CBN vs. CBD: Differences & Which is Better for Sleep?

Cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD) are both naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBN, which is produced when THC breaks down, produces mild psychoactive effects when consumed. CBD, by contrast, is not psychoactive. Instead, it tends to have a subtle balancing and relaxing effect.

CBN tends to promote feelings of drowsiness, and as a result, it’s heavily marketed as a sleep aid. Many people prefer it to CBD for sleep, and some are even using it to substitute melatonin.

But while CBN can promote restful sleep, it also has therapeutic potential in a variety of other areas – just like CBD. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between CBN and CBD, from the effects to the benefits to how they compare to CBG, so you can choose the option that’s best for you.

What is CBN?

Cannabinol, or CBN, is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the cannabis sativa plant. Hemp is a variant of cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

Scientists discovered CBN nearly 100 years ago, but it was relatively unknown and unused by the general public for decades. 

However, some THC users began to realize that smoking hemp flower containing high amounts of CBN along with THC produced a mellower, drowsier high than flower that didn’t contain as much CBN. 

This led many people to believe that CBN has sedative properties. Although the research on this is mixed, anecdotal evidence suggests CBN is indeed beneficial for sleep. 

But it’s also beneficial for other things: scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests CBN has therapeutic potential for pain, anxiety, and more.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is also a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in hemp. Although there are more than 100 cannabinoids in hemp, CBD, along with THC, stands out for its many therapeutic benefits – as a result, it’s widely used and sold. 

Preliminary research (and some clinical evidence) indicates that CBD may have therapeutic potential for pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, insomnia, epilepsy, and more. 

CBN vs. CBD: Key Differences & Similarities

There are a few primary differences between CBN and CBD: their origin and abundance in the hemp plant, their effects, how they work in your body, their legality, and whether they show up on drug tests.

Origin & abundance in hemp

CBN and CBD are both naturally-occurring in the hemp plant. CBD is a major cannabinoid and is very abundant in hemp, whereas CBN is a minor cannabinoid and only naturally occurs in very small amounts. 

While CBN and CBD have a common source, they come about slightly differently. It all starts with cannabigerolic acid (CBGa), the “mother cannabinoid.”

As the hemp plant matures, CBGa turns into CBDa, THCa, and CBCa – the acidic cannabinoids – as well as CBG. 

CBDa and THCa then become CBD and THC, respectively, through a process known as decarboxylation. 

CBN is made when THC breaks down over time, and can be thought of as a less-potent form of THC.

Therefore, CBD comes about through the decarboxylation process, whereas CBN is made as THC degrades.

Effects

CBN has very noticeable effects. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it’s mildly psychoactive and will cause a slight high; most people report that CBN is roughly one-fourth as strong as THC.

Unlike THC, which many people find to be energizing, CBN creates sedative effects for the mind and body, making it ideal for evening use. 

The effects of CBD, on the other hand, aren’t as obvious. CBD may be slightly energizing in small doses and sedative in large doses, but for the most part, many people who take CBD report very few noticeable feelings. 

Instead, people who have used CBD report that it makes the discomfort seem “more distant” and “less important” – in other words, CBD reduces negative feelings, rather than creating overtly positive feelings. 

How they work in your body

Cannabinoids like CBN and CBD work by supporting your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a receptor system in your body that’s responsible for regulating your vital functions. It influences every system your body uses for moment-to-moment functioning, including the inflammatory and pain responses and the sleep-wake cycle. 

There are two types of receptors in your ECS:

• CB1 receptors, which produce mental effects when interacted with
• CB2 receptors, which produce physical effects when interacted with

CBN can interact with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which explains its ability to render both mental and physical therapeutic benefits. 

CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t interact heavily with either the CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it prevents the breakdown of your endocannabinoids (internal cannabinoids), thereby supporting your ECS as it works to balance your mind and body. 

CBD may also impact serotonin transmission. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that produces happy, calm, and focused sensations. CBD may improve how serotonin is transmitted within the brain, thereby increasing these beneficial effects. 

