What Is CBN (Cannabinol) - How Is It Similar And Different from CBD?

A mature cannabis plant has hundreds of cannabinoids, bearing unique effects for users. Along with these cannabinoids, there are terpenes, flavonoids, and minor nutrients. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally. You might be surprised to know that our bodies also produce a small amount of these compounds! Each component of the cannabis plant has various properties, and cannabinoids are stimulating, energizing, and refreshing. The most prominent of these compounds are CBD and THC.

The various cannabinoids

Apart from CBD and THC, cannabinoids like CBN and CBG are also found in significant amounts. There has been a comparison of the various cannabinoids to see the potential therapeutic impact of these natural substances. Some of these compounds are similar, while others only work to enhance the results of a more abundant cannabinoid. Let's see what the comparison of CBD and CBN looks like.

What is CBN? 

CBN or Cannabinol is a non-psychoactive chemical compound in the hemp plant similar to CBD, but the molecular structure is different enough to have varying results. CBN is the product of oxidization as manufacturers heat THC to change the molecular structure, and the result is CBN, which does not have the same properties as THC.

Scientific research explains that the Delta-9-THC compounds heats and their molecular structures change to form CBN. Manufacturers use this oxidization method to produce CBN is a common practice as this cannabinoid is not found in large quantities in the hemp plant.

The effects of CBN are relaxing and releveling, which makes it similar to CBD, but there are numerous differences in intensity and impact duration. The main impact of CBN includes:

• Anti-inflammatory, as it can control inflammation like CBD.
• The neuroprotective effect was visible in a study on rats that showed a delay in the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• A better sleep cycle is an outcome of improved body systems.
• Often used as a sleep aid.

What is CBD? 

CBD or cannabidiol is a natural compound from the hemp plant. This cannabinoid is most famous due to its energizing impact. There is little research on CBD, but it is enough to know that this compound can help overcome health issues like inflammation, chronic pain, or minor ailments that cause aches and discomfort.

CBD products are abundantly found in the market. Nowadays, you can find CBD in all types of consumer goods, from cosmetics to candles and edibles. Out of all the cannabinoids of the hemp plant, CBD is widely popular and is consumed by millions of people in America. When we discuss this plant's hemp plantation and industrial crops, the end product is CBD that gets manufacturers and industrialists interested in hemp! Some of the main effects of CBD are:

• Anti-inflammatory,
• Stimulation and energizing compound,
• Anti-depressant, as a study revealed that people with depression and anxiety might feel better with regular use of cannabidiol.  
• Better focus, positive mood, and better sleep.

The similarities of CBD and CBN

If we can generally bifurcate the cannabinoids of the hemp plant, there are the non-psychoactive, stimulating compounds, and then there is THC, which is a psychoactive compound that can get you high. There are about 150 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and each of them has a unique molecular structure and properties. CBD is the most abundant, and manufacturers now breed plants designed to have a higher cannabidiol content.

CBN is also found in the hemp plant, but it is not in large quantities. Moreover, this compound is formed due to the chemical changes that occur in the hemp plant. The oxidization of THC can create CBN. Similarly, natural processes can result in any cannabinoid turning to CBN after the molecular structure changes. Manufacturers cannot create a CBN-rich hemp variation.

The similarities of CBD and CBN are that they interact with the endocannabinoid system in humans, leading to better body functions, chemical balance, and improved organ function. Moreover, they are non-psychoactive.

Combination effect

The various cannabinoids of hemp work in unison to give users the full impact of uplifting the spirits and energizing the body to combat various health issues. The multiple cannabinoids in the hemp plant complement each other and enhance the benefits of each component. This combination effect or the Entourage Effect creates a harmonious working of all the cannabinoids. CBD and CBN work in harmony to create a more energizing and invigorating experience for users.

CBD and CBN are both non-psychoactive, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing, giving users a boost of effects. The Entourage effect of CBD and CBN makes them an excellent combination for users.

You must have heard of full-spectrum CBD products containing CBD and a wide array of cannabinoids present in the hemp plant. The combined effect of all these cannabinoids makes the CBD product more potent.

Primary differences

Apart from the molecular structure of both cannabinoids, some differences make the impacts varied. Users have been the primary source of these differences as few CBN products are available and even less research on Cannabinol.

The main differences between CBN and CBD are as follows:

• CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, whereas CBN is an oxidized form of Delta-9-THC and THC.
• Due to CBN's unique molecular structure and properties, it is a better sleep cycle regulator without psychoactive effects.

CBD and CBN are essential cannabinoids, and there is not enough scientific research on CBN to deduce more differences. However, users say that while CBD effects are more potent, CBN offers numerous benefits that make it a 'must-have' cannabinoid. We recommend all CBD enthusiasts to try out Full-Spectrum CBD products to enjoy the impact of CBN along with CBD.

Conclusion

CBD and CBN are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The hemp plants used in all CBD products manufactured in America have cannabinoids, and users enjoy them. However, there are a few differences and similarities between these two components of hemp. We have discussed the similarities and differences between CBD and CBN that can help you decide what suits you the most!