CBN Vs. CBD: Everything You Need to Know

Curious about CBN and its perks? We’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll explore and break down CBN vs CBD, including the differences and similarities.

These days, when you hear about cannabis, two names probably pop into your head: THC (the compound responsible for the “high”) and CBD (the one that brings on calm without any mind-altering effects). While CBN and CBD are the headliners, there’s a growing buzz around a lesser-known player in the mix: CBN.

So, CBD and THC may be the stars of the Cannabis sativa show, but the plant actually contains a treasure trove of over 100 cannabinoids! And one of these under-the-radar compounds is now getting some well-deserved attention: CBN, short for cannabinol. Join our exploration before you start wondering further (like, is CBN legal?). 

In this article, we’ll discuss what CBN Products are all about, how they may affect you, how they stack up against CBD products, and if you may consider making them a part of your daily life.

All in all, we’ll give you a holistic view of CBN vs CBD.

What Is CBN?

Cannabinol, aka CBN, comes into play when THC breaks down over time as hemp gets older. Basically, as cannabis ages, THC slowly transforms into CBN through a process called decarboxylation (a fancy way of saying it’s exposed to heat and air for a while). As time passes, the game changes; move over CBD; CBN is here to take centerstage!

Now, CBN isn’t exactly the life of the party, as it’s only about one-fourth as strong as THC when it comes to the psychoactive side of things. So, while it’s got a little kick, it won’t have you “flying” as THC does, and that’s also a notable difference between CBD and CBN. It’s more like a gentle nudge into relaxation mode.

Research on CBN is still catching up with its more famous cousins, CBD and THC. However, back in the day (1999, to be exact), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime did a study that showed cannabis loses about half of its THC power over four years, turning it into, yup, you guessed it, CBN. So yes, the longer you stash that weed, the more CBN you’ll end up with.

The study also found that most of this THC-to-CBN transition happens within the first two years if cannabis isn’t stored properly. So, if you’ve got a stash that’s more CBN than THC, it’s probably seen better days.

In the debate of CBD Vs. CBN, the latter stands out in a few ways:

• It’s born from THC after it’s been decarboxylated.
• We won’t say it’s not psychoactive at all, but it’s much less potent than THC.
• CBN is like a timestamp for older cannabis; if there’s a lot of CBN, the plant’s been around for a while.
• Over time, more THC becomes CBN.

CBN has earned the nickname “the sleepy cannabinoid” thanks to tests done on animals that produced the said potential effect. It seems to hit the snooze button, but it’s still up for debate whether it’s CBN alone or a mix of terpenes causing the drowsy vibes. So, if you’re planning to be a homebody for the weekend with a tub of popcorn and your favorite re-runs, add a side of CBN Gummies for the perfect Netflix and chill with yourself, sesh!

What Are Terpenes?

The next topic discussed in the CBD and CBN universe is terpenes. They are basically the plant world’s secret weapon: the natural hydrocarbons made from isoprene units that give plants their distinct smell, profile, and other fun quirks. It’s like how your favorite celeb has their iconic look, and terpenes are responsible for cannabis’ signature aroma and taste.

Then there are terpenoids, the cool remix version of terpenes. These guys have some oxygen in the mix, which makes them structurally different. As cannabis ages, it sheds its lighter monoterpenoids and starts racking up sesquiterpenoids, which could be the reason researchers noticed that sleepy effect in animals. Think of it as leveling up in a video game; the more sesquiterpenoids there are, the more chill vibes there are.

When folks compare CBN and CBD, the whole “CBN makes you sleepy,” idea tends to get thrown around a lot. But spoiler alert: it’s not that simple. CBN by itself isn’t a one-way ticket to Snoozeville, and neither is CBD. The real MVP behind those sleepy feels? Terpenes, baby! Here’s the breakdown:

• Terpenes are the reason your weed smells and tastes so good; think of it as how The Weeknd always has that distinct sound, no matter the album.
• Terpenoids are terpenes with an oxygen glow-up, like a TikTok filter.
• When comparing CBD and CBN, the latter gets its sleepy rep from sesquiterpenoids, which become more prominent as the cannabis ages.
• CBN, like THC and CBD, interacts with your body by sliding into those cannabinoid receptors in your brain and nervous system.

So, if you’re feeling like you’re ready for bed after a little CBN, it’s probably the terpenes behind the scenes making you all cozy. Don’t blame it all on the CBN! Besides, a little rest hurt nobody. 

How Does CBN Work?

Considering how CBN vs. CBD works is crucial for a complete understanding of the comparison. Just like its cannabinoid cousins THC and CBD, CBN takes multiple routes to work its magic. This is all thanks to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which could be understood as your very own backstage crew making sure everything runs smoothly.

