Deciphering cbd and cbn: Comparing Their Uses, Advantages, and Research Status

Among the more than 100 different kinds of naturally occurring chemical components called cannabinoids that are present in the cannabis plant are cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN). 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that gives users a high. You may be familiar with THC. However, cbd and cbn are referred to be weaker medicines than THC. This indicates that they don’t cause mental changes and aren’t psychoactive. Rather, their health advantages are highlighted. 

They’re not the same, though. Despite the fact that cbd and cbn interact with the same receptors in your body, their effects are distinct. 

More people are using cbd and cbn. It is safe to eat and primarily originates from the hemp plant. State laws, however, differ. Products containing CBD may be found everywhere from gas stations to grocery shops. It can be found in a variety of food and cosmetic items, including chocolates, oils, shampoos, and creams. It is frequently used to assist treat the symptoms of many chronic pain disorders, anxiety, sleeplessness, and other illnesses. 

Conversely, CBN is not as widely accessible or well-liked. This is due to the paucity of studies on the advantages, applications, and adverse consequences involving humans or animals. However, CBN is gradually becoming more well-known due to its possible advantages for improving pain and sleep.  

CBD: Uses and Advantages  

CBD is praised as a miracle treatment for a wide range of illnesses and discomfort complaints. More scientific research is need to support the claims, but the jury is yet out. 

Strong data supports CBD’s advantages and efficacy against a number of epilepsy syndromes that cause seizures, including: 

The Dravet syndrome 

The Lennox-Gastaut condition 

Complex tuberculosis 

Most often affecting youngsters, these illnesses don’t react well to many antiseizure drugs. However, other studies have demonstrated that CBD can, in certain situations, completely eliminate symptoms or drastically reduce them. 

The FDA authorized Epidiolex, the first and only CBD medication, to treat epilepsy-related diseases. There is still a dearth of research on the usage of CBD as a medicinal treatment for many medical ailments. 

Its applications for the following medical disorders are currently being investigated: 

Parkinson’s illness 

Psychosis 

Diabetes, sclerosis, anxiety, and cancer 

Additional research on animals and user-reported health benefits of CBD include: 

sleeplessness. According to some research, CBD may aid with sleep-related problems like difficulty falling or staying asleep. 

persistent discomfort. Despite the paucity of evidence, several studies have suggested that CBD may help reduce inflammation in the muscles and joints when treating illnesses like arthritis. Additional evidence is required, however this might help to enhance quality of life. 

addiction. According to some research, CBD may help lessen cravings brought on by alcohol, THC, opiates, and other stimulants. 

CBN: Uses and Advantages  

One way to think of CBN is as a less potent form of THC. THC components in cannabis plants disintegrate with age. As a result, CBN, a less powerful cannabinoid, is formed. It’s a moderate substance that works roughly 25% as well as THC. 

Greater dosages of CBN can result in minor psychoactive effects, in contrast to CBD, which has no psychoactive effects at all.

There is very little information or study available on the usage and advantages of CBN because it has not been studied or utilized as extensively as THC or CBD. A few research have identified a few possible applications and advantages, which include: 

assistance for sleep. Studies have demonstrated the sedative qualities of CBN, which may help with sleep disorders like insomnia. Still, more investigation is needed. 

easing of pain. Rats used in the study demonstrated that CBN treatment relieved musculoskeletal pain, including fibromyalgia. The study also found that using CBD and CBN combined improved pain alleviation. 

neuroprotective qualities. A study conducted in 2005 discovered that CBN may be able to postpone the start of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a condition that damages brain and spinal cord cells. For 12 weeks, CBN was administered in tiny doses. More investigation is need in this field, though. 

How does CBD vary from CBN?

The following are the principal variations:  

Studies on CBD have been conducted in great detail, whereas those on CBN are still in their early stages.  

Compared to CBN, research supports the usage of CBD for pain and anxiety alleviation. 

Research on CBD and CBN has been done on sleep. However, CBN is preferable than CBD when given alone to promote sleep.  

Epidiolex, a prescription drug used to treat infrequent seizures, is the only CBD-based product available in the United States. Nevertheless, preliminary studies investigating CBN’s antiseizure effects have been conducted. However, more investigation is required.  

What is the function of the endocannabinoid system? 

The body’s network of chemicals and receptors known as the endocannabinoid system. It is a component of the neurological system and affects a variety of functions, including mood and digestion.  

The receptor in this system that has been investigated the most is cannabinoid type receptor 1 (CB1). The effects of various cannabinoids are dependent on how they bind to this receptor. For instance, the binding of THC results in a sense of euphoria or intoxication. CBD may produce calming sensations without the intoxication “high” associated with THC when it attaches to the same receptor. 

Exploring the Side Effects of cbd and cbn

Individuals respond differently to cannabis products. Furthermore, consuming modest or excessive quantities of CBD or CBN may have unintended adverse effects.  

Unlike many prescription treatments, dose guidelines for cannabis products do not take your age or weight into account. This is crucial since the dosage that works best for you might not be the same as what the manufacturer recommends on the label.  

The common side effects of CBD and CBN are comparable and include: 

Feeling sleepy  

Tiredness  

lightheadedness 

vomiting and nausea 

You should feel at ease asking your primary care physician if these products can benefit you if you’re curious about CBD, CBN, and other parts of the cannabis plant. 

Can cbd and cbn be combined? 

You can combine CBN and CBD, yes. Certain items contain both types of cannabinoids. Some might possess just one or the other. However, both can be used in tandem. 

Furthermore, using them together may improve their effectiveness compared to taking them alone, according to some research. Other components of the cannabis plant and cannabinoids complement each other effectively. You could take less of each if you took them all at once and yet have the same effects (the entourage effect). For instance, combining CBD with CBN to alleviate pain was shown to have this effect in an animal study conducted in 2019. 

References:

Swathi Varanasi, PharmD.March 18, 2024. CBN vs. CBD: Comparing Their Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects [URL]

Shishira Sreenivas.October 08, 2023. CBD vs CBN: What’s the Difference?[URL]

Accessed,May,04, 2024.