Cannabis is an incredibly complex plant, with hundreds of active compounds. The most well-known are the cannabinoids THC and CBD, but others are gaining steam. This includes CBG, THCV, and CBN (cannabinol). But when comparing CBN vs THC, what is there to know?
If you’ve ever purchased a cannabis product meant to improve sleep, you may have seen CBN on the label. This is because CBN is touted for its perceived sedating effects. While chemically related to THC, it’s a cannabinoid all on its own.
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If you’re curious about CBN vs THC, read on for all you need to know.
CBN vs. THC Key Takeaways
- THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It displays an array of potential health benefits, including pain relief, sleep promotion, and immunomodulation.
- CBN is formed when THC degrades when exposed to air, light, and heat.
- Despite the close link to THC, CBN is weakly psychoactive but doesn’t cause overt psychotropic effects.
- CBN is considered an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, but is widely marketed as a sleep aid.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed when THC oxidizes. This happens when cannabis material is exposed to light and air. Heat speeds up the conversion of THC to CBN, so it can be included in the list of elements that aid the formation of CBN.
Since CBN forms from the oxidation of THC, it is mainly found in aged or poorly stored cannabis material. This makes it one of the cannabinoids that don’t originate from an acid precursor like CBD and THC. Some people think CBN is a weaker version of THC, but it is chemically different.
CBN is one of the “big six” cannabinoids in cannabis research. Its effects have been studied, but like other minor cannabinoids, there are gray areas that need further investigation.
What is THC?
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the principal psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. It is formed when the precursor cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) converts to THCa and decarboxylates to form THC.
The “high” users get from taking cannabis is its most noticeable psychoactive effect. This cannabinoid is also the benchmark for evaluating the narcotic potential of cannabis material. The higher the THC content, the more narcotic the material is.
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For this reason, the 2018 Farm Bill stipulates that legal cannabis (hemp) cannot have more than 0.3 percent THC content by dry weight. In fact, this is the main difference between hemp and marijuana.
The idea behind capping the THC content of hemp at 0.3 percent is to ensure the public does not access psychotropic cannabis products disguised as hemp. Any cannabis containing more than 0.3 percent. THC is illegal on the federal level; however, most states have legalized the plant in some form.
Newly passed legislation could see the federal definition of hemp change at the end of the year, heavily restricting the sale of many products. However, stakeholders are seeking to update the law to ensure products like CBN and CBD are still available.
How Do CBN and THC Work?
All cannabinoids exert their effects via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This network of endogenous ligands or neurotransmitters, enzymes, and receptors collectively establishes and maintains harmony throughout the body.
The ECS is also involved in other critical functions such as learning and memory, reproduction, growth and development, eating, and metabolism.
Within the ECS are two types of receptors – CB1 and CB2. The former are mainly found in the central nervous system (CNS), while the latter predominates the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and immune cells.
Cannabinoids interact variably with these receptors, triggering wide-ranging physiological and behavioral responses. For example, THC binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, hence its powerful effects.
CBN, on the other hand, displays a weak affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors and is thought to be 25 percent as potent as THC. Nonetheless, it binds relatively more strongly to the CB1 receptor than the CB2 receptor.
Do CBN and THC Get You High?
Because CBN comes from THC, it is often perceived to be psychoactive. However, its potency is too weak to generate noticeable psychoactive effects for most people.
THC, however, is a different ball game. It is known to induce strong psychoactive effects dose-dependently. For instance, in low to moderate doses, THC causes a “high” that most users associate with feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
How to Take CBN and THC?
Currently, THC and CBN are available in a variety of modalities. Edibles, inhalables, and topicals are some of the most popular.
Edibles
Edibles are regular foods, treats, and beverages infused with cannabis extracts. These can be homemade (e.g., brownies, cookies, and smoothies) or commercial (e.g., gummies, energy bars, capsules, oils, tinctures, etc).
