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Although much of the focus has centered around CBD since hemp legalization hit the table, consumers are becoming more aware of the therapeutic potential of other minor cannabinoids, like cannabinol (CBN). CBN 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 it’s 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.
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, its 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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