CBN is a cannabinoid that many consumers are just discovering, and there are lots of options for consuming it. Some like to smoke dried bud while other prefer a vape pen. Still others prefer to eat CBN edibles rather than inhaling. With so many methods, it can be hard to know what to do and where to start. That’s why we created this guide to CBN edibles.

What is CBN and where does it come from?

Have you ever smoked some old cannabis you found, and ended up sleepy rather than high? If so, it’s most likely because of the CBN in the weed. Short for cannabinol, CBN is derived when THC degrades due to light, heat, or time. CBN can usually be found in small amounts in old cannabis. This is because over time THC degrades to CBN.  Adding light or heat to the equation speeds up this process.

The potential health benefits of CBN

As a more novel cannabinoid, researchers haven’t studied CBN as much as THC or CBD. That’s why we don’t yet have a lot of studies on its potential benefits. While CBN products are often marketed as sleep aids, we need more research to confirm these claims.

Anecdotally, some consumers have reported CBN to be a non-intoxicating way to fall asleep fast and an anti-inflammatory agent. Because of this, CBN has gained popularity in recent years as a natural alternative for managing sleep disorders and chronic pain. Early research shows that CBN has neuroprotective properties and may be useful in treating inflammation and other causes of pain. While research on CBN is still limited, these early studies do suggest it may have a range of potential health benefits in addition to helping consumers fall asleep.

How CBN compares to CBD

Every human comes with an Endocannabinoid System whose job is to facilitate communication between different systems in your body. In order to do that job, you have endocannabinoid receptors in almost every tissue in your body that act as communication portals between body systems.

There are two kinds of endocannabinoid receptors in your body—CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptor is responsible for regulating motor activity, pain perception, and other functions of the central nervous system that are processed in the brain. CB2 receptors are associated with the peripheral nervous system and the physical body. They can be found in your skin, pancreas, bones, and immune system.

THC binds with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, increasing the amount of information that is sent through them, and resulting in the common effects of “being high”. In contrast, CBD blocks THC (and other kinds of molecules) from binding with your receptors, which slows down the information flow.

But unlike THC, which connects strongly with our receptors, CBN binds more weakly to our ECS system. Because of this, the effects of CBN will feel different from either CBD or THC. Most people report feeling sleepy or more relaxed after consuming CBN, and any sense of being “high” may be present, but is greatly diminished from a THC experience.

Consuming CBN edibles

If you’re interested in trying CBN for yourself, one way to consume it is through edibles. CBN edibles, like gummies and chocolate, provide a convenient and discreet way to get your desired dose of the cannabinoid. They’re also a great option for people who don’t like the taste of raw cannabis or prefer to avoid smoking or vaporizing.

Keep in mind that edibles’ effects often take longer to appear than other forms of consumption. Be patient and give them time to work. It’s also a good idea to keep a journal to track your dosage and effects, so you know what to expect when you’re consuming CBN.

How much CBN should I take?

When trying a new cannabinoid, finding the right dosage is always a big part of the experience. It’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed.

In general, 10 mg of CBN is roughly equivalent to 1 mg of THC.  This means that if you were to consume an edible with 5 mg of THC and 10 mg of CBN, you’d feel like you ate around 6 mg of THC. 

There are no known side effects of CBN, which doesn’t mean they don’t exist. It just means that CBN hasn’t been studied enough to discover them. While CBN edibles are generally considered safe, it’s definitely possible to experience side effects like drowsiness and sedation. In fact, that’s probably what you’re going for! So if you’re planning to drive or operate heavy machinery, it’s best to avoid CBN edibles or use them with caution until you really understand how they affect you. 

Conclusion: are CBN edibles worth trying?

Overall, edibles are a convenient and potentially therapeutic way to consume this lesser-known cannabinoid. As with any new cannabinoid, it’s important to do your research and start with a low dose to determine what works best for you. With a little bit of trial and error, you may find that CBN edibles are a natural and effective way to get better sleep, deal with pain and inflammation, and support your overall health and well-being.

This post is part of our series on novel cannabinoids. Click here for our ultimate guide to CBG edibles.