Mississippi Cannabis News

The Ultimate Guide to CBN » For Sleep » Emily Kyle, MS, RDN

Published

11 months ago

May 10, 2024

If the thought of a peaceful night’s sleep seems more like a dream than reality, and you’ve grown weary of counting sheep, you’re not alone. The quest for slumber has led many down a path of endless searching for a natural solution. Enter CBN, a lesser-known cannabinoid with the potential to transform your nighttime routine. Read on, and you might just find the key to unlocking the restful sleep you’ve been dreaming of.

A picture of Emily Kyle with CBN sleep products.

Article Features

A beginner explanation of what CBN is
How CBN may help with falling asleep and staying asleep
Want to make it easy? Shop with me and have high-quality CBN products delivered directly to your door. Now shipping across the US!

A picture of Emily Kyle's CBN sleep products.

Why You Will Love This Guide

As we learn more and more about the power of different cannabinoids, one compound is steadily making its way to the limelight – cannabinol, or CBN.

To the unfamiliar, CBN might sound like just another term to be lost in the vast list of cannabis terms and abbreviations.

But to the true cannabis enthusiasts and even the weary, sleep-deprived, CBN represents a promising all-natural alternative to many sleep woes.

If you’re ready to learn more about CBN and how it may help you or a loved one, look no further.

In this guide, we will explore the world of CBN, how you can obtain CBN through the conversion of THC, where you can buy high-quality CBN products and more.

Learn More About CBN (Cannabinol)

In most strains of cannabis, THC and CBD are the two most prominent active cannabinoids.

CBN, among other cannabinoids, is considered a minor cannabinoid because it is only found naturally in trace amounts.

Fortunately, CBN can be achieved through two different processes.

In the first process, CBN is formed through the degradation of THC.

The process of THC degrading to CBN involves exposure to UV light and heat or through the process of oxidation or prolonged exposure to air.

This means if you have old cannabis or expose the THC to oxygen and/or heat, you will have plant material that has developed a higher concentration of CBN.

In the second process, THCA converts to cannabinolic acid (CBNA), and the CBN molecule is then produced by decarboxylating CBNA into CBN¹.

CBN attaches to cannabinoid receptors in our body through the endocannabinoid system, producing sedative effects when consumed.

CBN, the metabolite of THC, is considered to be mildly intoxicating in nature.

According to an article published in the Advances in Pharmacology, co-authored by Dr. Ethan Russo, CBN maintains about ¼ the potency relative to THC.

CBN is best known anecdotally among my community as a solution to manage conditions like insomnia or anxiety due to its calming, relaxing nature.

The ‘Sleep Cannabinoid’ and Beyond

Many have labeled CBN as the ‘sleep cannabinoid,’ and for good reason.

Aged cannabis, rich in CBN, has been associated with more pronounced sedative effects.

This has sparked hope among health practitioners and insomniacs, suggesting that CBN could one day supplant conventional sleep aids.

Dr. Ethan Russo’s research unveils CBN’s preliminary portfolio, hinting at its capabilities as a sedative, an anti-inflammatory, and more.

With these potential applications, CBN stands as a beacon of optimism for those grappling with sleep issues and anxiety.

But it’s not all sunshine and drowsy meadows. We must also acquaint ourselves with the effects and side effects of CBN.

The compound’s true potency often shines when it harmonizes with a cohort of cannabinoids through ‘The Entourage Effect.’

This theory suggests that CBN’s full potential is realized when it cooperates with its botanical buddies.

Side effects may include the not-so-welcome guests of grogginess and dry mouth.

Like all things medicinal, overuse can lead to tolerance, a conundrum that can be tackled with strategic breaks or dose management.

CBN Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is the alchemical process of transforming cannabinoids to their active and accessible state.

To craft CBN in your ‘cannabinoid kitchen,’ the orchestra of temperature and time must be choreographed with precision. Studies reveal that the sweet spot for CBN creation lies at the 320°F to 356°F mark.

Varying the temperature or duration can produce different insights into the effects of CBN.

For those who prefer lower temperatures to preserve the symphony of terpenes, fear not. Decarbing at 240°F for an extended period could still yield CBN.

The magic lies in extending the time enough to invite the transformation. You can even experiment with novel approaches such as using an Instant Pot, though with a caveat of proceeding at your own discretion.

Science meets tradition in this culinary escapade to create CBN, a compound that just might hold the key to your serene slumber.

Consuming CBN

The beauty of CBN is its versatility and accessibility. Unlike its more regulated relatives, CBN is finding its way into the open market in various forms.

From sublingual tinctures to capsules, each product vies to be the gateway to your evening oasis.

The question remains, should you craft your own CBN-infused elixirs or trust the burgeoning market for your nightly nectar?

DIY enthusiasts can harness the powers of decarboxylation to infuse their olive oil with CBN-rich cannabis for a custom experience.

Alternatively, ready-made products offer the convenience of immediate use, ensuring a controlled and precise dosage.

Conclusion

The story of CBN is still in its prologue; the plot thickens as we uncover more about its potential applications and mechanisms.

While we await robust clinical evidence, the anecdotal acclaim and nascent research paint a promising picture of CBN as the ally for a sound sleep and a serene mind.

In your quest for repose and rejuvenation, consider CBN as part of your wellness regimen. It’s a compound that invites us to look beyond the buzz and embraces the calm that follows in the afterglow of a day well-rested.

Sleep well, adventurers. Your ultimate guide to CBN has brought you to the cusp of a dreamy discovery. Now it’s time for your own personal tale of rest to unfold.