newly highlighted molecule (CBN) is the subject of numerous ongoing scientific studies because, much like CBD and CBG, CBN stands out for its very encouraging health properties.
Is CBN psychoactive?
As explained above, CBN is a molecule that results from the decarboxylation of THC. So it is perfectly natural to ask the following question: does CBN have psychotropic effects?
Rest assured: cannabinol, or CBN, is not psychoactive. It will not produce the so-called high associated with THC.
The difference between CBN and THC
As mentioned above, CBN is a non-psychoactive hemp molecule that results from the decarboxylation of THC. As you already know, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is banned in France because it is the psychoactive molecule in cannabis. Indeed, with regular use over a long period, THC could seriously affect your health. The arrival of CBD in France did not lead to the legalisation of recreational cannabis use. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) remains classified as a narcotic. People who consume THC at levels above 0.2% not only suffer harmful effects on their health but are also liable to fines or even prison sentences...
It is therefore very important to distinguish between the two molecules, as one may be able to help (CBN) while the other risks dragging you down (THC).
The difference between CBD and CBN
CBD is a molecule that acts on the endocannabinoid system. By activating the CB1 and CB2 receptors that every human being has within their body, CBD (cannabidiol) acts directly on this system and triggers several biological effects.
At first glance, CBN and CBD have a relatively similar structure. CBN is thought to act much more on CB2 receptors. It also acts on CB1 receptors, which seems fairly logical since CB1 receptors are also activated in the presence of THC â and CBN, as you now know, derives from THC.
The effects of CBN
Studies on CBN and its effects are currently rather limited because cannabinol is difficult to synthesise. Most existing research is still under way, but several benefits of CBN have already been highlighted. Unlike CBD, CBN has slightly more difficulty binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors of our endocannabinoid system, but that does not mean it lacks therapeutic interest â quite the opposite. Below is a list of the potential effects of CBN:
- CBN helps reduce anxiety
- CBN helps fight certain bacteria and could potentially replace some antibiotics
- CBN helps increase appetite, has an impact on reducing nausea and vomiting, and may help address anorexia
- The anti-inflammatory benefits of CBN can ease pain, as it has analgesic properties
- By helping you fall asleep and promoting restorative sleep, CBN may also help people suffering from insomnia.
- CBN could even treat eye diseases such as glaucoma
Try CBN and its benefits for yourself
The CBD oils offered by Caliweed are not CBN-focused, but they do contain a small amount. Oils combining CBD, CBG and CBN in higher doses are already planned for release on our CBD shop, but you will need to be a little patient, as we are currently selecting the best organic, made-in-France CBN products on the market.
If you would like to find out more, feel free to send us a message via the contact page â we are always happy to answer your questions.
As research into the benefits of CBN is still at the study stage, our team could only rely on a small number of completed studies. Transparency matters to you as much as it does to us, which is why we prefer to say so clearly. More and more research on CBN is nonetheless being launched, and it is only a matter of time before the benefits of CBN are recognised by the scientific community. From then on, CBN will be far more prominent on the market.
The Cali Weed team