What is CBN Oil?

Cannabinol, or CBN, is a cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It is reported to have a number of beneficial effects, including improved sleep, anxiety reduction, and pain relief.

CBN is formed through the oxidation and decomposition of Delta 9 THC, and is being studied for use in the following applications:

• As a sedative
• As a neuroprotectant
• As an appetite stimulant
• For glaucoma treatment
• For potential anti-inflammatory properties

Let's get into all the details about CBN oil, its benefits and side effects, and whether taking CBN oil might be right for you.

What is CBN Oil?

Cannabinol (CBN) is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. As with other cannabinoids—for example, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—CBN interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system. Unlike THC, CBN (as well as CBD) is non-psychoactive.

Compared to THC and CBD, CBN is a bit more of a rare cannabinoid but is becoming more widely available.

CBN was the first cannabinoid to be identified and isolated from cannabis.

CBN is created from the oxidation and decomposition of THC. This explains why older cannabis often has a higher concentration of CBN; as the THC potency decreases due to oxidation and decomposition, the level of CBN increases.  Some consumers specifically seek out older cannabis for its higher CBN concentration.

When CBN is extracted from the cannabis plant, CBN oil is pure in form and can be combined with other extracts to increase their overall CBN potency or infused individually into various products, such as CBN gummies. 

When used in conjunction with other cannabinoids, studies have suggested that CBN may have sedative properties, but we will dive into more of that later.

Is CBN the same as CBD?

Although both are derived from the cannabis plant, CBN is not the same as CBD.  

When comparing CBD vs CBN, a primary difference is that CBD does not strongly bind to CB2 receptors within the endocannabinoid system. Meanwhile, CBN has a high affinity for the CB2 receptor.

Here's an overview of some of the main differences between CBN and CBD.

• CBD is more common, while CBN is less common
• CBD has been researched more extensively
• Research on CBN is more preliminary
• CBN can be more expensive than CBD, due to its rarity
• CBD occurs naturally in cannabis
• CBN is produced from degrading THC
• CBN has a different chemical structure then CBD

Maybe the best view is not to contrast CBN vs CBD, but to look at how well they operate together. CBN and CBD together create a broad spectrum effect in which the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

What is CBN Oil Good For?

There are a number of purported CBN benefits in need of further research. Potential benefits of CBN include the following:

CBN as a Sedative

Although more research is needed, current studies suggest CBN may have sedative properties, including stress relief potential.  However, some researchers suggest that CBN's sedative effects result from numerous cannabinoids working in synergy—also known as the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect asserts that cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes work in synergy to induce beneficial results.

This theory supports the importance of consuming broad spectrum hemp products such as broad spectrum gummies, which maintain these additional cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids without any detectable THC. Broad spectrum hemp extract contains CBN and CBD together, in addition to numerous rare minor cannabinoids.

Regardless of whether CBN acts as a sedative alone, or as part of the entourage effect, consuming broad spectrum CBN + CBD products appears to have a calming effect more than CBD or CBN in isolation.

CBN as a Neuroprotectant

In a 2005 study, 5 mg of CBN was administered to rodents over a period of up to 12 weeks to take a look at whether it could delay the onset of ALS.  The results were promising: the CBN treatment significantly delayed disease onset.

CBN as an Antibacterial Agent

CBN has been tested on certain strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria that are resistant to traditional antibiotics. The results thus far have been promising in using CBN and other cannabinoids for antibacterial means.

CBN as an Appetite Stimulant

It is generally understood that THC has appetite stimulant properties; however, in a study conducted on rodents, CBN was found to increase the appetite of those treated with CBN.  Although more studies are needed, this study proposes the alternative of CBN to THC for appetite stimulation. This finding would be important especially for those looking to avoid the psychoactive properties associated with THC.

CBN as an Anti-inflammatory Agent

In a 2016 study conducted on rodents, CBN was administered and evaluated for possible anti-inflammatory properties. The results support CBN as a possible mechanism for reducing inflammation associated with arthritis. 

CBN for Glaucoma

In a study conducted on rabbits, it was found that THC, CBN and nabilone "were active in lowering intraocular pressure in rabbits," leaving scientists intrigued by CBN's potential effectiveness for glaucoma. 

CBN for Pain Management

Living with chronic pain is no fun. CBN isolate may help. A 2019 rat study ("Cannabidiol, cannabinol, and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain") found that CBN helped relieve pain in the rodents.

The study also indicated that CBN and CBD together could be effective in managing pain—an argument for using broad spectrum CBD products with CBN. 

Does CBN Oil Have Any Side Effects?

