Cannabinol, also known as CBN, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is created when THC ages. It is usually present in older cannabis and known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotectant effects.
“I can’t tell if the CBN in this old joint gets me high or not.”
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) was the first cannabinoid after THC to be discovered, and is molecularly similar despite differing effects. Cannabis trichomes do not produce CBN as they do other cannabinoids and terpenes—the cannabinoid is derived from THC that degrades when cannabis flower has been exposed to air or light.
What are the benefits of using CBN?
CBN is non-intoxicating and numerous cannabis brands have released edibles that contain CBN formulated as sleep aids in the last year, claiming the cannabinoid has intensely sedating effects. Anecdotally this may be true, but multiple studies’ findings conflict with this claim, indicating CBN is not solely responsible for inducing sleep.
While it is not any better than THC at facilitating REM sleep, CBN has shown strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotectant qualities, and has also shown promise as an appetite stimulator.