CBN: Everything you need to know about this natural cannabinoid with unique effects

Lately, we've been talking a lot about the new commercial molecules, HPE CBD, CBDX and all that. But today, we're going to talk about a very real, studied and natural molecule: CBN!

Cannabinol, present in the flowers and resins, is a byproduct of THC, known since the 19th century. It exhibits unique characteristics that warrant closer examination.

Want to know how this natural cannabinoid is created? From flower synthesis to chemical manipulation and its effects, we tell you everything about CBN.

What is CBN?

CBN, or cannabinol, is a naturally occurring secondary cannabinoid . However, it differs somewhat from CBG, CBC, or even CBDP, which are also naturally occurring molecules. CBN is not synthesized by the plant during its growth; it is produced from the breakdown of THC .

Indeed, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a fragile molecule; when exposed to air, light, and heat, it degrades, losing its hydrogen atoms. Part of the THC then transforms into cannabinol, our well-known CBN.

CBN classification

CBN belongs to the dibenzopyran family and its chemical formula is C₂₁H₂₆O₂. With a central tetrahydrodibenzopyran nucleus and the presence of an oxidized benzene ring, CBN has very different properties from THC .

Indeed, CBN, as the oxidized version of Δ9-THC, has lost one of its ring's single bonds and gained an additional double bond, which alters its interaction with cannabinoid receptors.

History and discovery of the CBN

CBN has a history as surprising as its effects. Contrary to what you might expect, CBN was the first cannabinoid to be isolated. It was discovered in 1896 by Thomas Barlow Wood, WT Newton Spivey and Thomas Hill Easterfield, but although they isolated the cannabinoid, they failed to identify it clearly.

It wasn't until 1932 that R.S. Cahn succeeded in describing in greater detail the chemical structure of the molecule, which officially took the name cannabinol (CBN).

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Its synthesis was not long in coming, and eight years later, in 1940, two chemists, Rogers Adams in the United States and Lord Todd in the United Kingdom, succeeded in synthesizing it. It was then thought to be the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the plant's psychotropic effects.

It wasn't until the 1960s, with the discovery of THC by the famous Professor Mechoulam in collaboration with Yechiel Gaoni, that it became clear that the psychoactive effects of cannabis were not due to CBN.

Other studies then followed, in an attempt to understand the effects of CBN and its role in the entourage effect when combined with THC or CBD.

The effects of CBN

CBN's recreational interest

As we shall see later, CBN has a definite interest in medical research. But some consumers also find it of recreational interest.

CBN is a mild psychoactive

Although about 10 times less potent than THC, CBN still retains psychoactive effects. It provokes a mild sensation of relaxation, floating and a short-lived euphoria, without the intense "high" of THC. But it does not trigger the deleterious effects such as stress and/or paranoia that can be associated with THC consumption.

It has a relaxing and calming effect

CBN can be a source of relaxation. This is partly due to its psychoactive effects, but also to its mild sedative effect. CBN is seen as a cannabinoid that can aid sleep, and can be used as a mild sleeping aid. For research purposes, these effects are relative, but they do exist.

It could have a beneficial effect on stress

The mildly psychoactive and slightly sedative effects may help some people keep calm in stressful situations.

Thanks to their effects, CBN-laden products could prove useful for consumers looking for a product capable of replacing illegal cannabis. CBN, which is formed by the aging of THC, looks a little like aged cannabis, producing similar but less striking effects.

The scientific and medical value of CBN

Although it was the first cannabinoid to be discovered and isolated, CBN is far less studied today than THC or CBD. But there is still a good deal of preliminary research suggesting several interesting medicinal properties:

Effects of CBN on sleep

It is undoubtedly the property of CBN that is most in the spotlight today. According to some studies, CBN, in the presence of THC, has superior properties to certain sedative analgesics such as diazepam. [1] However, there seems to be no consensus on the results. Further studies are currently underway to determine the efficacy and safety of CBN in the treatment of insomnia. [2]

Neuroprotective properties

Research conducted by the Salk Institute has demonstrated that CBN may protect brain cells against aging and neurodegeneration in tests on fruit flies. [3]. Other studies have also observed positive effects that could prove useful in preventing or slowing down diseases such as Alzheimer's, glaucoma and other neurological disorders. [4,5,6,7,8,9]

The effects of antibiotics

Studies on mice have shown that CBN may have antibiotic effects. According to the Society of American Chemists, CBN has been shown to delay the onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). [10] In other cases, it could take over from certain antibiotics in treating certain bacteria that have become drug-resistant. [11]

Immunomodulatory properties

CBN could influence the balance of the immune system, strengthening or calming it, as the case may be. This property could prove positive in the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's disease, or in preventing rejection during organ transplants. [12,13,14]

The anti-cancer potential

Studies have suggested that CBN may slow the growth of certain cancer cells and promote their destruction. In particular, it has been studied in lung cancer, leukemia and colorectal cancer. Studies on mice with tumours showed that CBN reduced tumour size and increased survival time by 27%[15,16,17,18].

