Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) are two of the more than 100 types of natural chemical components called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
You may have heard of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that produces a high. But unlike THCCBD and CBN are dubbed as milder drugs. That means they are non-psychoactive and don’t alter your mind. Insteadthey’re touted for their medical benefits.
Howeverthey’re not the same. Though CBD and CBN interact with the same receptors in your bodythey produce different effects.
CBD is more popular than CBN. It’s mostly derived from the hemp plant and legal for consumption. But state laws vary. You can find CBD-infused products in grocery stores to gas stations. It’s found in several beauty and food products such as oilsshampooscreamspillsand chocolates. People often use it to help manage symptoms from anxietyinsomniaand a range of chronic pain and other medical conditions.
CBNon the other handis not as popular or readily available. This is because there hasn’t been a lot of human or animal research done on the benefitsusesand side effects. But CBN is slowly gaining popularity for its potential benefits for sleep and pain management.
CBD: Benefits and Uses
CBD is hailed as a cure-all for a variety of medical conditions and pain symptoms. Howeverthe jury is still outand there needs to be more scientific research to back up the claims.
There is strong evidence on CBD’s benefits and effectiveness against certain seizure-causing epilepsy syndromes such as:
- Dravet syndrome
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Tuberous sclerosis complex
These medical conditionswhich mostly affect childrendon’t respond well to several antiseizure medications. But numerous studies have shown that CBD can significantly lower symptoms or stop them altogether in some cases.
To combat epilepsy conditionsthe FDA approved the first and only CBD drugcalled Epidiolex. Research on CBD use for medical treatment for health conditions is still ongoing and limited.
Currentlyits uses are being looked into for medical conditions like:
- Parkinson's disease
- Schizophrenia
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Anxiety
- Cancer
Other animal studies and self-reported benefits of CBD use for conditions include:
Insomnia. Certain studies have shown that CBD may help with sleep issues like falling or staying asleep.
Chronic pain. While research is limitedsome studies have shown that CBD may help lower inflammation in your joints and muscles in conditions like arthritis. This may help improve quality of lifebut there needs to be more evidence.
Addiction. Some studies suggest that CBD can reduce cravings caused by mind-altering drugs like opiatesTHCother stimulantsand alcohol.
CBN: Benefits and Uses
CBN can be understood as a weaker version of THC. When THC components found in the cannabis plant agethey break down. This leads to the formation of a less potent cannabinoid called CBN. It’s about 25% as effective as THCwhich makes it a mild chemical.
Unlike CBDwhich is entirely non-psychoactiveCBN in larger doses can produce mild psychoactive reactions.
CBN has not been studied or used as widely as CBD or THCso there’s very limited knowledge or research on its uses and benefits. Some of the potential uses and benefits observed in few studies include:
Sleep aid. CBN has shown to have sedative properties that could relieve conditions like insomnia. Howevermore research is required.
Pain relief. In a study of ratsCBN use showed relief in muscle and joint pain conditions like fibromyalgia. The study also noted that pain relief was better when CBD and CBN were used together.
Neuroprotective properties. One 2005 study found that CBN could help delay the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)a disease that affects cells in the brain and the spinal cord. CBN was given in small amounts for a period of 12 weeks. Howevermore research is required in this area.
How Can You Consume CBD or CBN?
CBD is in a variety of oral and topical products that you can find online or in your local grocery storegas stationor a pharmacy. It’s also available in legally operated marijuana dispensaries.
You can consume CBD as:
- Gummies
- Edibles
- Pills
- Patches
- Creams
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Lotions
- Shampoo
- Vape pens
CBN isn’t as widely availablebut it’s found in forms like:
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Capsules
- Disposable vape pens
- Tea bags
- CBN isolate
CBD vs CBN: What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
While CBD has numerous self-reported and studied health benefitsit may have side effects and still has the potential to harm you if you use it incorrectly or use tainted or mislabeled products. According to the FDAit’s illegal to market CBD when it’s added to food or sold as dietary supplements.
Quality of the CBD product and products with unproven medical claims can also have some serious effects on your health. While a product off the shelf or sold online may seem like a CBD-infused productit may contain traces of THC and misleading information on purity and dosage. This can hamper the safety of the product. It can also show up on a drug test or lead to severe consequences legally or medically.
One recent study of 84 CBD products bought online showed that more than 20 products contained less CBD than the label advertised. MoreoverTHC was found in 18 products.
Experts don’t fully know the long- and short-term effects of CBD useand there needs to be more research done on its usesrisksand benefits.
CBD side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Liver injury
- Possible infertility in males
- Mood changes
- Lack of alertness
- Irritability
CBD can also have adverse side effects if it interacts with prescription drugs or alcohol.
There are no known side effects of CBN. That’s not because there aren’t anybut there’s not enough evidence to know CBN’s short- and long-term effects on your health.
If you’re planning to try CBD or CBN and it’s your first timetalk to your doctor about potential benefits and side effects before you use it. If you’re not sure about the type of product or what dosage is right for youconsult a medical expert.
If you notice adverse or allergic reactions from CBD or CBN productscall 911 or head to the nearest hospital for medical help.
