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CBN (cannabinol) is often touted as a powerful sleep aid, and some sources even report that it could help manage pain and inflammation or balance mood.
These potential benefits are appealing, especially to those losing sleep due to pain or nighttime anxiety. Luckily, CBN side effects are generally rare and mild, so most people can incorporate CBN into their wellness routine without any issue.
If you’re ready to try CBN for yourself, here’s what you need to know about possible adverse reactions and how to avoid them:
Table of Contents
CBN is a minor cannabinoid that’s created as other cannabinoids degrade. Specifically, it’s a byproduct of THC degradation. CBN is thought to be the reason why cannabis material that’s not in its prime may cause you to feel sleepy.
Although little is known about CBN in comparison to CBD, experts agree that it’s a potent cannabinoid that has some affinity for the CB-1 receptors, or the portion of the Endocannabinoid System where THC binds to incite psychotropic effects. Of course, CBN won’t get you high, but it can offer a range of potential benefits, including:
To learn more, read “CBN Benefits.”
Of course, CBN gets the most attention for its potential to enhance sleep, and it’s often paired with CBD, THC, or even melatonin to create unique sleep-supporting formulas. That means that you need to be aware of the side effects of CBN, but also the possible side effects of other components of the CBN formula you choose.
Cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two cannabinoids found in cannabis, each offering unique benefits. CBD is well-known for its therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain relief, without causing a high. It's widely used in various health products.
CBN, on the other hand, is mildly psychoactive (but it does not get you high) and forms as THC ages. It's associated with sedative effects, making it potentially useful for sleep disorders and pain relief. Both interact with the endocannabinoid system differently, offering distinct therapeutic benefits. CBN is stronger, however, so you'll likely see it used in smaller doses than are used for CBD.
CBN differs from CBD and THC in both origin and effects. CBN is mildly psychoactive, unlike CBD, but far less intoxicating than THC. While CBD offers broad therapeutic benefits without sedation, CBN is particularly known for its calming, sleep-promoting qualities. THC, meanwhile, is strongly psychoactive and produces a “high," while CBN's effects are much milder and primarily support rest.
Research regarding CBN’s benefits and potential side effects is still limited, which makes it difficult to speak on CBN's safety. However, no research has ever linked CBN to any type of toxicity, and it’s thought to perform more similarly to CBD than THC, so many people draw conclusions from CBD’s safety profile.
Experts believe that CBD is generally safe, but it may have some drug interactions and shouldn’t be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding until we have more information about its interactions.
If you're worried about potential CBN side effects, talk to your doctor. According to anecdotal reports, the following side effects are possible:
In some cases, people claim that using CBN at night can lead to daytime grogginess. This is an effect that’s common with many sleep-supporting supplements, including sedatives and melatonin.
It’s possible that these effects are dose-dependent, so reducing your CBN dose may help mediate these effects. It’s also true that many people see this side effect fade over time after they become accustomed to their CBN dosing routine.
CBN is often used to support healthy sleep-wake cycles, and some people report that it has certain sedative-like effects. In fact, its potential ability to support restful sleep is one of the key benefits that has made CBN so popular.
When taken during the day, some people find that CBN makes them feel tired. For this reason, many people opt for CBD (or a combination of CBD and CBN) to manage daytime ailments when they need to feel more alert.
Although some cannabinoids are associated with an increased appetite, it's unclear the role that CBN may play in appetite regulation. Some people report that CBN has little to no effect on their appetite, while others report that CBN seemed to suppress their appetite entirely. Typically, this is not a side effect to worry about unless you already struggle with poor appetite, but it is a possibility to be aware of before you start taking CBN.
Some people report feeling dizzy after taking CBN, which could be a side effect of the tiredness we mentioned earlier. Whatever the case, dizziness is rare when using a high-quality product. If you experience significant dizziness, discontinue use and talk to your doctor about your wellness routine.