CBN can latch onto both CB1 and CB2 receptors, similar to how THC operates, but with way less of the “let’s get high” vibe. That said, CBN can actually enhance THC’s effects when they team up; think of it like a tag-team action. This is known as the entourage effect. It’s like when Taylor Swift brings out surprise guests at her concerts to make things even more fun. But don’t worry; the tiny amounts of CBN in most hemp products won’t send you into the rumored daze.

While we don’t know as much about CBN compared to the headliners like CBD and THC, it still brings some cool perks to the party! 

Perks Of CBN: What to Expect?

The full picture of CBN’s potential is still a mystery. What we do know is that CBN teams up with the ECS and does what it does. However, researchers are still working on understanding its solo behavior. For now, it’s best to think of CBN as part of a squad that works with other cannabinoids like CBD and CBG in what’s called the entourage effect. It’s like the Avengers of cannabinoids—they work better together than alone.

You’ll usually find CBN hanging out in hemp products alongside other minor cannabinoids, with a focus on high CBD levels. 

Here’s what we do know about CBN:

• It connects with CB1 and CB2 receptors, like CBD and THC.
• CBN might even give THC a little boost in the euphoria department when they’re paired up.
• So we know that CBN is a team player but it definitely has a vibe of its own, even if we don’t have the full scoop just yet.

How Is CBN Different From CBD?

Now for the million-dollar question of the differences between CBD and CBN, let’s take it one step at a time.

CBN and CBD are both naturally occurring phytocannabinoids found in cannabis, but they bring their unique qualities to the table. While they share some similarities to cannabinoids, they differ in how they are created and how they work in the body. Let’s start by first getting to know CBD better.

CBD: A Quick Introduction 

So, what exactly is CBD? Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a major player in the cannabis plant, second only to THC in abundance. In industrial hemp, which has less than 0.3% THC, CBD makes up around 40% of the plant’s genetic makeup. It’s a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it won’t give you that high, but it still has plenty to offer when it comes to its interaction with your body’s systems.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound that doesn’t give you any of the euphoric “high” effects you might associate with cannabis. Instead, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by connecting with CB2 receptors, which are part of our peripheral nervous system. These receptors are like tiny messengers, linking up with muscles, immune cells, skin, and more, helping maintain balance in the body’s functions.

The ECS helps keep our mental and physical functions in check, kind of like the body’s version of a thermostat. When CBD binds to these CB2 receptors, it sends signals that can affect various cells, tissues, or organs associated with those receptors. 

CBD has a range of potential uses, but according to the FDA, it’s not approved for diagnosing, treating, or curing any illnesses. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD Products with less than 0.3% THC are legal in the U.S. So, to answer the question of whether CBN is legal in the U.S., yes, both CBD and CBN are federally legal as long as they are hemp-derived and within the 0.3% THC content mark.  

What Sets CBN Apart from CBD?

Now, even though both CBN and CBD are phytocannabinoids, they come from different places within the cannabis plant. CBD is abundant in industrial hemp and high-CBD strains, while CBN appears as THC degrades over time due to exposure to heat and oxygen.

Neither compound will get you “high” on its own, but they can affect how THC feels. CBD typically tones down some of the more intense effects of THC, while CBN might enhance them, leading to the relaxation often attributed to it.

Unlike CBD, which mainly binds to CB2 receptors, CBN can connect with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, it’s not as strongly attracted to either compared to CBD or THC. Plus, CBN can also interact with other pathways beyond the ECS, showing its versatility.

CBN and CBD: How To Use These Products?

So, how do you actually use CBN and CBD products? Well, it’s a bit easier to find CBD products compared to CBN. The latter hasn’t been in the spotlight until recently, so not as many brands are pumping out CBN-specific goodies just yet. But don’t worry; you can get both top-quality CBD and CBN products at Vivimu. Take your pick from the following:

• CBN Isolate 
• CBN Distillate
• CBN Softgels
• CBD Distillate
• CBD Isolate 
• CBD Gummies
• CBD Caramels
• CBD Tinctures

As the cannabis game is leveling up fast and with more research rolling out, CBN is starting to pop up in more places. When it comes to introducing CBN and CBD products to support your lifestyle goals, there are a few ways. We recommend using concentrated extracts infused into carrier oils. It’s a versatile and practical route that suits most people’s needs. These oils or distillates come in different strengths, allowing you to fine-tune your dosage without the guesswork of other ways of using CBD and CBN. Whether you’re trying to catch some zzz’s or just chill, these oils make it easy to get exactly the right amount.

