Cannabinoids have quickly become a popular compound in the health and wellness community, offering a simple and relatively safe way to boost overall health by incorporating a single substance into your wellness routine. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been the most popular out of all the cannabinoids, but there are new ones constantly being introduced and integrated into products like oils, edibles, and topicals.
One such compound that you may have seen show up in some of your products is cannabinol (CBN). But what is CBN? What are some of the potential benefits it has to offer, and how does it differ from CBD? If you’re interested in branching out to different cannabinoids like CBN, this guide will compare and contrast the two popular compounds, giving you everything you need to make an educated purchase.
Interested in how CBD and CBN could enhance your wellness regimen? Shop FOCL to discover the difference that high-quality, organic hemp products can make in your life, or take our Product Finder Quiz to get matched up with the perfect products tailored to your unique needs.
What Is CBN?
CBN can be a very unique compound for those entering the world of cannabinoids. CBN, while slightly similar in nature to CBD, does have some major differences worth noting.
CBN is produced when tetrahydrocannabinol THC breaks down in the cannabis plant, either by heating, oxidation, or other means. This is why it’s often referred to as a weaker version of THC, offering only around 25% of the efficacy you would expect when taking THC. Whereas other cannabinoids in the wellness space carry little to no psychoactive effects, the potential to experience psychoactive effects when taking CBN exists. However, you often have to take much larger doses for mild psychoactive effects to be experienced.
CBN is not currently as popular as other cannabinoids or as well-studied, but it is a compound that’s quickly gaining traction. We’ll cover why in more detail when we dive into the potential benefits of this substance.
Benefits Of CBN On Your Body
Every cannabinoid interacts with receptors found throughout the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating various processes in our bodies with the goal of achieving homeostasis. We produce our own cannabinoids, but we can introduce those found in the hemp plant to essentially help us achieve the same goal. CBN attaches to both CB1 receptors (found throughout the brain) and CB2 receptors (found throughout the body). However, it has a higher affinity for the latter.
CBN is most commonly associated with sleep, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the only application you might have for it. Some other potential benefits of CBN include:
- Nausea relief: CBN has been studied as a potential remedy for severe and anticipatory nausea related to chemotherapy.1 Its reported anti-inflammatory benefits may serve to curb nausea as well, such as that caused by inflammatory bowel syndrome.
- Relief from chronic pain: The use of cannabinoids for chronic pain seems to span across the known spectrum of compounds. CBN is no different. Research shows that CBN may be helpful in treating symptoms of chronic muscle disorders like fibromyalgia.2
- Neuroprotective benefits: Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s can wreak havoc on the body and mind. Taking the right substances to reduce the risk or at least delay the symptoms can be of great support. CBN has been shown in some studies to offer neuroprotective benefits, which may be helpful for certain individuals.3
As we conduct further research and delve deeper into what CBN can truly accomplish, it’s likely that more potential applications will emerge over time.
How Should You Use CBN?
Knowing how to use CBN can be tricky given that it isn’t as prominent as some of the other cannabinoids on the market. However, there is some guidance that can help you make the most out of your CBN products. Here’s how you should use your CBN.
Recommended Dosage Of CBN
Whenever you’re taking a cannabinoid, a good rule of thumb is to start with the lowest dosage and gradually increase it until you experience the desired effects.
Most products come with a recommended dosage, but this may only work for some users. Your physiology ultimately determines how CBN affects you, with weight, size, metabolism, and other factors ultimately playing a role. As a result, some people need more than others.
Just remember that larger doses could produce psychoactive effects.
When Should You Use CBN?
CBN products are often administered prior to bedtime as CBN is most closely associated with sedation and the potential application to deal with sleeplessness. If you’re using products like CBN oil, taking it approximately 15 minutes before bedtime should give you plenty of time to kick in.
If you’re taking something like CBN gummies, which take a little bit longer to take effect, you should take them anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime. However, you might also use CBN for other reasons, which we’ll cover in depth below.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of the 113 cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant and is the second most abundant cannabinoid after THC, with the exception of hemp, which CBD is derived from. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychotropic and does not produce a “high”. CBD has become increasingly popular due to its potential therapeutic benefits, and its popularity means that consumers can find it offered in a wide variety of formats.
Ready to try CBD for yourself? Shop our broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and Full Spectrum + products now!
