If you are a cannabis aficionado or a health and wellness guru, you probably have tons of reasons for integrating CBD in your daily routine. There are several positives CBD products can add to your overall life, but did you know that CBD is just one of the 100+ compounds in a cannabis plant? Even though people are used to two cannabinoids—THC and CBD—there are several others that can help alleviate health problems in our lives. And one that’s always worth mentioning is CBN.
For starters, cannabinol (or CBN) is an oxidative degeneration product of THC, which is usually produced when THC is exposed to heat, light, or oxygen over time. At first glance, CBD and CBN appear similar in numerous ways. For instance, they are both cannabinoids and interact with our brains to regulate the endocannabinoid system, producing several beneficial effects in the process. However, given that CBD and CBN are two different molecules, they have a few differences, including:
- Psychoactive Properties
While CBD is non-psychoactive, CBN is mildly psychoactive, especially if taken in high doses. This is because it is derived from THC, which is the most psychoactive compound in the marijuana plant. However, given that it is derived from aged THC, you have to take a lot of CBN to realize any noticeable psychoactive effects.
- Concentrations
Although the two cannabinoids come from the cannabis plant, their concentration in the plant varies greatly. For instance, CBD is usually the most abundant cannabinoid after THC. It comprises of up to 40 percent of the plant. On the other hand, CBD concentration in the cannabis plant is believed to be around 1% or less. Besides, while both compounds are extracted from the cannabis plant via decarboxylation, CBN concentration tends to increase as the plant age.
- Interaction With the Human Endocannabinoid System
The two compounds also differ in terms of how they interact with the human endocannabinoid system. CBD tends to show little affinity to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the nervous systems. Instead, it boosts the production of endocannabinoids, which aids homeostasis. CBN also has a weak affinity to CB1 and CB2 receptors but more studies still need to be carried to get the full picture of how it interacts with the receptors.
- Sedative Effects
CBN is famed for its powerful sedative effects—even in small doses. In fact, it is believed that CBN produces the most potent sedative effect among all the cannabinoids. Since CBD is non-psychoactive, it has very little sedative effects and may not be beneficial for people with sleep problems. You need high doses of CBD to sleep better.
- Appetite Stimulation
When it comes to appetite stimulation, the two cannabinoids have different effects. While CBD will make you feel less hungry, CBN tends to stimulate the appetite. So, if you struggle to maintain or gain weight because of health issues, it is advisable to go for IHF CBN oil.
Which One Should You Take?
The best cannabinoid to take usually depends on your needs and desired treatment plan. Generally, CBD works perfectly as medication for people with multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, and epilepsy. It is also recommended for patients following head traumas or stroke since it can reduce neurotoxic brain damage. However, CBN is much more famed for its potent calming and sleep regulation properties with only mild psychoactive effects.
Ultimately, neither of the two compounds beat the other in terms of effectiveness or performance. So, when it comes to choosing between CBD and CBN, what matters—as hinted above—is the symptoms you are trying to treat and your preferences.
However, given that CBD is easier to access and widely studied, you may consider going for CBD products to alleviate your symptoms first. If you don’t get the results that you desire, you can opt for CBN as a secondary option.
The Bottom line
Hopefully, you now understand the difference between CBD and CBN. While the research about CBN is still ongoing, what is known so far about the compound points towards a future with great possibilities. The fact that CBN has little to no psychoactive side effects is a plus as it makes the process for more definitive research easier to navigate.
