November 14, 2021

CBD vs. CBN. What’s The Difference?

THC and CBD are the two molecular compounds we hear about the most when speaking of marijuana and industrial hemp. However, there are over 100 compounds in the cannabis plant. As research evolves, we are learning more about what several compounds bring to the table. More importantly, how the key compounds work together to deliver synergetic benefits. Here’s a closer look at CBD vs. CBN and how they work together.

What Is CBD?

Short for cannabidiol, CBD is one of the two most prominent molecular compounds in both marijuana and industrial hemp. It is vital for the medicinal benefits of marijuana, but it works with other active compounds.

There are over 700 strains of the cannabis plant. Strains that are naturally high in the intoxicating compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are farmed for marijuana. Industrial hemp is naturally low in THC and processed to contain no more than .3% of THC, which is not enough to get you high.

Industrial hemp is legal in all 50 states while medicinal and recreational marijuana varies in legalization from one state to the next.

What Is CBN?

Short for cannabinol, CBN is another naturally occurring molecular compound. CBN is present in all marijuana and industrial hemp strains, but at a low percentage. However, as the plants age and the THC breaks down, more CBN develops. So, marijuana delivers a higher percentage of CBN than industrial hemp.

What Is The Difference Between CBD And CBN?

They are two unique compounds that provide both individual and synergetic benefits. CBD’s vital role is to connect our endocannabinoid systems and stimulate the naturally occurring process of homeostasis.

There are two main endocannabinoid systems:

CB1 which is in the central nervous system (brain and nerves of the spinal cord)
CB2 which is in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your extremities), the digestive system, and specialized cells in the immune system

By connecting these two systems, you can optimize homeostasis, which is responsible for the regulation of internal functions such as:

Temperature
Hormones
pH
Coordination
Pain control
Mood
Memory
Quality of sleep
Appetite
And more

CBN’s role is to work with CBD to optimize and synergize its effects.

Will CBN Get Me High?

No, CBN doesn’t get you high but high levels of THC do. Industrial hemp contains .3% or less of THC, so it won’t get you high. Brands such as Holmes Organics process our CBD to contain 0.0% of THC. If you are purchasing your product from a pot shop or dispensary it will likely get you high—so be sure to inquire about the milligrams per serving for both CBD and THC.

CBN percentages aren’t yet being measured. As more research develops on its benefits, it may be one of many key cannabinoids that are added to the product label in measurable milligrams.

Which Is Better For Sleep CBD Or CBN?

As THC degrades and increases the CBN compounds, it also increases the sedating terpenes. Terpenes are another of the 100+ naturally occurring cannabinoids found in marijuana and industrial hemp. They are aromatic compounds responsible for the unique aroma of each cannabis plant. You may be naturally attracted to the strain that delivers the wellness benefits you require. Beyond the aromatic benefits, terpenes play the vital role of binding the endocannabinoid systems. This binding effect is referred to as the Entourage Effect.

So, when choosing between CBD vs. CBN for sleep, the higher CBN levels found in marijuana may work better for you. If marijuana is not legal in your state or you are searching for a high-free alternative, consider a CBD melatonin sleep gummy.

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps us regulate our circadian rhythm. When working optimally, this rhythm helps us fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Factors such as stress, illness, and aging can slow down our body’s natural production of melatonin. Erratic sleep schedules also make it difficult for our bodies to create a sleep cycle. So, taking melatonin about an hour before bedtime may help.

CBD vs. CBN vs. CBG?

Please Note—CBD companies cannot provide medical advice and we cannot guarantee that CBD will effectively soothe your mind or body. The data we provide is for informational purposes. Consult with your physician for guidance on all dietary supplements.

Cannabigerol (CBG) is another molecular compound that delivers some of the wellness benefits of CBD. It is the parent compound from which all cannabinoids are derived. This means that younger cannabis plants contain higher concentrations than younger plants. Mature plants contain around 1% of CBG.

While 1% isn’t much, studies show that CBG may improve conditions such as:

Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Movement disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease.
Anxiety and anxiety disorders in humans and pets.
Glaucoma and reducing intraocular pressure.
Bladder dysfunctions and contractions of the bladder.
Bacterial infections such as staphylococcus.
The growth of cancer and tumor cells.
Loss of appetite caused by conditions such as HIV and cancer.

