Products made from cannabinoids are popping up everywhere in the consumer market in various forms, from gummies to drops you can add to your morning cup of joe. With so many products to choose from (and new ones popping up daily), it can be overwhelming to keep up with all of the cannabinoid acronyms and whether or not a specific product is legal based on its ingredients.
CBD and THC are by far the best-known cannabinoids, but chances are you have also now heard of CBN as an ingredient in many hemp-derived products. Read on to learn more about CBN, how it is used and whether or not it is legal for use in the US.
What Is CBN?
CBN is the acronym for cannabinol, which is a plant-derived cannabinoid. Unlike THC, CBN does not have psychoactive properties, but it boasts many therapeutic benefits, hence its increasing popularity in various supplements.
CBN comes from the cannabis plant, which has two different species: marijuana and hemp. There is often confusion surrounding these plants, and the names are used interchangeably (but not always correctly).
The easy rule of thumb to remember when it comes to defining and describing the two species of cannabis plants is this:
- The marijuana species is high in THC and low in CBD
- The hemp species is high in CBD and low in THC
Now that you understand that distinction, you may ask, “Where do we get the CBN?”
CBN occurs when THC breaks down, resulting from a plant’s exposure to sunlight as it ages. This causes THC to oxidize, which in turn converts it to CBN.
How Does CBN Work in the Body?
Our bodies have their own endocannabinoid systems, and when we introduce CBN into our bodies, it will bind to our endocannabinoid receptors. Once this occurs, we enjoy several therapeutic and healing effects, such as a calming sensation for anxiety patients. Like its cousin CBD, CBN can help improve sleep and stabilize moods.
Is CBN Legal for Sale in the US?
The increasing popularity of cannabis products has resulted in growing efforts to legalize certain cannabinoids. In recent years, there have been a number of changes to laws on both Federal and state levels, including the 2018 Farm Bill.
The 2018 legislation determined that hemp-derived products with less than .03 % THC are legally sold in the US. Hemp is the key word in this legislation: products must be derived from the hemp species—rather than the marijuana species—of the cannabis plant to fall under this designation.
Is it possible to derive CBN from the marijuana species? Yes. Is it likely the CBN product you are using contains a cannabinoid derived from the marijuana species? No.
From a manufacturing point of view, commercial quantities of CBN are simply impractical regarding the marijuana plant. To play it safe when it comes to the legality of CBN, double-check the manufacturer information to be sure you are using hemp-derived CBN.
What Are the Benefits of CBN?
CBN research has not been as developed or widespread as efforts to understand THC and CBD and their effects on our bodies, but this is changing as interest grows in using CBN in more consumer products. Thus far, we know that CBN shares many of the same therapeutic properties as CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC. Most users would describe CBN as effective in creating a calming or mellow sensation without the high.
Like CBD, CBN has been touted as an effective treatment for sleep issues and anxiety disorders. In addition, some users have reported benefits in addressing pain, inflammation, and even treating glaucoma. With more scientific research in the coming years, we will likely see the use of CBN increasing as we learn more about its benefits.
Is CBN Safe, and Does It Have Side Effects?
CBN is not known to produce any widespread adverse side effects, though more research will be needed in this area. In general, it is best to remember that CBN (like CBD) can have a relaxing, sedative-like effect, so it is best to start with a small amount to see how your body reacts to it.
Avoid trying CBD for the first time the morning of your big presentation at work or before hopping in the car to drive a long distance. Play it safe by starting with small quantities in a controlled environment. You can adjust the amounts as needed once you see the desired effects.
Discussing any supplements (hemp-derived or otherwise) with your healthcare provider is always a good idea, especially if you use prescription medications to treat any other conditions.
CBN and Drug Testing
A common question for those considering CBN supplements is whether they will appear in employer drug screenings.
Bear in mind that even the smallest traces of THC found in a CBN product could show up in a urinalysis, so if you are routinely drug tested as a requirement of your employer—or are in the process of seeking a new job in an industry that requires drug screenings—you should avoid using hemp-derived supplements.
Why Choose Erth Wellness for CBN?
At Erth Wellness, we are passionate about looking to nature to provide incredible health benefits to our customers. Our made-in-the-US products are designed with a balanced lifestyle in mind, and we offer various supplements to improve sleep, increase focus, reduce stress, and manage pain.
Our CBN gummies for sleep rank consistently among our best sellers, thanks to their effectiveness among satisfied customers. If you are looking for better rest and relaxation, give them a try, and be sure to check out some of the great discounts we offer before you order.
