Buzz
The labeling on cannabis-based products often highlights their intended benefits, such as promoting relaxation, aiding sleep, alleviating anxiety, or providing pain relief. However, these claims are broad and lack specificity. Our understanding of the cannabis plant remains limited, and current knowledge about cannabinoids is largely based on preliminary studies, which are often treated as definitive findings.
While CBD and THC have dominated the cannabinoid spotlight, recent advancements in legalization have opened doors to exploring cannabis’ diverse compounds, such as delta-8, delta-10, and THC-O. Among these, CBN has emerged as a promising candidate, frequently marketed as an effective sleep aid in products like gummies.
CBN was first extracted from cannabis oil in the late 1800s, as noted in a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology. Over time, it has gained recognition as the cannabinoid associated with aged cannabis, formed when THC breaks down due to heat, light, or prolonged storage. This explains why consuming old, degraded cannabis may produce milder effects compared to the potent high of fresh, THC-rich flower.
In the race to launch innovative products, companies are advertising CBN as a natural, plant-based supplement designed to enhance relaxation—positioning it as a middle ground between THC and CBD. But what evidence supports these assertions?
Several companies are already experimenting with CBN
Dosist Co-Founder Jason DeLand is among the innovators developing CBN-infused products. He explained to Mytour that this places them in a unique position. “CBN is rarer and costlier to source, limiting its availability,” he said. “Dosist is among the first to isolate CBN and integrate it into our offerings.”
Pure CBN isn’t sold directly to consumers; as DeLand mentioned, it’s usually blended with other cannabinoids to create viable products. Project CBD, a cannabis education platform, explains that CBN alone doesn’t induce intoxication. “Using CBN isolate might mildly activate your ECS [endocannabinoid system], potentially aiding certain aspects of sleep,” Project CBD states. “However, this mechanism is likely similar to consuming a minimal dose of THC.”
“Neither CBD nor CBN causes intoxication on its own, but both can influence the effects of THC when combined,” DeLand noted. “CBD mitigates some of THC’s adverse effects, such as paranoia or anxiety, while CBN introduces a calming, mildly sedative effect that has proven helpful for those using cannabis to improve sleep.”
Admittedly, the evidence supporting this claim isn’t scientifically robust. DeLand mentioned that while Dosist customers have reported better sleep with the company’s CBN-infused gummies, “research on CBN is still ongoing.”
Research on CBN remains limited
Not all brands are convinced of CBN’s benefits as an additive. While CV Science’s +PlusCBD line offers products designed to help customers fall asleep faster, they have not yet included CBN in their formulations. Dr. Michael Lewis, MD, the company’s medical advisor, highlighted the risks of experimenting with unfamiliar cannabinoids.
“The company has not developed a CBN product due to the absence of published research,” Lewis explained. “If more peer-reviewed studies emerge, the company may consider creating a product that utilizes CBN’s unique properties.”
This caution stems from a lack of scientific consensus. “Clinical studies on CBN and its effects are still in their early stages compared to other cannabinoids,” Lewis stated. “It’s crucial to evaluate a brand’s claims before choosing a product. Early research suggests CBN has significant potential, but more studies are needed to elevate it to the same status as THC or CBD.” Lewis added that CV Sciences’ +PlusCBD sleep gummies contain clinically studied sleep aids like melatonin and magnolia bark.
All cannabis has the potential to induce sleepiness
For those sensitive to cannabis, even a small amount of any cannabinoid can act as a sleep aid if consumed carelessly. The numerous compounds found in cannabis, such as flavonoids, terpenes, lipids, and other phytochemicals, influence its effects. Additionally, your body’s unique chemistry and other substances you’ve consumed, like caffeine or alcohol, play a role. While cannabis is an effective sleep aid for many, it’s not a universal solution for occasional sleeplessness.
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