Cannabis contains a lot of cannabinoids. CBN is one of these cannabinoids. Though the major ones include THC and CBD, CBN also plays a pivotal role. CBN has been part of many research projects, and thus extensive research is present on CBN.
CBN is considered mildly psychoactive which makes it similar to THC, but the effects of CBN also resemble CBD, at the same time it also has its unique properties. This article will be featuring CBN and its effects.
What Is CBN?
The big question! As stated earlier, CBN or cannabinol is one of the cannabinoids that are present in cannabis. It is produced by decarboxylation of THC in the living cannabis plant as well as by aging process.
It has a potential of causing euphoria as it is considered mildly psychoactive. It has various uses which makes it useful for the treatment of chronic pain, reduction of muscle spasm, as an anti-epileptic and in the reduction of glaucoma symptoms.
It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, making it useful in patients with arthritis. CBN is known to cause sedation so it can be used in patients having insomnia.
CBN is fat soluble. It is produced in poorly stored marijuana by the process of aging, so the usefulness of CBN is usually dismissed. However, research has proved that it is medicinally useful. For example, 5mg of CBN is equivalent to 10mg of Valium which acts as a relaxant and as a sedative.
What Is The Mechanism of Action of CBN?
CBN acts on the cannabinoid receptors present in the body; these are C1 and C2 receptors. These receptors are present in the Endocannabinoid System(ECS) of the body. ECS is present in the brain as well as in the peripheral organs.
CBN acts on these receptors to alleviate pain, muscle spasms, anxiety and other inflammatory conditions. It produces sedation through a different mechanism, possibly altering the sleep-wake cycle.
What Is The Effect of Cannabinol or CBN?
The benefits of cannabinol are manifold. It is the most powerful sedative compound present in marijuana. The effects are not just limited sedation; let’s have a look at the effects of CBN in detail.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects of CBD
Cannabinol is an effective anti-inflammatory agent just like THC and CBD. It brings the body back to homeostasis by suppressing inflammation. This action is mainly brought about by interaction with CB1 or C1 receptors.
This effect is mediated by regulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the influx of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the region of inflammation.
- Sedative Effects of CBN
CBN is a known sedative as mentioned earlier. Thus, patients with insomnia can utilize it.
Unlike the prescriptions medications, it doesn’t cause many side effects thus it can be considered a safe option for insomnia.
- Anticonvulsant Effects
It is known for treating convulsions in epileptic patients. It controls the seizures and research says that the efficacy of CBN is similar to that of CBD and THC as an anticonvulsant.
- Appetizer Effects
Research studies on rats show that when rats consumed CBN, they consumed larger proportions of food and for a longer duration. CBN increases appetite by decreasing the neuronal impulses from the satiety center of the brain and increasing nerve impulses from appetite center in the brain.
- Analgesic Effects of CBN
It has a profound analgesic effect, and it acts so by releasing peptides from sensory nerves that help in reducing pain sensation.
Some studies suggest that the painkilling effect of CBN doesn’t depend upon the action of CBN on CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is independent of the cannabinoid receptors. Scientists are looking for the mechanism of action of CBN for producing analgesia.
- Anti-Cancer
CBN is known to have anti-cancer properties. Some research studies say that it is useful for a particular type of Lung tumor known as Lewis Lung Carcinoma. It is said that cannabinol targets cellular pathways that have an impact on cancer growth.
- Bone Formation and Healing
CBN promotes the growth of bone by promoting the stem cells. Stem cells are then converted into muscle, fat, bone and cartilage cells. It also promotes the growth of fibroblast for the healing of bones.
- CBN Antibacterial Effects
Some research studies say that CBN can have an important action against antibiotic-resistant strains that cause fatal staph infections like MRSA.
- Vasorelaxation Effects of CBN
The vasorelaxation effect of CBN is useful in reducing blood pressure and treating hypertensive patients. This effect is also useful in glaucoma patients, thus reducing the pressure on the eye.
- CBD Healing Effects
CBN is known for reducing the production of keratinocytes that result in troubling skin conditions like Psoriasis. CBN also have hypothermic effects, and it causes cooling and pain alleviation of burns.
What Are CBN Strains?
Some types of Marijuana strains have a high concentration of CBN. The maximum amount of CBN in a strain is up to 1%. Usually, most of the strains have 0.3 to0.5%. Some of the high CBN strains include;
- Super Green Crack: 0.78%
- Lemon Kush: 0.49%
- Blackberry: 0.39%
- Bubble Gum: 0.38%
- Durban Poison: 0.36%
- Purple Cadillac: 0.31%
What Studies Are Conducted On CBN?
In a study in 2012, Farrimond, Whalley, and Williams found that CBN is a stimulant of appetite in rats.
Bifulco found that in 2006 that CBN can control the growth of cancer cells. Back in 1984, a group of researchers known as Allara, Colasanti, and Craig found out that CBN reduces intra-ocular pressure in cats, and thus it can be used in the treatment of glaucoma.
Another older study conducted in 1974 by Cely, Turkanis, and Karlee found that CBN is an anticonvulsant. This study was conducted on mice, and they underwent electroshock test.
Is CBN Legal?
Due to THC, Marijuana is illegal in many areas of the world. CBD however, is less regulated. As CBN is a degradation product of THC, it is considered illegal in all those areas where CBN is illegal.
But, CBN is not added to the list of Scheduled Substances. Though it’s not placed in the controlled substances list, yet it is an analog of CBD and THC, and thus it can be labeled as illegal.
Conclusion
The immense potential of CBN as medicinal substance should not be overlooked by only considering CBD and THC. As stated in the article above, CBN has a lot of properties, that is utilized in pharmacies and hospitals can treat many conditions. It has fewer side effects, and it helps with many medical conditions.
CBN comes in the form of CBN oil, tinctures, patches and capsules. You can purchase it if you feel sleeplessness, pain or have convulsions and seizures. Consult your doctor before taking CBN.