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How should CBN be used?

In recent years, more and more people have become interested in the cannabinoid CBN and its potential benefits. That's why we've put together this guide to using CBN.

The clinical potential of cannabinol is significant, with some experts suggesting that CBN could be the «aspirin of the 20th century".th century». Underlining the impetus that this compound can give to contemporary medicine.

Cannabinol or CBN is a compound found in the cannabis sativa plant, like cannabidiol (or CBD) and over 100 other cannabinoids found in a full-spectrum hemp oil or extract. However, it is unique in the way it is formed.

It is formed after the Cannabis sativa plant (cannabis plant) is harvested as a breakdown product of THC. However, unlike THC, CBN is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, which means that it does not produce a euphoric effect.

Where does the CBN come from?

Where does CBN come from?

CBN can be extracted from plants derived from hemp and marijuana, both of which contain THC.

It is derived from the decomposition of THC under light and heat and is only available in limited quantities. In the past, THC-rich flowers were stored for years before being converted into CBN. But with modern methods, CBN is now available, albeit in limited quantities.

Oil cbn
cbn 1 user guide

Our CBN !

How is CBN formed?

How is it formed?

Unlike other phytocannabinoids, CBN is not synthesised in the cannabis plant, but is instead a breakdown product of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC or THC). As a result, CBN concentrations in plant material and extracts are low. But they increase over time as THC is exposed to light, oxygen and heat. (1).

Therefore, even under ideal storage conditions, exposure to UV light and/or heat over time results in the conversion of delta-9-THC to CBN.

As the cannabis plant ages, the THC content of the plant begins to break down into CBN, making it as potent as THC. Oxidation and heat dissipation methods are often used as a catalyst to produce CBN. The older the plant, the better the quality of the cannabinoid.

When THC is exposed to excessive amounts of heat and light (through oxidation), it is transformed into a unique metabolite: CBN.

Once CBN has been formed, it can be isolated from the hemp biomass by extraction processes followed by various refinement processes.

Alternatively, there is also a patent describing the bio-enzymatic synthesis of CBN. However, to our knowledge, this process is not often used for the production of CBN. (2).

However, leaving your cannabis in the open air may not be the most effective way of obtaining CBN. Brands are starting to offer products containing isolated CBN. Usually in the form of oil, tinctures or edibles. These pure CBN products are a great way to test the cannabinoid for yourself and see if it's useful to you.

Our CBN on sale in our shop !

Methods for extracting CBN oil from hemp for use as CBN

How is the oil extracted for CBN use?

There are several ways of extracting CBN-rich oils from the hemp plant, including :

Extraction of CO2 

In this extraction method, the hemp is exposed to a CO2 at high pressure and low temperature. This helps to isolate and preserve the cannabinoids in the oil. This technology is considered to be the cleanest (i.e. solvent-free) and most high-end.

Hemp oil extracted at 100 % of CO2 is considered to be the highest quality format. The only drawbacks are the slow extraction time and high production costs, which means that these products can be expensive.

Ethanol extraction 

Ethanol extraction is considered safe and non-toxic in small quantities. The main drawback is that ethanol extraction can destroy plant waxes. This can then have beneficial effects on health.

Olive oil extraction 

Olive oil itself has many health benefits, thanks to its high levels of anti-inflammatory omega-9 fatty acid. In this method, the plant material is heated with olive oil to extract the cannabinoids. But all that heat can affect their stability and potency.

Extraction with butane or hexane 

These solvents do an excellent job of extracting cannabinoids from the hemp plant. But some residues of these chemical solvents remain after the extraction process. This can be potentially harmful to your health.

Our products at CBN !

What are the products for using CBN?

What kind of products are available for the correct use of CBN?

Despite the difficulty of isolating large quantities of CBN, it is still possible. Not only are there a number of CBN-based products available. But many CBD oils, capsules and supplements also use cannabinol for fuller effects.

Other natural ingredients can be added to CBN products, including chamomile and lavender. These compounds work in synergy with CBN to enhance the benefits and help promote naturally soothing sleep.

