By Jeff Eckenrode, COO

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).

CBD — *Photo credit:* *Crystalweed Cannabis*

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.

CBD for 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!

CBD Cannabis — *Photo credit:* *Greenforce Staffing*

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.

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).

CBD edible — *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!

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.