NALA Journal

The Next Generation of Health & Recovery

What is Cannabinol (CBN)?

The most slept on cannabinoid for treating insomnia

While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and CBD (cannabidiol) remain at the forefront of popularity and use, cannabinol, called CBN for short, is gaining momentum. Here, we will review what CBN is and why people are turning to products that contain CBN for sleep and relaxation.


Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System 

Here is a quick glossary of words we will use to explain how CBN interacts with the body.


Cannabinoid
- A diverse structural classification of compounds, typically produced through plants and animals, but can be created synthetically. 


Phytocannabinoid
  - Cannabinoids that form naturally inside a plant. 113 distinct phytocannabinoids have been isolated and identified from the cannabis plant alone. 


Endocannabinoid
- Lipid-based neurotransmitters that form inside the human, dog, and cat body. Endocannabinoids bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are dispersed throughout the nervous system. Endocannabinoids play a part in regulating pain, mood, appetite, and sleep.


Endocannabinoid system
, or ECS, is a biological system comprised of neurotransmitters called “endocannabinoids” that bind to cannabinoid receptors and receptor proteins found throughout the central nervous system. The ECS is composed of CB1 and CB2 receptors.


Cannabinoid Receptor 1
, or CB1 receptor, is one of the two pivotal components of the ECS, and proliferates in the central nervous system. CB1 modulates the release of neurotransmitters and synaptic plasticity. Meaning they play an important role in regulating motor control, the capacity to feel pain, emotional regulation, and reward processing. 


Cannabinoid Receptor 2
, or CB2 receptor, is mainly located in the immunesystem including B-cells, T-cells, and macrophages. They are primarily expressed in immune tissues like the spleen, tonsils, and bone marrow. CB2 modulates the functions of immune cells and limits how much pro-inflammatory stimuli is released. 


For a deeper dive into cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, check out our
What is CBD?” blog.


Cannabinol, also known as: CBN

CBN is not intoxicating in the same way THC is, but it does have mild psychoactive effects, primarily drowsiness and sedation. CBN is a phytocannabinoid created by hemp and cannabis plants, but can also come from the oxidation of THC. Cannabis flower that is rich in THC will eventually age into CBN, transforming the experience from intoxicating to sleep-inducing. 


Alkemy Protocol Service

Register for our upcoming webinar to discover how CBN and other adaptogens can help you achieve your health and recovery goals. 


Conclusion 

CBN is one of the 113 unique cannabinoids. Still in the early stages of human research trials with studies ongoing on its effectiveness for sleep, pain management, and anti-inflammation. 


Source Citations 

Abood M, Barth F, Bonner TI, Cabral G, Casellas P, Cravatt BF, et al. (22 August 2018). "CB1 Receptor". IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. Retrieved 9 November 2018. 


Bie, B., Wu, J., Foss, J. F., & Naguib, M. (2018). An overview of the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor system and its therapeutic potential. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology, 31(4), 407. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACO.0000000000000616


Cannabinoids and neuroinflammation: Therapeutic implications

Leonard B.E., Aricioglu F.

Journal of Affective Disorders Reports , 2023 pp 100463


Endocannabinoid system and mood disorders: Priming a target for new therapies

Micale V., Di Marzo V., Sulcova A., Wotjak C.T., Drago F.

Pharmacology & Therapeutics , 2013 pp 18-37


Lavender, I., McCartney, D., Marshall, N., Suraev, A., Irwin, C., Gordon, C. J., Saini, B., Grunstein, R. R., Yee, B., McGregor, I., & Hoyos, C. M. (2023). Cannabinol (CBN; 30 and 300 mg) effects on sleep and next-day function in insomnia disorder (‘CUPID’ study): Protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, three-arm, proof-of-concept trial. BMJ Open, 13(8), e071148. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071148


The synaptic lipidome in health and disease

Valles A.S., Barrantes F.J.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes , 2022 pp 184033

NALA Journal

February 24, 2026
What is Cannabigerol (CBG)? Cannabis’ minor constituent with major benefits While THC and CBD are widely studied cannabinoids, Cannabigerol is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is growing in popularity. Just like Cannabinol (CBN), CBG is not a psychoactive cannabinoid. Meaning, people who use CBG will not experience intoxicating effects like changes to their visual perception, time perception, and it will not impact users' short-term memory. Glossary To understand how CBG and other cannabinoids interact with the body, the following definitions are provided for the types of molecules, systems, and parts referenced. Cannabinoid - A specific classification of compounds, usually produced naturally via plants and animals, but can be synthetically manufactured. Phytocannabinoid - Cannabinoids that are formed inside a plant. Endocannabinoid - Cannabinoids that are formed inside an animal's body. Endocannabinoid system , A biological system of neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors and receptor proteins. Also known as “ESC.” Cannabinoid Receptor 1 , or CB1 receptor, is one of the two pivotal components of the ECS, they play an important role in regulating motor control, the capacity to feel pain, emotional regulation, and reward processing. Cannabinoid Receptor 2 , or CB2 receptor, modulates the functions of immune cells and limits how much pro-inflammatory stimuli is released. Cannabigerol, also known as: CBG Cannabigerol, also known as CBG, is a unique molecular mechanism with a therapeutic profile full of potential. While its activity within the Endocannabinoid System (ESC) and characteristics are similar to those of other cannabinoids, for example, producing effects by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors. Researchers are investigating CBG’s therapeutic applications for treating inflammation, combating bacterial infections, managing hypotension, aiding in cancer treatment, alleviating pain, and addressing metabolic syndrome. Alkemy Protocol Service Want to find out more about adaptogens and how to use them? Register for our upcoming webinar where Vic the Alchemist breaks down six life-enhancing adapotgens and will answer any questions you have. Source Citations JastrzÄ…b, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2022). The Origin and Biomedical Relevance of Cannabigerol. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(14), 7929. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23147929 Li, S., Li, W., Malhi, N. K., Huang, J., Li, Q., Zhou, Z., Wang, R., Peng, J., Yin, T., & Wang, H. (2024). Cannabigerol (CBG): A Comprehensive Review of Its Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules, 29(22), 5471. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225471
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