What Is CBN? A Quick Guide to Cannabinol

What is cannabinol?

Cannabinol - or ‘CBN’, as it is more widely known - is one of over 100 chemical compounds known as phytocannabinoids. Despite not being as well-known as cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol is one of the most common of these compounds, which are exclusive to cannabis plants. 

CBN is primarily formed when THC is oxidised - that is, exposed to oxygen, light, and heat - which typically occurs during the ageing process of cannabis. As such, CBN is usually found in higher concentrations as cannabis is stored and cured. 

Like other cannabinoids, including phytocannabinoids found in cannabis and endocannabinoids, which are produced in the body, CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) - and potentially other receptor systems - to produce a number of effects. 

Is cannabinol psychoactive?

Some cannabinoids, like THC, produce changes in mood, cognitive function, behaviour, or generally how the brain works. These are classed as “psychoactive” effects, and they can vary from having a calming effect to significantly affecting perception and cognitive function.

So, is CBN psychoactive?

Evidence suggests that CBN can cause some psychoactive effects, such as sedation and dizziness; however, it is much less potent than THC, with much higher doses required to achieve these effects. 

What is the difference between CBD and CBN?

Their names may sound similar, and indeed, both cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) are relatively common cannabinoids; however, there are some significant differences between these two cannabis compounds. 

The most obvious difference is that in the UK, CBD formulations - or products containing CBD - can be purchased over the counter in a variety of health and wellness stores. CBN on the other hand is a compound that is present in a number of prescribed cannabis based treatments. 

But, that's not all.  

While CBD is often referred to as being non-psychoactive, this isn’t strictly true as the compound can still affect brain function. However, CBD does not cause any intoxicating effects, which may be experienced as a result of exposure to high doses of CBN. Nonetheless, the psychoactive effects of CBN are considered to be extremely mild, especially compared to those of other cannabinoids.  

What are the therapeutic effects of cannabinol?

Clinical research into the therapeutic effects of CBN is still in its infancy, especially compared to that of more well-known cannabinoids like CBD and THC. However, some early findings suggest that there may be several potential benefits of CBN. 

Cannabinol for sleep

As mentioned above, CBN may produce sedative effects in some settings. A small number of studies have aimed to discern whether this property could make CBN useful for achieving better sleep. For example, a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study tested the effects of CBN, with and without CBD, on sleep quality in participants with poor sleep. 

The results indicated that, compared to placebo, 20 mg CBN demonstrated a potentially meaningful effect on sleep quality and was associated with a reduction in sleep disturbance and the number of awakenings. 

However, it’s important we emphasise that more research is needed to understand whether these effects are clinically significant. 

Cannabinol for pain

Like many other cannabinoids, CBN has been found to interact with the Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors in our endocannabinoid system, which play a crucial role in regulating inflammation. CBN has also been seen to affect non-cannabinoid receptors, including TRP channels, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), and serotonin receptors, which also contribute to the modulation of pain and inflammation.

However, few studies have investigated the pain-relieving potential of CBN in humans. Again, more research is needed to understand the mechanisms of CBN in the human body and its implications in the management of pain.

Do medical cannabis products contain cannabinol?

CBN is a relatively common cannabinoid which is found in a wide variety of cultivars. As such, it is commonplace in many broad-spectrum and full-spectrum cannabis products. But, is CBN legal in the UK? 

Cannabinol can be found in many cannabis-based medicines, including those available on prescription in the UK. At Releaf, a number of our medical cannabis products contain cannabinol, alongside other cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, and other cannabis compounds like terpenes. 

Cannabinol and medical cannabis in the UK

All cannabis-based medical products - including those containing cannabinol - are only legal in the UK when they are prescribed by a specialist doctor. Since legislation was amended in 2018, cannabis-based medicines have been available on prescription for a wide range of conditions and symptoms. 

If you’d like to learn more about medical cannabis, including the treatments and services offered at Releaf, you can find more information and resources on our Blog and Education section. 

To find out if you could be eligible for medical cannabis treatment, complete our quick and easy Eligibility Checker today or get in touch with one of our specialists.