Lately, you might have heard the term CBD comes up a lot in conversation. CBD is one of the many beneficial components of the cannabis plant. People are utilizing this non-psychoactive compound in the plant to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and many other conditions.

Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is trending on health blogs daily these days. People are using CBD as a means of pain relief, stress reduction and even a helpful aid to quitting smoking.

Related: How Much CBD Should I Take?

THC is known for its intoxicating properties, and cannabidiol (CBD) stole the spotlight recently with its purported therapeutic properties. But they aren't the only two possible beneficial cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. There are hundreds of compounds that exist within the plant that may have potential benefits— CBN is one of the newest ones coming into the conversation.

Less known and studied than THC and CBD, the compound CBN (cannabinol) also shows promise in addressing specific ailments. Let’s learn more about this lesser-known cannabinoid and its potential benefits and side effects.

What Is CBN?

Cannabinoids are chemicals that have the potential to interact with receptors in your body, collectively known as the endocannabinoid system. CBN naturally occurs in the cannabis plant as the plant ages and grows. That's because as the plant is exposed to oxygen and heat–the cannabinoid THC converts to CBN.

Unlike THC, the compounds CBD and CBN have no psychoactive effects. But what does psychoactive mean?

A psychoactive substance affects a person's mental state and brain functions. THC can temporarily alter one's mood, consciousness, behavior, and perception. THC is the chemical of cannabis that delivers the "high" widely associated with marijuana. CBN and CBD DONOT create the same "high" or "euphoria" when taken.

Although relatively new, some research on the potential benefits of CBN has been found. Suggesting it may have the potential to help reduce pain and even act as a mild sedative.

CBN vs. CBD: What are the Differences?

CBN and CBD are separate compounds and are made up of entirely different molecules. CBD is more known to treat anxiety and depression issues, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and even reduce seizures. So far, studies have shown that CBN seems to be more beneficial for sleep, pain management, and neuroprotection.

Related: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, Distillates, and Isolates

Manufacturers can actually breed cannabis plants to have a higher amount of CBD. However, manufacturers can't directly adjust the amount of CBN in a plant, as it's created from the naturally occurring breakdown of THC in the plant.

Another main difference is the amount of research that has been done studying the effects of CBD and THC compared to that of CBN. Research on CBN is still very much in its early stages.

Potential Health Benefits of CBN

Some possible potential health benefits of CBN that we know so far:

• Reduces Chronic Muscle Pain
• Encourages Bone Growth and Healing
• Decreases Inflammation
• Treats Neural and Other Disorders
• Promotes Healthy Sleeping

CBN For Muscle and Chronic Pain

The researchers concluded that CBN and CBD might be able to relieve pain from temporomandibular disorders and fibromyalgia temporarily. Also, hinting toward the idea that both of them, used in conjunction with each other, have even more possible pain management possibilities.

Sadly, almost one out of every fifth person in this world suffers from some form of chronic body pain and is over or under-medicated. CBN research could be the foundation of a new pain management plan to help treat the world and all those suffering daily.

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CBN For Bone Growth and Healing

Some early studies indicate cannabinoids, including CBN, can help to stimulate the production of new bone by activating stem cells in the body. There are some indications that CBN and other cannabinoids may help heal broken bones and help reverse bone loss, making it of interest to scientists and health professionals as a potential treatment for osteoporosis.

CBN For Inflammation and Neural Disorders

There has been some research recently that CBN can help reduce inflammation and symptoms of neurological disorders. However, these studies are not yet applied to humans. CBN may reduce inflammation caused by a common condition called arthritis. However, human research is needed to understand its potential benefits fully.

A study on lab rats showed in 2005 that CBN could delay the onset of some neural disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Again, it is not clear at this time if it has the same effects on humans.

CBN For Sleep

Some people report that CBN has helped them sleep, although research is still being done now. One older study from 1970 showed signs of CBN working as a mild sedative, especially when combined with THC.

CBN For Treating Other Disorders

CBN may help treat deteriorating eye conditions like glaucoma, which cause vision loss and eventual blindness as it slowly damages the optic nerve in the back of the eye. High eye pressure is associated with this condition, and lowering that pressure is key in slowing down the degeneration. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBN might help reduce eye pressure in these suffering patients.

Researchers are currently testing CBN cream as a treatment for epidermolysis bullosa, a group of rare diseases that cause the skin to blister. CBN has in studies shown that daily intake of this compound can help increase skin and wound healing time.

Researchers say they are testing CBN's potential ability to fight bacteria inside the body. A 2008 study found CBN effective in treating MRSA, a bacterial infection that is resistant to most antibiotics. CBN's potential anti-bacterial components could be a massive step toward health and longevity.

Is CBN Right For You?

Talking with your health professional before experimenting with CBD, CBN, or any other new health supplement is essential. Your doctor can recommend a starting dose and inform you if the product has the potential to interact badly with any of your prescription medicines.

Related: How to Take CBG Oil

Although CBN may have fantastic potential to aid your current treatment, you shouldn't use it as a replacement for proven treatments and therapy. By experimenting safely and starting slowly, you can discover if CBN suits you!

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