Many people are turning to cannabinol (CBN) products as natural sleep aids, often instead of melatonin supplements, due to their relaxing, sedative effects.
But does CBN get you high?
CBN doesn’t produce the kind of high associated with THC. Most people don’t experience a noticeable “high” at all. Instead, the effects are characterized by deep relaxation and drowsiness. These feel very different from the uplifting, euphoric, cerebral effects typically associated with cannabis.
It’s sometimes described as a weaker version of THC, with estimates placing it at around 10% to 25% as potent, but the experience is far more subtle and body-focused.
In this article, we’ll discuss how CBN makes you feel and how it works in the body to produce its sedative, mildly psychoactive effects.
Does CBN Get You High?
CBN doesn’t produce the kind of high associated with THC. Most people don’t feel intoxicated at all.
While CBN is mildly psychoactive and often described as a weaker version of THC, it’s generally considered far less potent, often falling somewhere in the 10% to 25% range; its effects are far more subtle.
Instead of a noticeable head high, CBN is typically associated with relaxation, drowsiness, and a sense of winding down.
Some research also suggests that CBN may enhance the psychoactive effects of THC when the two are taken together [1].
At typical doses (around 5-10mg), most people mainly feel relaxed or sleepy.
At higher doses, the effects may feel more noticeable or slightly different, but still not comparable to a traditional THC high.
At very high doses (such as 60-80mg or more), some people report more noticeable effects, but the experience is still very different from a traditional THC high.
How Does CBN Make You Feel?
CBN will make you feel relaxed and often sleepy.
The psychoactive effects of CBN aren’t strong or intoxicating. Most people don’t feel “high” in the traditional sense. Instead, CBN is known for creating a calm, body-focused feeling that helps you wind down.
Unlike THC, the effects aren’t particularly cerebral. CBN tends to promote physical relaxation and mental sedation rather than a noticeable head high.
That’s also how people usually describe it:
“The Dream Drops get me to sleep within about a half an hour and I stay asleep. No grogginess the next day.”
“Drifty Zzz’s is the first gummy that works… one is enough to gently fall asleep, stay asleep and not wake up groggy.”
You’ll likely feel different than if you took CBD or CBG, but not in a way that feels intoxicating – more like your body slowing down and getting ready for rest.
Some people also report a mild increase in appetite, similar to THC, but without the same intoxicating effects.
How CBN Works in the Body
CBN works in your body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a receptor system that helps regulate functions like sleep, mood, and inflammation.
The ECS is responsible for keeping your body in a state of balance, also known as homeostasis.
CBN interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in this system, influencing how signals are sent throughout the body. This can affect how you feel, especially when it comes to sleep and relaxation.
Because of this, CBN is considered mildly psychoactive, but its effects are subtle and tied more to how your body regulates sleep and relaxation.
CBN vs. THC: How They Make You Feel
Many people describe CBN as a much milder version of delta 9 THC, with more subtle effects overall. It’s often estimated to fall between 10% and 25% of THC’s potency and about half as strong as delta 8 THC.
Anecdotal and early research suggests that CBN mainly promotes relaxation and drowsiness. THC, on the other hand, can produce a wider range of effects, including euphoria, mental stimulation, and a more noticeable high.
Because of this, CBN tends to feel much more subdued. It’s less about a recreational experience and more about helping you relax and wind down, especially at night.
When combined with small amounts of THC, CBN may enhance more sedating, “couch-lock”-type effects without significantly increasing the euphoric side of a high.
CBN vs. CBD: How They Make You Feel
CBD and CBN both have relaxing effects, but they feel different in practice. CBD is non-psychoactive and won’t make you feel high. In larger doses, it may make you feel calm or slightly tired.
CBN, on the other hand, is mildly psychoactive, but its effects are subtle. Most people don’t experience a noticeable high. Instead, it’s more commonly associated with relaxation and drowsiness.
