For the last couple of years, CBD has taken over the beauty, food and drink, and wellness industries in the form of every type of product ranging from bath salts to fruit gummies to seltzer water to chocolate to oil drops. However, there’s a new cannabis-derived chemical that is soon to become just as popular as CBD, thanks to its ability to aid in a good night’s sleep. Meet CBN. It’s a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that offers relaxing, sleepy properties, which means your sleep might be more restful after consuming CBN gummies or oil drops.
What Is CBN?
Cannabinol, aka CBN, is derived from hemp plants. “CBN and CBD are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but they have different chemical structures,” explains Dr. Elizabeth Ardillo, Director of Medical Education at Green Thumb Industries. When THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the main active ingredient in cannabis, is heated and exposed to Co2 (oxygen), it converts to what is known as CBN. So what makes it the latest and greatest cannabis-derived product? “CBN products are popular right now because they help promote a better night’s sleep. They have a relaxing effect,” she adds.
But What About CBD?
They’re just one letter off, so what’s the difference between CBD and CBN? CBD, which is a Cannabidiol, is present in cannabis and hemp plants. On the other hand, CBN is created by exposing THC to light. Biology aside, CBN has mild psychoactive effects unlike CBD products; you may feel a high from taking a CBN product, but it won’t be nearly as intense as the high you’d feel from consuming THC.
The Benefits Of Taking CBN
Similar to CBD, the benefits of consuming CBN include improved sleep quality, pain relief, and anti-inflammation. However, CBN is far more powerful when it comes to sleep. “CBD is not as useful as CBN when we’re talking about those relaxing properties,” explains Dr. Ardillo. After taking a CBN supplement, the average consumer can expect to feel the effects within 30 to 180 minutes. “We don’t want anyone to take a dose and after 15 minutes, take another dose because they’re not feeling any effects. Understanding how these products work is very important to ensuring your health and safety,” she says. If you are not feeling the effects of CBN, wait at least one hour before taking another dose.