Benefits Of CBD On Your Body
CBD is one of the more well-researched cannabinoids, and its vast range of potential benefits is exactly why it’s so popular to those looking for natural alternatives to better health wellness. But what type of benefits does it have to offer? Some of the potential benefits of CBD include:
- Relief from chronic pain: Many users believe that CBD supports their pain relief needs, and research does seem to agree. Some studies have found that CBD can be a viable pain reliever, acting as a potential alternative to opioids.4
- Sleep support: CBD has a reputation for being calming and relaxing, a trait that could improve your overall sleep hygiene. Research has pointed to CBD as a potential treatment for insomnia in some individuals.5
- Anxiety and mood support: Mental health issues can impact every facet of your life, but some medications can be a lot to be desired. While CBD is not necessarily an alternative to traditional talk therapy and anti-anxiety medications, it has been shown to reduce the symptoms of a wide range of anxiety disorders.6
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Pain management is tricky, especially for those with chronic pain like arthritis and limited pain medication options. Fortunately, CBD has demonstrated its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, which could benefit such consumers.7
As with other cannabinoids, we can’t state that CBD definitely offers any of these benefits. However, the growing body of research supporting anecdotal evidence points to CBD’s potential to support overall health.
How Should You Use CBD?
CBD is very easy to administer and comes with few side effects. Still, those who are new to CBD may need some guidance to make sure they’re using their products properly. Here are some tips on how to administer your CBD with confidence.
Recommended Dosage Of CBD
Much like with CBN, the recommended dosage of CBD will vary depending on your physiology and how your body reacts to CBD. Start with the recommended dose listed on your product’s packaging. If you find that it’s not enough, gradually increase your dose until you experience the desired benefits.
With all this in mind, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of CBD. While CBD is generally considered to be safe, it is possible you might experience side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. If you experience any side effects, it is important to stop taking CBD and speak to your doctor.
CBD also has the potential to interact with certain medications (check for grapefruit warning) as CBD is metabolized by the liver. Speak with your doctor to make sure CBD is safe to take with any medications you’ve currently been prescribed before you incorporate it into your routine.
When Should You Use CBD?
CBD is a product that can be used at any time during the day, and you’ll find that many products incorporate various ingredients to help you get the most out of your experience. For example, you might use CBD to…
- Increase your energy and focus early on in the day or throughout the day.
- Help you feel more relaxed and fall asleep faster.
- Unwind and relax when you get home at the end of your workday.
- Address feelings of discomfort, nervousness, and similar symptoms.
As long as you speak to your doctor, take an appropriate dosage, and know exactly how much THC is in your products, you can take CBD whenever you want!
Best CBN + CBD Products
There are a lot of isolated cannabinoid products on the market, but combining various cannabinoids may offer synergistic effects that can help you better target certain areas of your health. There are a variety of products on the market that combine both CBN and CBD, allowing users to reap the benefits of both. Here's a look at some of the best CBN + CBD products on the market.
FOCL CBD + CBN Sleep Gummies
Falling asleep can be difficult, but FOCL is here to help. Our CBD + CBN Sleep Gummies are formulated with organic broad-spectrum CBD and CBN extract to help those avoiding THC get a product they can enjoy before their head hits the pillow.
Each gummy contains 25mg of CBD and 15mg of CBN alongside ingredients natural ingredients such as Passion Flower Extract and L-Theanine to reduce anxiety and support sleep. If you love delicious fruit treats that melt away in your mouth, these gummies are sure to be a hit in your nightly sleep routine.
Premium Full Spectrum CBD + CBN Sleep Gummies
Some people like to have THC in their products and find that it goes further to bolster the effects of the other ingredients. If you’re a fan of having all of the hemp plant compounds in your CBD products, you might wish to opt for our Full Spectrum CBD + CBN Sleep Gummies instead. They feature the exact same dosage, flavor, and ingredient list as our broad-spectrum product, just with THC!
Premium Full Spectrum CBD + CBN Sleep Drops
Edibles are great for some, but others may want a product that takes effect faster. If this is something that interests you, you should try our Full Spectrum CBD + CBN Sleep Drops! This premium CBD sleep oil is formulated with full-spectrum CBD and CBN extract, organic MCT oil, delicious lavender and peppermint, and stevia for some added sweetness.
Just shake things up, place your desired amount of oil under your tongue, hold it there for 45 seconds, and swallow. It’s that easy! If you want the same product without the THC, you can buy our broad-spectrum Sleep Drops instead.
Key Differences Between CBN And CBD
CBD and CBN can both be derived from hemp, and they do share many similar characteristics. However, there are some key differences that will influence which you incorporate more into your daily lifestyle. Let’s recap some of these areas.
- CBD is a non-psychoactive compound whereas CBN can be mildly psychoactive in large doses.
- There has been more research conducted on CBD in comparison to CBN.
