What Is the Buzz About CBN Gummies?

The medical cannabis field continues to grow and shift as we develop a better understanding of what cannabis compounds can do for a variety of different medical conditions. Most patients are familiar with the two primary compounds found in the cannabis plant. These compounds, known as cannabinoids, include tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD. THC produces some medicinal benefits, plus the euphoric high that is often associated with cannabis use. CBD does not provide a euphoric effect, but it does provide several medicinal benefits.

While these are the best-known cannabinoid compounds, they are not the only ones. There are several lesser-known compounds medical and scientific researchers are in the midst of studying in hopes of discovering untapped benefits and therapeutic potential. One of these lesser-known compounds is CBN.

Understanding CBN

There are hundreds of different compounds that can be found in a cannabis plant. CBN was the first cannabinoid to be identified by scientists. CBN is a non-toxic cannabinoid compound that is created as THC ages and degrades within the cannabis plant. For this reason, cannabinol is found in higher concentrations in older, dried, cannabis that has been stored for some time. 

As the plant material is exposed to heat, UV rays, and air, the THC it contains begins to break down into CBN. Since CBN is a degraded form of THC, it is not known to have THC’s extensive psychoactive effects. However, it does bind to cannabinoid receptors, and has shown some promise as a therapeutic treatment for several ailments.

What is CBN Used For?

While research is still in its preliminary stages, CBN is showing significant promise in its ability to address a wide range of medical conditions. This is especially beneficial for individuals who would like the medicinal benefits provided by full-spectrum cannabis but would prefer not to experience the intoxicating effects associated with THC.

Ongoing studies have revealed how CBN may be used to achieve several different medical benefits. Medical patients can find CBN in edible, topical, or oil forms designed to harbor certain properties.

Antibacterial

One benefit of CBN indicated by research is that it could act as an antibacterial compound. This is promising for medical researchers who are seeking options for fighting bacterial infections, especially as pathogens grow resistant to traditional antibiotics. 

Appetite Stimulant

For those suffering from eating disorders, an additional medical option that provides appetite stimulation can be beneficial. This effect could also be useful for people experiencing a lack of appetite or nausea due to conditions like cancer. CBN may be especially beneficial for those who would prefer to avoid THC due to its euphoric effects but desire the benefit of an increased appetite. 

Neuroprotectant

While human testing has not been completed, animal testing has shown positive results for using CBN to treat ALS and delay the onset of the condition. CBN could prove to be a game changer when it comes to treating ALS and other neurodivergent conditions. 

Chronic Pain Relief

Animal studies have revealed that CBN appears to reduce muscle sensitivity. This application makes the compound a good candidate for relieving muscle pain brought on by chronic disorders like fibromyalgia. 

Anti-Inflammatory

Pain and swelling of joints affect a substantial portion of the US population. This swelling can affect a person’s ability to complete everyday tasks. Outside of prescription medication, cannabis—especially edibles and topicals—has proven the best solution for inflammation prevention and management. Another potential benefit of CBN is its other prospective anti-inflammatory capabilities. CBN has been shown to reduce inflammation that is commonly associated with wound healing, shortening healing time for wounds affected by long-term inflammation.

Glaucoma

CBN has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure, which is a significant risk factor associated with glaucoma. When CBN was introduced to retinal cells at risk for damage from high ocular pressure, their survival rate surpassed those treated by CBD and THC. While research is still in its early stages, what researchers have started to discover proves promising. 

Sleep

CBN is commonly used to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. In fact, the compound is known as the “sleep molecule.” Not only does CBN appear to help people fall asleep more quickly and sleep for a longer duration without waking, but it may also improve the overall quality of sleep. 

Misconceptions Concerning CBN

As we begin to understand more about the benefits and disadvantages of CBN, we can debunk some of the early misconceptions concerning this compound. One common misconception is that CBN acts as a super-sedative. However, as mentioned above, when it comes to actual research on this topic, there is no real indication that CBN presents a dangerous level of sedation akin to opioids or other sedative drugs. While many users report CBN is an excellent sleep aid, it may not provide the effects needed for someone who experiences intense insomnia symptoms. However, when used with THC, CBN’s sleep effects are more pronounced.

