CBD and CBN are two of the major cannabinoids found in cannabis along with the famous THC.
CBD stands for Cannabidiol and CBN stands for Cannabinol.
CBD is the main medicinal compound and a major counterpart to THC. Whereas, CBN is mildly psychoactive and can be considered as the lighter version of THC.
CBN is also one of the core compounds that THC turns into when it breaks down be it due to aging or exposure to heat or light.
In either case, CBN can be seen in abundance in aged and dry cannabis.
CBD on the other hand which is naturally found in cannabis in heavy amounts, second only to THC, has nothing to do with the latter.
CBD or Cannabidiol is the primary medicinal compound found across the cannabis plant family.
As such, it is also referred to as medicinal marijuana.
Contrary to THC, the other major ingredient in weed, which is primarily psychoactive, CBD is completely non-psychoactive and thus does not cause any ‘high.’
Instead, it is known for all kinds of potential therapeutic effects against a wide range of health issues and diseases.
For instance, sleep, calmness, pain management, relief from anxiety and inflammation, epilepsy, cancer/ chemotherapy, and other functions that our bodies are supposed to perform daily like regulating our mood and appetite.
Given the large array of potential benefits, CBD is extracted and sold in both isolated forms as well as in combination with other compounds in a variety of products.
These may range from CBD-infused edibles like gummies and tinctures to pills, vapes, and oils.
Key Differences Between CBD and CBN
CBD and CBN are quite different in their nature and effects.
While CBD is primarily medicinal with no high or euphoria whatsoever, CBN is a slightly psychoactive substance that can cause a high especially when taken in larger doses.
While CBD is found naturally in weed and can also be increased in quantities through breeding or hybridization, CBN is only created when THC breaks down due to aging or exposure to harsh UV light. Therefore, it cannot be created or adjusted manually.
Nonetheless, exposing THC to heat or sunlight can certainly speed up the degradation process and the breakdown of THC into CBN.
As such, it can produce some sort of psychoactive effects like a mild high when consumed in higher doses.
CBD on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and does not cause any high.
As one of the major cannabinoids, it has been substantially researched considering its potential therapeutic effects.
The same cannot be said about CBN though as it is a minor byproduct of the aging THC. Thus share the same traits as the psychoactive compound albeit with 25% less efficiency.
Regardless, both CBD and CBN have been claimed to have multiple health benefits such as sleep/ insomnia, pain management, neuroprotection, and anti-inflammation.
But while CBN is still not an FDA-approved drug for treating medical conditions, CBD has been approved for treating epilepsy and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex or TSC.
How Can You Consume CBD or CBN?
CBD and CBN are two entirely different molecules despite coming from the same plant as is the case with CBD and THC.
But while CBD and THC are the main cannabinoids and can be found in abundance in the cannabis plant family, CBN is a minor cannabinoid that hasn’t been staked on as much as the other two.
As a result, while CBD and THC are easily available in a wide range of products, CBN is not that readily available.
In essence, CBD can be consumed in many ways including:
- Eating or drinking as in CBD-infused edibles and beverages.
- Pills and capsules.
- Gummies.
- Detox patches and other topicals.
- Edible Oils and tinctures that can be taken sublingually.
- Vape oils and juices meant for CBD-specific vaping.
CBN, on the other hand, has very few isolated forms and is mostly found in combination with other compounds including THC and CBD. Let’s take a closer look:
- Oils and tinctures.
- Pills/ Capsules.
- Vapes.
- Tea bags.
- CBN isolates.
The Pros and Cons of CBD
CBD is mainly derived from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana which is known for its lack of THC levels when compared to CBD.
With the growing acceptance of weed, it continues to be studied as a potential therapy for many health conditions.
Pros of CBD:
- Relief from anxiety and depression.
- Helps in sleep.
- Alleviates chronic pain and inflammation.
- Help overcome the addiction to tobacco, opium, heroin, and other drugs.
- Fight multiple epilepsy syndromes and seizures.
- Reduces PTSD.
- Improves the symptoms of arthritis.
- Protects against neurological disorders.
- Eases diabetic complications. (Source)
Along with these ample benefits, CBD can also have some side effects if not used responsibly or in ideal dosages.
Cons of CBD:
- Drymouth or Cottonmouth.
- Diarrhea.
- Reduced appetite.
- Drowsiness and fatigue.
- Interaction with other medications. (Source)
Apart from that, limited research, lack of regulations, mislabeling, and black marketing have made CBD-oriented products somewhat costly.
The Pros and Cons of CBN
CBN or Cannabinol is produced by the non-enzymatic oxidation of THC and is thus found in more quantities in aged cannabis than young plants.
Sharing the characteristics of THC, it can exert similar types of physiological and psychological effects as THC does.
Pros of CBN:
- Sleep-induction.
- Pain-relief.
- Anxiety-relief.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antibiotic. (Source)
- Neuroprotection.
- THC’s euphoria-inducing capabilities in what’s called the “entourage effect.”
Cons of CBN:
- Drowsiness and dizziness.
- Nausea and Vomiting.
Similar to other minor cannabinoids, there is a lack of research, rules and regulations, and quality control on its potential and production too.
The Potential Side Effects of CBD and CBN
Both CBD and CBN are considered to be generally safe. CBD is the medicinal component and CBN is a minor version of the highly potent THC.
Apart from the usual fatigue, drowsiness, lack of appetite, and diarrhea, CBD and CBN are not known to cause any significant side effects.
However, the major problem with these compounds is the lack of regulatory compliance which can lead to mislabelling, impurity or contamination, and interference with other drugs and medications.
Conclusion
CBD and CBN are both naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant genus.
CBD or Cannabidiol is the key medicinal compound of cannabis.
CBN or Cannabinol is a natural byproduct that is formed when THC is decarboxylated or broken down into smaller molecules as it ages.
As such, CBD is a major cannabinoid and a counterpart to THC. Whereas, CBN is a minor cannabinoid and shares the same traits as THC although with 25% less efficiency.
Regardless, both share multiple health benefits such as sleep-induction, pain management, relief from anxiety and depression, controlling epilepsy and seizures, and so on.
At the same time, when taken in excess amounts, they can cause dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite.
The best part- both CBD and CBN can be extracted from the plant and can be sold and used in both isolated and combined forms with other compounds.
