Cannabinol, or CBN, is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Like the “other” cannabinoids that are now being researched, CBN has a unique profile. It can be used effectively for pain relief and insomnia.
It can work as both, an antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory. It also works as an anti-convulsive and appetite stimulant.
According to research conducted by leading canna-research lab, Steep Hill in California, CBN appears to be a powerful sedative. 5mg of CBN appears to be as effective as a 10mg dose of diazepam.
Unlike THC, CBN has few to any psychoactive effects. It also appears in trace elements in most strains.
CBN does have mild psychoactive properties – just not as strong as THC.
However, most people prefer THC both medically and recreationally because it does not cause the same groggy feeling that CBN regularly causes.
Like many other cannabinoids in the plant, CBN is derived from cannabigerolic acid or CBGA.
An Oxidized Cannabinoid
Like THC-A, CBN is the product of THC degradation. As THC oxidizes, it converts to CBN.
This process can be started either by heat or oxidation. That means that aged or poorly stored cannabis is likely to have higher levels of CBN than fresh flower. Improperly cured cannabis also contains higher amounts of this cannabinoid.
Because of this, it is also likely that CBN products will most readily be available via products such as oils, capsules, patches and other manufactured products.
Symptomatic Relief
CBN is one of the many cannabinoids that is increasingly seen as a specific symptom or condition appropriate cannabinoid. Lou Gehrig’s disease (or ALS) is one of those conditions.
It is a neurogenerative disease caused by the destruction of motor neurons. High CBN cannabis, in particular, seems to work wonders on symptom control. This cannabinoid is also a candidate for pharmaceutical development for a drug to slow progression of the disease or even cure it.
Sadly, this condition, like many others has not been properly researched. No clinical, placebo-controlled or double-blinded trials have yet occurred.
CBN is also widely used as an antibacterial. Topical uses also show promise in treating burns and psoriasis. Early studies have also suggested that it might also be useful in promoting bone growth.
Studies dating from 2003 also show that CBN helped control allergy-related asthma. Like THC, CBN has also been found to be highly efficacious in treating glaucoma.
Advancing Research
While formal research, particularly in the United States right now, is slow, there is hope elsewhere for the chronically ill. Israel leads the world right now in medical research on all fronts including isolating specific cannabinoids for symptom relief and breeding specific varieties for the same.
In addition, as of 2017 Germany will move firmly into the “legalize” camp on the medical front. The government will also cover the drug under health insurance.
This means that major R&D is also on the horizon in a country with a strong tradition of scientific research. Australia too will probably begin to produce ground-breaking trial research. While this may be frustrating news for patients who need information or access now – take heart. Help is coming.
In the meantime, if living in a cannabis-friendly state, start to do your research.
How Do I Know If CBN Is the “Right” Cannabinoid For Me?
You don’t. At this point, the best way to find out if CBN is the best cannabinoid for your symptomology is to do your own research. This means strain research (easy today on the internet).
It also means experimentation. Try samples. If you can, keep a strain journal. This is the best way to understand how different kinds of cannabis affect you and over time.
At this point, you are your own best “researcher.”
Share your thoughts and views in the comment section below.
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