For the average cannabis consumer, the two cannabinoids on their radar are THC and CBD. However, cannabis has many more cannabinoids to offer, each with its own medicinal and recreational offerings. Among the lesser-known cannabinoids is cannabinol, or CBN. However, with the heightened awareness that CBN has been getting, the pertinent question is “what is CBN?”
CBN is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that develops as THC, the well-known intoxicating compound, ages. Because of this, CBN tends to be far more prevalent in marijuana that has been sitting around its fair share. However, don’t let its prevalence in your long-forgotten buds turn you off—CBN boasts some attractive benefits.
What Are Some Benefits Of CBN?
Although a large amount of the discussion regarding the medical benefits of cannabis has focused on CBD, CBN has been racking up potential medicinal applications. Among the potential to battle common afflictions such as glaucoma, insomnia, and the inflammation associated with Crohn’s or arthritis, CBN has some more specialized medical potential that makes it an intriguing compound.
First, several studies have shown that cannabinol has some promising potential as an antibacterial. Specifically, CBN was shown to be effective in fighting MRSA, a type of bacteria that is infamously resilient against standard antibacterial agents.
Cannabinol has also shown to be a highly effective appetite stimulant in studies that administered the compound to rats. It is worth noting that THC is currently the more prevalent option for sparking up one’s appetite. However, many patients find THC’s intoxicating affects to be a negative factor, and CBN may provide them with an appealing alternative.
One of the more exciting potential benefits of CBN comes from a study focusing on the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more popularly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. As it stands, there is no known cure for this devastating disease. However, a study that administered cannabinol to rats showed that it significantly slowed the onset of the debilitating neurological disease. Human studies are still required, but this could be a groundbreaking developing both for Lou Gehrig’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
The onset of the debilitating neurological disease. Human studies are still required, but this could be a groundbreaking developing both for Lou Gehrig’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Where Can I Get CBN?
As mentioned previously, CBN is most commonly found in cannabis that has had prolonged exposure to oxygen. This oxygen exposure causes the THC to break down, leaving cannabinol in its place. However, simply busting out a jar of your favorite bud and leaving it out to dry may not be the most pragmatic. There are numerous companies that are beginning to roll out products featuring this lesser-known cannabinoid. Call your go-to dispensary and inquire about their available CBN products.
