Is CBN really “the next Ambien,” or is it just a bunch of hype?
The answer is that cannabinol (CBN) is neither: this hemp-derived cannabinoid may promote sleep naturally in a variety of ways, but is not a replacement for prescription medications.
Instead, CBN should be regarded as a supplement. Scientific and anecdotal evidence suggest CBN may promote better sleep by creating relaxing, sedating sensations, as well as by rendering physical support.
In this article, we’re going to explore CBN’s potential benefits for sleep, how it works, how it compares to sleep medications (and CBD), and how to use it.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the cannabis sativa plant.
Scientists discovered CBN nearly 100 years ago. However, it didn’t become really popular as a sleep aid until about 2018.
This happened when people realized that aged THC flower produces a mellower, drowsier high than regular THC flower. When THC degrades, it turns into CBN, making aged strains high in CBN.
This led many people to believe that CBN, specifically, has sleep-supporting properties.
Can CBN Help You Sleep?
Anecdotal evidence suggests CBN may promote sleep by creating feelings of relaxation and drowsiness.
Many people also claim that aged cannabis, which contains high levels of CBN, tends to make people feel sleepy. Research on CBN for sleep, however, is somewhat inconclusive.
One study from 1973 indicated that a midsize dosage of CBN could render sleep-supporting, physically relaxing effects, similar to those of THC [1].
A study from 1995 found that certain derivatives of CBN prolonged sleeping time in mice [2].
But in another study, CBN in doses of 20-400mg did not elicit any mental or physical effects [3].
Other studies exhibit a similar pattern of contradiction; some show CBN helps with sleep, while others show it has little effect.
The only studies that do seem conclusive are independent studies sponsored by companies that sell CBN products. While these studies may be sound, they risk being biased.
Overall, based on the scientific evidence, it seems like CBN may help with sleep, but its effectiveness will vary from person to person.
Other Benefits of CBN for Sleep, According to Research
In addition to its direct effect on sleep, CBN may promote sleep by supporting general health in a variety of different ways. Here’s what research says:
CBN may promote a healthy inflammatory & pain response
A 2016 study from University of Massachusetts researchers found CBN may have anti-inflammatory properties [4].
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 [5].
Research out of the University of British Columbia, Canada, found that CBN reduces muscle pain in rats. The study also found that a 1:1 combination of CBD and CBN was more effective for pain than CBN alone [6].
By supporting a healthy, pain-free body, CBN may be a helpful sleep aid for people who struggle with physical discomfort at night.
CBN may promote an 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.
Since CBN has deeply relaxing effects, it may promote an anxiety-free, stress-free mind. Many people use CBN for anxiety before bedtime.
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 [7].
While CBN isn’t a treatment for ADHD, this study suggests that it may have calming, balancing effects on the mind.
This suggests CBN may promote mental focus and clarity, in addition to having potentially sedative effects. CBN may help people who have trouble calming racing thoughts and getting into a restful mood at night.
How CBN Works In the Body
Scientific knowledge of CBN’s action in the body is limited, however, we do know that it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a receptor system that’s responsible for regulating almost every vital function in your body, including the sleep-wake cycle.
There are two kinds of receptors in the ECS: CB1, which is responsible for regulating how cannabinoids act on your mind, and CB2, which is responsible for regulating the physical effects of cannabinoids.
Research has proven that CBN activates both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, thereby rendering mental relaxation and a mild head high, as well as physical relaxation [8].
So, while CBN isn’t a proven sleep aid, CBN’s sleep-supporting effects make sense from a scientific standpoint. More clinical research proving CBN’s benefits for sleep is needed, though.
CBN for Sleep: Side Effects & Safety Considerations
CBN is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, it may cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
Research has not found any long-term side effects of using CBN.
CBN Drug Interactions
CBN may affect how some medications are metabolized by your body, which can lead to adverse effects.
If you are already taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, whether for sleep or some other purpose, you need to consult your doctor before using CBN.
CBN vs. Sleep Medications: How Do They Compare?
CBN may help with sleep, but can it help you replace your sleep medications?
It depends. Some people find CBN comparable or better than their sleep medications. However, we always recommend approaching CBN as a supplement, rather than a replacement, to traditional methods.
CBN vs. Prescription Sleep Aids
Ambien (zolpidem) and Lunesta (eszopiclone) are two commonly-prescribed drugs for insomnia.
There’s no research comparing the efficacy of CBN and prescription sleep aids, so consequently, it’s unclear how their benefits stack up.
While some people claim CBN is far more powerful than Ambien and other similar drugs, others report that CBN didn’t render strong enough effects for them to stop using their sleep medication.
