What is CBN?
CBN, also known as Cannabinol is one of the cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant, more specifically, Cannabis Sativa plants. CBN is not psychoactive like Delta 8 or 9, but can have many health benefits especially when used with other cannabinoids.
Is CBN Beneficial for Sleep?
For years, CBN has been advertised and marketed as a potential sleep aid. Anecdotally, some users claim that CBN has made them feel drowsier or improved their quality of sleep. While that may be true for some, there aren't many studies with evidence to back up these claims.
So why is CBN sold as a sleep aid? The answer can be traced back to a scientific study from the 1970s that found patients felt more drowsy when CBN was combined with Delta 9 THC. So while it isn't entirely false that CBN can be used as a sleep aid, it may not be the most effective option.
The Benefits of CBN
Now that new research is being conducted about different cannabinoids almost daily, there are many benefits to taking CBN including:
- Relief from pain and inflammation
- Relief from symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Supporting a healthy appetite (appetite stimulant)
- Supporting the immune system
- Treating addiction - especially when combined with other cannabinoids
- And more! Especially when combined with terpenes
CBN has also been used to help manage the symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) when taken on a daily basis. A study found that high dosages of CBN was associated with lower symptoms of ADHD.
What Should I Use as a Sleep Aid?
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herbal medicine that has been used for centuries. It can have many benefits relating to calmness and mood. But - it has also been found to be an effective sleep aid. This study found that after taking Ashwagandha consistently for 6 weeks, 72% of patients reported their sleep quality improved.
Delta 9 & CBD
When combining Delta 9 THC and CBD, the entourage effect occurs, which boosts the effects of both the THC and the CBD. These two cannabinoids work together and may be effective in getting a good night's sleep.
Sources
Hergenrather, Jeffery Y, et al. “Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses Are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients.” Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2020, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32017685/.
Pacheco, Danielle. “Can Ashwagandha Help You Sleep?” Sleep Foundation, 7 Sept. 2022, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/ashwagandha#references-82073
Person. “Is Delta-9 THC Better Taken Alone or Together with CBD?” Simply Crafted, Simply Crafted, 23 Nov. 2021, https://www.simplycraftedcbd.com/post/is-delta-9-thc-better-taken-alone-or-together-with-cbd.
Pratte, Morgan A, et al. “An Alternative Treatment for Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Human Trial Results Reported for the Ayurvedic Herb Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera).” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25405876/.
Matthew Elmes. “The Curious Case of Cbn & Sleep.” Project CBD, 12 Jan. 2022, https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/curious-case-cbn-sleep.
Silva, Lauren. “What Is CBN? Benefits, Risks and Where to Buy.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/health/body/what-is-cbn/.
Summer, Jay. “CBN for Sleep.” Sleep Foundation, 7 Feb. 2023, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/cbn-for-sleep#references-126520.