What Are CBN Gummies?
The Cannabis sativa plant has over 140 cannabinoids, with CBD and THC being the most researched because they exist in the highest amounts. Minor cannabinoids, like CBN, are found in much smaller amounts and are gaining more attention. Products include CBN oils, capsules and gummies, all of which contain a blend of cannabinoids unless they are made with CBN isolate. CBN gummies are among the most popular products sold today because they taste like candy and come in different flavors.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
CBN gummies are flavorful candies made in the three spectrums: full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate CBN. Full spectrum and broad spectrum CBN (cannabinol) products contain multiple cannabinoids, like CBD and CBG, that work together synergistically. CBN is a minor cannabinoid that is extracted from the hemp plant. It forms when THC is exposed to heat and light. Like CBD, CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system but in a unique way. Limited research on CBN has found potential benefits that include improving sleep, which is supported by consumer reviews.
Table of Contents
What Is CBN?
CBN (cannabinol) is one of the many cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. It forms when THC is exposed to light, heat and air. Thus, the most significant quantity of CBN is found in aging, dried cannabis plant material because THC has oxidized. Heating THC in a laboratory can also form CBN. The legal plant used for CBN extraction is called hemp, and it contains less than 0.3% THC.
CBN is believed to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. However, the interaction is much milder compared to CBD and THC interactions with CB1 receptors. CBN seems to have a stronger affinity for CB2 receptors. Researchers have determined that CB2 receptors are highly expressed in the immune system but may also play a role in the CNS (central nervous system), especially in the brain.
What Are CBN Benefits?
CBN has not been studied in clinical trials as much as the major cannabinoids CBD and THC. However, research is increasing as medical professionals believe it may have some therapeutic value. Potential benefits of CBN gummies and other products include the following.
1. Improved sleep quality
CBN may help improve sleep quality. A study found that taking 20 mg of CBN before bedtime significantly reduced the number of times a person wakes up and the overall sleep disturbances. Also, there was no impact on daytime fatigue. People taking CBN often do so because they say it helps them relax before bedtime, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
2. Promote calm
Studies suggest that CBN’s interaction with the CB1 receptors in the brain may indirectly influence the receptors sensitive to dopamine, decreasing dopamine uptake. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, reward and motor control. CBN may help regulate mood and promote calm due to changes in dopamine levels.
3. Antioxidant action
The combination of CBN’s antioxidant properties may help reduce discomfort. CBN, like other cannabinoids, may scavenge free radicals to prevent the oxidation process that damages cells. The intensity of CBN antioxidant power is equal to that of vitamin E.
4. Anti-microbial action
CBN has also been found to have potential antimicrobial activity. A study found cannabinol is one of five major cannabinoids showing potent activity against MRSA staph bacterial strains.
When CBN is combined with other cannabinoids, the potential benefits of all the cannabinoids are enhanced through synergy, called the entourage effect. This is one reason most CBN products contain other cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. The products are made with full spectrum or broad spectrum CBN.
What Are CBN Gummies?
CBN gummies are candy infused with CBN extract. Many gummies focus on improving sleep quality because, as mentioned, the limited research coupled with anecdotal evidence indicates CBN may effectively promote good sleep. Various CBN products have features like the following.
- Available in all three spectrums: full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate CBN
- CBD/CBN gummies contain both cannabinoids for a more potent effect
- Some CBD products contain extra infused amounts of other cannabinoid extracts, including CBD and CBG
- THC-free CBN gummies are available
- CBN gummies may contain additional ingredients that support the desired effect, like melatonin for improving sleep, honey and vitamin C for producing a sense of calm or botanicals like chamomile and lemon balm known to support quality sleep
- CBN gummies are available in different flavors, including elderberry, lemon mango, mixed berry, and orange cream.
- CBN gummies are also available in different potencies, i.e., 25 mg CBD plus 5 mg CBN or 15 mg CBD plus 5 mg CBG and 5 mg CBN, etc.
- Vegan CBN gummies are available
Buying your CBN gummies from brands with a reputation for high quality, like Wyld CBD, is essential. Wyld CBN gummies are made with real fruit and natural flavoring. The best CBN gummies not only taste good. An independent laboratory tests each batch to ensure no hazardous substances are in the product and that the amount of each cannabinoid matches the label. You should always be able to access the Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify that the product is high quality.
What is the Difference between CBN and CBD Gummies?
CBD and CBN are two different cannabinoids. Both interact with the endocannabinoid system but in different ways. How the cannabinoid binds to the receptors determines the effects.
There has been a significant amount of research on CBD, and it is reported that it shows CB1 and CB2 antagonistic effects. It weakens the effects of THC when THC is present. CBD has also been found to modulate serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a chemical that affects sleep, mood, bone health, digestion and more. CBD may also activate adenosine receptors, which produce immunosuppressive effects.
