Mr. Isolate

For TRICHOMES.com

What is Cannabinol?

Buried in the alphabet soup of cannabinoid science resides a commonly occurring cannabinoid that is rising in popularity - Cannabinol (CBN). Cannabinol was the first cannabinoid to be discovered, dating all the way back to 1899. A few decades later in the 1930s, CBN’s chemical structure was identified and the field of cannabis science was born. 

CBN’s Therapeutic Potential

While sleep is by far the most marketed use for CBN, it is not the one with the most supporting scientific evidence. Currently, CBN is being studied for FDA approval to treat two different diseases, glaucoma and a rare condition known as epidermolysis bullosa, which causes fragile and painful blisters around the body. (CBN is thought to influence skin health.) 

CBN may also be able to stimulate appetite, which makes sense (because even old cannabis can still give you the munchies). Lastly, due to CBN’s selective activity at the CB2 receptor, there is a great potential to treat several inflammatory conditions, which may include neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Lou Gehrig disease (ALS).

How is CBN formed?

This cannabinoid is naturally occurring but is not produced by the plant, even though it is often found in cannabis flower. In nature, CBN is formed naturally as a cannabis flower ages through the decarboxylation (heating) or oxidation of THCa, which is the natural non-psychoactive form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both of these processes result in the byproduct, CBN. 

In the case of oxidation, THC loses hydrogen, which changes the structure into CBN. A common example of oxidation is iron turning to rust. Over time, iron exposed to oxygen and water changes the chemical structure of the iron into rust, also known as iron oxide. So CBN is similar to rust - a byproduct of time, temp, and environmental exposure.

What does CBN do in the body?

There are innumerable consumer reports that CBN induces sleep, but currently there is little science supporting these claims. The best evidence explaining these effects come from a 1975 study that found that CBN + THC resulted in sedation and drowsiness compared to CBN alone. However, that was 50 years ago and few studies have aimed to validate these claims.

CBN has similar activity in the body as THC. Perhaps not a surprise given that it is derived from THC, CBN also activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but does so more gently than THC. CBN’s actions are more selective for the CB2 receptor, which gives it potential to act as a potent anti-inflammatory while the reduced affinity for CB1 should limit the intoxicating effects of CBN. Some claim that very high-dose CBN can produce deep, narcotic-like sedation, without the more intense psychotropic  effects that one may get from a high dose of THC.

Should you try CBN?

If you’ve used cannabis, you’ve essentially already tried CBN without knowing it. Cannabinol is present in very low amounts in fresh cannabis flower, but increases with time as the flower ages. The older the bud, the higher the CBN levels and the same applies for oil vape carts or concentrates, like shatter or rosin. Additionally, it’s possible that some CBN is formed when cannabis flower is smoked or exposed to extremely high heats. There is no doubt that CBN has useful therapeutic properties. As we advance our knowledge in cannabinoid science, aiming to harness the potential of cannabinol must be made a priority.