Whether or not CBN can replace medications is up to the individual’s situation and their doctor’s guidance.
What is clear, though, is that CBN has far fewer adverse effects than Ambien and Lunesta do.
As an example, side effects of Ambien include: daytime drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, loss of coordination, stuffy nose, dry mouth, nose or throat irritation, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle pain, and headache.
Side effects of CBN include: drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth.
Overall, it’s hard to say whether CBN or prescriptions are better. Prescriptions are backed by more research, but some people find that CBN has the same benefits with fewer downsides.
Prescriptions tend to cause more side effects, but CBN products may not always be safe because they aren’t regulated by the FDA.
CBN vs. Melatonin Supplements
CBN may be a viable alternative to melatonin for some people.
Many people report that CBN works the same or better than melatonin supplements do, without the morning grogginess and potential dependency.
However, others who have tried CBN report that it did very little for them, and is by no means an alternative to bona fide sleep supplements.
A direct comparison of CBN and melatonin doesn’t make sense because the two supplements work differently. CBN works by promoting a healthy, pain-free body and an anxiety-free mind, while melatonin works by altering your circadian rhythm directly.
Neither supplement is necessarily better – it just depends on why you’re having trouble falling asleep.
CBN vs. CBD for Sleep
Compared to CBN, there’s quite a lot of research on cannabidiol (CBD) for sleep.
CBD has been studied for insomnia [9], and other research indicates that it may increase sleep duration [10].
Additionally, CBD has a variety of potential uses for inflammation, pain, and anxiety, which are major causes of sleep problems.
CBN may also have some of these same benefits, but it isn’t backed by as much research as CBD is – CBD is the more proven option.
Despite this, anecdotal evidence suggests CBN is generally more beneficial than CBD for sleep because of its sedative, slightly psychoactive effects.
Many people find CBN beneficial for sleep because it’s stronger than CBD, but not as powerful as THC and less likely to cause next-morning grogginess.
Still, CBD might be a good choice if you want physical and mental support without any sort of a head high.
However, it might be better if, instead of choosing just one cannabinoid, you used both. Using CBD and CBN for sleep is more beneficial than taking either cannabinoid by itself.
How to Use CBN for Sleep: Product Types
There are several ways you can take CBN, and none of them is necessarily the best. However, there are some things to take into consideration for each.
For reference, bioavailability is a measure of the percentage of CBN you consume via a given method that your body actually uses – your body naturally discards some portion of all substances you consume.
CBN Oil
Average Bioavailability: 20-30%
Starts Working In: 10 to 15 minutes
Dosage Information: CBN oil is taken sublingually, or under the tongue, rather than swallowed. Because of this, it works faster and is slightly stronger than other CBN products. Oils also allow for very precise dosing.
CBN Gummies
Average Bioavailability: 10-20%
Starts Working In: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Dosage Information: CBN gummies offer a fixed-dose consumption method, meaning each piece will contain the same amount. For this reason, they’re a great option for building a consistent nightly routine.
CBN Capsules
Average Bioavailability: 10-20%
Starts Working In: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Dosage Information: CBN capsules, like edibles, offer fixed dosing. The one downside is that capsules aren’t convenient for very small doses. Most capsules contain larger amounts of CBN than you’d want to take starting out, and you can’t easily split one in half to take a smaller amount.
CBN Dosage for Sleep
We recommend starting with a medium-strength dose of CBN for sleep.
You can calculate it using the following formula:
(0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your nightly CBN dosage in mg.
Based on this, most people should take 10-25mg of CBN each night.
Using a formula to calculate your dose, rather than starting at a specific number, allows you to ensure you’re taking enough CBN for it to work in your body.
As you go, slowly increase or decrease your dose depending on how it’s working for you.
It’s important to note, too, that if you’re a frequent user of THC, you probably have a higher cannabinoid tolerance than most people. In this case, simply increase your dosage more rapidly until you get the effects you’re looking for.
Timing
When you take CBN will depend on the onset time of the product you use. For capsules or edibles, you’ll want to take CBN at least 1 hour before bed. CBN oil will begin working in just 10-15 minutes.
If you find that CBN keeps you awake, take it 2-3 hours before bed so that you’re experiencing the middle or end of the effects when it’s time to sleep. These effects will be drowsier, whereas CBN’s initial effect may be a bit jarring.
A natural alternative to OTC and prescription sleep aids and more. Discover our CBN oil, lab-tested and backed by 100s of happy customers.
Is CBN Legal In the US?
Yes, CBN is federally legal in the US.
The 2018 Farm Bill (which has been extended through 2024) legalized hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBN, on a federal level.
