CBN gummies are edibles that contain cannabinol (CBN), one of more than 100 cannabinoids that naturally occur in the cannabis sativa plant. CBN has relaxing, sedative, slightly psychoactive effects, which has made CBN gummies a popular natural sleep supplement.
But CBN gummies are good for far more than sleep support; research suggests CBN has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits, and consequently, CBN gummies may be used in a variety of ways.
In this article, we’re going to answer your questions about CBN gummies and talk about how to get the best results from them.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (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.
CBN isn’t very abundant in hemp, and therefore it’s not as popular or well-researched as THC and CBD, both of which are comparatively very abundant.
However, anecdotal (and a bit of scientific) evidence suggests CBN has sedative properties, which has made it popular for sleep support. But as many scientists and cannabinoid enthusiasts are discovering, CBN has broader therapeutic potential just as THC and CBD do.
What are CBN Gummies?
CBN gummies are edibles containing cannabinol (CBN), a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant. They’re just like normal gummies, but with added cannabinoid content.
CBN has sedative properties, and CBN gummies, in particular, have become popular as sleep supplements because they allow for fixed dosing. This makes it easier for people to build a sleep routine around CBN.
What are the Effects of CBN Gummies?
CBN gummies tend to be relaxing, sedative, and slightly psychoactive.
CBN will get you high, but it’s just one-fourth as strong as delta 9 THC. It may create mild euphoria and relaxation, but many people like it for therapeutic uses because it’s able to bring some of THC’s beneficial effects without being too potent or sleep-disrupting.
Because it’s sedative, CBN isn’t always the best option for daytime use. However, many people find that it’s just what they need at night, which has made CBN gummies popular for nighttime physical discomfort and anxiety, in addition to sleep.
Potential Benefits & Uses of CBN Gummies
Research suggests CBN has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits. While CBN gummies aren’t a treatment for any condition, they may be beneficial for people in a variety of scenarios:
- Sleep: Research suggests that CBN may promote restful sleep through its sedative, mentally relaxing properties. A 1995 study done on mice found that CBN may prolong sleeping time [1]. Anecdotally, CBN may induce a full-body sedative effect. CBN gummies deliver CBN in fixed doses, making them a convenient addition to your nighttime routine.
- Physical discomfort: 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 [2]. CBN gummies may promote physical relaxation and comfort, particularly at night.
- Focus: A 2020 study 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 [3]. While CBN gummies aren’t an ADHD treatment, they may promote a balanced mind.
- Appetite stimulation: In a 2012 study, CBN reduced the time it took rats to begin eating and increased the amount of food they consumed [4]. This indicates that CBN gummies may have an appetite-stimulating effect.
- Seizures: In a 1973 study, CBN was shown to be an effective anticonvulsant in mice [5]. While CBN has therapeutic potential in this area, more studies are needed before we have definitive knowledge of how it impacts seizures.
- Bone health: Research suggests CBN may have supportive effects for the bones. A 2009 study found that the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system are a potential therapeutic target for reducing bone loss [6]. CBN is an agonist of CB2, so it may offer this therapeutic benefit. More research is needed before we know whether CBN can help treat bone loss, but this highlights the wide-ranging potential benefits of CBN gummies.
- Neuroprotection: A 2024 study by scientists at the Salk Institute found that CBN-based compounds protected the brain against aging and neurodegeneration [7]. While CBN isn’t a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, this study suggests CBN gummies have therapeutic potential in this area and should be researched further.
- Bacteria resistance: In a 2008 study that looked at the antibacterial activity of five cannabinoids, CBN was shown to have potent activity against several disease strains [8]. CBN isn’t a proven treatment for bacterial infections and conditions, but this study suggests it has therapeutic potential in this area.
Side Effects & Risks of CBN Gummies
CBN gummies have many potential therapeutic benefits. However, they may also create some side effects.
Potential side effects of CBN include:
- Changes in appetite
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Upset stomach
- Dry mouth
It’s also important to note that, as CBN gummies are mildly psychoactive, they may create some of the effects commonly associated with inebriation. However, even if these effects are present, they will be very mild (assuming you don’t take a large dose of CBN).
Research hasn’t uncovered any long-term side effects of taking CBN, whether in gummy form or otherwise.
How to Use CBN Gummies: Dosage & Timing
As you’ve learned, CBN gummies may be very beneficial – but only if you use them correctly. Here’s what to know about CBN gummy dosage and timing:
Dosage
Starting out, we recommend taking a low-strength dosage of CBN. You can calculate your dose using this weight-based formula:
(0.05) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dose of CBN in mg.
For most people, this will be 5-10mg of CBN, which might be between ¼ and 1 whole CBN gummy. This may seem like a small amount, but as CBN is psychoactive, it’s best to get a feel for how it affects you before taking more.