Other than the potential therapeutic properties mentioned above, there are no known side effects of CBN. It is not say there are no side effects, simply there have not been enough studies conducted for anyone to definitively say there are no side effects. 

Regardless, it is always good practice to speak with your doctor or other health care professional about the risks and side effects before consuming any supplement, including CBN oil.

Is CBN Oil Good for Sleep?

If you're used to taking sleep aids such as sleep gummies—including CBD sleep gummies and melatonin gummies—you're probably wondering if CBN can help you sleep.

Scientific evidence is sparse and inconclusive on how CBN affects sleep cycles, but anecdotally, many people report sleeping better after taking CBN gummies for sleep. 

When combined with CBD and other cannabis compounds, CBN's entourage effect seems to kick in and have even more of a sedative effect. If you'd like to experience this for yourself, try our try our gummies with melatonin, CBD, and CBN. 

When combined with THC for sleep, CBN and CBD seem to be particularly effective, though more research is needed.

Is CBN Oil Legal?

CBN derived from hemp is federally legal, and is also legal in all 50 states (our CBN gummies are hemp-derived and fully legal).

Hemp vs Marijuana Legality

Both hemp and marijuana are part of the cannabis family. Hemp is traditionally associated with CBD, while THC has been associated with marijuana.

However, Delta 9 THC can be derived from the hemp plant. Given that CBN is created by degrading THC, CBN can also be derived from hemp.

Both the hemp plant and marijuana plant belong to the cannabis family. The key difference is that a hemp plant must contain no more than than 0.3% Delta-9 THC to be federally legal, while marijuana does not have the same restriction—and is not federally legal.

The 2018 Farm Bill

Like hemp-derived CBD, hemp-derived CBN was legalized on the federal level with the 2018 Farm Bill, which differentiates industrial hemp from marijuana.

The Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp—and the sale of hemp-derived products—as long as it contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Since CBN one of the many cannabinoids within the hemp plant, CBN was legalized pursuant to this bill. 

Federally legal CBD, CBN, and THC products are derived from the hemp flower or leaf and contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

All nama CBD products, including our CBD gummies, Delta 9 edibles, THC drink mix, and Delta 9 THC gummies, are Farm Bill compliant. Shop all our legal products today!

Is CBN Oil Psychoactive?

CBN is believed to only have 1/10th of the psychoactive properties of THC. Unless you're consuming vast quantities of CBN, it can be considered non-psychoactive for all practical purposes. 

CBN Oil for Anxiety

CBN may have health benefits for anxiety, however, more studies are needed on this subject. Considering CBN's potentially sedative effects, it is a hopeful contender as a treatment for anxiety. 

Where to Buy CBN Oil

Although quite a number of CBD products have entered the market, the availability of high quality CBN oil products is much more limited.

Pure CBN products are hard to find, and may not be as desirable as broad spectrum CBN products that also contain CBD. Eliminating the supporting cannabinoids may decrease CBN's overall effectiveness. Therefore, CBN oil is typically mixed with CBD oil and infused into products such as gummies.  Some companies take it a step further by infusing melatonin to maximize the product's sedative benefits such as these vegan melatonin sleep gummies infused with broad spectrum CBD and pure high quality CBN.

What to do Before Buying Products with CBN Oil

It is pertinent to always check a company’s lab reports such as these before purchasing CBN oil. Not all lab reports are the same, and it is important to ensure the lab report is a full panel report in that it also tests for toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides. A company that fails to test for these items is a company you should definitely stay away from.

Get High-Quality Products from nama CBD

Buy CBN online from nama CBD. You can also shop our CBD and THC products.

All nama CBD products, including our CBD sleep gummies, CBN gummies, and Delta 9 products, are lab-tested and manufactured to the highest quality standards with the finest ingredients. Shop our products today.

CBN Oil Summary

• CBN is one of many cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant.
• CBN is being studied, amongst other things, in association with the following: sedative, neuroprotectant, antibacterial, appetite suppression, anti-inflammatory, and glaucoma.
• Always check lab reports before purchasing and ensure they are full panel reports.
• CBN oil for anxiety needs more research.
• CBN was legalized federally pursuant to the 2018 Farm Act.

nama CBD Disclaimer

*nama makes absolutely no medical claims about CBN. No information in this article is to be used as medical advice. All potential benefits listed below are cited and linked to a study where the information is provided. Always consult a doctor before taking or using CBN. Moreover, this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to give you any legal advice. We recommend that you consult with an attorney before taking any actions with respect to cannabis, including hemp, marijuana, and/or any of their cannabinoids.