CBN can be understood as a weaker version of THC. When the THC in cannabis ages, it breaks down and turns into CBN. CBN’s effects are about 25% as powerful as those of THC, making it a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid.
CBN’s drowsy effects have made it popular as a sleep aid, but it can do a lot more. Like THC, it may have therapeutic potential for pain and anxiety, in addition to being great for sleep.
In this article, we’re going to explore the differences between CBN and THC in-depth – from effects and benefits to legality and drug testing. Let’s dive in.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is one of 100+ naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant.
Although it was discovered nearly 100 years ago by scientists, CBN didn’t begin to get noticed until people realized that after smoking CBN-heavy THC flower, they got a mellower, drowsier high than they did after smoking THC flower containing very little CBN.
This led some people to believe that CBN promotes drowsiness, sparking its popularity as a sleep aid.
What is THC?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9 THC, delta 9, or THC) is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.
Simply put, delta 9 THC is the cannabinoid most people are talking about when they refer to THC. It is what creates the high you feel after you smoke cannabis.
Due to its high natural abundance in hemp (hemp is cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC), THC has been extensively researched for various medical uses.
CBN vs. THC: Effects
Both CBN and THC will get you high, but the strength and nature of this high differs.
CBN is just ¼ as strong as THC, and it tends to create a drowsier experience than THC does.
THC promotes euphoria and relaxation, but it isn’t necessarily sedating or energizing.
Onset time
CBN and THC have very similar onset times because, as you’ll see later, they work similarly in the body.
However, their onset time will differ depending on the consumption method.
Inhalable consumption methods act in just 5-10 minutes, while CBN and THC edibles will take 45 minutes to 1 hour to begin working.
Effect duration
As with onset time, CBN and THC render effects for a very similar duration. But again, it will vary by consumption method. Edibles tend to last for 6-8 hours, while inhalable forms will last 1-3 hours.
Potential Benefits of CBN
CBN has several potential therapeutic benefits, some discovered through scientific researchers and others through firsthand experience:
CBN may promote restful sleep
CBN may promote restful sleep via its sedative, relaxing effects.
A 1995 study done on mice found that CBN may prolong sleeping time [1]. Anecdotally, CBN may induce a full-body sedative effect.
CBN is also commonly used as a replacement for over-the-counter melatonin supplements.
CBN may promote physical relaxation
A 2016 study from University of Massachusetts researchers found CBN may have anti-inflammatory properties [2].
A 2021 study by researchers in Brazil found that CBN interacts with the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which are capable of inhibiting pain and inflammation sensations [3].
Research out of the University of British Columbia, Canada, found that CBN reduces muscle pain in rats [4].
Anecdotally, many people report success with using CBN for pain and inflammation.
CBN may promote a calm, anxiety-free mind
Although no scientific research has investigated whether CBN may render anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, anecdotal evidence suggests CBN may be beneficial for stress and anxiety due to its mentally relaxing effects.
CBN may promote focus
A 2020 study by researchers in Israel looking at the impact of cannabinoid and terpene consumption on ADHD found that a high dosage of CBN was associated with a lower Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale ASRS score [5].
While CBN isn’t a treatment for ADHD, this study suggests that it may have calming, balancing effects on the mind.
CBN may promote eye health
A 2021 study from the University of British Columbia, Canada, found that CBN promoted neuroprotection and normalized intraocular pressure levels in the eye [6].
CBN may enhance THC’s effects
A 1975 study found that a CBN-THC combination will render a greater psychoactive effect than THC alone [7].
Anecdotal accounts corroborate this; most people describe this effect as a calmer, drowsier version of the normal THC high.
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Potential Benefits of THC
As with CBN, research suggests THC has therapeutic potential in a variety of areas:
THC may help with stress and anxiety
Research on THC for anxiety shows that it may either be beneficial or detrimental, depending on how much you take.
In a 2022 study, researchers observed anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing, effects at smaller THC doses, whereas larger doses of THC may be anxiogenic, or anxiety-causing [8].
This reflects anecdotal evidence: many people use THC for everyday relaxation, but they find that it creates adverse mental experiences when taken in larger doses.
THC may promote a healthy pain & inflammatory response
Several studies suggest THC has analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties.
