Insomnia continues to be one of the most unattended medical issues in the United States. In a frantic rat race to stand out from the crowd, the regular sleeping cycle has taken a backseat. To fix that sleep mess, cannabinoids from the cannabis plant have gained popularity due to their beneficial properties.

These cannabinoids bind with the receptor (CB1 and CB2) in the endocannabinoid system and bring about noticeable effects in the body-from our mood to the digestive process. However, due to the information overload, people are getting more indecisive about the choice of CBD and CBN for a better sleep cycle. Read on to know more…

Cannabinoids: A bird’s eye view

• Tetrahydrocannabinol or, THC is the most common cannabinoid that people know about. It is the psychoactive chemical in marijuana responsible for producing the ‘high’ effect. However, CBN and CBD, one of the cannabinoids as well, are milder.

• Cannabidiol or, CBD is found to be in higher concentration in the cannabis plant and has been well researched for its possible uses. It is known to relieve the symptoms of anxiety, a range of chronic pain, and other medical conditions.

• Cannabinol or, CBN is not as popular as CBD due to a lack of research and undiscovered benefits. However, CBN is getting into the picture due to its potential benefits for sleep management.

CBD vs CBN: A Chemical Ttiff

CBD is present in greater concentration in cannabis and hemp plants. On the other hand, CBN is prepared by exposing THC to heat and light. Basically, if THC is oxidized and exposed to elements, many of these THC molecules will turn into CBN.

The reason why CBN is more preferred over CBD for sleep is that the former gives out the effects of THC minus the ‘High’ factor. Although there is still a long way to go in the research for CBN, one research by Steep Hill suggests that CBN can work for sleeping disorders. It is because CBN can show results alongside other components, better known as the entourage effect.

Is CBN more expensive than CBD?

Unlike CBD and THC, CBN is found in lower concentrations in the cannabis plant. Consequently, the segregation of the CBN component is a more challenging task. Additionally, since CBN is the dried version of THC, it takes a considerable time for THC to oxidize completely. For this reason, the cost of CBN can be as high as $2 per mg in comparison to the minimal price of $0.10 per mg for CBD.

All about the side effects of CBD and CBN

Before we jump to the intricacies, it is important to note that the capacity to react with any substance differs with every human. There are, however, few side effects associated with hemp products. Both CBD and CBN have somewhat similar after-effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Nevertheless, sleepiness is found to be more profound in CBN as it contains some traces of THC, which eventually rules out the psychoactive effects.

How CBN can be administered?

CBN is not readily available as CBD, but a few options to choose from could be:

• CBN oil

• Capsules

• Teabags

• Tincture

• Disposable vape pens

More often than not, even after hitting our brains dead in much research about similar substances, we find ourselves doubting about the purchase of the final product. Also, best CBN products, just like CBD are legal provided they are derived from industrial hemp and don’t contain THC greater than 0.3 %.

Conclusion

CBN and CBD are active chemicals in the cannabis plant but react differently with the receptors and produce slightly different effects. Since CBN is found to have a trace of THC, it is believed to be more effective in accelerating sleep.

While more extensive research is needed on the ‘benefit’ front, the side effects of the two chemicals are somewhat similar. It is always advisable to consult a professional before consuming these compounds to better understand the risk and benefits. With the ever-growing popularity of the cannabis plant, a sound knowledge of these compounds to optimize health and well-being is a crucial factor.