We all know that CBD has become the darling of the wellness industry and with good reason. The way this plant molecule from hemp interacts with our internal communication network known as the endocannabinoid system is profound. However, CBD doesn’t act alone. More scientific research has come to light about the benefits of hemp and the 113 unique chemical compounds it contains.
These compounds are known as cannabinoids, and while CBD and THC (main psychoactive compound in marijuana) are the most well-known, a third is starting to catch the attention of wellness circles. This cannabinoid is cannabinol (CBN), and it may be the answer to your sleeping problems.
What is CBN?
CBN is one of the 113 known phytocannabinoids found in hemp. In fact, it was actually the first hemp-based molecule to be discovered. However, research was stalled so that studies could focus on more abundant cannabinoids in hemp flowers such as THC and CBD.
Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids found in plant matter) sort of mimic endocannabinoids that our bodies make themselves. These are molecules that are meant to regulate the system to promote homeostasis (balance). Much like we need supplements to boost our calcium, vitamin C, or magnesium levels, our endocannabinoids sometimes need a helping hand as well. Thankfully, the world has woken up to plant-based care.
Since phytocannabinoids mirror those our own bodies create, supplementing with hemp extract is a great way to bring that balance to your life. That is why the universe has started to embrace CBD products. However, CBD on its own can only do so much. Just like our endocannabinoids need a hand regulating our system, CBD requires a boost as well. That boost comes in the 112 other phytocannabinoids in full-spectrum hemp extract. One of the most beneficial might just be CBN.
Why Should CBD Have CBN In It?
While CBD in itself demonstrates a load of benefits, it can’t do all the work on its own. With the assistance of the other phytocannabinoids in hemp, our bodies are better able to absorb the CBD and promote homeostasis. Research has witnessed this phenomenon firsthand and has dubbed it the entourage effect.
We need to look at hemp molecules as a society as a whole. Everyone in a functioning society has a role. A well-established community has everything from a doctor to a chef to a locksmith. All of these talents make the town citizens reside in a much more efficient place.
The molecules that make hemp are similar in that aspect. Case in point, let’s take the two most well-researched cannabinoids — CBD and THC. THC is the psychoactive compound that gives cannabis users a high-feeling. While there is an abundance of THC in marijuana, there is less than 0.3% in industrial hemp. That means the THC in full-spectrum hemp extract will have the potential therapeutic benefits of THC without the high.
As you can see, CBD has many characteristics that make it unique from THC. In a lot of ways, they pick up the slack where the other is lacking. This phenomenon is the entourage effect in full swing, and it’s precisely why you need full-spectrum hemp extract with CBN in the formula.
Benefits of CBN
While THC and CBD are the most researched cannabinoids in hemp, CBN comes in at number three. CBN actually derives from THC. When this molecule oxidizes or gets heated, it alters the chemical composition of the psychoactive compound. One of the byproducts is CBN.
Oddly enough, CBN has little to no psychoactive effects, much like CBD. However, on a molecular level, they look nowhere alike. That’s why CBN strengthens CBD. It can interact with receptors in ways that the well-known compound can’t.
Furthermore, research shows that CBN offers a number of therapeutic benefits. Here are a few that can help you in your day-to-day routine.
CBN and Pain Relief
One of the significant differences between CBN and CBD is that CBD doesn’t interact much with the CB1 receptor. However, CBN interacts with both CB1 and CB2. Research suggests that when CBN comes into contact with these receptors, it creates an effect that is similar to capsaicin.
As anyone who has used an ointment cream knows, capsaicin helps numb the nerves that cause joint pain. In those moments, your mind no longer thinks about the inflammation spurring. Therefore, your body stops secreting the protein, substance P.
Substance P is our pain perception. It’s your body’s way of pointing out where the pain is so you can extinguish it. Without pain, you can finally get a good night’s sleep!
Lastly, the study involving CBN and pain showed the cannabinoid be a vasodilator, a trait that THC doesn’t share. That means CBN helps other cannabinoids navigate through the bloodstream. This action is especially crucial for those who are suffering from hardened arteries and cardiovascular disease. Once again, the entourage effect of full-spectrum hemp extract is on full display.
CBN and Antibacterial Properties
Bacterial infections are common, especially for females of childbearing age. When this happens, it can disrupt your hormone production. One of the most important hormones is melatonin. Melatonin is essential for us to get shut-eye. Therefore, a bacterial infection may destroy your sleep cycle.
Thankfully, research on CBN shows that the cannabinoid has potent antibacterial properties. In the study, the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus was made to be antibiotic-resistant. This potentially fatal bacterial infection was treated with a number of cannabinoids, including CBN.
The study points out the significance of the entourage effect. Scientists note that primary cannabinoids such as THC couldn’t get the job done alone. It was the activation of cannabinoids like CBN that made the difference. That is why we ensure that CBN is in our Sleep Fast Plus formula. You can fight off bacterial infections by getting some rest and letting the cannabinoids do their thing!
CBN and Sleep
Research on how CBN helps other situations that may cause sleep loss, there aren’t many analyses on CBN and sleep itself. However, this one from 1995 suggests that CBN has a profound effect on sleep time. The study showed that CBN helped prolong how long sleep-induced mice stayed asleep.
Even more impressive, the study noted that no other compounds used in the research seemed to promote this behavior. Therefore, there’s something about the CBN that helps prevent broken sleep. This trait is beneficial when you have insomnia.
For those who use a full spectrum CBD product, CBD has shown to promote sleepiness. With CBN also in the formula, it’s like CBD is passing off the baton in a triathlon. CBN will help guide you through the night and to the finish line, so you’re well-rested in the morning. Try full-spectrum hemp extract with Sleep Fast Plus.
Sleep Fast Plus not only has the 113 phytocannabinoids necessary for the entourage effect, but it also contains melatonin. That way, your body can replenish the hormones it’s missing out on from a lack of sleep in the first place.
For those who need a little pick-me-up during the day, try non-drowsy Serenity Hemp Oil. Serenity is also full spectrum, giving you the CBN you need to fight off pain and keep your immune system strong.
Have you ever tried CBN or full-spectrum CBD products for sleep? How was your experience? Share in the comments below!
