What Is CBN?

What Is CBN?

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You might have noticed a surge of products featuring something called CBN. But what is CBN, and why has it suddenly become so popular? Surprisingly, Cannabinol (CBN) is not a new discovery – it was the first ever cannabinoid isolated back in the late 1800s. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBN isn't naturally abundant in cannabis strains. Instead, it forms when THC degrades due to exposure to heat, light, or air. Essentially, the older the cannabis, the higher its CBN content. 

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The Science Behind CBN 

Chemically similar to THC, CBN interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies, but it does so much less effectively than THC and produces different effects. While often labeled as non-psychoactive, CBN isn't entirely devoid of psychoactive properties, though it is largely non-intoxicating compared to THC. Many users report that CBN induces sedative-like effects, which might explain why aged cannabis often just makes you sleepy. This sedative quality is a significant factor in the current rise of CBN-infused products, primarily marketed as sleep aids.

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Does CBN Have Medicinal Benefits?

Beyond its use as a sleep aid, CBN boasts a variety of potential medicinal benefits. For instance, a recent study in the Archive of Oral Biology demonstrated in rats that CBN has analgesic properties, especially when combined with CBD. An analgesic is a substance that provides pain relief, similar to Aspirin. In this study, CBN and CBD showed promise in treating chronic pain conditions without noticeable side effects.

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Additionally, researchers are exploring the antibiotic potential of cannabinoids. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to global health. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, several cannabinoids, including CBN, exhibit antibiotic properties. This is particularly relevant against bacteria like MRSA, which are resistant to many traditional antibiotics. However, the researchers behind this study asserted that more research must be conducted before definitive conclusions can be made. 

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Final Thoughts

CBN's recent rise in to prominence is well-deserved. Its potential medicinal and therapeutic benefits, illuminated through several recent publications, are to great to ignore. Although it forms from old or degraded cannabis, this cannabinoid holds promising applications in areas such as sleep aids and pain releif. So, the next time you find an old stash, keep it around; you never know when you’ll want an effective sleep aid or pain reliever. 

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Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31158702/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18681481/

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