Although cannabis has been considered a dangerous and controversial plant in different parts of the world, research around the topic exposes its vast range of benefits for the human mind and body. The plant has been used for centuries by different cultures with the purpose of healing and has acted as a natural remedy for a number of conditions. The powerful effects of cannabis mainly derive from its rich pool of cannabinoids, which have the power to communicate with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
The research behind the alternative ways of curing diseases such as Alzheimer’s or serious conditions such as cancer has popularized CBD and THC as the most important cannabinoids discovered in the plant. However, there are other cannabinoids, which also play a crucial role in the body when consumed and are worth our attention. Let’s look into what CBN is and what its capabilities are once in the human system.
Where does CBN come from?
Those of you who have been interested in other cannabinoids such as CBD or cannabidiol may have noticed how the world’s mentality towards cannabis changed once studies revealed its therapeutic effects on the body and its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving characteristics. However, another healing cannabinoid, which still lies in the shadows, is CBD. CBD or cannabinol is created through oxidization or when THC is heated to a certain temperature or exposed to oxygen. Due to its way of originating, CBD is mostly discovered in older cannabis plants or flowers, which were poorly stored.
From a consumer’s perspective, the existence of high levels of CBN may not always be a good thing, depending on the ultimate aim of cannabis consumption. For a consumer who is after the mind-altering effects of the psychoactive THC cannabinoid, high doses of CBN in a strain mean less THC or little to no “high”. On the other hand, for those in search of medical benefits and a therapeutic effect, the existence of CBN in cannabis is good news. CBN can be largely found among indica strains and does not exceed 1% in terms of concentration.
CBN and the body
Similar to CBD, CBN is a great natural remedy that can cure a range of conditions without exposing the consumer to any psychoactive effects. CBN has been classified as the most sedative of the cannabinoids found in cannabis and can be highly effective, even when used in small doses. For instance, 2.5mg to 5mg of CBD can have a similar impact on the body to that of 10mg of diazepam (a pharmaceutical solution prescribed for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, or seizures). When combined with CBD or THC, the cannabinoid can be useful in supporting regular sleeping cycles and curing insomnia, it can boost appetite, and can even treat glaucoma due to its ability to decrease intraocular pressure in the eyes.
Some of the dominant impacts of CBN are its power to act as:
Antibacterial – CBD has been associated with treating bacterial infections that are otherwise incurable with antibiotics due to their resistance. For instance, CBN has been related to the treatment of MRSA bacteria.
Pain relief –Similar to CBD, CBN can act as pain relief by transforming the pain signals which the neurons emit to the brain. The cannabinoid can be extremely helpful with pain related to cancer treatment.
Anti-convulsive – Like THC, CBN has anti-convulsive characteristics. However, unlike THC, the cannabinoid will not offer any psychoactive effects for the consumer, making it preferable and safer to use by children and elderly.
Stimulates bone cell growth – CBN can boost the growth of bone tissue and bone cells by stimulating the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells from the bone marrow found in the surroundings. The stem cells are callable of turning into blood cells and bone or other tissues, making CBN useful when treating fractures.
Anti-inflammatory – CBD and CBN are the cannabinoids most associated with providing anti-inflammatory benefits for the body and curing a range of diseases.
Are there any side effects of CBN?
CBN is not considered a threatening or dangerous cannabinoid and has been announced as safe to use. However, there are a few side effects which are possible to be experienced when consuming CBN. If taken in inappropriate doses, the consumption of CBN can expose to the consumer to feelings of tiredness, dizziness, drowsiness, or loss of appetite. The side effects are not seriously harmful to the body but may cause unnecessary discomfort. In order to get the most of your CBN treatment, speak to a professional regarding the advisable intake and create a specific plan for your CBD therapy.
Is CBN legal?
The legality behind CBN may be confusing due to its relationship with THC. The cannabinoid has been de-scheduled from the 2018 Farm Bill Controlled Substances list. CBN is not included in the list of controlled substances and it can be derived from hemp, meaning that the cannabinoid is legal to use by consumers.
Sources:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00421466
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202504/
https://www.steephill.com/blogs/34/Cannabinol-(CBD):-A-Sleeping-Synergy
