What are the side effects of CBN?

In small, therapeutic doses, cannabinol (CBN) can ease you into restful sleep and relieve pain. Too much CBN won't cause serious problems, but higher doses can leave you feeling groggy the next morning and might increase appetite or cause mild dizziness.

Microdosing is the smart way to enjoy the benefits of CBN. Get all the calm without the crash and order our perfectly dosed CBN gummies.

How does CBN work?

CBN is a natural cannabis compound that forms when THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) degrades through exposure to air, light, and time. Despite being derived from THC, CBN produces milder psychoactive effects. 

Like other cannabinoids, CBN interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) and binds to its CB1 receptors (the same ones THC targets) but much weaker. It also interacts with CB2 receptors, which participate in inflammation and immune responses. Through the ECS interaction, CBN influences sleep, relaxation, and pain relief. 

Here’s how CBN produces its effects:

• According to a 2024 study, CBN acts as a partial agonist of CB1 receptors. This means it has milder sedative properties than THC with less psychoactive impact. Through this partial activation of CB1 receptors, CBN calms neural activity and promotes relaxation.
• CBN also soothes overactive neural signals by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters. A 2008 research article shows how CBN works alongside THC to suppress norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in arousal and stress responses. This suppression occurs in the hypothalamus, where CBN depresses overactive signals that typically keep us alert and anxious. 
• CBN also binds to CB2 receptors to influence immune function and inflammatory responses. It regulates inflammatory pathways and immune system activity, contributing to its overall calming and therapeutic effects. 
• Working with other cannabinoids and cannabis compounds, CBN contributes to the entourage effect. In this cannabis synergy, they all work together to enhance each other's therapeutic benefits. This happens because different cannabinoids interact with multiple receptor systems in complementary ways. In CBN's case, its sedative effects become stronger when combined with cannabidiol (CBD) and small amounts of THC. 

The entourage effect shines when cannabinoids work together. CBN, CBD, and small amounts of THC join forces with beneficial cannabis terpenes in our Sleep Plus gummies to enhance each other's sleep-promoting properties and support your natural sleep cycle.

“I love these Sleep Plus gummies. I'm a horrible insomniac and these definitely help me get in some Z’s for a couple more hours than normal.”

—Espi

Potential side effects of too much CBN

CBN has an excellent safety profile even at higher doses, but some people might experience mild and temporary side effects when they take a large amount. These effects are rare, generally subtle, and resolve naturally, but they may interfere with your normal routine and productivity the next day.

Here are the potential side effects of taking too much CBN:

• Increased appetite
• Excessive drowsiness and grogginess
• Next-day sedation ("CBN hangover")
• Dry mouth and throat
• Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
• Slower reaction times
• Temporary memory issues
• Difficulty focusing
• Changes in blood pressure
• Eye dryness
• Digestive changes
• Disrupted natural sleep patterns

Start small with CBN, and you'll hit the perfect balance of benefits without side effects. Most people find their sweet spot at just 2–5 mg of CBN, getting all the calm they need while staying sharp.

Is CBN psychoactive?

CBN has mild psychoactive properties. While THC can cause a strong "high," CBN produces subtler calming effects without significant intoxication. Lavender, et. al. explain that CBN binds to the same brain receptors as Delta 9 THC but has about 10 times less potency than THC at CB1 receptors. 

Even at higher doses, CBN doesn't cause the intense psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabis. Instead, it offers mild sedation and relaxation that most people find manageable and pleasant. This minimal intoxication profile makes CBN a more practical and safer alternative to THC as a sleep aid.

THC microdoses provide therapeutic benefits with minimal to no psychoactivity. If you're interested in experiencing these benefits, try our low-dose Delta 9 edibles and enjoy a balanced, approachable, and delicious way to unwind.

What are the benefits of CBN?

CBN shows particular promise for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and better sleep, but its therapeutic potential extends well beyond these primary benefits. Here’s the full list of CBN benefits:

• CBN promotes deep relaxation and improves sleep quality by calming neural activity and supporting natural sleep cycles. Studies indicate that CBN’s sedating effects work best for sleep when paired with other cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. 
• Through its gentle interaction with the endogenous cannabinoid system, CBN reduces anxiety levels and manages daily stress without the heavy sedation of traditional medications.
• CBN provides effective relief from chronic pain and inflammation. Canadian researchers posit that CBN offers relief from chronic conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. CBN reduces inflammation and muscle sensitivity, which helps patients with Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis.
• CBN also has neuroprotective properties. It supports nerve cell health and protects the nervous system from oxidative stress and damage. Research shows that CBN can delay the progression of ALS by protecting neurons from damage and death. In animal studies, doses as low as 5 mg of CBN demonstrated significant effects in slowing the disease's advancement.
• Like other compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant, CBN stimulates appetite and restores healthy eating patterns. Farrimond, et. al. explain that this minor cannabinoid shortens the delay before someone starts eating (increased appetite), and it makes them eat more once they begin (larger portions and longer meals). 
• The compound's powerful antioxidant effects help combat cellular damage and support overall wellness through multiple therapeutic pathways.

