CBN – cannabinol – what is it?

CBN – cannabinol – is the name of another organic compound from the cannabinoid group that can be found in hemp – it is most abundant in dried and older hemp raw material.

Interestingly, this is the molecule that was first isolated and synthesized by scientists (in 1899!) via the degradation process of THCA. As cannabis ages or when we expose THCA to oxygen or heat, THCA turns into CBN.

As is known, THC is a psychoactive substance - CBN, due to its origin, also has psychoactive effects, but they are minimal. CBN is currently being studied mainly as a strong sedative and sleep-prolonging agent - its effects are compared to the psychotropic drug diazepam.

In addition to its sleep-promoting effects, CBN is also being studied for its ability to stimulate bone growth. Studies indicate that it can activate stem cells, which significantly contribute to new bone formation. Thus, CBN is a potentially useful drug for degenerative bone diseases.

In addition, scientists are looking at the cannabinoid for its pain-relieving, antibiotic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, appetite-stimulating, and anticonvulsant properties—but CBN supplements are not currently widely available.

The downside of this molecule is that it is present in very low concentrations, which makes extraction of large quantities very impractical and unprofitable. However, due to its promising potential, the research process on manufacturing bio-identical CBN has already begun.