Legality

The 2018 Farm Bill made all hemp-derived cannabinoids, including CBN and CBD, federally legal so long as they’re hemp-derived. Hemp is a variant of the cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. 

On drug tests

Neither CBN nor CBD is an illicit substance, and therefore, neither is screened for on standard drug tests. Instead, these tests look for THC due to its presence in marijuana. 

Therefore, CBD won’t show up on a drug test. 

However, CBN may show up on a drug test because it’s chemically very similar to THC and is processed by your body in much the same way. This can cause drug tests to mistake CBN for THC.

Benefits & Uses of CBN

Research suggests CBN may have potential therapeutic benefits in a variety of areas:

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. 

Pain

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. The study also found that a 1:1 combination of CBD and CBN was more effective for pain than CBN alone [4]. 

Anecdotally, many people report success with using CBN for pain and inflammation. 

Anxiety

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. 

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.

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

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. 

Benefits & Uses of CBD

Research suggests CBD may have potential therapeutic benefits in a variety of areas:

Anxiety

Several studies, as well as anecdotal evidence, suggest that CBD has anxiolytic properties.

In one 1993 study, participants were subjected to a public speaking test that was designed to increase their anxiety levels. Those who took CBD saw decreased levels of anxiety compared to those who didn’t [8].

A 2021 review by researchers from Spain found that CBD may reduce physiological and behavioral responses to stress and anxiety [9]. 

A research review from the New York University School of Medicine found that CBD likely has anxiolytic effects, and that it should be studied further as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders [10]. 

Pain

Research suggests CBD may have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties [11]. 

In 2021, scientists conducted a survey of 253 CBD users to better understand how effective it is for pain. Overall, results were positive: participants reported that CBD helped their pain (59.0%) and allowed them to reduce their pain medications (67.6%) [12]. 

Topical CBD may have physically supportive benefits, too. A 2016 study found “transdermal CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling” in addition to rendering other improvements [13]. 

Anecdotally, many people use CBD for nerve pain, tendonitis pain, and gout pain. However, CBD should not be regarded as a pain treatment, but rather, a supplement. 

Sleep

A 2017 research review found that CBD has therapeutic potential for insomnia [14]. 

Anecdotally, many people use CBD to supplement or replace Ambien and over-the-counter melatonin. 

CBD may directly promote mental relaxation, but its benefits for sleep are also due to its physically supportive effects.

Epilepsy

CBD is FDA-approved to treat certain forms of epilepsy in the form of the prescription drug Epidiolex. 

Epidiolex clinical trials show that CBD may improve Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy most commonly found in children. Patients of this condition who took CBD only experienced half as many seizures as those who received a placebo [15]. Other Epidiolex trials show similar results.

A 2018 study also found that artisanal CBD – non-prescription CBD – may have antiseizure properties [16].

Anecdotally, some people use CBD to supplement Keppra, a drug commonly prescribed for epilepsy. 

Addiction

In addition to CBD’s major benefits and uses, there is a small body of research suggesting CBD may have therapeutic potential for people addicted to opioids, cocaine, and psychostimulant drugs, as well as for cannabis and tobacco addiction [17].

However, more research on CBD as an anti-addiction agent is needed, and it’s not yet a proven treatment for addiction. 

Side Effects of CBN vs. CBD

Although CBN and CBD both have many benefits, they also may cause side effects. 

Potential side effects of using CBN include:

• Tiredness
• Dizziness

Potential side effects of using CBD include:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Fatigue

These side effects can be mitigated through proper dosing, and many of our customers report never feeling them at all. Still, they’re important to be aware of.

CBN vs. CBD: Which is Better for Pain?

There is research suggesting that both CBN and CBD may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, CBD is currently backed by more research showing its benefits for physical discomfort than CBN.

CBD has the benefit of being able to promote mood and relaxation without getting you high – this means it can be used throughout the day for discomfort. CBN, on the other hand, will get you high and reduce cognitive functioning, which isn’t ideal if you have work or class during the day. 