- CBN is most used as a sleep aid whereas CBD is believed to offer a host of benefits.
- CBD products are more abundant than CBN products, although you’ll often find CBD products featuring CBN in the formulation.
- CBD primarily acts on CB2 receptors while CBN acts on both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Can I Use CBD & CBN Together?
CBD and CBN can be taken together. Both compounds feature very few side effects. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind.
Make sure that you’re using the proper dosages when combining the two products together. Taking larger doses may open you up to side effects and psychoactive effects (especially the latter if you take too much CBN).
Additionally, you should speak with your doctor to make sure that both compounds are right for you and that they won’t interact with any medications that you’ve been prescribed. As long as you follow the dosage instructions and make sure CBD and CBN fit into your wellness regimen, you should be able to enjoy both safely!
CBD Vs CBN: Which Is The Best For You?
So, which is best, CBD or CBN? It all depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for any of the reported benefits of CBD, you might find that adding it to your day-to-day might provide the results you’re looking for. If you’re trying to sleep better, you might prefer CBN over CBD.
However, you can always take advantage of the benefits of both and take them together. When it comes to cannabinoids, many offer similar benefits, and what you ultimately choose will all come down to what you’re looking to receive by taking these compounds.
Harness The Power Of CBN & CBD With FOCL!
CBD and CBN are both hemp derivatives that have a lot to offer. Whether you choose to take them together or separately, you may expect to get better sleep, boosted cognitive health and performance, and relief from daily discomfort and nervousness. But while CBD and CBN can both be helpful in enhancing your health and wellness, your experience is highly dependent upon choosing the right cannabinoid company for your needs. Who can you trust to deliver the best experience?
Start your CBD and CBN journey here with FOCL! At FOCL, we’re dedicated to providing you with premium-quality CBD products formulated using organic, non-GMO hemp as well as ingredients like powerful adaptogens and healing botanicals. All of our products are GMP-compliant and third-party tested to ensure purity, efficacy, and radical transparency. Whether you’re interested in our new Full Spectrum + products or are just getting started with our premium CBD gummies, we have something here for everyone.
We also make shopping for your CBD products a breeze with free shipping on all orders and an extra 15% off your first order when you sign up for our newsletter or $5 off when you sign up for a FOCL Rewards account. Ready to discover how CBD can support your wellness needs? Shop now or get in touch with us if you need any help along the way.
FAQs
Can I take CBN during the day?
CBN can be taken during the day, but it is likely better to take CBN products at night. If you’re taking CBN during the day, be aware of how much you’re taking and whether or not you’re dealing with psychoactive effects. You should not be driving or handling heavy machinery if you’ve taken too much CBN.
What happens if you take too much CBN?
Taking too much CBN can cause adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Because it is a potentially psychoactive substance in large doses, you may also experience a mild high if you’ve taken a significantly larger dose than you’re used to.
Does CBN help with memory?
CBN may help with memory as it exhibits neuroprotective properties.
Is CBN similar to melatonin?
No, CBN is not similar to melatonin. While both CBN and melatonin can help with sleep, they are not the same. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body, while CBN is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
What is the ratio of CBD to CBN?
The ratio of CBD to CBN can vary depending on the product. Some products may contain equal parts of CBD and CBN, while others may contain more of one than the other.
Is CBN and CBD legal?
CBN and CBD are both legal in most states, with variations in laws generally being influenced by how much THC is in any given product. However, it is important to check the laws in your area before purchasing or consuming either of these cannabinoids.
Why is CBN more expensive than CBD?
CBN is more expensive than CBD because it is harder to extract. CBN is found in much smaller quantities in the cannabis plant, so it requires a more complex extraction process. This makes it more costly to produce.
Sources:
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- Hayes Wong, Brian E. Cairns. Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain. Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 104. 2019. ISSN 0003-9969. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.05.028
- Asperti, M., Dodson, M., Petitet, F., Karler, R., Lipinski, C. A., Hill, A. J., Jamwal, S., Pérez, M. J., Tomar, D., Calvo-Rodriguez, M., Jelinek, A., Song, J. H., Stockwell, B. R., Valente, A. J., … Wilkinson, S. T. (2022, January 6). Cannabinol inhibits oxytosis/ferroptosis by directly targeting mitochondria independently of cannabinoid receptors. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891584922000016
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- Ranum RM;Whipple MO;Croghan I;Bauer B;Toussaint LL;Vincent A; (n.d.). Use of cannabidiol in the management of insomnia: A systematic review. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36149724/
- Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015, October). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
- Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019, December 25). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