Like CBD, CBN can be found in many forms, the most common being oils or tinctures, gums or capsules. You're also more likely to find CBD products containing CBN than products made exclusively with CBN.

CBN oil 

CBN oil contains CBN with CBD, terpenes and olive oil. These oils exploit the influence of CBN alongside low concentrations of CBD to exert a diversified influence on well-being.

CBN oil extracts can be taken orally or sublingually (under the tongue). Sublingual application of oil is a common route of administration for tinctures and is thought to facilitate a rapid onset of action of CBN and other cannabinoid partners.

The dosing regimen for CBN oils is similar to that for CBD-based products. Take 3 to 4 drops up to 3 times a day. Then place the drops directly on or under the tongue, hold for 60 seconds, then swallow.

 This dosage is an excellent way for most people to gently familiarise themselves with CBN.

It's worth noting that CBN oil is a perishable product. So for best results, keep the bottle in a cool, dark, dry place after opening.

CBN capsules 

Capsules are a practical way of taking CBN, allowing for more controlled and consistent doses over time, and also making it possible to include other plants (i.e. multi-ingredient formulas).

These handy capsules also play on the synergy of CBN with natural ingredients. Working alongside CBD, they offer an all-natural sleep experience. Given the importance of restful sleep to mental and physical wellbeing. Supplements that incorporate multiple cannabinoids could prove crucial for many people.

Please note that the capsules are perishable, so keep the bottle containing the capsules in a cool, dry place, at a temperature of 15 to 25°C, and away from light, after opening.

cbn capsules
cbn 2 user guide

CBN valves

The quickest way to get CBN into your bloodstream. As soon as you inhale, this puff of CBN goes into your lungs and disperses. Then it goes straight into the bloodstream for an almost instant effect.

  • Topical CBN products:

Topical CBN products are different from oral supplements and can be applied directly to the surface of the skin in the form of gels or creams.

Edibles at the CBN

Like CBN oil, brownies, biscuits, gum and other edibles or drinks are a great way to ingest, but will take longer to reach your bloodstream than vaping.

When you eat CBN, it passes through your stomach and needs more time to be digested before working its magic.

Sweets with cbn
cbn 3 user guide

Le CBN de CBD Production !

For the best use of CBN, the flagship product: CBN oil

The use of CBN, soon a recurring action!

More and more, as each cannabinoid is explored for its full medicinal value. CBN may become a more common cannabinoid. Then it may appear in CBN oil, CBN tincture, CBN capsules and topicals. In fact, a few select companies are already jumping on board the CBN bandwagon.

Most cannabis initially contains less than 1 % of CBN, but there are many strains with higher CBN production potential than others. Anyone looking to develop CBN from aged cannabis should look for cultivars known to have a higher CBN content.

Some CBN enthusiasts have noted that the sedative effects of the cannabinoid are stronger when taken with food. If you want to try this method, making CBN capsules at home is fairly simple and usually cost-effective.

Essentially, all you have to do is simmer aged cannabis in coconut oil over a low heat for a few hours, then place the infusion in a capsule maker.

And if you're able to grow your own cannabis-based medicine. You may want to consider maturing your home-grown herb for a high CBN yield. Simply harvest around 7-10 days after your usual harvest, when the plant has matured further and is converting its THC into CBN.

Discover our CBN on CBD Production

How much CBD oil should you take for CBN use?

The right amount for the right use of CBN

There are currently no standard dosage guidelines for CBN oil and no defined upper limit. However, hemp has been consumed safely for thousands of years.

In scientific studies, long-term use of 1500 mg CBD per day (and even doses as high as 6000 mg CBD per day) has been well tolerated in humans. (3).

But each person has a different genetic and biochemical make-up. This means that individuals will react differently to the same dose of CBD oil. So you'll need to experiment to see what dose works best for you.

Consult a health professional before starting to take CBN, especially as clinical studies are limited.