When you start with a low dose, you get CBN's calming benefits while staying clear-headed. Microdosing cannabis is a gentle approach that triggers relaxation and mild euphoria without making you feel overly sedated. 

If you’re looking for a reliable sleep aid—but also want something gentle to decompress—our low-dose melatonin Sleep gummies combine CBN, CBD, and melatonin to help you find your perfect balance.

“I am so happy to have found these—I now sleep soundly for at least 6 hours! My problem was that I would wake up every time I moved because of pain. Now, I fall asleep and don’t wake up for hours!!!”

—Lori M.

How fast does CBN kick in?

When taken in the form of an edible, CBN typically kicks in within 30–40 minutes. For some people, it may be even sooner, depending on their metabolism, stomach content, and the dose taken. The effects usually peak around 2–3 hours after taking it and can last anywhere from 4–6 hours. 

Start with a small amount and adjust based on how your body responds. For the best sleep results, take your CBN microdose an hour before bedtime. This gentle approach lets you ease into relaxation. 

Order the best CBN gummies

Looking for premium CBN products you can trust? At nama™, quality is our foundation. Our experts control every step of production—from carefully selected hemp strains to final testing—to deliver cannabinoid products that meet the highest standards of quality and consistency.

We source our hemp exclusively from small American farms in Colorado and New Jersey that use organic, non-GMO cultivation practices. Every batch of our artisanal CBN gummies undergoes comprehensive third-party lab testing to verify potency and purity. Our CBN products are federally legal and available nationwide (except in Kansas and Idaho), so you can enjoy our fruit blends with precisely measured CBN content wherever you are. 

Whether you want to feel the mellow buzz of our Delta 9 gummies, experience the restful sleep benefits of CBN, or get the relaxing properties of CBD, we guarantee you’ll find what you need. 

Shop from nama and find that perfect microdose for an uplifting cannabis experience.

Resources

Khouchlaa, A., Khouri, S., Hajib, A., Zeouk, I., Amalich, S., Msairi, S., El Menyiy, N., Rais, C., Lahyaoui, M., Khalid, A., Abdalla, A. N., Ibrahim, S. E., El Omari, N., Goh, B. H., Kumari, Y., Tan, S. L., & Bouyahya, A. (2024). Health benefits, pharmacological properties, and metabolism of cannabinol: A comprehensive review. Industrial Crops and Products, 213, 118359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.118359

Murphy, L. L., Steger, R. W., Smith, S., & Bartke, A. (1990). Effects of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol and cannabidiol, alone and in combinations, on luteinizing hormone and prolactin release and on hypothalamic neurotransmitters in the male rat. Neuroendocrinology, 52(4), 316–321. https://doi.org/10.1159/000125604

Corroon J. Cannabinol and Sleep: Separating Fact from Fiction. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2021 Oct;6(5):366-371. doi: 10.1089/can.2021.0006. Epub 2021 Aug 31. PMID: 34468204; PMCID: PMC8612407.

Wong H, Cairns BE. Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain. Arch Oral Biol. 2019 Aug;104:33-39. doi: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.05.028. Epub 2019 May 28. PMID: 31158702.

Weydt P, Hong S, Witting A, Möller T, Stella N, Kliot M. Cannabinol delays symptom onset in SOD1 (G93A) transgenic mice without affecting survival. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Other Motor Neuron Disord. 2005 Sep;6(3):182-4. doi: 10.1080/14660820510030149. PMID: 16183560.

Farrimond JA, Whalley BJ, Williams CM. Cannabinol and cannabidiol exert opposing effects on rat feeding patterns. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2012 Sep;223(1):117-29. doi: 10.1007/s00213-012-2697-x. Epub 2012 Apr 28. PMID: 22543671.

Bonn-Miller MO, Feldner MT, Bynion TM, Eglit GML, Brunstetter M, Kalaba M, Zvorsky I, Peters EN, Hennesy M. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2024 Jun;32(3):277-284. doi: 10.1037/pha0000682. Epub 2023 Oct 5. PMID: 37796540.

Further reading

The difference in effects between CBN and CBD

What are the potential benefits of CBN oils?

How much CBN should I take for sleep?

Can microdosing cannabis reverse brain aging?

How do low-dose edibles relieve anxiety?

How much THC is in our Delta 9 edibles?

Does CBD oil help you sleep better?

Our microdosed gummies that give you energy

What is cannabis toxicity?

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