What Is CBN? The Sleep-Boosting Cannabinoid Explained

Table of Contents

• What Is Hemp-Derived CBN?
• CBN vs CBD: What’s the Difference?
• What Are the Benefits of CBN?
• Does CBN Help You Sleep?
• Side Effects of CBN
• Where to Buy CBN Products
• Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for natural ways to improve your sleep, you’ve probably come across CBD — but what about CBN?

CBN (cannabinol) is gaining popularity for its calming effects and potential to support deeper, more restful sleep. As a lesser-known cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant, it offers unique benefits — especially when paired with CBD — making it an emerging favorite in the world of wellness.

At HempLucid, we’re passionate about helping people discover plant-powered solutions to everyday challenges. Let’s break down what makes CBN special — and why you might want to add it to your nighttime wellness routine.

What Is CBN?

CBN, which stands for cannabinol, is a cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant. Like cannabidiol (CBD), it is one of over 100 identified cannabinoids that come from cannabis. Subtle differences in structure help scientists to determine the best use for each of these cannabinoids. 

CBN was first discovered in the 1930s. In the 1940s, it was the first naturally occurring cannabinoid to be officially isolated, although reports indicate efforts were made as early as 1896. It has a mild psychotropic effect, and scientists really weren't sure what to do with it up until recently. 

CBD may be used by consumers for anxiety or chronic pain. Research is still helping us to figure out the best use for CBN, but many users already have a clue. CBN is considered a mild sedative substance, producing a "body high" instead of the typical "mind high" one experiences with THC.  

What Is The Difference Between CBN And CBD?

Both CBD (cannabidiol) and CBN are cannabinoids, but they work differently:

Feature	CBD	CBN
Derived from	Hemp directly	Oxidized THC
Psychoactive?	No	Mildly
Sleep support	Indirect	Direct (sedative-like)
Availability	Easy to produce	Harder to isolate
Entourage Effect	Enhanced with CBN	Enhanced with CBN

 

In short, CBD and CBN differ in terms of chemical structure. While CBN and CBD are both active chemicals of the cannabis plant, CBN is a broken down byproduct of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Breakdown of THC occurs when it is exposed to excessive sunlight or air. 

From available studies, CBN has been found to be mildly psychoactive, but not as potent as THC. In fact, before its discovery, scientists thought that CBN was the compound of cannabis that caused the classical "high". Turns out, it was THC. 

Instead of the intoxicating high THC can cause, CBN can potentially be used as a mild sedative. It is commonly marketed as a form of: 

• Sleep aid
• Pain relief
• Neuroprotective agent
• Anti-inflammatory substance

CBD is typically the second most common cannabinoid naturally found in the cannabis plant. One of the biggest differences between CBD and CBN is that manufacturers can breed plants to have higher amounts of CBD. CBN is the result of environmental, not genetic, processes, so producers cannot breed plants for higher levels of CBN. 

However, CBN can be created from the breakdown of THC, which can be sped up by exposing THC to heat. Little to no CBN is available from a fresh cannabis plant, making it understandably harder for manufacturers to produce. This is also the reason that CBN products can be more expensive, as they are more difficult to isolate. 

👉 Explore our full CBN sleep collection now.

 

CBD And CBN For Sleep

While CBN isn't currently FDA approved for any specific conditions, there are a few common uses for this curious cannabinoid. Both CBD and CBN are considered non-intoxicating and have many potential uses. 

Potential properties of CBN include: 

• Anti-convulsant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Appetite stimulant
• Pain relief (when combined with CBD)
• Promotes restful sleep

The possible uses for CBN are still being studied. However, consumers of CBN claim that they use the substance for: 

• Inflammation
• Pain relief
• Sleep disorders

These potential effects occur thanks to the body's endocannabinoid system, commonly called the ECS. The ECS interacts with cannabinoids like CBN and CBD to promote better overall balance for the body. This includes affecting the nervous system, sleep, hormones, and much more in order to restore an innate inner harmony. 

Here is a study posted on Nature.com discusses more in depth about how it possibly affects human for sleep.

Interestingly, cannabinoids are thought to be more potent and powerful when consumed in combination — this is called "the entourage effect". Like THC, CBN binds to the CB1 receptors in your body. 

CBN acts with these receptors at about one-tenth of the strength that THC does. This is why CBN is considered mildly sedative but does not produce a sensational "high" like THC does. In fact, CBN is considered by many people as "THC without the high."

Side Effects of CBN

While CBN is considered safe and well-tolerated, potential side effects (especially when combined with other cannabinoids) may include:

• Drowsiness

• Mild nausea

• Sleepiness

• Digestive upset in rare cases

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement — especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

The Bottom Line On The Sleeper Hit CBN

Although CBN has been less extensively studied than CBD, it's quickly become a big hit. Cannabis enthusiasts love its potential to promote sleep, along with other powerful properties currently being studied. While unique on its own, it can be combined with other cannabinoids for a more profound "entourage" effect. 

Where to Buy CBN Products

Looking for high-quality CBN in Utah or across the United States? At HempLucid, our full-spectrum and targeted formulations harness the power of CBN, CBD, and other synergistic cannabinoids to support better sleep and balance.

Shop our CBN Sleep Gummies, CBN + CBD tinctures, and more — all third-party tested, made from organic hemp, and crafted with your wellness in mind.

Why HempLucid?

• Grown and made in the USA

• USDA Certified Organic Hemp

• Third-party lab tested

• Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free

• Trusted since 2016

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Final Thoughts: Is CBN Right for You?

Whether you're in Salt Lake City, Provo, or anywhere in the U.S., CBN may be a natural option to support better sleep and nighttime relaxation. If you’re tired of tossing and turning, CBN + CBD could be the plant-based sleep solution you’ve been searching for.

Explore Sleep Solutions at HempLucid Shop CBN

Whether you're in Utah or shopping nationwide, HempLucid makes premium CBN easy to trust — and even easier to feel.

 

Learn more on CBN's amazing ability to help brains heal! Here is an article posted on www.Salk.edu about more.

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Resources

Long A. The cannabinoid CBN might be cannabis industry's surprise hit. Mjbizdaily.com. 

Published August 31, 2021. 

Rae A. The difference between CBN vs CBD. Weedmaps.com. Published July 19, 2021. 

Varanasi S. What Are the Differences Between CBD and CBN? Looking at the Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects. Goodrx.com. Published July 14, 2021.

Yetman D. CBD vs. CBN: Benefits and Differences. Healthline.com. Published January 14, 2021.