Can CBD Help You Sleep?

This article discusses the differences between CBN and CBD. You will also find out how CBN works and how it helps in improving sleep. You will also learn about CBN's legality and whether it can make you high.

Cannabidiol; has taken almost every part of people's lives. It continues to gain popularity daily, and more and more of its products are stocked up on the shelves. Cannabinol (CBN) is a compound extracted from the hemp plant, like cannabidiol (CBD), that most of us are familiar with. Another similarity between these two compounds is that, like CBD, CBN also makes people sleep better. Some people use CBD for treating eczema and other skin diseases. Some use CBD to relieve severe pain in cancer patients. Consider the side effects of CBD combined with CBN when taken. CBN has started gaining popularity because of its sleep benefits. You can find various CBN products on the shelves, such as oils and drinks. There are also CBN edibles available nowadays.

What Is CBN, and How Is It Different From CBD?

CBN and CBD are compounds extracted from the hemp plant. Among the available cannabis compounds, CBN is the most sedative one. CBN was discovered from decomposed THC. According to Hunault et al.(2014), THC is also a compound of the cannabis plant that is responsible for the high feeling since it gives its users psychoactive effects.

There are several classifications of cannabinoids. However, the most popular ways are the Broad and Narrow cannabinoids. Cannabis is a broad cannabinoid. Atalay et al.(2020) suggested that CBD is known for providing pain relief, reducing inflammation levels, and boosting a person's mood. According to Passie et al.(2020), CBN is known for improving sleep and alleviating anxiety and stress.

CBN can not make a person high if you might be wondering, since CBN comes from THC. It is because CBN does not have any THC, which is its molecule.

CBN and Sleep

CBN contains soothing properties. However, more research is required to confirm whether it is true.

Some scientists have claimed that it can be explained through terpenes, although there is not enough research on how CBN can improve sleep. The hemp plant contains multiple compounds apart from THC, CBD, and CBD. All these compounds are believed to work together to provide the medical benefits of the hemp plant. Hemp plant compounds work together to give its users health benefits, known as the entourage effect.

You have heard of broad-spectrum CBD and full-spectrum CBD if you are not new to the cannabis market. People are still debating on which one is most effective than the other. However these factors depend on terpenes. Jin et al.(2020) noted that the full spectrum oil has a greater entourage effect since the terpenes and flavonoid compounds were not fully removed during the extraction process. The broad spectrum oil does not have a lot of terpenes and flavonoids. However, it has a greater concentrated CBD.

Terpenes are available in almost all plants and are responsible for the medical benefits of CBD and CBN, and specific terpenes help sleep. This type of terpenes is combined with CBN hence increasing its sleep benefits.

How CBN Works

CBN and CBD react with the body differently. Consider beginning with CBD since many people are aware of it.

CBD interacts with the ECS receptors, specifically the CB1 receptors, which are found in the central nervous system. THC also binds with the CB1 receptor. However, it acts on it at higher strengths, leading to a high effect. However, CBD does not act on the CB1 receptors at the same strengths as THC; hence, it provides a calming effect after ingesting it.

CBN acts on CB1 and CB2 receptors. The effects of CBN are felt after it interacts with the ECS. According to Andradas et al.(2021), ECS regulates various body functions, such as sleep, mood, appetite, and fertility.

There are various endocannabinoid receptors in the human. Endocannabinoids like CBN act on these receptors, providing a signal to the ECS. The most common endocannabinoid receptors include:

CB1 Receptors

Howlett et al. (2010) noted that CB1 receptors are available in the CNS (central nervous system)

CB2 Receptors

CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system

The interaction between CBD and these two receptors leads to a sedative effect. This effect makes CBN a potential sleep aid.

According to Corroon (2021), CBN helps indirectly improve sleep by reducing anxiety during bedtime.

IS CBN Legal?

CBN is legal. Abernerthy (2019) stated that, after the 2018 Farm bill was accepted, this made all the hemp products legal in all states in the US.

Are there CBN Side Effects

A person can feel exhausted after using CBN. That is why it is advisable not to ingest them before driving or other physical activity. However, most adult bodies tolerate CBN well; hence it is rare to notice its side effects.

What Is the Best Way to Take CBN for Sleep?

It all depends on a person's preference. CBN can be taken in various ways. CBN is mostly available in gummies and oil form. You can also vape CBN.

CBN Dose For Sleep

The good thing about CBN is that most bodies can tolerate it. The human body is different since people react differently to different CBN doses. Five mg of CBN may be enough for some people.

Finding the required CBN dose for a human body is important to help you sleep. According to Angeli et al.(2018), you should have a lower dose, such as 5 mg of CBN, if you are a beginner. You can gradually increase your dose as you continue getting used to CBN.

Conclusion

Research is undergoing, although CBN has shown promising signs of improving sleep. Sleeping pills are unhealthy for long-term use, and most have side effects. CBD is a natural sleeping aid that works well. It cannot make one dependent on it, and it is impossible to get high from it. You should use CBN if you find yourself addicted to other sleeping pills. Evidence has proven that cannabis helps one sleep. You should try using CBN if you desire the sleep benefits of the cannabis plant. Most CBN products are not costly too. However, before consuming CBN, talk to your doctor first to explain the effects it can have on your body.

References

Abernethy, A. (2019). Hemp Production And The 2018 Farm Bill. US Food And Drug Administration.

Andradas, C., Truong, A., Byrne, J., & Endersby, R. (2021). The Role Of Cannabinoids As Anticancer Agents In Pediatric Oncology. Cancers, 13(1), 157.

Angeli, I., Casati, S., Ravelli, A., Minoli, M., & Orioli, M. (2018). A Novel Single-Step GC–MS/MS Method For Cannabinoids And 11-OH-THC Metabolite Analysis In Hair. Journal Of Pharmaceutical And Biomedical Analysis, 155, 1-6.

Corroon, J. (2021). Cannabinol And Sleep: Separating Fact From Fiction. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 6(5), 366-371.

Howlett, A. C., Blume, L. C., & Dalton, G. D. (2010). CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors And Their Associated Proteins. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 17(14), 1382-1393.

Jin, D., Dai, K., Xie, Z., & Chen, J. (2020). Secondary Metabolites Are Profiled In Cannabis Inflorescences, Leaves, Stem Barks, And Roots For Medicinal Purposes. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-14.

Passie, T., Emrich, H. M., Karst, M., Brandt, S. D., & Halpern, J. H. (2012). Mitigation Of Post‐Traumatic Stress Symptoms By Cannabis Resin: A Review Of The Clinical And Neurobiological Evidence. Drug Testing And Analysis, 4(7-8), 649-659.

Corroon, J. (2021). Cannabinol And Sleep: Separating Fact From Fiction. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research, 6(5), 366-371.