No matter what your experience level with cannabis, you’re likely familiar with the plant’s two most abundant cannabinoids, THC and CBD. There’s a decent amount of research available that shows the potential benefits these two cannabinoids offer. They’re not, however, the only cannabinoids in cannabis. There are many others, and some have sparked some interest. CBN is a lesser-known cannabinoid that’s gained a lot of attention. If you’ve looked on the shelves at your local dispensary, you may have even noticed some CBN oil.
What Is CBN Oil?
Cannabinol (also called CBN) is another cannabinoid in cannabis. The interesting thing about it is that you won’t find it in fresh buds. Instead, it develops as a result of the oxygenation and degradation of THC. In other words, it’s a THC byproduct. It occurs naturally as a part of the aging process, during which time the cannabis plant gets exposed to light and oxygen. These factors degrade THC, causing it to break down. CBN oil is a liquid extract containing the cannabinoid, which you can use for a variety of purposes.
Potential Uses for CBN Oil
One of the most common uses of CBN oil is to help you sleep. While there’s not a ton of research on CBN just yet, current studies show it to have potent sedative effects. Some studies show that it’s more powerful than prescription sleep aids. It may help you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Other potential uses for CBN oil include:
- Pain relief
- Anti-convulsant
- Antibiotic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Appetite stimulant
- Treating glaucoma
- Neruoprotectant
Can CBN Get You High?
THC is well-known for getting cannabis users high. It’s not the only psychoactive cannabinoid in the plant, but it is the one that produces the strongest effects. As a byproduct of aging THC, CBN also has some psychoactivity. It’s not nearly as strong as the effects of THC, though. It produces the couchlock effect of your high (leaving you feeling so relaxed and tired that you won’t want to leave the sofa). It won’t mess with your mind, however. It’s likely you’ll only feel a slight mental difference. You may also feel no change at all.
CBN Oil Effects to Watch For
One of the biggest effects to watch for with CBN oil is sleepiness. As a potent sedative, you don’t want to take CBN if you know you have somewhere to go. It’s certainly not something you want to take first thing in the morning or right before you have to leave for a social engagement. Make sure that you take it at home, where you can crash on your couch or bed.
Another thing to keep in mind is that CBN can make you feel hungry. The effect can be beneficial for those who need help eating, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or those with disorders that make eating difficult.
Finally, without a significant amount of research, it’s still unknown if CBN interacts with other medications. If you take antibiotics, blood thinners, anti-anxiety medications, or immunosuppressants, you should speak with your physician before adding CBN to your regimen.
While we might not know as much about CBN as we do CBD and THC, the studies are promising. CBN oil may be just what you need to help you finally get the sleep you need.