NALA Journal
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.
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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
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