Both cannabinoids may help with anxiety, but CBD has been studied more extensively for this purpose, while research on CBN is still limited.
Comparison with Other Cannabinoids
| Feature | CBD | CBN | THC |
| Gets You High? | No | Not typically | Yes |
| Psychoactivity | None | Mild | Strong |
| Primary Use | Anxiety/Inflammation | Sleep/Relaxation | Recreation/Pain Relief |
Is CBN Legal?
On a national level, yes, CBN is legal – as long as it’s derived from hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived cannabinoids legal at the federal level.
The main difference between hemp and marijuana comes down to THC content. Hemp contains 0.3% THC or less by dry weight, while marijuana contains more than 0.3%.
That said, legality can vary by state. Many states haven’t specifically addressed CBN, since it hasn’t seen the same level of use or regulation as THC.
To be safe, it’s worth checking your state’s laws, especially if there are restrictions around hemp-derived cannabinoids like THC or CBD.
Will CBN Show Up on a Drug Test?
CBN isn’t typically the target of standard drug tests, but it may still cause a positive result for THC.
This is because CBN is chemically similar to THC, and the way your body processes cannabinoids can sometimes lead to overlapping metabolites that drug tests can’t easily distinguish.
To be safe, it’s best to avoid CBN products if you’re subject to drug testing, especially since some products may also contain trace amounts of THC.
Conclusion: CBN Will Get You High
CBN doesn’t produce the kind of high associated with THC. Instead, its primary effect is drowsiness, which is why it’s often used for sleep support.
For most people, the experience is more about relaxing and winding down than feeling intoxicated.
This makes it a good fit for the evening, especially if you’re trying to settle into rest before bed.
If you’re ready to try CBN, check out our CBN dosage guide.
Shop CBN products from Natural Ways CBD.
Does CBN Get You High? Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we’re frequently asked about the effects of CBN.
Is CBN a psychoactive drug?
CBN is mildly psychoactive, but not particularly intoxicating like THC. It may promote relaxation without causing a traditional high.
Does CBN have a psychoactive effect?
CBN does have a psychoactive effect, but it’s subtle. Most people feel calm and sleepy rather than euphoric.
Is CBN psychotropic?
CBN is technically psychotropic because it can influence mood and sleep. However, it doesn’t produce a strong or mind-altering effect like THC.
Can CBN make you trip?
CBN won’t make you trip. While it is mildly psychoactive, it doesn’t create the altered perception associated with hallucinogenic drugs or high doses of THC.
How much CBN will get you high?
There’s no standard dose of CBN needed to feel the effects. Many people start noticing relaxation or sleepiness around 20-30mg, though experiences can vary.
How long does a CBN high last?
CBN effects can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on how you take it. In most cases, the experience feels more like drowsiness than a high.
Is 10mg of CBN a lot?
10mg of CBN isn’t considered a high dose. For many people, it’s a low to moderate starting point that may promote relaxation without feeling too strong. Some people may need higher doses to notice sleep-related effects, while others feel it at lower amounts.
Can CBN keep you awake?
CBN is generally associated with sleep and relaxation, so it’s unlikely to keep you awake. That said, effects can vary depending on the dose and product.
How much CBN should you take for anxiety?
There’s no standard dose of CBN for anxiety, and research is still limited. Most people start with around 5-10mg and adjust based on how they feel.
Is 5mg of CBN enough for sleep?
5mg of CBN can be enough for sleep for some people, especially if you’re sensitive to cannabinoids. Others may need a higher dose to notice the effects.
Is CBN stronger than melatonin?
CBN isn’t necessarily stronger than melatonin – it works differently. Melatonin helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, while CBN supports relaxation through the endocannabinoid system.
Sources
[1] Takahashi RN, Karniol IG. Pharmacologic interaction between cannabinol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Psychopharmacologia. 1975;41(3):277-84. doi: 10.1007/BF00428937. PMID: 168604.
