9 minute read

What Is Cannabinol (CBN)

By now it has been well established in the scientific community that the Cannabis Sativa plant is a botanical phenomenon, and we have only scratched its surface so far. This natural cannabinoid factory produces hundreds of substances, of which over a hundredth are cannabinoids

But what exactly is a cannabinoid that the cannabis plant is so famous for? These chemicals, unique almost entirely to the cannabis plant, interact with receptors in human bodies, while each one is producing its own effect. For now, we are just at the tip of the iceberg, since only a handful of cannabinoids have been well researched and only a few found their way onto the commercial market.THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (Cannabidiol), and CBG (Cannabigerol) are already well-established in the wider community. But the scientists and entrepreneurs are now discussing the next big thing connected to the cannabis plant – Cannabinol also known as CBN!

The History Of Cannabinol (CBN)

The fact that CBN is just now emerging on the cannabis market is somewhat surprising, as CBN was actually the first cannabinoid to be found in the cannabis plant.

CBN was isolated already in the late 19th century, while its structure was elucidated in the early 1930s by R.S. Cahn. With its structure known, it was first synthesized in 1940. This was 2 whole years prior to the first CBD synthesis and 24 years before the first synthesis of THC!

It was this three cannabinoids on which most of the early cannabis research was based. 

THC and its analogs had way more powerful effects on the human’s mind and body compared to CBD and CBN, which is probably why the majority of the scientific world turned towards research of THC and its effects on the human body and mind.

But it was not just the scientists that were interested in THC. The young generation of the 60s was also very fond of cannabis rich in THC. This is probably the reason (among several others) that led to the worldwide prohibition of the Cannabis Sativa in 1968

The inclusion of the cannabis plant rich in THC on the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs is the reason why most of the cannabinoid research was abruptly halted. With regulations of cannabis use and cultivation becoming more relaxed in the new millennium, the research is able to continue. 

This is especially evident in the case of CBD, as it is the new scientific discoveries that paved the way for the enormous rise in its popularity. But why was it CBD, and not CBN that made the resurgence of the cannabis plant possible? The answer may be linked to how CBN is made!

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How Is CBN Made

CBN is formed as a byproduct of THC degradation, which significantly differs from the way THC and CBD are formed – the latter two form in the cannabis plant from their biosynthetic precursor CBGa (Cannabigerolic acid)

THC, which is converted from THCa through the decarboxylation process (heat+time) can degrade further into CBN from the impact of UV light and oxygen. In other words, CBN is not made by the plant, but is made from the THC, which is made by the plant. 

This brings us to two major points:

  1. In nature, there is no CBN, without THC first
  2. As hemp has very low concentrations of THC, CBN hemp, similar to CBG and CBD hemp will never exist

Is there a Hemp-Derived CBN

There are very low natural levels of CBN that are found in hemp. This makes hemp-extracted CBN possible, although extremely rare to come by.

Another possible way to obtain CBN from hemp is by isomerization of CBD or CBG. This can be achieved through chemical reactions with the help of catalysts. This method of obtaining CBN is much more commercially viable but can pose many challenges. A significant amount of impurities can be formed in the process that leads to potentially harmful leftovers from the chemical reaction.

CBN can be obtained from THC degradation or isomerization from CBD through reflux aromatization

A much more sensible method would be to derive CBN directly from THC. This can be done in a laboratory or other controlled environments. It is possible to expose THC to oxygen and UV light in a reactor. This simulates the natural process of THC oxidation which quickly converts most of the THC into CBN, without the use of potentially dangerous agents. As simple as it sounds, this easy to do and easy to scale method has one big problem. In most countries, It is just impossible to legally obtain THC and convert it into CBN, as plants with high concentration of THC are considered narcotic drugs and any business transactions with them are crimes.

Legality Of CBN

This brings us to the next question. As CBN derives from THC, their chemical structures are very similar, so.. Is CBN legal?  CBN is not listed on the United Nations’ Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which should make it legal in most countries.

But because of their similar structure, in some countries CBN might be treated as an analog of THC, which could mean that the authorities would treat it as a narcotic drug!  Be sure to check the local regulations in regards to CBN legality before purchasing and using CBN!

Effects From Consuming CBN

The very close relation between CBN and THC shows great interest from the scientific field and cannabis consumers alike. The legality of CBN allows the research to be done without regulative obstructions, despite the fact that it is hard to come by. As CBN is legal, the consumers should also be able to freely enjoy the effect of cannabinol.

How does CNB compare to THC

Being structurally so similar to THC, the first thing we ask ourselves is, is CBN also psychoactive?