Bioavailability of CBN oil 

One of the main benefits of cannabinol oil, the flagship product in the CBN range, is its high bioavailability. This means that your body can easily absorb and use the cannabinoid for its intended purpose.

This is because cannabinol is fat-soluble, which means that it dissolves in fats and oils. When you consume CBN oil, it is rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream. This makes it a very effective cannabinoid and allows your body to use it easily for its intended purpose.

How is CBN used?

The use of CBN :

If you have a cultivated cannabis plant, wait for your cannabis to age sufficiently before harvesting it. Allow the trichomes to take on a rich amber colour before cutting the plant. Aging cannabis is the best way to guarantee a CBN-rich end product.

When buying cannabis products, look out for their test labels for CBN content and choose accordingly. Products high in CBN may also be high in THC. Apply a drop or two to your wrists or forehead at bedtime for a potentially more restful night's sleep. CBN tinctures, taken sublingually by placing a drop under the tongue. They can be even more effective than sedatives in combating insomnia.

You can also mix tinctures and oils in drinks and soups. A drop of CBN tincture mixed with a relaxing chamomile tea can produce intense sedative effects without the drowsiness that often results from sleeping pills.

When should CBN be used?

When is it used?

Because of the potential sedative effects of CBN, you may prefer to leave it on overnight.

CBN oil is usually consumed in the hour before bedtime as part of a relaxation routine that promotes healthy sleep. This can include yoga, blocking out blue light (such as TV and mobile screens) and a comforting bath or shower.

Where can I find out how to use CBN properly?

Where can you find CBN?

Cannabis patients looking for a non-intoxicating alternative to THC may be interested in CBN cannabis, but at this stage you're unlikely to find a high-CBN cultivar in your local area.

However, that doesn't mean that a good dose of CBN is out of your reach. Probably the easiest way to get CBN is from any old flower you might have on hand. THC-rich cultivars left lying around for a while will be particularly ripe with CBN. If you don't have an old flower on hand, buying a new one and leaving it exposed for a while will also do the trick.

Man taking cbn oil
cbn 4 user guide

What should I look for when buying CBN?

Knowing the source of the hemp used in the production of CBN is important as it gives you an insight into its components. Source information can indicate whether the hemp is sustainably grown, organic, whether it contains pesticides, heavy metals or other chemical fertilisers, and whether it has been tested by a third-party laboratory.

When deciding which CBN product to use, here are the criteria you should look for:

Quality 

Hemp oil should be extracted using CO2, ethanol or olive oil. Avoid extraction with butane or hexane as this can leave harmful solvent residues. If you opt for olive oil, make sure you keep it in a cool, dark place to prevent rancidity.

On the other hand, hemp oil, like any other oil, can go rancid if not stored properly. It must be encapsulated (if in capsule or softgel format) and packaged in such a way as to protect it from air, heat and light.

Make sure yours comes in a dark, amber bottle to protect it from the elements, and store your hemp oil with care.

Safety 

Hemp plants must be 100 % organic to minimise exposure to pesticides. In this context, author Carl Germano points out in his book (4), that the use of pesticides, herbicides and genetic modification is not uncommon in the hemp industry.

The fact that hemp is a bioaccumulator makes this trend worrying. This plant is super-efficient at removing pollutants from the air, water and soil. This means that if it is not grown carefully, its extracts could contain these accumulated toxins. What's more, if not stored and handled with care, hemp is susceptible to certain types of fungus. (5) which can produce aflatoxin, a substance that can damage the liver and other health problems.

Even greater safety

In addition, harmful additives can affect the quality and safety of CBN products. In fact, hemp plants treated with non-organic chemicals can create a bitter taste. Worse still, you can end up ingesting these chemicals in the final product in harmful quantities. This can lead to serious health problems, such as kidney damage and cancer.

When purchasing a CBN product, it is important that you know that the product you are buying complies with specific safety and compliance parameters and objectives. To ensure that it meets your needs. For example, a certificate of analysis details the compounds found in a CBD product and verifies that the product manufactured complies with customer requirements.