One study of 124 people, found that THC allowed patients with neuropathic pain to reduce their doses of opioids [9].
Another study of 15 patients found that THC was more effective than a placebo at addressing chronic neuropathic pain [10].
One research review found that THC has therapeutic potential for addressing abdominal pain caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [11].
While these studies indicate clear therapeutic potential, more research is needed on THC for pain.
THC may support restful sleep
Several studies have looked at the use of THC for sleep and investigated its potential benefits.
Research has found that THC creates sedative effects in moderate doses, indicating it may have benefits for sleep [12].
In one study, medical cannabis improved both the duration and quality of sleep in insomnia patients [13].
Another study found that THC may help to stabilize the circadian rhythm, thereby leading to better sleep [14].
However, just as THC might help with sleep, some research shows it may have the opposite effect.
A research review of studies that looked at THC for sleep found that cannabis, in general, created better sleep (21% of studies), worsened sleep (48%), rendered mixed results (14%), or had no impact at all (17%) [15].
Due to the mixed results, it seems that THC may help some people with sleep, whereas for others it does the opposite or does nothing.
THC may promote appetite
Research suggests THC may have appetite-stimulating properties.
A research review looked at five studies on medical cannabis for nausea in cancer patients dealing with anorexia, or a loss of appetite.
Of the five studies, THC was only shown to increase appetite in one, indicating that its efficacy as an appetite stimulant may vary [16].
However, another study concluded that “THC is an effective appetite stimulant in patients with advanced cancer” [17].
Clearly, more research is needed to determine the extent of THC’s appetite-boosting benefits for cancer and other medical patients.
THC may help with nausea and vomiting
Research suggests THC may have antiemetic, or anti-nausea properties.
One study used an app to analyze the outcomes of cannabis self-administration of nausea. Of the 886 people analyzed, 96.4% experienced nausea relief within 1 hour of cannabis consumption [18].
Another review, which looked at various applications of THC, noted that chemotherapy-induced nausea was one of its most promising use cases [19].
However, as with its other medical applications, THC needs to be researched more to confirm its antiemetic benefits.
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CBN vs. THC: How They Work In Your Body
CBN and THC, like all cannabinoids, work via your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a receptor system responsible for regulating most of your vital functions, including your sleep-wake cycle, mood, pain and inflammatory responses, and body temperature.
The primary purpose of the ECS is to keep your mind and body in a state of balance.
There are two types of receptors in your ECS that cannabinoids typically bind to: CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors create mental effects when stimulated, while CB2 receptors create physical effects when stimulated.
CBN interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your ECS, with a higher affinity toward CB2 [20].
Through this interaction, CBN renders mental and physical effects, but tends to be stronger on the physical front.
THC predominantly acts on the CB1 receptors, but it also binds with CB2 receptors [21].
THC’s affinity toward CB1 receptors means that it creates powerful psychoactive effects, but its physical effects, while still present, aren’t as strong.
CBN vs. THC: Side Effects & Safety
While CBN and THC are considered safe and well-tolerated, they may cause adverse side effects.
Potential side effects of CBN include:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty thinking and speaking
- Slowed reaction time
Potential side effects of THC include:
- Difficulty thinking and speaking
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Rapid heart rate
- Memory loss
- Red eyes
- Slowed reaction time
To reduce or avoid these side effects, start by taking small amounts of CBN or THC and observing how you feel before taking more.
If you’re currently on medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, be sure to speak to your doctor before using CBN or THC. Cannabinoids may interact negatively with pharmaceuticals and cause adverse effects.
CBN vs. THC vs. CBD: How Do They All Compare?
We’ve had an in-depth look at how CBN and THC compare to each other.
But how do they stack up to cannabidiol (CBD), another naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant?
CBN vs. CBD
The primary difference between CBN and CBD is that CBN will get you high, while CBD won’t.
CBN is mildly psychoactive, being ¼ as strong as THC, and it tends to be sedative. By contrast, CBD renders mild mental and physical relaxation but its effects are not particularly noticeable.
Both cannabinoids offer therapeutic potential for pain, sleep, and anxiety. CBD has also been researched for epilepsy, addiction, and other specific uses.
CBN is a good choice for nighttime use, or if you want a mild head high. CBD is better if you want therapeutic benefits without any sort of an inebriating effect.
