What is CBN?

Ok, so you have probably heard of CBD and you’ve definitely heard of THC, and you maybe even know about CBG. But have you heard of CBN?

These are some of the more than 100 cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. CBD and THC are the best known cannabinoids, but some of the “minor” cannabinoids are starting to gain attention as scientific research begins to show us some of the potential benefits of these natural compounds.

Cannabinol (CBN for short) is one of those “minor” cannabinoids that is starting to gain some attention. Interestingly, CBN was actually the first cannabinoid to be scientifically identified and isolated in a laboratory, all the way back in 1942. Before the discovery of THC, it was thought that CBN was responsible for the psychoactive high that we associate with marijuana. We now know that not to be true, but what we have learned is that CBN is produced in a very different way from other cannabinoids. CBN is actually a byproduct of THC; chemical reactions that happen naturally over time convert THC into CBN. This results in an interesting new cannabinoid which does not have the same intoxicating effect as THC, but is starting to show therapeutic potential.

Like most things in the world of hemp and cannabis, research into CBN is in its infancy. What we know so far is that CBN is thought to contribute to the entourage effect where it works together with CBD and other cannabinoids to produce a more therapeutic effect than when taking any one individual cannabinoid by itself. In addition, CBN is gaining prominence as a mild sedative and sleep aid, which is why CBN is starting to appear in sleep formulas together with CBD.

There is ongoing research into the potential medicinal uses of CBN. Current research shows that CBN may show efficacy in treating bacterial infections, inflammation, glaucoma, as well as potential use as an appetite stimulant and neuroprotectant. As research into cannabinoids progresses and evolves, we look forward to learning more about how this amazing plant can benefit the human body.

At Welliva, we investigated the use of CBN for sleep and found that pure CBN didn’t offer much benefit for insomnia when used by itself, but when used in small quantities together with CBD and other botanicals, it added to the overall effect. We use a high quality CBN distillate in our Z-Time Sleep Formula together with Certified Organic CBD, natural terpenes and Organic Valerian and Chamomile extract. This produces a potent and unique sleep formula which we have found to be very effective in helping people fall asleep and stay asleep. If you have trouble sleeping and would like to learn more about Z-Time Sleep, please visit our SHOP.