By now you’ve probably heard about CBD and how it can help with anxiety, pain, and sleep. But did you know about a similar compound called CBN that offers unique benefits? As interest in cannabinoids like CBD grows, a new player is emerging on the scene – CBN. Let’s take a closer look at the CBN vs CBD tussle and see how CBN differs from CBD and what each has to offer.
First Things First – Where Do CBD and CBN Come From?
CBD and CBN originate from a common compound, CBD, which is abundantly present in the raw form of hemp and cannabis plants. As time passes, raw CBD undergoes oxidation through exposure to light and air, resulting in the conversion into CBN, known as cannabinol. CBN can be considered as a mature and oxidized version of CBD and is naturally found in older cannabis plants. Additionally, intentional exposure of high CBD crops or extracts to oxygen can also produce CBN. Although derived from the same source, CBD and CBN offer unique effects. Now, let us explore the main distinctions between them.
Comparing CBD vs CBN Effects
When it comes to various benefits such as anxiety relief, seizure reduction, inflammation reduction, improvement of neurodegenerative conditions, and pain relief, CBD takes the spotlight as the rockstar. However, CBN is now gaining attention as the cannabinoid that is particularly effective in promoting better sleep and stimulating appetite.
Here’s an overview:
CBD Effects:
- Reduces anxiety and stress
- Improves sleep quality
- Decreases inflammation
- Relieves chronic pain
- Reduces seizures in epilepsy
- Protects brain cells and reduces neurodegeneration
CBN Effects:
- Induces deeper and longer sleep
- Stimulates appetite
- Reduces inflammation
- Relieves pain as a secondary effect
- Reduces anxiety, although not as strongly as CBD.
There is undoubtedly some overlap between these two cannabinoids, but CBN offers a more focused range of advantages.
Let’s get into the details of each major effect.
Using CBN for Improved Sleep
CBN’s notable advantage lies in its capability to regulate sleep patterns effectively. If you struggle with sleep onset, experience frequent awakenings, or suffer from daytime drowsiness, CBN might provide potential assistance.
Research indicates CBN can:
- Reduce sleep onset time
- Prolong total sleep time
- Increase deep slow wave sleep
- Reduce middle of the night wakeups
The potency of sedation in CBN stems from its capacity to amplify CB1 receptor signaling, thereby activating the CB1 receptors associated with the endocannabinoid system responsible for regulating sleep/wake patterns.
CBN is specifically designed to enhance sleep, whereas CBD promotes sleep through its calming properties. If your primary objective is to achieve restorative sleep, choosing CBN over CBD alone might be more beneficial.
Harnessing CBN for Appetite Regulation
It is worth noting that CBN has the ability to impact appetite regulation.
Although the precise mechanisms are still being deciphered, research has revealed that CBN possesses the ability to:
- Boost total food intake
- Increase meal frequency
- Amplify the food-smelling experience for boosting appetite.
Using cannabinoids to address eating disorders, wasting conditions such as cancer or HIV, and nausea is a captivating field of research. However, CBD appears to have negligible effects on appetite and digestion. Therefore, when it comes to hunger-related concerns, CBN is considered a more suitable option compared to CBD.
Comparing Anti-Inflammatory Effects
CBD and CBN are both recognized as cannabinoids with anti-inflammatory properties, which can effectively alleviate swelling, pain, and oxidative damage. However, numerous studies suggest that CBD exhibits stronger anti-inflammatory effects compared to CBN. This is attributed to CBD’s remarkable capability to modify cytokine signaling and inhibit pro-inflammatory genes.
Despite being less potent, CBN still possesses the ability to relieve inflammation and related conditions as a secondary advantage. Combining CBN with CBD can result in a synergistic anti-inflammatory impact.
Analyzing Effects on Anxiety and Stress
CBD is more effective than CBN in alleviating anxiety. Numerous studies indicate that CBN only exhibits anxiety-reducing properties when consumed in relatively high amounts. On the other hand, CBD is a powerful anxiolytic that can achieve the same calming effects at much lower doses compared to CBN. It achieves this by activating serotonin receptors and modifying the function of the limbic/paralimbic system.
However, it is important to note that the calming effects of CBN can enhance the anxiety-reducing properties of CBD. Therefore, combining both compounds may maximize the alleviation of symptoms.
Conclusion
The Final results:
- If you want to sleep well, CBN is the most reliable option.
- For appetite – CBN is the winner
- CBD is superior when it comes to addressing anxiety and inflammation.
- Combining CBD and CBN is perfect for maximizing their versatile advantages.
When considering whether to include CBN, CBD, or both in your health and wellness routine, it is important to prioritize your specific requirements. CBN offers distinct benefits that should be taken into account.
The future prospects for CBN applications are still in their early stages of research, especially when compared to CBD. However, the initial findings show great promise.
As our understanding of this captivating cannabinoid expands, anticipate CBN to emerge as a rising favorite supplement alongside CBD. The potential for both CBD and CBN is promising, as individuals uncover their wide-ranging advantages.
Have you experimented with any CBN or CBD products?
