What is CBN and what are the benefits?

You’ve probably heard of CBD or THC, but do you know what CBN is? Within the broad family of cannabinoids, we find this humble compound that has aroused great interest due to its potential effects, uses and therapeutic applications. If you want to know all about CBN, this article is for you.

What is CBN?

CBN is a cannabinoid derived from the breakdown of THC, its psychoactive effect is very poor or non-existent, only at very high doses is it barely noticeable. Despite being the first cannabinoid to be isolated, its medicinal properties were completely unknown. Instead, it was directly linked to the psychoactive effects of marijuana.

But this changed when THC was discovered and it was determined that CBN or cannabinol was a by-product. It has gained more relevance in recent years, as it has aroused great scientific interest.

It is important to clarify one very important detail: CBN is not found naturally in the cannabis plant, unless it is an old plant. Its concentration is very low, just a few traces. When cannabis is stored it gives the opportunity for the THC to degrade to CBN, this method is called oxidation, which is nothing more than an ageing process of the harvested plant, where heat and oxygen work to naturally degrade the THC to CBN.

Oxidation is a slow method, but it is the most common. CBN can also be obtained by decarboxylation, although this is the most common method for obtaining other cannabinoids, it is not the routine method for obtaining CBN.

What are the benefits of CBN?

Cannabinol has a potent sedative effect, which is one of the properties for which it is known. But through multiple studies it has been shown to have different applications for a wide variety of illnesses.

But what are the benefits of CBN? To clarify this doubt we must take into account that for certain applications have not yet been tested on humans, but even so, CBN has an unimaginable potential to treat a wide variety of ailments in the future.

One of the great advantages of CBN products (oils, capsules, tinctures or food), is that they do not alter thought or consciousness, as is the case with opiates. Nor have any adverse effects been observed that could be of concern.

The benefits of CBN include:

• Analgesic: It can relieve certain pain, including chronic pain.
• Stimulates appetite: Like most cannabinoids, it stimulates appetite. But it also regulates digestive function, helping to restore appetite, increasing the amount of food, as well as the frequency and duration of feeding times. It is very useful in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and AIDS patients.
• Calming and anxiolytic: relieves symptoms of stress and anxiety.
• Antiemetic: Nausea and vomiting.
• Regenerates bone tissue: Promotes cell proliferation by stimulating bone marrow stem cells.
• Burns: Effective as an anti-inflammatory and cell growth regulator.
• Anticonvulsant: Patients with epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Tourette’s syndrome and multiple sclerosis.
• Antibiotic: Inhibits the growth of bacterial strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, its topical form being one of the most widely used in these cases.
• Muscle relaxant: Whether in association with CBD or on its own, it is an excellent muscle relaxant and pain reliever.
• Improves mood.
• Increases performance and concentration (work or study).
• Enhances the effects of other cannabinoids.

5 applications of CBN

Among the applications of CBN, we can highlight its sedative effect, but it is not the only one to take into account. Although the vast majority of its properties are still being studied, this cannabinoid has been shown to have many therapeutic applications and no psychoactive effects.

Sedative

One of the most common uses of CBN, it has been proven that only 5 mg of cannabinol can be better than 10 mg of Diazepam for the conciliation of sleep, and it also increases the hours of sleep.

Glaucoma

Several animal studies have confirmed that, like THC, both CBN and CBG reduce intraocular pressure, showing great advances in treating glaucoma.

Anti-inflammatory

Studies in rats have shown that CBN has a protective effect against the development of collagen-induced arthritis. It has also been shown to be useful in treating arthritis symptomatology, reducing inflammation and pain.

Psoriasis

It can inhibit the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, slowing the rate at which skin cells grow under certain diseases such as psoriasis, and its topical use has a soothing effect on the skin.

Neuroprotective

Protects the functions of the nervous system, being effective in treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in rodents. Although it is too early to talk about an effective cure, there is no doubt that its role in treating neurodegenerative diseases is a fact.

The benefits of CBN are wide-ranging, and if we project into the future we can presume that new applications are likely to be found. However, as with any substance, certain precautions should be taken and the doses recommended by experts should not be exceeded, especially when taking medication. That is why it is important to consult a doctor before trying a new product.