"CBD vs CBN: A Guide to Cannabinol"

Posted by Riley Hempington on 30th Oct 2023

Are you well-versed in the world of CBD, perhaps even dabbled in the realm of legal THC products, and now encountering the term CBN? The CBD industry seems to be serving up a veritable alphabet soup of terms and abbreviations, leaving many bewildered. What exactly is CBN, and how does it fit into the broader spectrum of cannabinoids derived from cannabis? In this comprehensive guide, we'll unravel the mysteries of CBD vs. CBN, explore the properties of these compounds, and shed light on their potential health benefits. Let's dive in!

Cannabinoids: The Building Blocks of Cannabis

To understand CBN fully, we must first lay the foundation with some CBD education. CBD and CBN are both phytocannabinoids synthesized by cannabis plants. However, there's more to the story than this initial similarity.

The Role of CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD, short for cannabidiol, originates from CBDA and is naturally produced by the cannabis plant, just like THC. CBD and THC are the two most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis, often referred to as the "major cannabinoids." Notably, CBD is non-psychoactive, offering a range of health benefits, including stress relief, improved sleep, and mild pain management.

Here at CBDfx, we utilize hemp, a low-THC variety of cannabis, to craft our legal CBD and THC products, which encompass a variety of forms, including gummies, tinctures, and more.

Beyond CBD and THC, there exist lesser-known "minor cannabinoids," including CBG, CBC, and the focal point of this article, CBN (cannabinol).

The Function of Cannabinoids Like CBD and CBN

Cannabinoids, like CBD and CBN, interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of chemical receptors closely integrated with our central and peripheral nervous systems. The ECS also regulates processes such as digestion and sleep, aiding the body in maintaining balance or homeostasis. Remarkably, humans, as well as other animals, possess an endocannabinoid system.

When cannabinoids like CBD or CBN interact with ECS receptors, they impart specific therapeutic benefits, depending on the receptor and the cannabinoid's properties. CBD, for instance, augments the ECS by enhancing the performance of the body's own endocannabinoids, contributing to overall wellness. Additionally, CBD exhibits calming effects, making it a valuable tool for stress reduction, improved sleep, and minor pain relief.

Unveiling CBN: The Lesser-Known Cannabinoid

While CBN may not be as famous as CBD, it holds the distinction of being the first cannabinoid ever isolated from the cannabis plant. CBN's discovery dates back to the late 1800s. By the 1930s, it garnered the attention of scientists like R.S. Cahn, who conducted in-depth research on CBN. Over time, scientists learned to synthesize this cannabinoid.

CBN, or cannabinol, derives from the breakdown of THC, often due to oxidation or heat. Interestingly, CBN's identification in the 1800s was likely a result of poor cannabis storage during transportation.

However, CBN should not be dismissed as a mere byproduct of THC breakdown. While it lacks THC's potent psychoactive effects, CBN presents numerous potential health benefits.

CBD vs. CBN: A Comparative Analysis

CBD and CBN differ in popularity, with CBD enjoying wider recognition due to its extensive use as a wellness product. However, CBN is rapidly gaining traction, particularly among individuals seeking improved sleep.

CBN research, like that of CBD and other cannabis compounds, remains ongoing. Nevertheless, we can explore how people utilize CBN compared to CBD and leverage the natural effects of these cannabinoids.

For a considerable period, individuals have turned to CBN's potential calming effects to facilitate a good night's sleep. CBN interacts with receptors in the brain, promoting tranquility and drowsiness. As a result, many opt for CBN products specifically for their sedative properties. Frequently, CBN is combined with CBD and other relaxation-promoting ingredients, such as melatonin and select terpenes, in products designed to enhance sleep quality and reduce stress.

CBN's true potential shines brightest when combined with other cannabinoid compounds, creating what's known as the Entourage Effect. This phenomenon occurs when multiple cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBN, work synergistically, producing a combined effect more potent than that of any single cannabinoid.

CBN-Infused CBD Products from CBDfx

If you're already familiar with full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD, you've encountered CBN in your CBD journey. Full-spectrum CBD encompasses all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%). Broad-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, removes all detectable THC while filtering out some minor cannabinoids from the CBD oil.

At CBDfx, we offer a range of CBN-infused CBD products, meticulously crafted with pure, organic hemp. Each product undergoes rigorous testing, and a Certificate of Analysis ensures purity and potency.

Let's explore some of our notable CBN-infused offerings:

1. CBD Sleep Tincture: Our CBD Sleep Tincture combines CBN, CBD, a unique blend of calming terpenes, and melatonin. This synergistic formula aims to provide the ultimate night's rest, with options ranging from regular strength (1000mg CBD/150mg CBN) to extra strength (2000mg CBD/300mg CBN) and maximum strength (4000mg CBD/600mg CBN).

2. CBD + CBN Night Capsules: Our CBD + CBN Night Capsules blend CBN and CBD with terpenes and the time-tested natural sleep aid, valerian. These capsules also feature 30mg doses of CBD and CBN per serving, along with GABA and magnesium for improved sleep and mood.

3. CBD + CBN Calming Tincture: Our CBD + CBN Calming Tincture is available in a range of strengths, from extra (1000mg CBD/150mg CBN) to ultra (6000mg CBD/300mg CBN). This full-spectrum CBD product delivers pronounced relaxation benefits, making it an ideal choice for those exploring the effects of CBN.

4. Relax Blend CBD Mushroom Tincture: Our unique Relax Blend CBD Mushroom Tincture combines calming CBD and CBN with adaptogenic mushrooms like reishi, maitake, and turkey tail. This antioxidant-rich tincture promotes both relaxation and overall wellness.

5. Delta-9 THC Sweet Dreams Tincture: For those seeking an enhanced experience, our CBN + THC Sweet Dreams Tincture combines full-spectrum CBD, CBN, and Delta-9 THC. This tincture takes restful sleep to the next level.

At CBDfx, we prioritize your safety and satisfaction, crafting all our products from organic hemp, extracting oil via clean CO2 processes, and providing Certificates of Analysis for your peace of mind.

The Final Word on Cannabinol (CBN)

Now that you've gained insight into CBN and its potential effects, the cannabinoid landscape may appear less daunting. At CBDfx, our commitment is simple: we create pure, high-quality products meticulously formulated and tested.

Whether you seek to understand more about cannabinoids like CBN and CBD, explore terpenes, or uncover the Entourage Effect, our informative blog has you covered. Ultimately, it's about finding what works best for you.

Ready to explore the world of CBN? Discover our CBD + CBN Calming Tincture and unlock the potential of this remarkable cannabis compound. Your journey to a better understanding of cannabinoids has only just begun.