CBN vs. CBD: Comparing Their Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
Key takeaways:
CBD and CBN are both cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. But they can have different effects on the body.
There’s more research on CBD for anxiety, seizures, and pain. CBN is less researched, but may be more helpful for promoting good sleep, stimulating appetite, and treating pain.
CBD and CBN both have potential side effects and risks, so talk with your primary care professional before taking them.
Cannabinoids are key components in the cannabis plant, and there are many of them. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are major cannabinoids that you may have heard of. Lesser-known cannabinoids — like cannabinol (CBN) — are starting to get more attention for their possible uses and benefits.
Read on to learn more about how CBD and CBN compare, and how they could be beneficial for you.
What are CBN and CBD, and how are they similar?
CBN and CBD are both cannabinoids with unique characteristics and effects. But they do have some basic things in common:
Both are active chemicals in the cannabis plant.
Both interact with your endocannabinoid system.
Both come in a variety of forms and products, including oils, capsules, edibles (like foods and gummies), vapes, and topicals (that you apply directly to the skin).
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How are CBN and CBD different?
Here are some main differences:
CBD has been extensively studied, while the research on CBN is still preliminary.
Research supports the use of CBD for anxiety and pain relief over CBN.
CBD and CBN have been studied for sleep. But, if used alone, CBN is preferred to CBD for sleep.
The only CBD-based prescription medication in the U.S. is Epidiolex, which is used to treat rare seizures. That said, there’s early research looking into CBN and its antiseizure properties. But more research is needed.
What’s the endocannabinoid system, and what does it do?
The endocannabinoid system is a series of molecules and receptors throughout the body. It’s connected to the nervous system, and it plays an important role in different processes, from mood to digestion.
Cannabinoid type receptor 1 (CB1) is the most studied receptor in this system. The way different cannabinoids bind with this receptor influence the effect they have. For example, when THC binds, it leads to an euphoric or intoxicated feeling. When CBD binds to the same receptor, it may lead to feelings of relaxation without the intoxicating “high” of THC.
CBD (cannabidiol)
CBD is one of the most well-known cannabinoids. It occurs in high concentrations in the cannabis plant. CBD has become increasingly popular in its use as a complementary and alternative therapy for a range of health conditions. CBD is a psychoactive substance but will not give you an inebriating “high” like THC.
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CBD benefits and uses
There’s growing research on CBD for a number of health benefits, including:
Effects of CBD
Some research suggests that CBD may promote an overall sense of calm. CBD may also lessen feelings of anxiety and paranoia, which has shown to be helpful in balancing the intoxicating effects from THC.
CBN (cannabinol)
THC turns into CBN when it’s oxidized, or exposed to excessive amounts of heat and light. So, if a THC product is left out and exposed to the elements, many of these THC molecules will turn into CBN.
CBN benefits and uses
CBN hasn’t been studied as much as CBD. And many of these studies are on animals. But there are some things scientists do know about what CBN does in the body.
Like CBD and other cannabinoids, CBN has anti-inflammatory properties. A few of the other most promising uses of CBN are for:
Effects of CBN
CBN also binds to the CB1 receptor. Just like CBD, it doesn’t bind nearly as tightly as THC. This explains why many people refer to CBN as “THC without the high.” It also explains why there are overlapping effects, like in sleep.
Can CBN help with sleep disorders?
Researchers have studied THC for its use in sleep disorders. There have been some small studies on CBN and sleep, but more research is needed. A 2023 double-blind randomized controlled trial showed CBN may reduce nighttime awakenings and improve sleep disturbance.
CBN’s sedative properties may be due to its ability to work alongside other compounds in the cannabis plant (known as the “entourage effect”).
CBD vs. CBN: Side effects
Everyone reacts to cannabis products differently. And any possible side effects from taking CBD or CBN can occur in both small and large doses.
When it comes to cannabis products, dosing recommendations don’t take into consideration your age or weight, as is done with many prescription medications. This is important because the correct dosage for you may be different than the one recommended by the manufacturer on the label.
CBD and CBN have similar common side effects, including:
Drowsiness
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
If you’re interested in learning more about CBD, CBN, and other components of the cannabis plant, you should feel comfortable asking your primary care professional if these products can help you.
Can you mix CBD and CBN?
Yes, you can mix CBD and CBN. Some products have both cannabinoids in them. Others may only have one or the other. But both can be taken together.
What’s more, some research suggests that mixing them together will help them work better than taking them separately. Cannabinoids and other parts of the cannabis plant work well with one another. Taking them together would allow you to take less of each one — and still get the same results (the entourage effect). For example, a 2019 study in animals showed this effect of combining CBD and CBN to treat pain.
Why is CBN more expensive than CBD?
CBN is considered a minor cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. This means that it occurs at lower concentrations than the two major cannabinoids — CBD and THC. So it’s harder to isolate CBN for medicinal and research purposes.
It takes time to wait for THC to oxidize and turn into CBN. This creates a hurdle when trying to add CBN as an ingredient in products. Depending on the quality of the formulation, CBD is sold for as little as $0.10 per mg. Meanwhile, the cost of CBN could be up to 10 times the price per mg.
Are CBD and CBN legal?
CBD and CBN are legal in most states, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. But some states have their own laws for CBD products, such as:
Georgia
Idaho
Iowa
Missouri
Mississippi
Nebraska
New Hampshire
North Dakota
South Carolina
South Dakota
State laws may apply to whether the CBD products come from hemp or marijuana, for example. Or these states may treat all CBD products as an illegal drug. Wherever you are, it’s best to check the local laws before buying or traveling with any cannabis products.
The bottom line
As cannabis continues to become more widely used, it’s important to know the differences among cannabinoids and the other components of the cannabis plant. They have different uses, possible benefits, and side effects. If you have any questions, talk with a healthcare professional who’s familiar with cannabis medicine about the possibility of using CBD and CBN. You can work together to see what’s right for you.
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