What is CBN is a question that often arises in the minds of those interested in different cannabinoids. Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid that has mild psychoactive effects. CBN works by partially activating CB1 and CB2 receptors within the body, which are components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that influence the regulation of various physical functions. THC is widely recognized for its intoxicating effects, while CBD has gained fame for its therapeutic benefits. However, these are not the only cannabinoids – cannabinol (CBN) is also emerging as a significant compound in the CBD market.
Although CBN is less studied and used than CBD and THC, it shows promise in addressing various conditions. Unlike THC, CBN does not produce strong psychoactive effects, making it an attractive option for those seeking therapeutic benefits of CBN without the high. Research suggests that CBN may have sedative properties, which could be beneficial for individuals with sleep disorders. Additionally, CBN is being explored for its potential to stimulate appetite, making it useful for patients experiencing weight loss due to illness.
Entrepreneurs and business representatives should consider the growing interest in CBN as they explore opportunities in the growing CBD market. The unique benefits of CBN, combined with the well-established popularity of CBD, highlight the diverse potential of hemp-derived products. By staying informed about emerging cannabinoids like CBN, business leaders can position themselves to meet evolving consumer demands and capitalize on new CBD market trends.
What is CBN?
CBN is a cannabinoid present in the cannabis sativa plant and can also be synthesized artificially. CBN is formed when THC degrades through exposure to heat, air, or light. This degradation process explains why aged, dry cannabis contains higher levels of CBN. The unique formation process of CBN distinguishes it from other cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
Notably, CBN does not produce the intoxicating psychoactive effects associated with THC. If you’re a CBD market entrant, you should definitely note the potential of CBN as a valuable addition to your CBD product lines. By incorporating CBN into your offerings, you can expand to a broader audience.
What are its differences from CBD?
CBD and CBN are among the more than 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Both CBD and CBN are non-psychoactive. These cannabinoids interact with the same receptors in the body but produce different effects, which is crucial for understanding their unique benefits. CBD has gained significant popularity and is widely available, derived primarily from the hemp plant. Its legal status varies by country, but they are widely accepted in Europe and can be found in many retail outlets and online shops.
In contrast, CBN is less known and less accessible due to limited research on its benefits, uses, and side effects. Despite this, CBN is slowly gaining recognition for its potential benefits, particularly in sleep and pain management.
Despite their structural differences and varying effects on cannabinoid receptors, CBD and CBN share similarities, particularly in their solubility in fats, and other non-polar solvents, allowing them to be combined in the same formulations.
How is CBN made?
CBN is uniquely formed as a byproduct of THC degradation, differing significantly from the formation of THC and CBD, which both originate from the biosynthetic precursor cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) in the hemp plant.
THC is converted from THCa through a decarboxylation process involving heat and time, and can further degrade into CBN upon exposure to UV light and oxygen. Essentially, CBN is not directly produced by the plant but results from the transformation of THC, which the plant produces. This process highlights two critical points for anyone interested in the CBD market. Firstly, CBN does not naturally occur in the absence of THC. Secondly, since hemp contains very low concentrations of THC, producing CBN from hemp is not achievable, unlike the production of CBD and CBG from hemp.
Businesses must consider the implications of sourcing and production when developing CBN products, recognizing that the natural limitations of hemp require alternative methods for obtaining CBN. As professional CBD manufacturing experts, here, at Hempo Solutions, we offer CBN oil in bulk, as well as white and private label.
Derivation from hemp
As we’ve already mentioned, natural occurrence of CBN in hemp is extremely low, making hemp-extracted CBN very rare. One alternative method for obtaining CBN from hemp involves the isomerization of CBD or CBG through chemical reactions using catalysts. While this approach is more commercially viable, it poses significant challenges, including the potential formation of harmful impurities.
Therefore, a more practical method would be to derive CBN directly from THC in controlled environments. This can be achieved by exposing THC to oxygen and UV light in a reactor, mimicking the natural oxidation process that converts THC into CBN without the use of dangerous chemicals. Although this method is straightforward and scalable, it faces a major legal obstacle. In many countries, obtaining THC for conversion into CBN is illegal due to the classification of high-THC plants as narcotic drugs.
The legality of CBN in Europe
Given that CBN derives from THC, their chemical structures are very similar, which raises important questions about the legality of CBN. Unlike THC, CBN is not listed on the United Nations’ Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, suggesting that it should be legal in most countries. However, due to the structural similarities between CBN and THC, some countries may classify CBN as an analog of THC, treating it as a narcotic drug. This regulatory uncertainty means that CBN could be subject to the same legal restrictions as THC in certain jurisdictions. Let’s take a closer look at some countries in Europe.
Quick overview
In Europe, the legal status of CBN varies by country. As of 2024, here are some European countries where CBN is legal:
| France: CBN, along with other non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG, is legal and can be sold in various forms, including oils and capsules. |
| Germany: CBN is legal under similar regulations to CBD, meaning it must contain less than 0.2% THC. It is available for purchase without a prescription as long as it complies with these THC limits. |
| Netherlands: CBN can be legally sold as long as it contains no more than 0.05% THC. The Netherlands is known for its liberal cannabis laws, which extend to non-psychoactive cannabinoids. |
| Poland: CBN is legal if it contains less than 0.2% THC, aligning with the EU regulations for CBD products. |
| Luxembourg: similar to CBD, CBN is legal if it contains less than 0.3% THC at any point during production. |
Always check the latest local regulations as laws can change. If you have any questions, you can always contact us.
