Your Guide to CBN: Sleep Benefits, Effects & More

Make room CBD, there’s another cannabinoid known for its calming and restful benefits in town: CBN. 

Since there are so many cannabinoids (113, at least) and we know it can be hard to keep track of what’s what, here’s a guide on CBN - its potential benefits and effects, plus details about our new lavender CBN tincture. (🙌)

Whether you’re looking for something new to incorporate into your self-care routine or simply want to learn more about this lesser-known cannabinoid, we’ve got you covered. 

What is CBN?

CBN, which stands for cannabinol, is derived from hemp plants. However, you probably won’t find any CBN in a young cannabis plant. This is because CBN naturally occurs when a plant has both matured and been exposed to enough oxygen. 

Even though CBN develops from THC after it’s oxidized, CBN is non-intoxicating. Meaning, it won’t get you high. So in this sense, CBN is similar to CBD - except a little less trendy (for now!).  

Fun fact: CBN was the first cannabinoid to be extracted by scientists in the late 19th century - decades before CBD and THC.

Are there benefits of CBN?

Ok, we’re not going to pretend CBN will cure everyone’s insomnia or stop all anxious thoughts from entering your mind. We wish! But we do think it can make for a great addition to your wellness and nighttime routine, especially when combined with CBD or other bedtime rituals. 

While research on CBN is still limited, there are exciting potential benefits, such as aiding the body in getting better sleep and reducing inflammation.

• Calming, Sleep-Inducing Effects:

  
  CBN is known for supporting the body to achieve better, more restful sleep. At this point, most of the evidence is anecdotal. There’s only one small study from the 1970s that showed it can potentially act as a sedative.  So in the meantime, we’ll stay tuned for more research and report back!

• Alleviating Pain:

  
  A 2019 study with rats found CBD and CBN could reduce pain. It also found the combination of CBN and CBD was more effective together than either was on their own, which is known as the “entourage effect.”  The study’s conclusion: CBN and CBD may be able to relieve pain from TMJ (temporomandibular disorders) and fibromyalgia.

• Reducing Inflammation:

  
  A study showed CBN is an anti-inflammatory agent with the potential to reduce arthritis. Seeing as the CDC reports that 23% of all adults in the U.S. have arthritis, this would potentially help tens of millions of people.

Ultimately, more studies are needed before any substantial claims can be made about the benefits of CBN. If you’re interested in trying CBN - or really, any cannabis product - we encourage you to talk with your doctor, listen to your body, and check in with yourself about how you feel. 

Any other potential effects of CBN?

Yes! Other studies show there’s a potential link between CBN and appetite stimulation. This would offer a good alternative to THC for those who want the benefits without the intoxication. 
Some research also shows CBN may be a potent antibacterial agent. The idea: maybe CBN will be helpful to heal infections that some antibiotics struggle to fight off.

CBN + Lavender Oil = ultimate relaxation combination

Big news! At South Tip, we decided to combine two of our favorite oils - lavender and CBN - in one tincture for maximum relaxation. 

Why lavender? Lavender is a perennial that’s proven to promote sleep and improve energy levels: 

• A 2015 study found lavender helped college students get better sleep at night - and could even improve their energy during the daytime. 
• Similarly, a 2018 study showed lavender oil had a relaxing impact among nursing home residents.

This tincture is designed to be easily absorbed under the tongue and has a long shelf life, so you can enjoy it without feeling rushed by an expiration date. Plus, this liquid extract is an accessible and approachable way to try CBN if it’s new for you.

CBN Products For Your Best Nightly Routine

Embrace more rest in your life with our CBN & Lavender Rest Tincture, or our Sleep Gummies! We hope it adds that little-extra-something to your self-care routine.

Want to know more about the link between CBD and sleep?

Find out how CBD can potentially help you sleep!