By now you’ve probably heard about CBD and how it can help with anxiety, pain, and sleep. But did you know about a similar compound called CBN that offers unique benefits? As interest in cannabinoids like CBD grows, a new player is emerging on the scene – CBN. Let’s take a closer look at the CBN vs CBD tussle and see how CBN differs from CBD and what each has to offer.
First Things First – Where Do CBD and CBN Come From?
CBD and CBN start off as the same compound – CBD. CBD (cannabidiol) is found abundantly in hemp and cannabis plants in its raw form. Through exposure to light and air over time, raw CBD gets oxidized and converted into CBN (cannabinol). Think of CBN as aged and oxidized CBD. It occurs naturally in older cannabis plants. CBN can also be created deliberately by exposing high CBD crops or extracts to oxygen. So they come from the same source, but offer distinct effects. Now let’s dive into the key differences.
Comparing CBD vs CBN Effects
CBD is the rockstar of the two when it comes to benefits like relieving anxiety, seizures, inflammation, neurodegenerative conditions, and pain. CBN is now emerging as the cannabinoid to target better sleep and appetite stimulation.
Here’s an overview:
CBD Effects:
- Reduces anxiety and stress
- Improves sleep quality
- Decreases inflammation
- Relieves chronic pain
- Reduces seizures in epilepsy
- Protects brain cells and reduces neurodegeneration
CBN Effects:
- Induces deeper and longer sleep
- Stimulates appetite
- Reduces inflammation
- Relieves pain as a secondary effect
- Lowers anxiety, but less potently than CBD
As you can see, there is definitely some overlap between these two cannabinoids. But CBN has a more targeted set of benefits.
Let’s get into the details of each major effect.
Using CBN for Improved Sleep
CBN’s most promising and distinctive benefit is its ability to regulate sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, wake frequently, or feel drowsy during the day, CBN may help.
Research indicates CBN can:
- Shorten the time required to fall asleep
- Prolong total sleep time
- Increase deep slow wave sleep
- Reduce middle of the night wakeups
These powerful sedating qualities come from CBN’s ability to enhance CB1 receptor signaling. The CB1 receptors it activates are part of the endocannabinoid system that modulates wake/sleep cycles.
While CBD also promotes sleep due to its calming effect, CBN is more directly sleep-enhancing. If restorative sleep is your main goal, CBN may be a better choice than CBD alone.
Harnessing CBN for Appetite Regulation
Interestingly, CBN can also influence appetite regulation.
The exact mechanisms are still being unraveled, but studies have found CBN can:
- Boost total food intake
- Increase meal frequency
- Enhance the appetite-stimulating effects of smelling food
This is an exciting area of research for using cannabinoids to address eating disorders, wasting conditions like cancer or HIV, and nausea. CBD does not seem to impact appetite and digestion significantly. So for hunger-related issues, CBN is the way to go over CBD.
Comparing Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Both CBD and CBN are considered anti-inflammatory cannabinoids that can reduce swelling, pain, and oxidative damage. However, most studies find CBD has greater anti-inflammatory properties due to its ability to alter cytokine signaling and suppress pro-inflammatory genes.
While less potent, CBN still helps alleviate inflammation and associated conditions as a secondary benefit. Using CBN with CBD can offer a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect.
Analyzing Effects on Anxiety and Stress
When it comes to relieving anxiety, CBD definitely has greater effects than CBN. Most research shows CBN only reduces anxiety at relatively high dosages. CBD is a potent anxiolytic that works at much lower doses than CBN to calm the mind and body by activating serotonin receptors and altering limbic/paralimbic function.
That said, the relaxation induced by CBN can complement CBD’s anxiety-lowering effects. So combining both may optimize relief.
Conclusion
The Final results:
- For sleep – CBN is your best bet
- For appetite – CBN is the winner
- For anxiety and inflammation – CBD is superior
- For multi-purpose benefit – Combining CBD and CBN is ideal
As you decide whether to incorporate CBN, CBD, or both into your health and wellness regimen, keep your primary needs in mind. CBN brings its own unique advantages to the table.
Future Outlook. Research into the applications of CBN is still in early stages compared to CBD. But the initial results are extremely promising.
As knowledge of this fascinating cannabinoid grows, expect to see CBN poised to join CBD as an increasingly popular supplement choice. The future is bright for both CBD and CBN as people discover more about their diverse benefits.
Have you tried any CBN or CBD products?