Tinctures
Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that can be taken under the tongue, put in beverages, or swallowed plain. They are absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth and may take effect faster than edibles, but not as quickly as inhalables.
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Inhalables
As the name suggests, inhalable CBN and THC products are inhaled. While THC is present in many strains of cannabis, CBN is typically only found in finished goods such as vape carts and pens. Distillate, live resin, and other viscous concentrates are the products typically consumed in this manner.
Topicals
Cannabis topicals have become a massive hit among fitness enthusiasts and gym rats. Of course, the name that comes to mind in this regard is CBD, but CBN and THC also possess potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for exercise-induced conditions.
Where to Buy CBN Products Online
While CBN is available in a wide array of modalities, the majority of CBN on the market is in gummy, capsule, or tincture form. If you’re looking for some quality CBN products, here are a few that should definitely be on your list.
One of the best CBN gummies on the market is Deep Zzzs by Slumber. Each full-spectrum gummy contains 25 mg of CBD, 8 mg of CBN, and 3 mg of THC in a lemon-raspberry morsel. The brand conducted a customer survey, and 87 percent said Deep Zzzs worked better than other sleep aides. Slumber also makes CBN drops and even a CBN topical stick.
If gummies aren’t your thing, the CBN Night Caps by Cured Nutrition are a great alternative. These easy-to-swallow, full-spectrum soft gels have 30 mg of CBD and 5 mg of CBN. All of the ingredients are organic and undergo third-party testing for purity. The brand offers a 30-day guarantee for folks wanting to try CBN without pressure.
For a potent tincture that promises a better night’s rest, try ExtractLabs PM Support Formula CBN Oil. This full-spectrum product has all of the cannabis plant’s active ingredients, supporting the entourage effect (and more pronounced effects). Each bottle contains a whopping 300 mg CBN and 1800 mg CBD, so you’re sure to get good bang for your buck.
CBN vs. THC Potential Benefits
THC’s potential health benefits are well-established, given the tons of research on it. Here are some of the possible benefits that are backed by research.
- Inhibits chronic pain
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-nausea
- Appetite stimulation
- Sleep promotion
- Improve blood circulation
CBN also displays a raft of potential health benefits, such as:
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory effect
- Sleep promotion
- Appetite stimulation
- Antibiotic
- Promotes bone formation
CBN vs. THC Potential Side Effects
CBN’s toxicology profile is not well understood owing to the little research on it. So, we always emphasize that this doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Even the most acclaimed cannabinoid of the bunch—CBD—exhibits some mild side effects.
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As for THC, its side effects are mostly noticed at high doses. Newbies may also experience unpleasant effects regardless of the amount of THC taken. So, what side effects of CBN and THC are we talking about here?
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Paranoia
- Red eyes
- Loss of coordination
- Increased heart rate
It’s for these reasons that THC is strictly controlled, even if it’s derived from the hemp plant.
Can You Take CBN and THC Together?
Yes, you can take CBN and THC together. CBN research may be in its early stages, but there are suggestions that it suppresses the effects of THC. This makes combining THC and CBN appealing, especially for users who don’t like THC’s strong mental effects.
Another reason for taking CBN and THC together is the “entourage effect.” This theory hypothesizes that cannabinoids work better together. Indeed, full-spectrum cannabis products are anecdotally considered more potent than broad-spectrum and isolates. This is because they contain all the bioactive compounds, meaning more synergism.
Conclusion — CBN vs THC
THC is probably the most famous cannabinoid thanks to the “high” it gives users. Most of the effects of cannabis are attributed to it as it’s the most dominant compound in cannabis. But having said that, if there is a cannabinoid that needs extreme care when using, it’s THC.
Despite its potential health benefits, chronic use can lead to serious health complications. Similarly, acute use also produces side effects that could impair optimal functionality regardless of whether you are an experienced user or a beginner. But with proper use, THC and CBN have a decent safety profile.