Cannabis has a much broader chemical composition than previously believed. The number of components in an ordinary cannabis plant’s composition is stunning, as a testament to nature’s power. You can buy more products in our store.
A new cannabinoid has recently begun to pique scientists’ interest: CBN, commonly known as cannabidiol.
What is Cannabinol?
Cannabinol is a cannabinoid produced from Cannabis (also known as Indian hemp). It is also added to the long list of cannabinoids already known to date: THC, CBG and CBD. Unlike its neighbours, CBN does not come naturally from the plant, it is the result of a process.
CBN is formed during the process of producing THC and cannot be produced without it. CBN is generated when marijuana is heated and oxygenated, just as THC is.
Cannabidiol is decarboxylated by heat and air exposure, resulting in the formation of cannabidiol. CBN is thus a THC derivative that originates from cannabis plants.
The first, like the others, is still under study and testing because it, like the others, too appears to hold promise. Researchers are continuing to emphasize its medical and therapeutic applications.
What are the Effects of CBN on Our Body?
CBN, unlike other cannabinoids found in plants, does not bind as strongly to endocannabinoid receptors that cover the body. nHowever, this does not imply that it is devoid of health benefits for the body.
CBN, although not psychoactive, has the same feelings as THC. This is an interesting fact since it allows CBN to provide a wide range of therapeutic advantages on the body and mind.
Here is the list of therapeutic properties of cannabinol:
- It makes you feel hungry and aids in the reduction of vomiting and nausea. It’s used to treat anorexia;
- CBN is able to replace antibiotics and act against bacteria that are resistant to them;
- Cannabinol boasts excellent pain-relieving properties owing to its strong narcotic, anti-inflammatory properties;
- CBN has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of asthma. As a result, it might be used as an anti-asthmatic agent;
- Researchers from the University of Maryland and Harvard Medical School found that it reduced eye strain and may help people with glaucoma;
- CBN is the cannabinoid of sleep, and CBD would be the one. Some people who suffer from sleeplessness could benefit from the combination of THC and CBN.
Anxiety and Depression Management
CBD has been found in early studies to be a potential substitute for conventional anxiety and depression medications. CBD’s effects are believed to be due to its interaction with 5-HT1A receptors, according to researchers.
In a 2019 Brazilian study, 57 participants were given either a placebo or 150, 300, or 600 mg of CBD before giving a public presentation. According to the researchers, people who received 300 mg of CBD had significantly reduced anxiety.
Participants with anxiety and sleep problems in a 2019 research led by Dr. Scott Shannon were given 25 to 175 mg of CBD per day. After one month, 79.2% of participants reported reduced anxiety symptoms.
Sleep
Many people claim that CBD helps them relax and sleep.
There’s convincing scientific evidence that CBD may improve sleep quality, but additional study is needed to fully comprehend its potential.
In a 2019 research conducted by Dr. Scott Shannon and his colleagues, approximately 66.7 percent of participants reported increased sleep quality after using 25 to 175 mg of CBD every day for a month.
CBD: Benefits and Uses
Cannabidiol (CBD) is said to be a panacea for a variety of medical issues and pain symptoms. The jury is still out, however, and there needs to be further scientific study to support the claims.
There’s a lot of evidence that CBD can help people with certain epileptic seizure disorders, including:
- Dravet syndrome
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Tuberous sclerosis complex
CBD may help children suffering from a variety of rare and severe illnesses that do not respond well to typical antiseizure medications. CBD has been shown in numerous studies to relieve symptoms or even eliminate them in some circumstances.
To treat epileptic disorders, the FDA granted Epidiolex the first and only CBD drug approval. CBD research for medical applications in health areas is still in its early phases and limited.
Currently, its uses are being looked into for medical conditions like:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Schizophrenia
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Anxiety
- Cancer
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid present in the cannabis sativa plant. It may also be manufactured artificially.
When THC is broken down by heat, air, or light, it generates CBN. “This is why higher levels of CBN can be found in cannabis that has been stored for a long period of time,” explains Eric Adams, CEO and president of InMed Pharmaceuticals, a producer and developer of rare cannabinoids. CBN does not produce the intoxicating psychoactive effects associated with THC.
CBD vs. CBN: What’s the Difference?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid present in cannabis sativa plants that many people find beneficial. Although it is similar to CBN, CBD isn’t created directly from THC, but instead emerges independently within the plants.
CBD has been researched more extensively in clinical settings than CBN, and it is more prevalent in commercial goods. CBD has been shown to have several therapeutic effects, but CBN isn’t quite there yet.
Benefits of CBD can include (but aren’t limited to):
- Alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Relieving pain related to conditions like multiple sclerosis, cancer and nerve damage
- Reducing symptoms of arthritis
- Addressing Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two rare forms of epilepsy
- Treating opioid addiction alongside other interventions
CBN and CBD bind to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which controls nerve function and responses to both internal and external stimuli. The majority of CB2 receptors are utilized by the immune system.
How does CBN Exerts Its Effects?
Cannabinoids interact with our body and mind by binding with cannabinoid receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS). If you’re unfamiliar, the endocannabinoid system is a neuronal messenger network that exists in all of our bodies. It influences mood, immune response, sleep, hunger, pain perception, and a variety of other functions.
Cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2, although we understand that other cannabinoids may also act on additional receptors. The many various cannabinoids can bind strongly or weakly to these receptors, some of them being “agonists” while others being “antagonists.” As a result, they have diverse effects.
Cannabinol, like its parent THC, has a greater affinity for the CB2 receptor than the CB1 receptor, although it binds to the CB2 receptors with less force than THC. Tests reveal that cannabidiol activates the CB1 receptors but only slightly compared to THC. Cannabinol is also an agonist at the TRPV2 receptor, which may explain why it provides pain relief. Cannabinol has been shown to decrease activity of other neurotransmitter signaling enzymes as well.