1. Hemp Flower

You’ll have an easier time finding CBD hemp flowers than tracking down those high in CBN, but if you look hard enough, there are aged hemp flower strains that naturally have a higher CBN content.

To keep your flower fresh and potent, it’s best to store it in an amber, airtight container and dedicate a cool, dry spot for it. This way, you’re keeping all those precious cannabinoids and terpenes intact, ensuring they don’t lose their mojo over time.

2. CBN and CBD Oil (Tincture)

Hemp extract oils are available in various strengths, typically measured by the number of milligrams listed on the label. Depending on your intended use, you should apply CBD or CBN oil in a specific way.

Many people approach using CBN oil in a similar fashion to CBD, with the dosing guidelines being interchangeable. You can adjust how much you take based on your desired effects and goals. If you’re looking to tap into CBN’s chill effects, higher amounts (around 25–60MG) are commonly applied an hour or two before winding down for the night.

CBD, on the other hand, is often chosen for a broader range of uses, and it’s popular for helping support focus and energy during the day. So, depending on how you want to feel, pick one accordingly.

3. CBN and CBD Gummies

Hemp-infused gummies are a super convenient way to incorporate cannabinoids into your routine. With CBN gummies, you get a consistent, pre-measured amount of the cannabinoid in every piece, making them easy to carry with you wherever you go. And they taste yummy, too!

Since the body’s ECS takes some time to get used to these compounds, gummies can be a great alternative if you find it tricky to stick with regular CBD or CBN oil use. Plus, they’re a fun, no-fuss option for those who prefer a more straightforward method!

The Challenges of Making CBN Products Vs. CBD

In the face-off between CBD and CBN, CBN is indeed notorious for being more difficult to produce, thanks to the tiny resin glands known as trichomes, which cover cannabis flowers and house THC, CBN, CBD, and other cannabinoids. As plants age, THC naturally breaks down into CBN, though it’s still only present in small amounts. This phenomenon makes CBN a bit tricky to extract.  

If you’re looking to increase CBN levels, growers can selectively cultivate plants with specific traits, followed by using advanced extraction techniques to protect these delicate, heat- and light-sensitive compounds. This way, you can preserve more of the CBN goodness while keeping the plant’s unique properties intact!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s The Legal Status of CBN and CBD?

Both CBD and CBN are federally legal in the U.S. as long as they are hemp-derived and within the 0.3% THC content mark.  

CBN Vs. CBD: Which One Is Stronger?

CBN is often considered more effective than CBD when it comes to relaxation support and nightly routines. At higher dosages, CBN can lead to subtle psychoactive effects, whereas CBD stays non-psychoactive no matter the amount used.

What Is Best For Sleep: CBD, CBN, or CBG?

CBN stands out as a better option for encouraging relaxation, thanks to its more pronounced relaxation effects. On the other hand, CBD is often recognized for its potential to make you feel at ease, while CBG is gaining attention for its possible beneficial effects, although more research is still needed to conclude anything.

How Is CBN Different Than THC?

CBN forms as THC degrades, holding onto a portion of its calming effects but at only about a quarter of THC’s strength. While CBN is primarily recognized for its potential in aiding rest, THC is much more powerful in its psychoactive impact. 

What’s The Difference Between The Broad Spectrum and The Full Spectrum?

The key distinction between the two lies in the fact that broad-spectrum products are completely free of THC, whereas full spectrum may have small, traceable amounts of it. Broad-spectrum CBD, in particular, combines stable levels of CBD, CBG, and CBN without any THC.

If you’re interested, you can also create your own high-CBN strains by letting home-grown cannabis mature past its peak. Just make sure you’re in a location where growing for personal use is legal before giving it a go!

Where Can I Get The Best CBN and CBD Products Online? 

If you’re looking for the highest-quality CBN and CBD products online, Vivimu offers the best collection in the market. All our products undergo requisite testing by third-party labs, and we make it easy for you to access these COAs for assurance. Check out our collection and pick your favorite ones from gummies, tinctures, distillates, pre-rolls, isolates, and a whole bunch of other cool stuff!   

Wrapping It Up

In a nutshell, while CBN and CBD both come from cannabis, they have unique traits that set them apart. CBN stands out for its potential to aid rest, while CBD shines for its “high” flying magic. Whether you’re looking to try CBN gummies for easy, consistent dosing or want to explore the benefits of broad vs. full spectrum products, there’s a lot to discover at Vivimu. And remember, if you’re thinking about growing your high-CBN strains, just double-check those local laws first! Like Michael Scott once said, “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious”—better safe than sorry!

Need to know more about CBN vs. CBD or anything related to these compounds? You can reach us at support@vivimu.zendesk.com or +1 720-955-1667 with any questions or doubts. Our support team will be glad to guide you.