If a company doesn't have a certificate of authenticity or doesn't send you one, consider this a red flag. At best, it indicates a lack of transparency. In the worst case, the company is not testing the security or validity of its products, or it has received problematic results that it does not wish to publish.

Trustworthy certificates of analysis should contain at least 3 pieces of information:

  • Analysis of cannabinoids which indicates the weight and concentration of the various cannabinoids present in the product.
  • Analysis of heavy metals which indicates the levels of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury found in the product.
  • Pesticide analysis which measures traces of substances used to protect plants during the cultivation process.

Authenticity 

Every time you consider buying a CBN product from a brand that is new to you. It's important to know what types of hemp plants are grown.

That's why it's advisable to look for strains deemed safe in the European Union, where agricultural hemp has long been legal to grow. This way, you'll know that your product is more established and has been regulated and monitored over the years.

The European Commission's website has certified and validated strains of hemp that have been used by humans for decades. An interesting tool for finding out whether the hemp used in the production of CBN belongs to one of these validated safe strains. (6).

All this to say that it's important to buy your hemp from a reliable source. Look for a certified organic and non-GMO product that has been tested for contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals.

Our CBN on CBD Production!

Where can I buy CBN products?

You've come to the right place!

If you decide to try a CBN product to discover the diverse impact of CBN products, visit our shop.

To finish with the CBN user guide

CBN isn't as well known as the other cannabinoids, but it has a lot to offer. If you're looking to incorporate cannabinoids into your life, you may want to consider this as an option.

When you're looking to try CBN, it's important to only buy reputable brands that follow safety guidelines. And who also, if possible, have products tested by third parties with laboratory reports.

You will find a large number of brands selling it as an isolated compound, without combining it with CBD. When taken in isolation, CBN can cause drowsiness and lethargy. However, when combined with CBD, these effects are minimised and CBN can actually provide some benefits that CBD oil alone cannot.

Disclaimer : These articles and the products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure. Medical advice from a doctor is essential.

FAQs 

Why is CBN so expensive?

CBN products are expensive because they are more difficult to insulate. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, CBN is not produced directly by the cannabis plant. As a result, CBN content is generally not as high as other compounds. Secondly, to make CBN products, producers have to synthesise the compound, a process that can be more laborious than simply isolating other cannabinoids and compounds naturally produced by marijuana plants.

Although cannabinol is considered to be well tolerated by most people, with few side effects reported. The most common side effect is drowsiness, which is not surprising given its relaxing effects.

Overall, cannabinol appears to be a safe and well-tolerated compound with a low risk of side effects. If you do experience side effects, they are likely to be mild and temporary.

If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your qualified healthcare provider before taking CBN, especially if you have a serious medical condition.

References 

(1) Kendall D, Alexander S. Cannabinoid pharmacology, vol. 80, 1st ed. Academic press: Cambridge, MA, 2020

(2) Malcolm J. KavaranaRichard C. Peet. Bioenzymatic synthesis of THC-v, CBV and CBN and their use as therapeutic agents.  https://patents.google.com/patent/US10538790B2/en

(3) Taylor, L., Gidal, B., Blakey, G., Tayo, B., & Morrison, G. (2018). A Phase I, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose, Multiple Dose, and Food Effect Trial of the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Highly Purified Cannabidiol in Healthy Subjects. CNS drugs, 32(11), 1053-1067.

(4) Carl Germano. Road to Ananda: Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System, Hemp Phytocannabinoids/CBD and Your Health. Storyman Books, Oct. 31, 2018.

(5) Wilcox, J., Pazdanska, M., Milligan, C., Chan, D., MacDonald, S. J., & Donnelly, C. (2020). Analysis of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in Cannabis and Cannabis Products by LC-Fluorescence Detection Using Cleanup with Either Multiantibody Immunoaffinity Columns or an Automated System with In-Line Reusable Immunoaffinity Cartridges. Journal of AOAC International, 103(2), 494-503.

(6) EUPVP. Common catalogue information system  https://ec.europa.eu/food/plant-variety-portal/