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.Â
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.
Table of contents
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].Â
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.Â
"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."Â
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 :Â
- Full spectrum CBD oils (contain THC at less than 0.3%);
- Our team has also developed an innovative formula that combines the effects of CBD with those of CBN and terpenes.
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THC-free 10% CBN and 10% CBD "Stress and Sleep" oil
34,90 €đż "Stress & Sleep" CBN and CBD oil is a natural hemp oil containing 10% CBN and 10% CBD. It thus offers a synergistic action guaranteeing optimal effectiveness to soothe you and improve your sleep.
đ« THC-free, with no addictive or drowsy effects.
đšđ” CBN oil made in France from hemp grown in France.
đ§Ș 1 0ml bottle sold with pipette. 10ml = 250 drops approx.
đ§âđŹ Nobilis-Product is a French brand that manufactures its own products.
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CBD Oil 20% Full Spectrum - Nobilis Product
29,90 €Our Full Spectrum 20% CBD oil is a concentrate of nature and French know-how. Derived from hemp grown without GMOs or additives, it contains twice the concentration of cannabidiol as our 10% formula, while retaining all the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids naturally present in the plant.
Thanks to theenhanced entourage effect, this oil promotes a deeper action on stress, body tension and sleep quality.
Its 10 ml format with pipette allows precise, easy dosing, even at high concentrations.
This oil is :
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đ«đ· Produced in our French laboratory, from hemp extraction to bottling, with full traceability
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đż RĂ©alisĂ©e Ă partir de crude de CBD, pour conserver toute la richesse molĂ©culaire du chanvre : CBD, CBG, CBN, THC < 0,3 %, flavonoĂŻdes, terpĂšnes
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â Analyzed with every batch by an independent laboratory, to guarantee consistent, uncompromising quality
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Our sourcesÂ
[1] Cannabinol and Sleep: Separating Fact from Fiction (Pubmed)
[2] Effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol in man (Pubmed)
[3] Cannabinol Derivatives: Binding to Cannabinoid Receptors and Inhibition of Adenylylcyclase (ACS publication)
[5] Linalool Odor-Induced Anxiolytic Effects in Mice (Frontiers)