Cannabinol (CBN) is a rare, yet unique cannabinoid with the potential of meeting many unmet medical needs. Currently we know of over 100 individual cannabinoids, but only a few have been studied individually, CBN is one of them.
CBN Structure and Chemistry
CBN is a mildly psychoactive compound formed by the degradation of THC by heat or light.
Figure 1. THC Conversion into CBN Through Oxidation of Heat or Light
CBN preferentially binds to the G protein receptor CB2 which is expressed peripherally in the immune cells, macrophages, T-cells, B-cells, and dendritic cells. CBN exerts minimum interaction with the CB1 receptor. The CB1 and CB2 receptors are cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system which phytocannabinoids can interact with and affect our own endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBN has the same molecular configuration as THC except for one extra hydrogen atom. CBN has one-fourth the potency of THC. Heat and light oxidize THC and forms CBN. This effect is accelerated with age.
What is CBN?
CBN has obtained its reputation as the “sleepy” cannabinoid, although this reputation may be more related to its associated terpenes than an action of its own. There is much we still do not know about this molecule. An early study showed that it had a sedative effect in rats and mice. It has also been shown to have many potential medical benefits all of its own unrelated to sedation.
CBN was the first phytocannabinoid ever isolated back in 1896 and in 1932 its structure was characterized. Originally, in the 1940’s it was thought to be the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana responsible for the “high” users felt. It wasn’t until 1964 when THC was discovered that the true nature of CBN was realized. It was found that the combination of THC and CBN led to greater sedation.
Potential Medical Uses for CBN
Some of the potential benefits of CBN, although research is limited, include the following:
Antibacterial Actions of CBN
A research study showed effectiveness of CBN on methicillin resistant staphylococcus when tested on the strain which is traditionally resistant to most antibiotics. Researchers concluded that it had potent antibacterial activities and could possibly be used as an antibacterial agent with further study. Its future use could be in antibacterial topical lotions.
Neuroprotectant Activities of CBN
CBN may also have powerful neuroprotectant activities. For example, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder, few effective treatment modalities exist. In a rodent model of ALS, CBN administration was able to slow the onset of the disease by more than two weeks. Further research is necessary to determine the benefits of CBN in ALS symptom relief in humans.
Anti-inflammatory Effects of CBN
Cannabinoids act on inflammation through other mechanisms than what common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) do. As a class of drugs, cannabinoids are generally free from the side effects so common with the NSAIDS. In one rodent study, CBN was able to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and inflammation.
Glaucoma and CBN
CBN may one day be helpful to those who have glaucoma. In a rabbit study, CBN was effective at lowering intraocular pressure, the primary risk factor for glaucoma. The same result was seen in a study on cats where a reduction in intraocular tension was observed. CBN is not better than current medications for glaucoma and research is still needed to see if CBN would be a viable replacement for any current glaucoma medications.
Sedative Effects of CBN
Steep Hill Lab Company claims that 2.5-5 mg of CBN is as effective as 5-10 mg. of valium. Their study further asserts that CBD and CBN work together synergistically to create a sedative effect that CBD cannot create on its own.
Pain Relief and CBN
CBN binds weakly to the CB1 receptor making it a partial agonist. This activity produces about 10% of the activity of THC in pain relief. However, CBN causes a partial release of peptides from sensory nerves thus alleviating pain via a mechanism other than by CB1 or CB2.
Allergies and CBN
THC and CBN both were found to decrease allergy induced mucin production in animal models. CBN was also shown to reduce allergic asthma triggered by inflammatory cytokines.
Appetite Stimulant and CBN
CBN was shown to increase feeding in a rat model suggesting that this may be a viable alternative to using THC, which has a high psychoactive content, in anorexia or other feeding disorders.
Bone Cell Growth with CBN
CBN stimulates bone marrow cells indirectly through the CB2 system. By gathering and modeling of stem cells, CBN may be able to help heal fractures or aide in creating new bone tissue.
ADHD and CBN
ADHD is commonly found in the adult population and is an underdiagnosed condition with treatments that come with many side-effects. A high dose of CBN was associated with a decrease in symptoms in ADHD patients to the point that many went off their medications. The monthly CBN doses in the high CBN intake group was 17-41mg with a mean dose of 28 mg. And, although CBN is a metabolite of THC, the researchers found no significant differences of monthly THC doses between the low symptom ADHD group and the high symptom ADHD group in this medical cannabis study.
What is CBN Isolate?
The most commonly available CBN on the market is CBN isolate. This is created either by solvent extraction or CO2 extraction of the CBN from the cannabis plant, a process that strips all the other cannabinoids and terpenes away from the product leaving 99% pure CBN. Extraction labs and equipment can be found here.
CBN Products
While the simplest way to get high CBN flower is to just leave your bud out in the light and air for a few days and age it, there are companies that make CBN tablets. Mary’s Medicinals makes CBN pills and can be found by visiting this page.
CBN is another cannabinoid with special properties all of its own with research potential yet to be explored.
