CBN is a cannabinoid like CBD and THC, although it is not well known, it has several health benefits. So much so that it has aroused the interest of science. It has antibacterial, analgesic, anticonvulsant, sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, it can enhance the effect of CBD and THC.
Cannabinol or CBN is found in both the hemp and cannabis plants. It lacks psychotropic effects, just like CBD, with whom it shares some characteristics, but they are totally different compounds. Could CBN help you sleep? That is what we will discuss today.
CBN and endocannabinoid system
CBN binds to endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, to regulate various physiological functions, such as sleep, appetite, pain, mood and immunity. CBN has a higher affinity for CB2 receptors, responsible for regulating the immune system, cognition and mood.
The affinity for CB1 receptors is lower, these receptors regulate appetite and pain. CBN is an agonist of TRPV2 receptors, responsible for regulating the pain response, thus explaining its analgesic effects.
CBN can also inhibit the production of certain neuronal signaling enzymes, thus intervening in several physiological processes. It should be noted that CBN acts as an agonist or antagonist on other less common types of receptors.
Benefits of CBN
Studies on CBN are in preliminary stages, still too green to give a firm verdict on all its benefits. But, it has been shown to be very useful in some diseases such as glaucoma, even reducing intraocular pressure.
It has also been observed to combat keratinocyte hyperproliferation, fighting uncontrolled skin cell growth. But these studies are still in their early stages, so we must wait to see how it progresses.
However, there is no doubt that the benefits of CBN demonstrated so far have had great repercussions in the scientific world, increasing the interest in this molecule.
Increases appetite
It has been demonstrated in studies in rats that CBN can modulate the CB1 receptors that are intimately linked to appetite. Not only does it stimulate appetite, it increases the amount of food consumed.
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory
By means of TRPV2 receptors, it can improve pain symptoms, and it has also been proven to be a potent anti-inflammatory capable of reducing inflammation in case of arthritis.
Sedative
Both CBN and 11-OH-CBN (a metabolite of CBN) have sedative effects and help prolong sleep. Although there is a lack of conclusive data on its role as an effective tool to combat insomnia, it has shown very good results. It takes as little as 5 milligrams of Cannabinol to induce sleep, the effect can be prolonged for 5 to 6 hours.
Can CBN help sleep?
CBN is nicknamed the “sleepy cannabinoid”, there is a debate where its sedative effects are questioned. Several comparative studies have been conducted with THC, where when combined, symptoms such as dizziness or drowsiness occur. The same study indicated that CBN showed sedative effects on its own.
The study was not conclusive, after other studies were carried out that catalogued CBN as the cannabinoid with the greatest sedative effect. CBN has also been associated with terpenes, which are responsible for its sedative effects. Terpenes are compounds that are formed when cannabis is aging.
Many experts believe that drowsiness can occur when CBN and terpenes are present working synergistically, but these are inconclusive studies and more information needs to be gathered to give a final verdict.
CBN and CBD together
Cannabinol (CBN) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are different molecules, but they can be confused, despite being formed under other methods. But, the question in this case would be, can they both work together?
To answer this question, we must take into account the mechanism of action of both. CBN stimulates CB1 receptors, albeit slightly, since it does not have a high affinity, but it is enough to give a certain drowsiness.
On the other hand, CBD does not directly stimulate CB1 receptors, but rather desensitizes them, so at a low or moderate dose it can be stimulating. This would indicate that both molecules compete for the CB1 receptor.
But, one of the great advantages we have at our disposal, is that CBD has many studies that have demonstrated its medicinal properties. So it will be complemented with CBN to work together to reverse insomnia.
CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality by helping to fall asleep and avoid waking up during the night. It reduces anxiety symptoms and improves circadian cycle regulation. So if we add CBN to the equation we would have a product that would help us fight insomnia like 3% CBN + 1% CBD oils.
Conclusion
Research on CBN and its benefits is still at a very early stage, so we have to wait several years before we fully know all its benefits.
Science is now turning its efforts to understanding more about how it works to treat insomnia and help people sleep better. It is a proven fact that is beginning to change the lives of many.