CBD vs. CBN: What's best for sleep?
By Jeff Eckenrode, COO
Photo credit: Crystalweed Cannabis
Quick Answer: CBN (cannabinol) is a minor cannabinoid formed when THC is exposed to light, heat, or oxygen. Unlike CBD, which is known for relaxation and pain relief, CBN is prized for its sedative effects — making it especially useful for sleep. Together, CBD and CBN may offer even stronger pain and sleep benefits.
By now, you’ve probably heard something about CBD before.
And if you haven't, then you’re in luck! We’ve got a few things to say about CBD right here).
But did you know that cannabis plants produce over 100 other chemically unique cannabinoids, too?
They’re called “minor cannabinoids,” and they’re more important than you might imagine.
In fact, “minor cannabinoids” can play a HUGE part in curbing anxiety, reducing inflammation, and getting a great night’s sleep.
Photo credit: Mpho Mojapelo
So today, we’re going to focus on a particularly fascinating minor cannabinoid called “CBN”.
So what is CBN? How is it different from CBD? And what are its benefits?
If you’re looking for answers to these questions (and more), then you’ve come to the right place!
What is CBN?
CBN is short for “cannabinol.” Unlike most minor cannabinoids, CBN isn’t produced by cannabis plants as they grow!
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In fact, CBN is produced when our favorite cannabinoid, THC, is exposed to light, heat, or oxygen. This process, called “oxygenation”, turns THC into CBN.
CBN, even in very small amounts, can have significant physiological effects.
So what are CBN’s effects? And how are they different from CBD?
How is CBN different from CBD?
CBD is well-known for its relaxing and discomfort-relieving effects.
Photo credit: Xan Griffin
And although the effects of both CBN and CBD are non-psychoactive (meaning they don’t get you intoxicated), CBN is famous for causing sleepiness, especially when combined with THC.
How does CBN work?
Just like other cannabinoids such as THC or CBD, when we consume CBN in an edible or inhale it in a vaporizing cartridge, CBN enters our bloodstream (either through the blood vessels in our small intestines or our lungs, respectively).
Photo credit: Elsa Olofsson
While in the bloodstream, CBN can interact with receptors in your endocannabinoid system (or “ECS” for short: the network of receptors throughout your body that interacts with cannabinoids).
And even though CBN and CBD interact with the exact same receptors in your body, their effects are markedly different.
What does CBN do?
Unlike THC, CBN is non-psychoactive. If you eat it or rub it on your skin, you won’t get high.
But does that mean it’s useless? No way!
Photo credit: Sander Smeekes
One of the most important distinguishing features of CBN is that it has sedative effects.
Which makes it particularly useful if you’re looking to relax and get a great night's rest!
What are the benefits of CBN?
CBN has been shown to have sedative properties that could relieve conditions like insomnia.
In a CBN study, researchers observed relief in muscle and joint pain conditions like fibromyalgia in rats. The study also noted that pain relief was better when CBD and CBN were used together.
Photo credit: Kate Stone Matheson
Where can I find Products with CBD and CBN?
Whether you’re shopping online or in Redmond, we’re here to help you find what you need, when you need it. That includes cannabis products with CBD and CBN!
Click on our online menu link below to see our current availability.
FAQ CBD vs. CBN
What is CBN?
CBN (cannabinol) is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis. It's not produced directly by the plant — instead, it forms through oxygenation when THC is exposed to light, heat, or oxygen. Even in small amounts, CBN can have meaningful physiological effects.
How is CBN different from CBD?
Both are non-psychoactive, but their effects differ significantly. CBD is best known for its relaxing and discomfort-relieving properties. CBN, on the other hand, is most recognized for its sedative effects — particularly its ability to promote drowsiness and support sleep, especially when combined with THC.
Does CBN get you high?
No. CBN is non-psychoactive. Whether you eat it or apply it topically, it won't produce intoxication. Its primary effect is sedation, not euphoria.
How does CBN work in the body?
Like other cannabinoids, CBN enters your bloodstream and interacts with receptors in your Endocannabinoid System (ECS). While CBN and CBD interact with the same ECS receptors, their effects on the body are noticeably different — CBN leans heavily sedative, while CBD leans relaxing and anti-inflammatory.
What are the benefits of CBN?
CBN's most well-known benefit is its sedative property, which may help with insomnia. Research in rats has also shown CBN may help relieve muscle and joint pain associated with conditions like fibromyalgia — and that pain relief was even more effective when CBN and CBD were used together.
Should I use CBD or CBN for sleep?
If your primary goal is sleep, CBN is the more targeted option due to its sedative effects. CBD is better suited for general relaxation, anxiety reduction, and pain management. For best results, many users find that using both together — along with some THC — provides the most effective sleep support.
Want to learn more about CBD, CBN and cannabis for wellness?
Then check out our collection of related posts here!