Cannabinol (CBN) is considered a minor phytocannabinoid found within the Cannabis plant that was accidentally discovered in the late 1800s when it became the first cannabinoid to be isolated from hashish but it was not fully understood until 1940 due to nomenclature misunderstandings and the plant material used for extraction methods (Maioli et al., 2022).
Chemistry of CBN
CBN is an interesting cannabinoid because of its unique creation directly from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While most phytocannabinoids have an acidic precursor, such as THC and THCA, CBD and CBDA, and CBC and CBCA. CBN, however, is created from THC through oxidization and light degradation (exposure to oxygen and/or light); instead of losing a carboxyl group, a pair of hydrogen atoms are lost during the oxidation reaction, going from THC’s unstable molecular formula of C21H30O2 to CBN’s formula C21H26O2 (Vrabel, 2022).
CBN binds less strongly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors compared to CBD and THC but has a preference for CB2 receptors which are located within our immune system, playing an important role in maintaining homeostasis and modulating immune functions (Vrabel, 2022). Because of this preference towards CB2 receptors and the immune system, CBN has more credibility in treating autoimmune disorders, especially those involving inflammation, than THC.
Potential Benefits of CBN
CBN has demonstrated potential in human and animal-based studies as an analgesic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and orexigenic (Maioli et al., 2022). While CBN is touted as a sleep remedy, real-world data currently suggests that the combination of CBN, CBD, THC, and melatonin can be most effective in producing deeper sleep for longer periods of duration rather than CBN alone, indicating the importance of the Entourage Effect in cannabis use (Vrabel, 2022). CBN can also produce psychoactivity but to a much milder degree than THC, providing relief from symptoms that interfere with day-to-day activities and quality of life.
Conclusion
CBN has established itself as a potential cannabinoid in treating various symptoms caused by health issues, but more research is needed to solidify itself as a major cannabinoid with emphasis on its importance within the Entourage Effect. If you’re an established cannabis user, you’ve probably tried CBN without knowing it, as it is the natural byproduct of THC found in aged cannabis regardless of storage conditions (Vrabel, 2022). When trying products with higher CBN concentrations, be mindful to start slow and prepare yourself for a different experience than THC.
Sources:
Maioli, C., Mattoteia, D., Amin, H. I. M., Minassi, A., & Caprioglio, D. (2022). Cannabinol: History, syntheses, and biological profile of the greatest “minor” cannabinoid. Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 11(21), 2896. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212896
Vrabel, L. (2022, March 7). What is CBN (cannabinol) and how does it work? The Cannigma. https://cannigma.com/plant/what-is-cbn/