CBN shows a higher affinity for CB2 in the endocannabinoid system. It is considered a weak psychoactive compound because of how it is formed. CBN is formed by the breakdown of THC, making it approximately one-quarter as effective as THC. Theoretically, if you took enough CBN, you could experience some psychoactive effects. However, hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC, which is the cutoff amount for producing psychoactivity. CBN products are non-psychoactive.
CBD and CBN gummies are manufactured similarly, except the CBN gummies have additional CBN extract.
Gummies are infused with various cannabinoid extracts in proprietary formulas. It is believed that CBN gummies that contain other cannabinoids may produce synergistic effects. For example, if CBD and CBN are known to improve sleep quality, combining them to produce CBD CBN gummies creates a more effective product.
How to Take CBN Gummies?
Each product label recommends a serving size. Most CBN products recommend one or two gummies per serving. You chew CBN gummies just like you would regular gummies.
What Time Should I Take CBN Gummies?
If you take CBN gummies to help you fall and stay asleep, take them about 30 minutes to an hour before you go to bed. If you them to promote a feeling of calm, you can eat gummies throughout the day.
FAQs
What is CBN in Gummies?
CBN is a minor cannabinoid in the Cannabis sativa plant (hemp plant). It is one of over 140 cannabinoids in the hemp plant. CBN is not well researched at this point, but it is known to interact with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Based on limited research, it is popularly taken to improve sleep quality.
Are CBN Gummies Legal?
CBN gummies are legal in most states due to the Federal 2018 Farm Bill. As long as cannabinoids are extracted from hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC, they are considered legal for consumption. CBN extracted from the marijuana plant rather than the hemp plant is considered a controlled substance.
Will CBN Gummies Get You High?
CBN gummies will not get you high as long as the CBN is extracted from the hemp plant. Legally, the hemp plant cannot contain more than 0.3% THC. A full spectrum CBN gummy will contain some THC but not enough to get you high. If concerned about taking THC, choose a broad spectrum CBN product because it will either be THC-free or have only a trace of THC. Slumber CBN gummies for sleep made with isolated CBN contain only CBN extract and are melatonin-free.
Is it OK to Take CBN Gummies Daily?
Yes, CBN is considered safe. You can take it daily. However, if you have not taken cannabinoid products before, you should start with a low-potency product and take it for at least a week or longer to determine the effects of these products.
How Fast Do CBN Gummies Kick in?
Many factors influence how long it takes cannabinoids to work, but it should take about one hour to feel relaxed. Factors influencing the speed with which you may experience CBN effects include weight, metabolism, potency, and other cannabinoids. If the CBN gummies contain additional sleep-promoting ingredients like melatonin, you may feel relaxed in less than an hour.
Know Your Cannabinoids
As CBN becomes more popular and appears in products like CBN gummies, it is essential to purchase quality products from companies that are transparent about their product contents and production methods and are dedicated to quality. The research on CBN is limited, so it is essential to use CBN products responsibly. However, thousands of people using products with CBN are providing positive reviews regularly, saying CBN helps them achieve better sleep.
Sources
- Morales, P., Hurst, D. P., & Reggio, P. H. (2017). Molecular Targets of the Phytocannabinoids-A Complex Picture. Prog Chem Org Nat Prod, 103, 103–131.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5345356/ - Ferranti, A. S., & Foster, D. J. (2022). Cannabinoid type-2 receptors: An emerging target for regulating schizophrenia-relevant brain circuits. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2022.925792/full - Bonn-Miller, M. O., Feldner, M. T., Bynion, T. M., Eglit, G. M., Brunstetter, M., Kalaba, M., Zvorsky, I., Peters, E. N., & Hennesy, M. (2023). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37796540/ - Khouchlaa, A., Khouri, S., Hajib, A., Zeouk, I., Amalich, S., Msairi, S., El Menyiy, N., Rais, C., Lahyaoui, M., Khalid, A., Abdalla, A. N., Ibrahim, S. E., El Omari, N., Goh, B. H., Kumari, Y., Tan, S. L., & Bouyahya, A. (2024). Health benefits, pharmacological properties, and metabolism of cannabinol: A comprehensive review. Industrial Crops and Products, 213, 118359.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926669024003364 - Dawidowicz, A. L., Olszowy-Tomczyk, M., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA, and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33964342/ - Appendino, G., Gibbons, S., Giana, A., Pagani, A., Grassi, G., Stavri, M., Smith, E., & Rahman, M. M. (2008). Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: a structure-activity study. Journal of Natural Products, 71(8), 1427-1430.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18681481/ - Morales, P., Hurst, D. P., & Reggio, P. H. (2017). Molecular targets of the phytocannabinoids—a complex picture. Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products, 103, 103–131.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5345356/
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