As recognition of medical cannabis in the UK gradually improves, more people are becoming aware of the various compounds that contribute to the plant’s therapeutic effects. But while CBD and THC continue to hold on to the spotlight, there are a whole host of cannabinoids that receive less attention, including cannabinol (CBN) which is a controlled drug in the UK. So, what is CBN? In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know.
Key takeaways
Contents
Cannabinol - or ‘CBN’, as it is more widely known - is one of 125 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 as well as cannabigerol (CBG), 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.
In the UK, CBN is a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Products that contain CBN and are sold online or over the counter without a prescription are only legal if they contain no more than 1 mg of each controlled cannabinoid, such as CBN and THC, per container.
This also goes for products sold as CBD. CBD itself isn’t controlled, but CBD products can only be sold over the counter if they contain no more than 1 mg of each controlled cannabinoid, including CBN and THC, per container.
Medical cannabis products that have been lawfully prescribed by a specialist doctor may contain higher levels CBN than products available online or over the counter.
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.
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. This is because pure CBD is not a controlled cannabinoid whereas CBN is.
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 mild, especially compared to those of other cannabinoids.
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.
As mentioned above, CBN may produce sedative effects in some settings that may help with sleep disorders. There is a theory that CBN, which is produced as cannabis ages, has more sedating effects, but an idea and evidence are two different things.
The 2021 review concluded there was not enough evidence to support the claim that CBN helps people sleep and noted CBN products marketed for sleep contain 5 mg or less of the cannabinoid, a much lower dose than is likely for any effect to take place.
A laboratory study in rats found that CBN increased total sleep time, although it initially disrupted sleep before improving it, and its effects lessened with repeated use of CBN. The doses used were also much higher than people would get from medical cannabis.
A small number of studies have aimed to discern whether CBN is useful for achieving better sleep in humans. 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 reduction in how often people woke up and how disturbed their sleep was but it didn't make a statistical difference to overall sleep quality.
However, it’s important we emphasise that more research is needed to understand whether these effects are clinically significant, research suggests CBD may also help conditions such as insomnia.
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.
CBN is thought to have milder effects than THC, however that doesn’t mean there are no side effects from the cannabinol.
Some of these include:
Drowsiness or grogginess
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Dry mouth
Red eyes
Increased appetite
Headaches
Gastrointestinal problems
Negative drug interactions
Those who are under 18, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, pregnant or taking other medications should also avoid CBN.
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.
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.
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.
Some research suggests CBN has sedative effects but studies are in early stages and more are needed to know if these effects are clinically significant.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest CBN is ‘good’ for anxiety, it may make you feel a sense of calmness linked to its suggested sedative effects.
Those who are under 18, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, pregnant or taking other medications should also avoid CBN.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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