We've all heard of THC or CBD, the most well-known cannabinoids in the world. But what about CBN? CBN stands for Cannabinol, and it's a promising minor cannabinoid. It activates cannabinoid receptors in the body and delivers many benefits. But, what is CBN and what can you do with CBN isolate?
In this article, we'll take a closer look at what CBN isolate is and how we use it!
Article Highlights
- CBN is commonly used in many sleep aids that contain CBD products, and is best taken 1 hour before bed
- CBN isolate is 99% pure form of CBN, does not contain other cannabinoids, and is often used in product manufacturing
- This rare cannabinoid is reported to regulate the endocannabinoid system, with impacts on mood, inflammation, and sleep
- Some high CBN strains are smoked, but most often, CBN isolate is taken in the edible form
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is a chemical structure similar to THC found in the resin of the cannabis sativa plant. It is one of over 100 active compounds found in the trichomes of cannabis flower and leaves. The CBN cannabinoid is known for its ability to promote sleep, reduce inflammation and pain, and relieve anxiety.When THC breaks down under exposure to heat, light or oxygen, CBN is produced. Since CBN is produced via the process of degradation, it's only present in small amounts in fresh cannabis plants. However, as the cannabis plant ages it can become more abundant.
CBN can also be produced by heat. Hence, stronger strains of marijuana that have been exposed to high temperatures during the growing and curing process will produce more CBN cannabinoid than weaker strains grown at lower temperatures.
What is CBN Isolate?
Cannabinol isolate is a product that contains only CBN, with no other minor cannabinoids or terpenes present. CBN extracts are produced in a variety of ways, but most commonly by purifying the extract from THC-rich hemp plants through the use of CO2 or solvent extraction methods, followed by specific heating processes of the active compounds. The result is a highly refined extract that can contain up to 99% CBN and 0% THC.This is different from CBN distillate, which contains multiple minor cannabinoids found in the hemp plant or marijuana plant.
What are CBN Isolates Used For?
Scientific evidence from multiple studies finds a number of CBN benefits:
1. Improving Sleep Quality
One of the most common uses for CBN is as a sleep aid, CBN isolate is often used by people who want to improve their sleep. Research suggests that CBN reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to a restful sleep.
2. Treating Anxiety and Depression
The endocannabinoid system has been long implicated in many psychological symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. CBN, like many cannabinoids, helps regulate the endocannabinoid system through multiple receptors. Studies have shown that taking CBN can reduce feelings of anxiety and it can also be used as an antidepressant. CBN isolate also helps promote healthy brain function according to some researches.
3. Promoting Healthy Digestion
CBN is known to promote a healthy digestive system, which can help with everything from bloating and nausea to constipation and diarrhea. It's also known to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can help treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
4. Enhancing the Immune System
The immune system is one of the most important parts of our body, and it plays a role in protecting us from diseases like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes (to name just a few). It's also essential for fighting off viruses like colds or flu. CBN has been shown to improve your body's ability to fight off these illnesses by strengthening your immune cells.
5.Relieving Pain and Inflammation
Multiple studies show CBN can decrease inflammatory pathways, pathways often often associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic back pain. The main way it works is by reducing the number of prostaglandins and cytokines that are produced in your body during states of cellular stress.
6.Promote Mental Focus and Mental Clarity
Cannabinol isolate is powerful antioxidant that helps to promote mental focus and mental clarity. It's important for both physical and mental health because it can help to fight free radicals.
7.Treating Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients
CBN isolate can be especially useful for patients who've already taken other medications. This can include opioids which cause severe side effects, including intense nausea and vomiting during treatment sessions. Research shows that by adding in a small amount of CBD isolate orally before each session starts up again, these side effects are reduced significantly.
Because CBN is one of the minor cannabinoids, it has not received the research attention of more common ones like CBD or THC. However, CBN benefits may be numerous, and more research is needed to determine the full extent of its potential.
How Does Cannabinol Isolate Works?
CBN interacts with endocannabinoid receptors located throughout your body, including in the central nervous system and immune system. When these receptors are activated, they send chemical signals inside the cell, regulating function, and downstream signaling throughout your body. The endocannabinoid system controls many phsyiological properties through the actions of these receptors.CBN isolate is a non-psychoactive substance, does not produce any intoxicating effects when consumed in small doses. This means that you will not feel high or intoxicated after taking this cannabinoid, but rather just relaxed and calm throughout your day-to-day activities.
Where Can You Find CBN Isolates?
CBN isolates are becoming increasingly popular as more people explore and buy CBN products for its health benefits. But where can you find them? Many stores that specialize in hemp plant products will carry CBN isolate products. Also, check online for cannabis products that are marketed as a sleep aid since they will often have CBN.CBN isolate is regulated as a supplement, but the Food and Drug Administration has not recommended it for treatment of any condition. If you're looking to buy CBN isolate online, you'll want to make sure that you check for a quality certificate of analysis that shows the cannabinoid profile and purity of the product.
See our CBD CoA guide on how to interpret and understand a cannabinoid test result.
How Do You Use CBN Isolate?
There are many ways to use CBN isolate, depending on your needs. Here are some common ways people use it, and key differences between them:
Inhaling
Some people like to inhale CBN isolate through a vaporizer or e-cigarette in a form of vape oil, while others prefer to smoke it from hemp flower that is a higher CBN strain. Inhaling CBN tincture is not as popular as other methods, partly due to the health complications of smoking, but it's still an effective way of using this product.
Ingestion
CBN tinctures can be taken by mouth in a carrier oil or tincture form or mixed in water or juice. It's important to note that the effects of ingesting CBN will not be as strong as inhaling, but is safer, and can be improved by taking it under the tongue (sublingual), and at higher doses. Ingesting CBN generally takes longer for the compound to get into the blood (around 30 minutes) compared to inhalation which is very fast.
Topical Application
Applying CBN oil tinctures directly to the skin can be helpful for pain relief and inflammation reduction. This especially true if you have arthritis or muscle soreness issues. This delivery method is also fast-acting since the CBN oil enters your bloodstream directly through your skin.However, topical application can cause side effects such as redness or irritation at the application site depending on the ingredients of the hemp products used. Some people have allergic reactions to CBN isolate topicals, so it's best to test out a small amount before applying a large amount to an area of highly sensitive skin.