What are the potential benefits of CBN
While research on CBN is limited, especially regarding human clinical trials, preclinical studies indicate that CBN may have several therapeutic benefits. These early studies suggest that CBN could be effective in various medical applications. For instance, CBN has been explored for its potential sedative properties, which could make it a beneficial option for individuals with sleep disorders. Additionally, preclinical research points to CBN’s potential role in pain management, which could offer relief for those suffering from chronic pain conditions. Despite the scarcity of comprehensive studies, the preliminary findings highlight CBN’s promise as a therapeutic substance.
Can treat epidermolysis bullosa
Researchers are actively investigating the potential therapeutic benefits of CBN, with promising developments in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa, a group of rare diseases that cause the skin to blister easily. InMed Pharmaceuticals is currently in the second phase of clinical trials for a CBN cream, which has shown to be well-tolerated on both normal and damaged skin, including open wounds. Importantly, the CBN cream did not cause any delay in wound healing. This is a significant finding, as it suggests that CBN may have anti-inflammatory properties that could be beneficial in healing chronic wounds, particularly where healing has been hindered by prolonged inflammation. CBN’s anti-inflammatory activity could make it an effective treatment option for chronic wounds.
Reducing the symptoms of Glaucoma
CBN may offer significant benefits in treating eye conditions such as glaucoma, a disease that causes vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve. High intraocular pressure is closely linked to glaucoma, and reducing this pressure is a key strategy in slowing the disease’s progression. Some recent studies revealed that treating retinal cells with a topical CBN formula led to high levels of cell survival under elevated pressure conditions.
Notably, CBN outperformed both CBD and THC in these tests, indicating its superior efficacy in this context. Furthermore, CBN has demonstrated neuroprotective abilities, meaning it can protect nervous system cells and structures by significantly reducing or preventing natural cell death.
Relieving chronic muscle pain
A 2019 study on rats found that CBN, along with CBD and a combination of both cannabinoids, significantly decreased muscle sensitization. This research suggests that CBN could provide pain relief for chronic muscle pain disorders, such as temporomandibular disorders (which affect the jaw muscles, joints, and nerves) and fibromyalgia (a condition causing widespread body pain). Although clinical studies are still needed to confirm these findings in humans, the preclinical results are promising. The potential for CBN to alleviate chronic pain opens new opportunities for developing targeted pain management therapies.
Insomnia
People suffering from sleep disorders may find CBN to be a promising alternative to traditional benzodiazepine medications. Unlike benzodiazepines, CBN offers a natural approach to managing chronic distress and insomnia. Research indicates that CBN, especially when combined with other cannabinoids like CBD, can be more effective in promoting sleep and reducing anxiety. This highlights the potential of CBN as a safer and more natural option for those seeking relief from sleep disorders.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
As traditional antibiotics become less effective over time, the antimicrobial properties of CBN present another significant benefit. Recent studies suggest that CBN could serve as an excellent antibiotic, capable of treating infections by leveraging its antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, CBN has shown potential benefits in reducing inflammation by blocking pain receptors and disrupting pain pathways.
Potential CBN side effects
Despite the promising potential benefits of CBN, the lack of extensive clinical studies makes it challenging to fully understand its effects on the human body. Among the potential risks associated with CBN are drowsiness and sedation. These effects, while beneficial for those seeking relief from sleep disorders, may be undesirable for individuals who need to remain alert. Another significant concern is that CBN use might lead to a positive result on drug tests, which could pose problems for individuals subject to routine testing.
Drowsiness and sedation
Drowsiness is a known potential side effect of CBN, particularly when it is combined with CBD. This sedative effect is why it is generally not recommended for people to take CBN products during the day. As research on CBN continues to grow, more data will become available regarding its side effects and potential drug interactions. Despite this, many consumers seek out CBN products specifically for their ability to aid with sleep and relaxation, viewing the drowsiness as a beneficial effect rather than a drawback.
Positive drug test result
The use of CBN could by chance lead to failed drug tests. Evidence from at least one study indicates that CBN can result in positive outcomes on two different drug tests. In one of these tests, CBN demonstrated an “additive effect” with THC, essentially increasing the detectable levels of THC. This means that even if you have virtually undetectable amounts of THC in your system, the presence of CBN could skew the test results, leading to a positive drug test depending on the sensitivity of the testing method.
Providing clear information about the potential for CBN to affect drug test results can help your customers make informed choices, particularly those who may be subject to regular drug screenings.
Where to source CBN products for your business
For those entering the CBD market and considering CBN products, sourcing high-quality products is crucial. Popular CBD manufacturers offer a variety of CBN options, but it is essential to ensure that these CBN products meet accurate standards.
First, verify that the manufacturer provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for all its products. This document should detail the exact levels of various cannabinoids, including CBN, as well as indicate the presence of any molds, heavy metals, and pesticides. A COA is a testament to the product’s quality and safety, ensuring that it meets CBD’s industry standards.
Additionally, ensure that the company utilizes third-party testing. Independent testing by a third-party laboratory helps prevent conflicts of interest, biases, and label inaccuracies. This step is vital in maintaining transparency and trust with consumers.
At Hempo Solutions, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality CBN oil. Utilizing advanced double extraction techniques, we ensure the purity and potency of our CBN and CBD products. Our commitment to excellence means you can trust our CBN oil to deliver consistent and effective results, meeting the highest standards of safety and quality.
Conclusion
Just some time ago, finding quality CBN products was a challenge. However, as new research highlights its potential benefits for myofascial pain, sleep, and inflammation, CBN is emerging as a promising compound in the medical and natural wellness sectors.
When sourcing CBN products for your business, it is crucial to prioritize products made with high-quality ingredients and backed by third-party lab tests. This ensures that the contents are accurately represented and safe for use.
Many people report positive results for sleep support and comfort from CBN products. At Hempo Solutions, we are proud to offer a selection of CBN oils, made from the highest quality hemp crops in Europe. We take great pride in our extraction methods and formulations, which are based on public research.