The lack of research on CBN for pain makes it difficult to definitively say which cannabinoid is more beneficial. But as a rule of thumb: if you need or want the head effect, CBN is better for pain, but otherwise, opt for CBD. 

CBN vs. CBD: Which is Better for Sleep?

There isn’t much clinical evidence showing that either CBN or CBD is a proven sleep aid; for each cannabinoid, there are studies suggesting they may have benefits, but nothing that specifically states the extent of these benefits. 

However, we’d recommend CBN over CBD for sleep. Because CBN renders sedative effects in addition to addressing physical discomfort, it’s generally a more powerful sleep aid than CBD. 

CBD still has benefits for sleep, though, especially when taken in combination with THC. 

CBN vs. CBD vs. CBG: How Do They Compare?

We’ve discussed CBN and CBD in some depth. Now, let’s look at how these cannabinoids compare to cannabigerol (CBG) which, like CBN, is another alt-cannabinoid with abundant therapeutic potential.

CBN vs. CBG

There are two main differences between CBN and CBG: their effects and their benefits. 

While CBG tends to be uplifting, energizing, and mentally clarifying, CBN is relaxing, calming, and sedative. 

The strength of each cannabinoid is also different: CBG won’t get you high; CBN will get you high. The high from CBN is about ¼ as strong as that of THC.

Because of this difference in effects, CBN is better for nighttime use and sleep support, while CBG is better for daytime use and is commonly used for focus. Both cannabinoids may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

CBD vs. CBG

Just as with CBN, CBD differs from CBG in its effects and benefits. 

CBD has a relaxing and calming effect profile. It may be sedative in large doses, but most of the time, it tends to render balance.

By contrast, CBG is uplifting and energizing. Many people compare the experience of using CBG to drinking coffee – a mental lift, but nothing like a head high. 

CBD is better than CBG for sleep, whereas CBG has shown unique appetite-stimulating and neuroprotective properties. 

Can You Take CBN and CBD Together?

Yes, you can take CBD and CBN together for sleep and other uses. Not only is it safe; it may be very beneficial.

CBD renders full-body benefits, but it doesn’t have very noticeable effects. Taking some CBN along with it can render a deeper, more relaxing experience.  

Additionally, CBD may be slightly stimulating in smaller doses. Combining it with CBN may reduce these energizing sensations if you’re using CBD for sleep support.

Conclusion: Which Cannabinoid Should You Choose?

Ultimately, whether you choose CBN or CBD comes down to the effects you need and want.

If you’re looking for a cannabinoid that’s able to address mental and physical discomfort, and do so without creating a head high, CBD is the right choice. 

On the other hand, CBN may be a better choice if you’re looking for mild psychoactive and sedative effects in addition to full-body benefits.

CBN vs. CBD: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about choosing between CBN and CBD. 

Is CBN better than CBD?

While CBN is different from CBD, it is not necessarily better. Both cannabinoids may render benefits for anxiety, sleep, and pain, but CBD has more research backing it. CBD may also have therapeutic potential for seizures and addiction treatment, things for which CBN may not be as beneficial. 

What does CBN do to the body?

CBN creates sedative, slightly psychoactive effects by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a receptor system that regulates your vital functions. 

Does CBN make you groggy in the morning?

No, CBN typically will not cause grogginess the morning after when dosed properly.

Is it OK to take CBN daily?

Yes, CBN is well-tolerated and safe to use daily. 

Should I give my dog CBN or CBD?

For dogs, we recommend CBD over CBN for two reasons. First, it won’t cause any sort of inebriation. Second, while neither cannabinoid is a proven therapeutic for dogs or other animals, there is more research supporting the safety and efficacy of CBD in dogs than there is for CBN. 

What’s the difference between CBN gummies and CBD gummies?

The only difference between CBN gummies and CBD gummies is the cannabinoid they contain: CBN gummies contain cannabinol (CBN), while CBD gummies contain cannabidiol (CBD). Whereas CBN gummies are better for nighttime use, CBD gummies are best for daytime balance. 

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