Among the 115 different kinds of cannabinoids, which one do you think can help you get maximum benefits? Well, out of these many cannabinoids, two are the talk of the town these days. They are CBD and CBN.
Now you might be thinking, ‘What is CBN?’ and ‘What is CBD?’ These two cannabinoids are referred to as ‘cousins’ in the cannabis family, which, when paired up together, can often perform wonders.
So, if you’re wondering how they differ or which among these would be best for you, keep reading till the end to make your final choice.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana. Hemp is the primary source of CBD since it is rich in CBD and contains only traces of THC. In contrast, marijuana is rich in THC and contains CBD in lower concentrations.
CBD often interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors and increasing the production of endocannabinoids. It thus regulates the response of receptors to these endocannabinoids, providing multiple benefits.
Health benefits and uses of CBD
CBD has been extremely popular lately, which is not just because of its non-psychoactive nature but also because of its multiple benefits and uses. Here are a few of CBD benefits and uses:
Anxiety relief
CBD is known for reducing symptoms of anxiety and is used by many suffering from mental health problems. It can promote relaxation and regulate mood, which can thus control anxiety levels.
Pain management
CBD is commonly used for pain relief since it reduces pain by interacting with the neurotransmitters. It is used to manage various types of pain like chronic pain, arthritis, and more.
Anti-inflammatory properties
CBD is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the production of inflammatory cytokines and lowers the levels of oxidative stress. These properties promote the usage of CBD for sclerosis, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Epilepsy treatment
One of the primary uses of CBD is for epilepsy treatment, especially in cases where traditional treatment does not work. For this, the FDA has approved a drug called Epidiolex, which contains CBD. It is used for the treatment of rare forms of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
What is CBN?
CBN, or cannabinol, is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is a byproduct of THC and is found in cannabis plants. It is formed through oxidation and degradation of THC(Tetrahydrocannabinol). This is a natural process that occurs when the plant ages or is exposed to heat, light, or oxygen.
CBN works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. It does not strongly bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors; however, it has a mild interaction with the CB2 receptor and helps provide therapeutic effects.
Health benefits and uses of CBN
Although CBN is still relatively new, it has made an impression among cannabis users for its therapeutic benefits. Here are some CBN benefits and uses:
Sleep aids and sedative effects
CBN is considered a great sleep aid due to its sedative effects. It is known to be more sedative than other cannabinoids, which promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and calms the body and mind. This, in turn, helps improve sleep patterns and quality.
Appetite stimulation
CBN can increase appetite. This can be helpful for people who struggle with loss of appetite due to medical conditions or treatments. This can also be used as a cure for eating disorders.
Potential for pain relief
CBN might have analgesic properties since it reacts with the CB2 receptor. This means that CBN can be a potential compound for pain relief. It can be helpful for chronic pain, inflammation, or neuropathic pain.
Key Differences Between CBN and CBD
While both CBN and CBD are cannabinoids with various uses, they are still different from each other and can be used for different purposes. Here are the key differences:
| Features | CBN | CBD |
| Chemical Composition | It is a byproduct of THC formed by oxidation and degradation and is chemically similar to THC. | This is formed due to the plant’s natural process and is created through its precursor, cannabidiolic acid. |
| Psychoactive Effects | It is mildly psychoactive in nature since it is formed through the degradation of THC. | It is non-psychoactive in nature and does not produce a high. |
| Legal Status | It is federally legal as long as it has a concentration of 0.3% or less THC. | CBD derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal federally. |
| Health Benefits | It has benefits like sleep aid, pain relief, anti-inflammation, and appetite stimulation. | Known for anxiety relief, pain management, epilepsy treatment, and anti-inflammation. |
| Availability of Products | CBN has less product availability since it is still new. Products include oils, tinctures, capsules, etc. | Widely available in a variety of products like gummies, oils, tinctures, vapes, capsules, beverages, etc. |
How to Choose Between CBN and CBD
Choosing between CBN vs. CBD can depend on an individual’s preferences and needs. Here is how you can choose between CBN and CBD:
Factors to consider
Depending on your daily life needs, you can choose between these two cannabinoids. If you have sleep issues, then CBN would be a better choice since its sedative effects can promote sleep.
However, if you have anxiety, then CBD is a much better choice. Similarly, for pain management and inflammation, CBD is mostly recommended. Meanwhile, with appetite stimulation, CBN might be your answer.
Safety and dosage recommendations
While consuming CBD or CBN, it is important to maintain safety procedures like proper dosage and storage. With CBD, it is recommended to start with 10 to 20 mg per day and gradually increase if needed.
However, with CBN, you can consume 10mg per day. Although it is only a recommended dosage, you should check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the proper dosage of that particular product.
Consulting with a healthcare professional
When dealing with cannabis, it is better to consult with a healthcare professional. Before starting any new supplement, you can visit your doctor and limit your dosage accordingly. Moreover, cannabinoids can interact with conditions like pregnancy, other medications, or underlying medical conditions.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
With multiple health benefits, these cannabinoids also have their own set of risks and side effects, which are very rare but are important to keep in mind. Here are a few of those side effects:
Dry Mouth
Both CBN and CBD can cause dry mouth. They can reduce the production of saliva, which can lead to a sensation of dryness in the mouth. It is better to keep yourself hydrated while consuming these cannabinoids.
Drowsiness
The sedative effects of CBN can sometimes cause drowsiness, which can intervene during the daytime. Similarly, CBD can also cause drowsiness, but only when taken in high doses.
Changes in Appetite
CBN and CBD can both cause changes in appetite. While CBN is primarily known for stimulating appetite, CBD can either increase or decrease appetite, which can cause weight changes.
Drug Interactions
The most common side effects that you can find with either of these cannabinoids can occur due to their interaction with other drugs or medications. They can both affect the liver’s ability to break down certain medications like blood thinners or antidepressants, which can thus become toxic. Therefore, it is recommended not to use them while suffering from liver disease.
Conclusion
Both CBN and CBD definitely have their own differences. While one is better for sleep, the other one is better for relieving anxiety. Knowing their properties will definitely help you in the long run. So, hopefully, now you’ve understood the difference between CBN and CBD and can make an informed decision.
However, in order to have a risk-free experience with these two cannabinoids, it is important to ensure that the product is safe and is purchased from reputable sources like D8gas. They provide lab-tested products and proper labeling and information on the products, ensuring transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How to use CBN vs. CBD?
You can use both CBN and CBD regularly by following some measures. Start with a small dose and gradually increase the dosage as per your needs. You can take them for pain relief, reduce inflammation, and other benefits.
Q2. Can CBN and CBD be used together?
Yes, you can use CBN and CBD together to enhance their benefits. Both CBN and CBD are known for pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, and together, they can be more beneficial. Similarly, CBD’s anxiety relief and CBN’s calmness-inducing properties can both help in relieving stress and anxiety.
Q3. Which is better for sleep: CBN or CBD?
CBN has sedative properties that are stronger than most other cannabinoids, and this can be more useful than CBD for sleep aid. However, CBD has relaxing properties that can also help improve sleep.
Q4. Are CBN and CBD legal everywhere?
No, the legality of CBN and CBD depends on the regulations of each state. CBD is illegal in Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota only. Whereas CBN derived from marijuana is considered illegal in most regions, including Oregon, Kansas, Alabama, etc.
Q5. How should I choose between CBN and CBD?
To choose between CBN and CBD, you need to understand your needs and preferences for taking cannabinoids. It can depend on your purpose or time of the day.