CBN (Cannabinol)

CBN (Cannabinol)

Cannabinoids & The ECS

The term cannabinoid refers to the 100+ known chemicals that react with the human body through the endocannabinoid system, known as the ECS. The most commonly recognized cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) which have garnered increased attention throughout the years for their medicinal properties.

There are two types of cannabinoids, Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids.  Phytocannabinoids refer to types of cannabinoids which originate in plants and herbs, including but not limited to: clove, black pepper, echinacea and ginseng, and cannabis. Endocannabinoids refer to cannabinoids that are found naturally inside the human body and mammals. Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids and the most prevalent endocannabinoid is Anandamide.  Anandamide is found primarily in the CB1 & CB2 receptors located throughout the body. When phytocannabinoids are introduced to anandamide, the body creates a positive physiological response, such as reduced anxiety, for example.

Originally discovered in 1988, “The endocannabinoid system is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.”1 Researchers have identified two primary receptors in the endocannabinoid system, CB1 and CB2, which are located in the central and peripheral nervous system. These receptors are responsible for regulating many of our body’s natural processes including immune response, appetite and metabolism, sleep, memory, and much more.  When a person (or mammal) consumes cannabinoids, those cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to create a physiological response to help alleviate inflammation, control moods, and assist with our bodies homeostasis.

What is CBN?

Cannabinol, or CBN, is a mildly psychoactive derivative of the cannabinoid THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), and is created when THCa oxidizes. The term oxidation refers to the process by which a substance combines with oxygen, to create a different substance. This process occurs when cannabis degrades, as a result of being exposed to heat or oxygen.  

What are the Benefits of CBN?

Antibacterial

CBN has shown great promise in a variety of studies, one of those being CBN’s antibacterial properties and ability to fight MRSA, a bacteria that is particularly resistant to antibiotics. “All five major cannabinoids (cannabidiol, cannabichromene, cannabigerol, Delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabinol showed potent activity against a variety of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains of current clinical relevance.”2

Anti-inflammatory / Pain Relief

Studies show that CBN can aid in pain relief as it interacts directly with pain signals sent to the brain. This is the result of the CB1 cannabinoid receptors being present in the pain pathway of the nervous system. This allows for CBN and other cannabinoids to relieve inflammation and pain in the body.

Sleep

CBN is the most effective cannabinoid observed for sleep, making it an increasingly common choice for those with insomnia. Studies have shown that CBN works as a sedative to help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and can extend the duration of time asleep. These effects are significantly more apparent when pairing CBN with THC.

Appetite Stimulant

A study conducted in 2012 showed that CBN had a noticeably stimulating effect on the appetite of mammals. It was observed that CBN increased appetite, resulted in a shorter period of time between meals, and also increased the meal size and duration of each meal. This information is especially interesting for someone who may have a reduced appetite due to chemotherapy, or other factors.

Glaucoma Relief/ Prevention

Numerous studies have been conducted which point to CBN being a powerful reliever of intraocular pressure. It was observed that a strong dosing of CBN may lower ocular tension considerably. “Like CBD, CBN modulates the levels of endocannabinoids. It influences specific immune cells to produce anti-inflammatory effects and impacts levels of other compounds known to cause inflammation.

One particular condition which has generated some excitement for CBN is glaucoma.  This is because CBN acts as a “vasorelaxant”, which is a fancy term for relaxing blood vessel walls and decreasing blood pressure. In the eyes, CBN increases blood flow and reduces the pressure associated with glaucoma.”3

How do you use CBN?

CBN can be administered in a variety of ways, one of the most popular methods being sublingually via tincture. CBN can be dissolved into a carrier oil, like MCT or Olive Oil, and consumed orally or sublingually.  Another common method is to incorporate CBN into food recipes or blend into tea or coffee. It is also not uncommon for some users to ingest their CBN via combustion (smoking) or vaping for a more rapid onset of relief.  Users report positive effects using different dosages of CBN. Some users report positive effects from 3mg, while others report using up to 50mg per day.  IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE STARTING OR USING CBN, OR ANY OTHER CANNABINOIDS.

Where can you buy CBN online?

High quality CBN isolate and distillate can be purchased online at https://www.buycbdoilonline.com/product-category/cbg-and-cbn.  Certificates of Analysis are included on our product page.  Contact us at info@buycbdoilonline.com with any questions.