Cannabinol is labeled as mildly psychoactive. Although it has some effects on the mind, it is still nowhere near the way THC will affect your mind and body. THC can promote a full-blown psychedelic experience in higher dosages, which will not happen with the use of CBN.On the other hand, CBN has a much more pronounced effect on the human body. Its effect is seen primarily in relaxation and sedation. Many cannabis users rely upon the plant as their sleep aid and will cherish CBN as their newfound tool. According to Dr. Ethan Russo, it’s when combined with other cannabis compounds to reach the entourage effect, when the sedation of CBN gets really strong.

black and gray stethoscope

Potential Benefits Of CBN

Anti-Insomnia 

People who suffer from sleep disorders might look at CBN as an alternative to traditional benzodiazepine medicine. Compared to those, CBN offers a natural way of dealing with chronic distress and insomnia. Looking at this study, when combined with other cannabinoids, CBN is even more effective than Diazepam.

Antibacterial 

With time, traditional antibiotics are decreasing in their efficiency. The antimicrobial properties of CBN might make it an excellent antibiotic this recent study says. 

Anti-Inflammatory 

According to the study, cannabinol shows potential benefits for treating inflammation, by blocking the pain receptors thus blocking the pain pathways. 

Pain Relief

By acting on pain receptors, this study shows the CBN analgesic properties. Although with lesser effect than THC, CBN is a great pain relief choice as it provides no negative psychotropic side effects of THC.

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Recent research conducted on CBN

According to this article from Profofpot, it is right to be skeptical of the CBN effects. This is especially true for the research regarding its sedative powers. Most of the research on CBN was done 50 years ago and the methods and result might not always conform to contemporary scientific standards.

Nonetheless, the first clinical study on Cannabinol is underway. This study from InMed Pharmaceuticals is only researching the dermatological applications of CBN. But InMed has completed more than 30 pre-clinical pharmacology and toxicology studies, identifying potential therapeutic advantages of CBN in specific disease models over the more common cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), as well as other rare variants. Once the results will be published we will be able to assess the actual potential of CBN!

How cannabinoids are formed

The Difference Between CBN And CBD

Cannabinol and Cannabidiol are different in many aspects. CBN is a metabolite of THC decay, CBN is also a partial agonist of the CB1 cannabinoid receptors located in the human nervous system. This affinity to CB1 receptors, albeit very low, is responsible for the mild psychoactive effects of CBN. While we can attribute the sedative properties of CBN to the higher affinity to CB2 receptors. 

CBD acts as a potent antagonist of both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Meaning that CBD limits the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors, making them work as they should. In case our endocannabinoid system works as intended, CBD alone won’t have much of an effect on us.

But if we experience endocannabinoid deficiency, or if we experience the overabundance of endo or exo cannabinoids, CBD will make sure to establish the proper balance in our system. It does so by limiting or activating the CB1 and CB2 receptor sensitivity.

Even though CBD and CBN are structurally different and impact the cannabinoid receptors differently, they still share similarities. Especially as they are both soluble in fats, alcohol and other non-polar solvents, they can both be incorporated into the same formulations.

Manufacturing And Using CBN Products

If you are fond of using CBD products, giving CBN a try is possible with the same routes of application.

Tinctures and drops with CBN are still the most commonly used CBN product. The bioavailability factor still applies, same as with CBD.

Tinctures should be dosed under the tongue, for faster onset and better absorption. To maximize bioavailability, we can rely on carrier oils such as MCT.

If your intention is to pronounce the relaxing and sedative effects of CBN, you can try to combine it with other ingredients. Valerian root extract, hops extract, lavender essential oil are great botanical combinations with CBN. Melatonin is also a very popular addition to CBN tinctures, as it increases the anti-insomnia effects.

For those relying on the inhalation of cannabis, especially vaporizing, an important thing to keep in mind is the boiling point of CBN, which is 185°C. 

You should note that there is a rise of THC-free hemp concentrates to which CBN isolate is added. When concentrates or isolates are consumed, precautions should be taken and if you intend to consume CBN products to treat health conditions you should always consult appropriate experts.

Essentia Pura is focused on full-spectrum hemp extraction (<0.2% THC), and producing hemp extracts rich in CBN is just not possible at the moment. We are carefully analyzing the CBN market, and as we see a big increase in demand for CBN isolate, we are considering adding CBN isolate to our offer very soon! If you are interested in collaboration for your CBN or CBD related business, follow our blog, stay up to date with regulation and contact us for possible business cooperation.