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects

Studies have also shown that although it behaves differently from aspirin or morphine, it can be effective in treating pain and inflammation. In particular, it could treat :

• Inflammatory pain[19].
• Chronic and muscular pain .[20].
• Pain due to nerve damage[20].
• Pain due to shocks, injuries, surgery or burns[21].

Smaller studies have also been able to demonstrate

• Sedative effects: It reduced post-swimming grooming time in mice, suggesting that CBN may have a sedative effect. [22]
• Antitussive: CBN has been shown to reduce experimentally induced cough. [23]
• Increased appetite: stimulates appetite via activation of CB1 receptors, while remaining less potent in this respect than THC. [24]
• Anticonvulsant effects: It protects against epileptic seizures induced by electroshock or chemical substances, suggesting that it could show promise in the field of epilepsy treatment. [25]
• Antioxidant effects: It neutralizes free radicals and protects neuronal cells against oxidative stress, which could induce a positive effect on cellular aging. [ 26]. In addition, another study showed that its cutaneous absorption is ten times greater than that of THC, making it a good candidate for dermatological applications. [27]
• Effect on dependence: One study demonstrated that CBN attenuated morphine withdrawal symptoms in an animal model. [28]

Other forms of CBN

Thanks to its multiple properties, CBN is of definite interest when consumed on its own. But probably even more so when modified or combined with THC (within the 0.3% limit), CBD and other cannabinoids. As you know, cannabinoids in combination create an entourage effect which increases the potency of each cannabinoid tenfold.

THCN

This proprietary product is composed of a high-quality CBD flower. These flowers, naturally loaded with cannabinoids and terpenes, are infused in a high-concentration CBN isolate. Playing on the entourage effect, THCN produces a mild psychoactive effect which is accompanied by a feeling of psychological relaxation, balancing between sedation and a gentle euphoria. It's the perfect product for spending time chilling out.

Cannabinoid mixtures

We have two ranges of cannabinoid mixes with CBN in our stores.

Discover our CBD Derivatives

THM: An acronym for The Hot Mix, THM is a powerful blend of CBD, CBDP, CBG, CBN and CBC in varying proportions. Also playing on the entourage effect, this product also creates a slight psychoactive effect, but above all it triggers a genuine feeling of euphoria and a deep sense of relaxation.

MCPN: Acronym for Maximum Cannabinoid Power Natural, MCPN contains CBN, CBD, CBC and CBG. MCPN contains CBN, CBD, CBC and CBG.. Reviews suggest that it is a good product for relaxation, sleep and stress reduction. It is also said to increase appetite.

The H3CBN

H3CBN is a hydrogenated form of CBN, banned in most European countries by 2024, like other cannabinoids of the type.

Its effects were strikingly opposite to those of traditional CBN. Where CBN is known for its mild psychoactive and sedative effects, H3CBN is said to induce strong psychoactivity, similar to THCP, as well as an energizing effect, accompanied by a sense of wakefulness, mental clarity and marked euphoria.

CBN consumption

There are several products that allow you to consume CBN, often in the form of CBD enriched with CBN.

CBN oil

Often in the form of a full Spectrum oil enriched with CBN, CBD-CBN oils are practical and discreet, enabling safe and effective consumption. Simply place a few drops under the tongue. The number of drops depends on the product's concentration, your weight and the desired effects. This dosage is no different from that of simple CBD oils. If you need help finding the right CBN CBD oil dosage for you, visit our article: How to dose CBD oil.

CBN in oil form acts almost immediately (10 to 30 min) and generally lasts between 2 and 4 hours.

Vaporization of CBN flowers and resins

Vaporization is one of the simplest and most effective ways to consume CBN, THCN or THM flowers and resins. Please note that smoking these products is prohibited.

The boiling point of CBN is around 185°C, so we recommend consuming CBN products between 185°C and 200°C. The lower the temperature, the lighter and more gradual the effects, and the higher the temperature, the greater the vaporization of the active ingredients.

If you need help using your vaporizer, you can also check out our article on the subject.

CBN capsules

Capsules are as practical and discreet as oil, if not more so! They have several advantages:

• They provide a safe, stable dose from one dose to the next.
• They have no taste
• As CBN is ingested, it is activated by digestion. The effects take longer to take effect - between 30 minutes and 1 hour - but last longer than oil, generally from 6 to 8 hours.

CBN's legal status and contraindications

Like CBD, CBN is generally well tolerated, has no addictive effects and poses little or no particular danger, making it perfectly legal in France and most other European countries. You can buy, possess and consume CBN products quite freely.

However, it's important to remember that, like CBD, it can cause drug interactions, so you should seek advice from your doctor if you're undergoing treatment. Products can contain up to 0.3% THC, which is low but can be detected if tested. CBN products are forbidden to minors and strongly discouraged for pregnant women.