Another common misconception is that CBN is never intoxicating. While CBN alone doesn’t provide significant intoxicating or euphoric effects, when used with THC it could enhance the euphoric nature of that compound. Patients may also experience a mildly intoxicating effect if using high doses of CBN. 

How Are CBN and CBD Different?

While we’ve established that CBN (cannabinol) is a degraded form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), how is it comparable to CBD (cannabidiol)? After all, both CBN and CBD are minimally or non-euphoric cannabinoid compounds that have demonstrated medical benefits. In fact, CBD can be found in hundreds of products across the cannabis industry, even in states that do not allow regular cannabis consumption. CBN also provides medicinal benefits without the intoxicating effects of THC, and there can be some confusion regarding what makes these compounds different. 

Unlike CBD, which is readily available across several markets, CBN is still relegated to states that allow medical or recreational cannabis. This is largely due to CBN’s status as a THC derivative and the lack of current research, but with the positive results we have so far, that is likely to change shortly. Still, comparing the two can help you determine which product you’d like to try.

Benefits of CBD

CBD has long been accepted as an alternative medical option to treat numerous ailments. CBD has been shown to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with these conditions:

• Epilepsy
• Anxiety
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Parkinson's disease
• MS
• Insomnia
• Chronic pain
• Addiction cravings

Benefits of CBN Compared to CBD

While CBN has been used to treat some of the same issues, it is not the same as CBD. One major difference between the two is that CBD is entirely non-psychoactive. Meanwhile, CBN, as a degraded form of THC, has the potential of producing psychoactive effects in larger doses or when used along with THC. In addition, there is simply more current research supporting the benefits of CBD. CBN has potential as a productive sleep aid, but more research must be conducted to fully solidify CBN’s place in the competitive cannabis market.

CBN Products

It is important to note that CBN is not naturally plentiful in fresh or newly cured cannabis. While it can be found in older cannabis, most medical patients would prefer not to leave their cannabis in the open air to wait for the THC to degrade. For that reason, CBN is primarily available in ready-made products.

When it comes to CBN products for sleep, some of the most trusted brands in cannabis are offering products like tinctures and edibles that isolate the CBN compound. These products are a wonderful way to determine if this cannabinoid is beneficial for your unique needs. 

CBN Edibles

A common method of cannabis consumption for patients looking for better sleep is via edibles. Edibles come in a variety of options such as baked goods, drinks, chocolate, mints, or soft chews. Edibles are a great option for patients who would prefer not to inhale their cannabis, especially for those with potential asthma issues. Edibles also provide a more controlled dose, since they are clearly labeled with how much CBD, THC, or CBN is found per piece and per package. 

About Cannabis Soft Chews

Cannabis soft chews (also referred to in some locations as cannabis gummies) offer medical patients an easy-to-dose option for cannabis consumption. Soft chews are typically available in a variety of flavors and dosages, as well as in blends or strictly CBN, CBD, or THC options. If you're considering CBN soft chews, it’s important to account for the time it takes to feel the effects of a soft chew. Soft chews, like other edibles, must be digested before the desired effects can take place. Activation time can vary anywhere between 15 minutes to a couple of hours. You’ll want to take a CBN soft chew at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

CBN Gummies (Soft Chews)

CBN Soft Chews

One of the most popular options for CBN consumption are the Encore Pomegranate Punch 1:2 (CBN:THC) Soft Chews. You can find this popular CBN option at the various MUV medical cannabis dispensary locations throughout Florida. These soft chews are 5 mg CBN and 10 mg THC per piece and work great for those who want something simple to ease them into a peaceful night’s sleep. Pomegranate Punch soft chews can also promote body relaxation after a tough workout or long day at work. 

The Promising Future of CBN

The cannabis plant has hundreds of compounds that researchers and scientists are still exploring. While CBD and THC are the most popular and best understood, there is a lot of promise in the discoveries researchers are now making about CBN. CBN is known as the sleep molecule. When THC ages or is exposed to oxygen, it breaks down to CBN. This compound has shown to be sedating, a neuroprotectant, antibacterial, AND anti-inflammatory. 

CBN is a promising option when it comes to many medicinal benefits such as pain relief, muscle relaxation, and anti-inflammatory properties, but it is most popularly used as an effective sleep aid. For those who want to experience the nighttime benefits of CBN, Pomegranate Punch soft chews are a great place to start.

References:

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