CBN, or cannabinol, has failed to garner the same attention THC or CBD has. Yet, it promises to provide a host of therapeutic benefits, from curing insomnia to relieving pain.
However, CBN’s problem is that, unlike mainstream cannabinoids, the research on the compound is extremely scarce. Right now, most of the efforts are aimed at unveiling the physiological mysteries of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol.
But, the interest in cannabinol is rising, especially after research from the Sleep Hills lab showed that CBN has ten times THC’s sedative power.
In this article, we’ll take an extensive look at CBN’s analgesic properties. Does it work for pain? What research do we have on the topic? We’ll answer these and many other questions.
What Is CBN?
CBN is the oxidized and decomposed form of THC. This is why, unlike CBD, it is not found in young hemp plants. When cannabis plants become withered and old, the THC in them is transformed into cannabinol.
Before, scientists didn’t turn their attention towards the compound because they thought it was a waste by-product of THC, with no medicinal value. However, with recent studies showing CBN to have various medicinal benefits, old perceptions are changing.
When cannabis plants are harvested and stored, the THC decays over time, giving us another compound called cannabinolic acid or CBNA, transforming into CBN.
This is a natural process and requires heat, time, and ultraviolet degradation to complete itself.
Even though CBN comes from THC, it doesn’t have its strong psychoactive effects. In fact, CBN’s potency is 1/10th of THC, which is too weak to induce euphoria or alter consciousness.
But, one thing CBN and THC share is the activation of endocannabinoid receptors of the ECS. Both act on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS that regulate various functions, from inflammation and mood to pain and memory. This is also the mechanism through which CBN may help manage pain in conditions such as arthritis, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
How Does CBN Have Analgesic Effects?
To understand CBN’s relationships with pain, you first must understand how pain works in the human body.
When you bruise your arm or fracture your leg, the injured cells in the affected send pain signals to the spinal cord and then to the central nervous system, where the signal is analyzed and interpreted. After this, the brain decides how to react to the stimulus. In normal circumstances, the brain activates the analgesic system to regulate pain perceptions. This is done through the release of special chemicals that bind to opioid receptors in the brain. With the activation of these receptors, a pain-stimulating signal is sent to the injured area, effectively increasing pain.
CBN disrupts the mechanisms that generate this signal. It interacts with CB1 receptors to slow down the release of this signal, resulting in pain reduction.
What Things To Look for When Buying CBN Oil for Pain?
Before buying CBN oil, you may want to consider some things first.
The best products in the market are Full-Spectrum. Full-Spectrum contains a therapeutic mix of almost all compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, and THC. They work better because of the entourage effect, a synergistic relationship between two or more compounds in a product.
Your best bet is to look for full-spectrum products that contain CBD, CBN, and essential terpenes for pain. CBD and terpenes like myrcene and limonene have been found to have pain-relieving effects. Linalool is another compound in full-spectrum products that has made a difference for patients living with chronic pain. It has muscle relaxing and anxiolytic effects to help with anxiety, along with pain.
Read The Packaging Carefully. Does It List These Ingredients?
Another thing you have to keep in mind is vendor transparency. Does the company you’re buying the product from, support third party independent lab testing? Does it publish the lab results of its products on its website? If, no, then this is a huge red flag.
The cannabis industry is highly unregulated. Most of the products have misleading labeling and may contain harmful ingredients, such as pesticides and heavy metals.
How To Use CBN Oil for Pain?
You can take CBN oil in many ways. When using pain, it’s best to consume it sublingually. You’ll get a dropper with CBN oils and tinctures. Start with a dose of half a dropper to start with to see how you feel. Then, climb your way up. Place the oil under your tongue for one to two minutes to allow its absorption in your mucus membrane. From the mucous membrane, it will directly travel to your bloodstream, producing immediate effects.
If you’re not comfortable with a dropper, you can also add your cannabinol to tea or any healthy beverage you like.
If you fail to see any improvement, don’t quit. Amp up the dosage, and be patient. Sometimes, noticeable effects may take up to three months to show. However, if you have any serious side effects like dizziness, loss of appetite, and headaches, consult your doctor.
CBN doesn’t work the same for everyone. It’s unique for every individual. This is because our endocannabinoid systems are not built the same—these wary from one person to another. While CBN oil may have worked perfectly for your friend, it might take time in your case. In the end, you have to do a bit of experimentation and find your sweet spot before discarding the compound as useless.
Final Thoughts
Chronic and acute pain is debilitating condition. These can stop you from carrying out your day-to-day activities and incapacitate you to a sedentary lifestyle. Your overall health may also take a hit as a result. Some patients have reported depression and pain springing up from dealing with pain for long periods. CBN may help with this. But, more research is needed to substantiate any claims. Until then, it’s best to practice caution and consult your doctor if things seem off.
