CBN (Cannabinol): Known as The Sleepy Cannabinoid

Cannabinol, or CBN, is one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis. Studies have shown it provides a variety of therapeutic benefits, most notably serving as a sleep aid, stimulating appetite, stimulating bone growth, preventing glaucoma, and providing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Cannabinol (CBN) is the product of degradation, or oxidation, of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When THC is exposed to oxygen and heat, over time it breaks down to CBN, which is only mildly psychoactive.

Sleep Aid

Of all the cannabinoids, CBN is the most sedative, making it a potential therapeutic option for those with insomnia and other sleep disorders. Micro-dosing CBN  in very low dosages using a tincture is recommended as a sleep aid.  Dosages are effective using as low as 2 to 4 mg half hour before bed.

Antibacterial

Evidence shows CBN could be an effective anti-bacterial. When applied topically, it was effective against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body.

Antibiotic

Research from 2008 found that CBN successfully killed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is an antibiotic-resistant staph infection.

Pain Relief

CBN has shown effective at reducing sensitivity to pain by stimulating the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from sensory nerves. This pain relief response is performed without impacting the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which suggests that CNB could be used alongside CBD, which does lower pain through activation of the CB1 and CB2 receptors, thus providing a stronger pain relief. A study from 2002 found that CBN and THC activate the same pain pathway in the body – These two molecules tap into nerves known as the “capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves”.

Anti-inflammatory

CBN has shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting it could assist in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and disorders like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, allergic asthma, and Crohn’s disease.

Appetite Stimulant

CBN has shown to increase appetite, which suggests it could assist in the treatment of cachexia and anorexia, and help improve eating desires in those with cancer or HIV/AIDS.

Anti-convulsive

CBN and its derivatives have shown effective at significantly prolonging seizure latency in mice, suggesting it could assist in the treatment of epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

Bone Stimulation

Though far more research is needed, scientists have discovered that CBN triggers stem cells in bone marrow. This could theoretically help with bone formation and bone health, which may be useful for those with broken bones or for those in need of joint replacements.

Conclusion

If you find a strain high in THC, CBN and a flavor molecule called myrcene, you can expect some serious yawns. As this article illustrated, sedation is not the only benefit that CBN provides. These days, more patients and scientists have a better understanding of CBN although more research is needed. It is easier than ever to find cannabis products that contain more CBN or other cannabinoids than usual (such as Indica strains). CBN has little or no psychoactive effects at all. Should you medicate with this cannabinoid alone you would have a fast