Despite everyone’s main focus being on THC and CBD, there are actually between 80 and 100 known cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. If you’re still a little unsure of what a cannabinoid is, here’s a quick refresher: cannabinoids are the chemical compounds that interact with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to produce the effects you typically feel from cannabis.
The cannabinoids you probably know are THC and CBD, but the compound CBN, or cannabinol, is a bit lesser known—although maybe not for long! Based on anecdotal evidence, it’s believed CBN can actually be used as a sleep aid because of the way it interacts with different parts of our ECS. CBN may help with sleep and other brain-related function because the compound binds itself to the CB1 and CB2 receptors just like THC does. It just does so at a much lower strength, which means the effects will be mild—in other words, you likely won’t get high from the effects of CBN.
CBN, CBD and THC
CBN works in tandem with THC and CBD and, when consumed together, it’s believed they end up working synergistically to create an experience you wouldn’t get from consuming just THC, just CBD, or just CBN. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect, in which cannabinoids work together to create a balanced and regulated experience. The key word here is together. If you consume flour, eggs, and sugar separately, you won’t have eaten a cake. In the same way, if you consume THC, CBD, and CBN separately, they won’t work together as part of the entourage effect.
Cannabis and Sleep
So…how does that affect sleep? THC and CBD have long been anecdotally believed to help with people with sleep issues, and the introduction of CBN is believed to bolster these potential sleep-aid effects. While everyone’s body will respond differently to certain cannabinoids, there is belief among many that the right combination of CBN, THC, and CBD has the potential to be beneficial to those who have trouble sleeping.
CBN is still new to the Canadian cannabis landscape, but Wana Quick Midnight Berry gummies prominently feature this potentially beneficial cannabinoid! Be sure to check your local retailer for these quick onset* gummies, which are best consumed at night.
Of course, because everyone is different, CBN may or may not work for you. However, the discovery—and research into—any cannabinoid is a promising sign for the cannabis industry, as it helps us learn more about how to make the most use of this plant we know can do many wonderful things!
REMINDER: As with any new cannabis product, especially one that includes newer cannabinoids, it’s always important to start low and go slow.
*Health Canada: It can take up to 4 hours to feel the full effects from eating or drinking cannabis. Consuming more within this time period can result in adverse effects that may require medical attention. The effects from eating or drinking cannabis can be long-lasting. The effects can last between 6 and 12 hours following use.