CBN
If you buy your weed in dispensaries, it’s likely you’ve seen lots of newer products with something called CBN. What is this new cannabinoid and why is it so popular these days? Perhaps surprising given its seemingly sudden prominence, Cannabinol (CBN) was actually the first cannabinoid to be isolated in the late 1800s. However, even to this day, there are no strains that naturally produce high quantities of this cannabinoid. The main reason? CBN is created through the oxidation and degradation of THC. This occurs when cannabis is exposed to heat, ultraviolet light, or air for an extended period of time; the THC in the trichomes will begin to degrade and turn into CBN. Therefore, the older the weed, the more CBN it will contain. Chemically, CBN is similar to THC and interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, however it does so at a much lower level than THC and has a different effect on the body. Although some say it is non-psychoactive this is not entirely true, although it is largely non-intoxicating unlike THC. Many report feeling mostly sedative-like effects from CBN, which also might help explain why old weed usually just makes you tired. It is these sedative-like effects that have led to the boom in relevance as many companies have now begun incorporating CBN into their products as a sleep aid. However, CBN appears to have a wide variety of medicinal benefits in addition to its use as a sedative.
One such potential medical use was explored in a recent study published in the Archive of Oral Biology. Researchers experimenting with rats were able to show that small amounts of CBN have noticeable analgesic properties, especially when mixed with small amounts of CBD. An analgesic is anything that provides pain relief, similar to Aspirin, and in the case of CBN and CBD it shows promise to be a therapeutic for chronic conditions and had no noticeable side effects in this study.
Other researchers are focusing on potential antibiotic uses for cannabis. One increasing threat in the world of medicine is the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria, these being diseases that have produced variants able to survive most commonly used antibiotics. According to a study published in Antimicrobial Activity of Higher Plants, many cannabinoids display antibiotic properties, including against traditionally antibiotic resistant bacteria like MRSA. Notably, CBN is one of the cannabinoids shown to have antibiotic potential. The study’s author concludes that “cannabinoids are truly promising antimicrobial drugs” and that more research is needed.
There are many other potential therapeutic benefits for CBN that are currently being researched. One report reviewing multiple studies published in the British Journal of Pharmacology highlights research showing it could be used as a potent anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory and also reveals that CBN is most effective in concert with other cannabinoids. It’s a true entourage cannabinoid that is enjoying a much deserved moment in the spotlight.
Some cultivars that are said to be rich in CBN include Durban Poison and Animal Cookies. Even these and other cultivars considered high in CBN only test with at most about .3% CBN, so the most common way manufacturers produce the CBN for their products is through extraction methods whereby the bulk THC extract is oxidized, turning it into a type of CBN distillate. If there’s one thing we can take from all of this, it’s that even old weed can still be good for you.
