Cannabis for Sleep: What is CBN?

By Rebecca Victoria Olmos | TheCannifornian.com Correspondent

According to a world sleep study, roughly 62% of the world’s population has issues getting a good night’s rest. The effects of the pandemic have aggravated these issues leading many people to turn to cannabis for help.

There are over 100 different cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. All of which may be helpful for issues related to sleep, like pain and anxiety. The two most popular cannabinoids are THC and CBD. Recently the newest cannabinoid on dispensary shelves geared towards sleep aid is cannabinol (CBN).

CBN cannabinoid is non-intoxicating and may have antibacterial, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotectant properties. Studies also show that CBN may help stimulate appetite and possibly be helpful with issues such as glaucoma.

On its own, CBN does not have sedative effects.

So why CBN for sleep?

One study found that CBN enhances THC’s effects, making it a dynamic duo for issues like sleep. CBN combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes like linalool may be why some people may experience more sedating effects.

CBN, THC, or CBD?

I’ve worked as a budtender for the past two years. I see a lot of customers looking for help with sleep. So I’ll share with you what I usually recommend.

If your issues are falling asleep, it’s best to lean on CBD-rich products to ease the mind. If your troubles are staying asleep, THC-heavy products might be more helpful.

If you’re at the beginning stages of your cannabis journey and your sleep issues are mild, but you’re still looking to start using weed for sleep, I recommend sticking with THC or CBD only. Adding CBN into the mix early on might lead to feelings of grogginess in the morning.

If your sleep issues are more severe and CBN sounds like more of the solution you’re looking for, start with 1mg. A little bit goes a long way.

In what forms can you find CBN?

It’s challenging to find CBN products purely, but they are out there. Nevertheless, as we’ve learned, CBN alone won’t be much help unless you’re already consuming THC in other forms.

You’ll often find products that are a combo of CBN, THC, and CBD. Edibles are most common, but you can find CBN in wellness products like tinctures and capsules as well.