One little known side effect of CBN is that it can actually increase the psychoactive effects of THC. In fact, one study from 2006 found that when THC and CBN is taken together, patients experienced a significant increase in psychoactive effects. Typically, this isn’t a cause for concern, but something to be aware of if you intend to use THC products with your CBN dose.
No, CBN does not get you high. While it may have very mild psychoactive effects, they are typically too subtle for most users to notice. CBN is better known for promoting calmness and sleep without strong intoxication.
The way that you use CBN products will vary based on the type of product you choose, but the idea is generally similar to the way that CBD products are used.
The good news is that CBN is not psychotropic, so it will not get you high. That means you can use CBN at night or during the day without any impact on your cognition. We recommend using CBN for the first time while you’re at home so that you have plenty of time to monitor how CBN affects you.
If you intend to take CBN to help improve sleep, you should take your CBN dosage around 30-60 minutes before bed. Read “CBN Dosage” to learn more about how much CBN you should take, but the typical nighttime dosage is around 5 mg.
For daytime use, take CBN whenever you can fit it into your wellness routine. Regardless of the time or reason for taking CBN, one thing rings true—the Endocannabinoid System is known for its regulatory functions and thrives on consistency. Some research suggests that you should take CBD every day for the best results, and many sources assume the same about CBN.
CBN and melatonin both support sleep, but they work differently. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, while CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system to promote relaxation and sedation. Many users find CBN to be a gentler optionwith less risk of grogginess compared to melatonin-based supplements.
Now that you know the potential side effects of CBN gummies, you may be wondering where you can buy some for yourself.
Because of updated hemp regulations, cannabinoid products can now be legally made and sold across the U.S., making it easier to access CBN than ever before. However, regulations are inconsistent from state to state, and you do need to take some precautions to ensure that you buy only high-quality CBN products.
To lower the risk of side effects, look for a product that is:
Our CBN Collection meets all of these requirements. Whether you’re looking for a delicious CBN + CBD Gummy, or prefer our herbal CBN+CBD Oil designed to support restful sleep, we pride ourselves on offering top quality hemp products at competitive, accessible prices. Read more About Vida Optima to learn more about our manufacturing process.
CBN offers exciting potential benefits, particularly for sleep support and relaxation, with very few risks of side effects for most users. While occasional issues like tiredness or appetite changes can occur, they are generally mild and manageable by adjusting the dosage or choosing higher-quality products.
As with any supplement, it’s crucial to start with a low dose, monitor how your body responds, and always choose reputable brands. If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, speak with your healthcare provider to ensure CBN is a safe addition to your wellness routine.
Research indicates CBN is non-psychoactive, although some studies report that it may have mild psychoactive effects that are simply too mild to notice. However, experts do believe that CBN may potentiate the effects of THC to make you feel more intoxicated compared to taking THC alone.
CBN will not make you feel intoxicated and has little to no known side effects, even at high doses. However, taking too much may make you feel fatigued or a bit more drowsy than usual.
Because of the way that CBN interacts with the brain, it’s possible that it can cause mild dizziness after taking it, especially in large doses.
CBN generally lasts in the system for 2 to 5 days, but it can last longer (up to two weeks) for some people.
CBN, or cannabinol, is known for its calming and sedative effects. Many users report feeling relaxed and sleepy after consuming CBN, making it popular for use as a sleep aid. It may also provide mild pain relief and a sense of calm.
CBN interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, primarily binding to CB2 receptors. It is thought to have sedative properties, promote sleep, provide pain relief, and potentially have anti-inflammatory effects. CBN may also contribute to appetite stimulation.
No, CBN is not a sedative and will not make you feel groggy in the morning. For some people, this makes using CBN for sleep a better alternative to melatonin and other natural sleep aids that may leave you feeling groggy.
CBN is generally not associated with causing anxiety. In fact, it is often used for its calming and relaxing effects. However, individual reactions can vary, and some people may experience different effects.
Individuals who should avoid taking CBN include:
Always consult a healthcare provider before using CBN, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on medication.
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