Should You Talk With A Doctor Before Taking CBD Or CBN?

Yes! You should always keep your physician apprised of the nutritional supplements you add to your daily routine. However, you may need to work with a practitioner who specializes in CBD.

Many practitioners aren’t familiar with the benefits of CBD or medical marijuana. Some remain opposed to prescribing either. This means that you must advocate for yourself and find a practitioner who is open to exploring natural alternatives.

That being said, if recreational marijuana is legal in your state, you can purchase it without a prescription. If medicinal marijuana is legal in your state, you’ll have to check with your physician to see if you qualify for a medical prescription card.

Everyone can purchase CBD without a prescription. To optimize and personalize your wellness outcomes, working with a healthcare practitioner to determine the milligrams per serving and frequency of use can make a world of difference. For most adults, this is 10 to 30 milligrams once or twice daily.

What Are The Potential Benefits Of CBN?

Most of the research on the active compounds of the cannabis plant is centered around CBD and THC. It’s difficult to isolate CBN, and for best results it works with terpenes, CBD, CBG, and other active compounds.

Studies show that CBN may deliver benefits such as:

Antibacterial effects may evolve into using CBN to fight off antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Neuroprotective benefits may delay the onset and progression of ALS and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Appetite stimulation in those struggling with illnesses that leave them feeling nauseous.
Reducing intraocular pressure common in those diagnosed with glaucoma.
Anti-inflammatory benefits that may help with all types of internal and external inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis.
Use as a mild sedative while stressed or anxious or to help you wind down at the end of the day to sleep.

What Are The Effects Of CBN?

How your body responds to products that contain CBN is something you will need to experience for yourself. Pay attention to how you feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually after you start taking CBD or higher-level THC products. You may experience wellness benefits the first time you give a new product a try. However, it may take a few weeks for optimal benefits and to get the milligrams per serving and frequency of use just right.

Isolated CBN products aren’t yet available so there’s not yet research on the side effects of CBN. However, there is research on the side effects of CBD. While there are zero reports of CBD overdose, almost anything we consume can have a side effect.

While extremely rare, and most often when taken in high doses (more than 20,000 milligrams per day), side effects include:

Dizziness
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Low-blood pressure
Reduced appetite
Negative interaction with prescription medications

Is CBN Good For Anxiety?

The other key compounds in marijuana and industrial hemp may do a better job of calming your anxiety than CBN. However, if stress and anxiety keep you up at night, CBN may optimize your sleep. Managing anxiety almost always requires a multi-prong approach so work with your physician to determine what is right for you.

What If I’ve Tried CBD And It Didn’t Work?

With the growing number of CBD success stories, you may have tried a product or two only to find that it didn’t work for you. First and foremost, quality matters so ensure your product is pure and USDA Organic Certified. Also, ensure you understand how many milligrams it has per serving and work with a healthcare practitioner to determine how frequently you should take CBD. Most adults start with between 10 and 30 milligrams once or twice per day.

Also, inquire about what type of CBD you are purchasing.

Hemp Seed Oil—this is a cooking, skincare, and beauty oil pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. It does not contain measurable milligrams of CBD and will not deliver the wellness benefits of CBD. Products sold on Amazon or eBay are hemp seed oil, as CBD is not permitted for sale on either site.

Full-Spectrum CBD—these are products processed using the whole hemp plant. The only cannabinoid filtered out or minimized is to ensure .3% or less of THC. All other naturally occurring amounts of terpenes, CBN, CBG, and CBD are present.

Broad-Spectrum CBD—these are products processed using the whole hemp plant, meaning that they contain most of the 100+ types of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. However, THC is often processed to 0.0% and some of the other key cannabinoids are processed out.

Isolates—these are products that are processed to eliminate all other active compounds. While it may sound better because it’s a pure form, you miss out on the synergetic benefits of the key compounds.

Does Holmes Organics CBD Contain CBN?

Now that you understand the difference between CBD vs. CBN, you may be wondering what compounds Holmes Organics products include. Our CBD products are broad-spectrum and processed to contain 0.0% of THC, CBG, and CBN. With the growing research on these key compounds, we are working on reformulating our products to contain more key cannabinoids.

Our products are pure, third-party lab tested, and USDA Organic Certified. Browse our products today!