Timing
CBN gummies start working within 45 minutes to 1 hour of when you take them. This is because CBN gummies have to be swallowed and pass through your digestive system for the CBN to reach your bloodstream.
Accordingly, you’ll want to take CBN gummies 45 minutes to 1 hour before you want to begin feeling the effects. If you’re CBN gummies for sleep, this makes them a great way to start your night routine: take the gummies, do other activities, and then by the time you’re ready to sleep, the effects will begin to kick in.
CBN Gummies vs. CBD Gummies: What’s the Difference?
CBN gummies and CBD gummies differ in the main cannabinoid they contain: cannabinol (CBN) or cannabidiol (CBD). Both of these cannabinoids naturally occur in the cannabis sativa plant.
However, they differ in a few main areas: their effects, benefits, and abundance.
- Effects: Whereas CBN has very noticeable effects and will create a mild head high, CBD is very subtle and is best characterized as the negative sensations you don’t feel, rather than the positive ones you do.
- Benefits: CBN and CBD both may offer therapeutic potential for sleep, pain, and anxiety. CBN is generally more effective than CBD for sleep, although it tends not to be as useful for daytime support due to its sedative effects.
- Occurrence: Whereas CBD is a major cannabinoid that’s abundant in hemp, CBN is a minor cannabinoid, meaning it’s only naturally found in hemp in small amounts.
Are CBN Gummies Legal?
CBN gummies are legal on the federal level as long as they’re made with hemp-derived CBN.
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.
As pertains to products, many companies interpret this to mean CBN gummies can’t contain more than 0.3% THC by weight; this makes most CBN gummies on the market legal. Still, that being said, opt for products that specifically state “hemp-derived” to be safe.
Conclusion: Are CBN Gummies Right for You?
If you’re looking for a natural sleep supplement or a more sedative experience from cannabinoids, CBN gummies might be just what you’re looking for.
The most common use of CBN gummies is, obviously, sleep. But as you’ve seen, research suggests CBN has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits. As more studies are done, CBN gummies may well turn into mainstream health supplements.
What Are CBN Gummies: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about CBN gummies.
What does CBN in edibles do?
CBN may create drowsy, relaxed, slightly psychoactive effects. This means edibles with CBN may be more relaxing than those without.
What are CBN gummies good for?
CBN gummies are good for many things, but in particular, they have therapeutic potential for sleep, physical discomfort, mental relaxation, and focus.
How long does it take for CBN gummies to kick in?
CBN gummies take 45 minutes to 1 hour to kick in.
What are THC:CBN gummies?
THC:CBN gummies are edibles containing a blend of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBN). THC:CBN gummies may be more sedative than THC gummies.
What are CBD:CBN gummies?
CBD:CBN gummies are edibles containing a blend of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN). CBD:CBN gummies may be more sedative and slightly more psychoactive than CBD gummies.
What are the best CBN gummies for sleep?
There are many types of CBN sleep gummies out there, and the specific product that’s best for you will depend on your situation; some cannabinoid blends and potencies may be better for some people than others. That said, DriftyZZZ’s THC:CBD:CBN gummies are some of the best CBN gummies for sleep because they combine smaller amounts of CBN and THC with a larger dose of CBD, making for a stronger mental and physical therapeutic effect with less anxiety and paranoia. For more, see our guide to the best CBN for sleep.
Will CBN gummies show up on a drug test?
Yes, CBN gummies may show up on a drug test. While CBN isn’t a target analyte on drug tests, it may show up as THC on a drug test because its molecule is chemically very similar.
Sources
[1] 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
[2] 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
[3] 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
[4] Farrimond, J. A., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2012). Cannabinol and cannabidiol exert opposing effects on rat feeding patterns. Psychopharmacology, 223(1), 117–129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-012-2697-x
[5] Karler, R., Cely, W., & Turkanis, S. A. (1973). The anticonvulsant activity of cannabidiol and cannabinol. Life sciences, 13(11), 1527–1531. https://doi.org/10.1016/0024-3205(73)90141-0
[6] Bab, I., Zimmer, A., & Melamed, E. (2009). Cannabinoids and the skeleton: from marijuana to reversal of bone loss. Annals of medicine, 41(8), 560–567. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890903121025
[7] Liang, Z., Candib, A., Soriano-Castell, D., Fischer, W., Finley, K., & Maher, P. (2024). Fragment-based drug discovery and biological evaluation of novel cannabinol-based inhibitors of oxytosis/ferroptosis for neurological disorders. Redox biology, 72, 103138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2024.103138
[8] Appendino, G., Gibbons, S., Giana, A., Pagani, A., Grassi, G., Stavri, M., Smith, E., & Rahman, M. M. (2008). Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: a structure-activity study. Journal of natural products, 71(8), 1427–1430. https://doi.org/10.1021/np8002673
