Cannabinol or CBN is one of the five major cannabinoids of the cannabis plant (the other ones are the well-known CBD and THC, as well as cannabichromene and cannabigerol).
The therapeutic potential of CBN had been researched back in the 1940s, and again the following decades, however, we still know very little about it [1].
CBN is the oxidized form of THC (when I mention THC, I am referring to ∆9-THC).
The fresh plant will have very little CBN, while the older plants (especially those exposed to heat and storage) will have higher levels.
High CBN strains? Different strains will have different cannabinoid combinations. Growers suggest that later harvests may create higher CBN content in cured flower.
CBN for sale? Check out a medical marijuana clinic in your area. If you buy online, make sure they deliver to your area. Some marijuana clinics sometimes list on the labels the CBN levels. Here is a review of CBN and other cannabinoid levels in various strains, as you can see strains like Blackberry, Blue Cherry Soda, Blueberry Diesel, Blueberry Kush, Bubble Gum, Charlotte’s Web have higher levels of CBN. However, you should also pay attention to the THC and CBD content.
There are no synthetic CBN based meds at this time.
CBN: Scientific evidence. Although we need more studies on CBN, research suggests the following potential benefits:
immunosuppressive effects
anti-inflammatory activities.
Technical: CBN binds to the CB2 (mainly expressed on a variety of immune cells). CBN cannabinol may promote apoptosis in these cells, while inhibiting inflammatory cytokines. CBN shows little affinity for CB1 and effects on CNS [2], [3],[4],[5].
Its immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory qualities could CBN a great candidate to manage autoimmune conditions like MS and cancer.
In animal models and lab studies, CBN was found to have :
antibacterial (works against a variety of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains [5]
analgesic
weak anticonvulsant and
appetite stimulant qualities.
CBN- the most sedative cannabinoid in the cannabis plant? I didn’t find scientific evidence supporting big claims of CBN being the most sedative cannabinoid, as noted by several websites. It is possible to have some sedative effects (based on the mechanism of action), but I didn’t see any study on this topic yet.
More benefits of CBN
Unlike THC, CBN does not appear to be psychoactive effects (won’t get you “high”), at least not when taken orally [6],[7], [8],[9],[10],[11]. However, it may have psychoactive effects when taking intravenous, suggests a new systematic review study [11],[12].
Does not seem to interfere with other drugs, thus showing a great safety profile [13].
It looks that you can get some CBN from Sativex (a combination of THC and CBD). One study found this drug to increase CBN levels in saliva [14].
Marijuana clinics suggest that CBN has indica-like effects as it helps decrease pain and inflammation while stimulating the appetite.
Until we get more research studies (I do not see any study on CBN in progress), your best resource for you would be a Cannabis clinic and talking to a cannabis specialist.
