Because CBD is such a hugely popular industry right now, we seem to think that it’s the only cannabinoid that’s in the hemp plant that can actually do anything. However, the hemp plant is naturally rich in a wide range of cannabinoids, with CBD simply being the most abundant. Other cannabinoids certainly exist in hemp, and they might be just as exciting and desirable as CBD. For this article, we will be diving into CBN, which is also a popular cannabinoid that is getting more respect due to its unique properties.
If this interests you, please continue reading and take note of how CBN has its own exciting uses. You will also learn why more hemp enthusiasts are seeking it out than ever before.
Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System
Before we talk about how CBN differs from CBD and other hemp cannabinoids, we have to explain why these cannabinoids are each desirable in their own unique ways. Cannabinoids are a fascinating class of compounds that are primarily prevalent in the cannabis plant, hence their name. But these aren’t your ordinary plant compounds. Cannabinoids have the distinction of being used by the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system produces cannabinoids within the body. It then sends them to various cannabinoid receptors that exist along with every bodily system including the skin, muscular tissue, immune system, brain, major organs and more.
The endocannabinoid system’s job is to maintain homeostasis, and so its duty revolves around regulating important bodily processes like immune function, pain levels, and hormonal balance. But, if a person naturally struggles to produce enough cannabinoids on their own, the endocannabinoid system can’t do its job properly.
Cannabinoids that come from the hemp plant supply the endocannabinoid system with a natural alternative, so that the endocannabinoid system can use them to regulate various processes. Of course, CBD is just one of the cannabinoids that are used by the endocannabinoid system. But, as you can see, more cannabinoids exist, and each may be used by the endocannabinoid system in its own unique way.
What Makes CBN So Prominent?
CBN, which is short for cannabinol, is another prominent cannabinoid found within the hemp plant. As the plant ages, the CBN levels increase. It’s non-psychoactive, which means that you can consume straight CBN without feeling high.
What Does CBN Do?
CBN is best known for its potential sedating properties, as many people who use it regularly claim that it helps with anxiety, sleep disorders, and high-stress levels. However, it is possible that for CBN’s potential sedating abilities to be noticeable, the CBN must be taken along with THC due to the synergistic nature of these cannabinoids. CBN may also have strong anti-inflammatory properties, similar to CBD, and so it may be used by some for pain management. CBN also has antibacterial properties, even when used topically.
Additionally, CBN might have neuroprotective properties, and this suggestion comes from a study performed on rats with neurological disorders. This means that it may be able to protect the neurons in the brain that die off due to age or traumatic brain injury. This is currently under study by medical researchers.
Who Can Benefit from CBN?
Most people who seek out pure CBN or high-CBN hemp products are those who struggle with anxiety, insomnia, and chronic stress. Now that you know more about CBN, you can understand why. Others who may want to look for CBN are those who are struggling with their appetite, as well as those who are more interested in the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp.
How is CBN Made?
When the hemp plant is run through an extraction process, CBN is one of the many compounds that is lifted from the plant material. Therefore, CBN naturally exists in the extracted hemp. From there, CBN can either be isolated from the remaining chemical composition or left along with all of the other compounds, including CBD, THC, and terpenes.
What Contains CBN?
CBN comes in many forms. For one thing, any CBD product that contains a full spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp extract contains a decent level of CBN. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum are two types of hemp extracts commonly used in commercial CBD products. Full-spectrum contains every plant compound including the trace amount of THC that’s native to the hemp plant. Broad-spectrum contains every plant compound including CBD and CBN, minus the THC. Then, some products contain CBD isolate, which is just CBD without any CBN or other plant compounds.
Interestingly, there are products that contain CBN isolate, which means that the CBN has been removed from the hemp extract and blended with other ingredients to create a product that can be easily administered to the body. However, be aware that CBN isolates products are more expensive than CBD products. That’s because CBN is not as abundant in hemp as CBD. Therefore, more plant material must be used to create a CBN isolate extract.
If you want to know if a particular full or broad-spectrum hemp product has a high level of CBN, you may be able to find out from the third-party lab results provided by most CBD companies. Many of these lab results show a breakdown of the chemical composition of a particular batch of hemp extract, so you will be able to see how much CBN is present in the strain that you’re consuming. Additionally, you can always ask a CBD product manufacturer if they are aware of the presence of CBN in their product so that you can find high-CBN options. However, bear in mind that some believe that CBN is most useful when it is combined with the other compounds native to hemp.
The Next Real Big Thing Perhaps?
CBN, like CBD, is a hemp compound classified as a cannabinoid that works with the body’s endocannabinoid system. As you can see, CBD and CBN share some properties in common, but CBN has many unique properties of its own as well. If you’re interested in the properties of CBN, we recommend seeking out a product that contains a generous amount of this interesting compound.