Hemp is a variant of the cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
How to Shop for CBN Products
As we mentioned earlier, hemp cannabinoid products aren’t heavily regulated by the FDA.
This means that you have to employ careful shopping techniques to ensure the CBN product you’re buying is actually safe and high-quality.
Check lab reports
Only buy CBN products for which a certificate of analysis (COA) from a 3rd-party lab is provided.
Reputable companies have their products tested to verify potency, safety, and authenticity; look for the following when examining a lab report:
- Cannabinoid profile: Ensure that the cannabinoids stated in the lab report are the cannabinoids the product is supposed to contain, according to its label.
- Potency: Check the amount of each cannabinoid listed in the lab report to ensure it matches what’s listed on the product’s label.
- Contaminants: Make sure the product passes the tests for heavy metals, pesticides, and mold.
Check the source
Buy products that are made from organic hemp grown in the US.
Because US hemp is subject to regulation, it won’t contain more than 0.3% THC by law, so you can assume with high confidence that you’re getting a safe, legal product.
Read reviews
This one shouldn’t come as a surprise: if people aren’t finding a product to be effective, you probably shouldn’t buy it.
Buy CBN products from reputable companies with customers who positively review their products.
Conclusion: Is CBN an Effective Sleep Aid?
Scientific research on CBN is inconclusive. Some studies show it can promote restful sleep, while others seem to suggest CBN does nothing at all.
When accounting for anecdotal evidence, the answer is likely somewhere in the middle: CBN can help some people achieve the best sleep they’ve ever had, while for others, it does very little.
CBN has few negative side effects and does not cause dependency like many pharmaceuticals do, so it’s worth a try.
- Ready to explore CBN products? Check out our guide to the best CBN products for sleep
- Need something stronger? Learn more about delta 8 THC for sleep and delta 9 THC for sleep
CBN for Sleep: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions customers frequently ask us about using CBN for sleep.
Will CBN show up on a drug test?
Yes, CBN may show up on a drug test because it’s chemically very similar to THC. As a result, CBN may cause a false positive for THC.
Does CBN actually help with sleep?
Some people find that CBN helps them fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up refreshed. Research on it is mixed, with some studies indicating it has potential benefits for sleep.
How much CBN should I take to sleep?
We recommend starting with a medium-strength dosage of CBN for sleep, which you can calculate using the following formula: (0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your nightly dose of CBN in mg.
Does CBN make you groggy in the morning?
CBN generally does not cause morning grogginess unless you take much more than the recommended starting dose.
Is CBN similar to melatonin?
Some people find CBN has the same benefits as melatonin without many of the drawbacks. Unlike melatonin, CBN is not habit-forming and does not typically cause drowsiness the following day. However, others find that they still need melatonin to achieve restful sleep.
Sources
[1] Perez-Reyes, M et al. “A comparison of the pharmacological activity in man of intravenously administered delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, and cannabidiol.” Experientia vol. 29,11 (1973): 1368-9. doi:10.1007/BF01922823
[2] Yoshida, H et al. “Synthesis and pharmacological effects in mice of halogenated cannabinol derivatives.” Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin vol. 43,2 (1995): 335-7. doi:10.1248/cpb.43.335
[3] Hollister, L E. “Cannabidiol and cannabinol in man.” Experientia vol. 29,7 (1973): 825-6. doi:10.1007/BF01946311
[4] Zurier, Robert B, and Sumner H Burstein. “Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis.” FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology vol. 30,11 (2016): 3682-3689. doi:10.1096/fj.201600646R
[5] Campos, Raquel Maria P et al. “Cannabinoid Therapeutics in Chronic Neuropathic Pain: From Animal Research to Human Treatment.” Frontiers in physiology vol. 12 785176. 30 Nov. 2021, doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.785176
[6] Wong, Hayes, and Brian E Cairns. “Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain.” Archives of oral biology vol. 104 (2019): 33-39. doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.05.028
[7] Hergenrather, Jeffrey Y et al. “Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients.” Rambam Maimonides medical journal vol. 11,1 e0001. 30 Jan. 2020, doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10384
[8] Perez-Reyes, M et al. “A comparison of the pharmacological activity in man of intravenously administered delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, and cannabidiol.” Experientia vol. 29,11 (1973): 1368-9. doi:10.1007/BF01922823
[9] Babson, Kimberly A et al. “Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature.” Current psychiatry reports vol. 19,4 (2017): 23. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
[10] Shannon, Scott et al. “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series.” The Permanente journal vol. 23 (2019): 18-041. doi:10.7812/TPP/18-041