THC vs. CBD
As with CBN, THC and CBD primarily differ in their effects. THC will render a powerful head high, while CBD is not inebriating.
Both THC and CBD have shown therapeutic potential for sleep and pain. CBD is generally regarded as being the better choice for anxiety; it renders mild calming effects. THC, on the other hand, may cause anxiety as a side effect.
If you want or need strong effects, THC is the way to go. Likewise, CBD is preferable if you don’t want to get high; it can render physical relaxation without causing inebriation, making it ideal for use before work or other mentally-intensive activities.
CBN vs. THC for Sleep
Although THC is stronger than CBN and will get you higher than CBN will, CBN is usually the better cannabinoid for sleep.
The primary reason for this is that CBN tends to be more sedative and body-focused than THC. Whereas other psychoactive cannabinoids are so strong that they might keep you awake, CBN can help you relax in the evening.
Additionally, because CBN isn’t as powerful as THC (it’s roughly 1/4 as strong), it can help you achieve restful sleep without making you feel drowsy when you wake up the next morning.
This is also one of the main reasons people prefer CBN over melatonin supplements.
CBN vs. THC for Pain
Strictly speaking, THC is more powerful than CBN. Both cannabinoids get you high, but THC is about 4 times as strong.
However, THC tends to render a stronger head high than body high, and vice versa for CBN. This means that CBN and THC may be roughly equal in their ability to address discomfort in the body.
Since their physical effects are roughly equal, we recommend choosing the cannabinoid that renders the head experience you prefer.
If you need something milder, CBN is the way to go. If you need something stronger, THC is the obvious choice.
Can You Take CBN and THC Together?
Taking CBN and THC together is completely safe. In fact, many strains of cannabis feature hefty amounts of both cannabinoids.
If you use this combination, you’ll get the typical THC high, but with added feelings of drowsiness.
This combination works well for sleep – especially if you need something stronger than CBN, but more sedative than pure THC – as well as for general relaxation at the end of a day.
CBN vs. THC: Legality
The 2018 Farm Bill (which has been extended through 2024) renders cannabinoids legal on the federal level when derived from hemp. Hemp is cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Some states, however, have outlawed certain cannabinoids.
CBN (cannabinol) is legal in all 50 states as long as it is derived from hemp.
Delta 9 THC is federally legal, but has been made illegal or otherwise restricted in many states.
Since public policy is perpetually in flux, we recommend researching the legality of CBN or THC in your state before purchasing them, online or otherwise.
CBN vs. THC on Drug Tests
Most standard 12-panel drug tests screen for THC due to its presence in marijuana, which is illegal in many US states. As a result, any type of THC – even if it’s hemp-derived – will show up on a drug test.
CBN isn’t screened for on drug tests, but research shows that it may cause a false positive for THC. CBN and THC are chemically very similar, so CBN may show up as THC on tests.
If you have to undergo regular drug testing, our recommendation is that you steer clear of CBN and THC.
Conclusion: Which is Better for You, CBN or THC?
CBN and THC are two of the most popular psychoactive cannabinoids out there. Each provides a unique experience; CBN is mildly psychoactive and more relaxing, while THC is very powerful.
When it comes to choosing the right one, think about what you’re looking for in a cannabinoid.
Do you want a head and body high, or more of a head high? If it’s the former, CBN is the better choice, whereas THC is preferable if you’re just looking for a head high.
Whichever cannabinoid you choose, make sure you don’t take too much – to make sure of this, see our dosage guides before diving in:
CBN vs. THC: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about the differences between CBN and THC:
What’s the difference between CBN and THC?
CBN is roughly ¼ as strong as THC, and it tends to give a more sedative experience than THC. CBN is formed when the THC components in the cannabis plant break down over time.
Is CBN stronger than THC?
No, CBN tends to be weaker than THC. Compared to THC, CBN is more sedative and just ¼ as strong.
What kind of high is CBN?
CBN renders a mild, drowsy head high. Many people don’t even describe it as a high – instead, they describe it as a full-body, full-mind buzz effect.
Is CBN good for anxiety?
Yes, it may be beneficial. Many people use CBN for anxiety because of its relaxing effects on the body and mind. It’s particularly a good option for nighttime relaxation.
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