Like CBD, CBN is considered safe for your health. It is not addictive, has no psychotropic effect and is an excellent ally for those suffering from insomnia.

Indeed, while many people find sleep thanks to a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue, others swear by CBN.

In this article, we will attempt to understand to what extent CBN's sedative properties have been proven and whether this cannabinoid is more powerful than CBD in combating sleep disorders.

First and foremost: what is CBN?

CBN, or cannabinol, is one of the 150 minor cannabinoids minor found in cannabis (THC and CBD being the plant's two major cannabinoids). It's called "minor" because, at the end of flowering, CBN levels barely exceed 1%.

However, CBN synthesis is directly linked to THC degradation (it is an oxidized form of THC). In other words, CBN concentration increases significantly as the flower agesand even more so if exposed to sunlight and ambient air.

However, commercially available CBN products are made from semi-synthetic CBNwhich is obtained in the laboratory by recreating the oxidation of CBD (and not THC, for legal reasons).

Brands offer numerous CBN products (CBN-enriched CBD oils, CBN flowers, CBN hash, etc.), the majority of which are presented as a solution to insomnia... But does CBN really have a sedative effect?

Can CBN induce sleep?

CBN's reputation for sleep comes from recreational cannabis users. That's right, mature cannabis flowers (some of whose THC has been transformed into CBN) are known to produce a sedative effect and induce the desire to sleep.

Sedative properties of CBN

Although the idea is widespread among cannabis enthusiasts, the scientific community remains cautious. cautious when it comes to asserting that CBN helps you sleep.

In fact, several studies have been carried out on the subject without any really conclusive results [1].

So to speak, no study is able to show that CBN, when consumed in isolation, has a positive isolatedhas any sedative effect. On the other hand, it would seem that the results are a little more encouraging when we study the action of CBN in synergy with another cannabinoid.

The combined action of CBN and THC, for example, seems to cause slight drowsiness, although some studies contradict these observations...

Action on the endocannabinoid system

The sedative properties of CBN have yet to be proven. However, scientists have been able to demonstrate that CBN acts on our our endocannabinoid systemsystem, in the same way as all cannabinoids (and certain terpenes).

"The endocannabinoid system is a set of receptors (CB1 and CB2) distributed throughout the body (in a natural way) whose common purpose is to maintain the state of homeostasis (= state of equilibrium)."

Like THC, CBN appears to have an affinity for the CB1receptors, the majority of which are located in the brain. CBN could therefore, to a certain extent, act on our central nervous systemand, why not, produce a sedative effect, or make us want to go to sleep[3].

However, the scientific community is still unable to explain the mechanisms involved. Moreover, CBN's affinity for CB1 receptors is 10 times less than that of THC with the same receptors.

CBN also has an affinity for the CB2 RECEPTORS, this time in a similar way to CBD. Thus, scientists speculate that CBN may also have anti-inflammatory properties.[3]

CBN + CBD + THC + terpenes: the right formula for better sleep?

On the face of it, CBN consumed in isolation has no proven sedative effect. On the other hand, as we mentioned earlier, the findings are a little more encouraging when CBN's action is combined with other cannabis molecules.

The entourage effect

"The entourage effect is a theory that cannabis compounds (cannabinoids + terpenes) act synergistically rather than in isolation."

Although this concept is not formally accepted within the scientific community, numerous studies tend to demonstrate that the therapeutic properties of cannabis are indeed the work of all its moleculesand not THC or CBD (or other) alone. [4]

In the specific case of insomnia and sleep improvement, a 2021 study [4] investigates the combined effect of CBN + CBD + THC + terpenes on people suffering from chronic insomnia. As a result, the majority reported positive effects after just 2 weeks of treatment.

Thus, CBN could indeed improve sleep, but when combined with CBD, THC and terpenes.

The importance of cannabis terpenes

While cannabinoids play a key role in understanding the therapeutic mechanisms of cannabis, terpenes must not be forgotten.

"Terpenes are the molecules responsible for the smell and taste of plant species. They are used in the cosmetics industry (perfumery) and in household products (for their scent, but also for their repellent, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties). They are also found in essential oils used in aromatherapy."

Indeed, mature cannabis flowers are not only characterized by their high CBN concentration. They are also particularly rich in terpenoids (the "heavier", complex form of terpene) such as :

Caryophyllenecapable of acting on the CB2 receptors of our endocannabinoid system. Like CBD, it has anti-inflammatory properties;
Linaloolwhose odor is known for its tranquilizing, sedative and anxiolytic effects (proven in mice [5]);

Alpha-pinenean antibacterial and antifungal ingredient in many cleansing agents. Also known to modulate the undesirable effects of THC (anxiety, paranoia, memory loss) thanks to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.)

CBN and its effects on sleep: conclusion

If CBN (isolated) does indeed have sedative properties, then these remain to be proven. However, the the role of the endocannabinoid system in sleep modulation leaves little room for doubt.

In particular, the CB1 receptors in our brains, with which CBN (but also THC) has a certain affinity, would be responsible for the sleep-inducing effects of recreational cannabis users, including: shorter time to sleep and REM sleep (fewer dreams), combined with longer deep sleep and total sleep time.

At the same time, CBD, capable of regulates serotonin synthesissynthesis, thus promoting a state of serenity, also makes its contribution. (To find out more, see also CBD and sleep).

Finally, as we've seen, terpenes don't just smell good! Many of them have anxiolytic or tranquilizing propertiesand some, like caryophyllene, even act directly on our endocannabinoid system.

In short, if CBN induces sleep, it doesn't do it alone. Perhaps it accentuates the effects of THC, CBD and terpenes. Be that as it may, the studies carried out on the subject point rather towards synergistic action rather than the action of an isolated compound.

Which CBN product is right for sleep?

In line with what we have deduced about the effects of CBN on sleep, we recommend products that are full spectrum (full spectrum) products, which contain all the molecules synthesized in cannabis, or a broad spectrum (broad spectrum) for those who do not wish to consume THC.

As such, we propose :