Cannabis contains more than 80 cannabinoids. First, the cannabinoid THC became the focus of interest for researchers and users. More recent research has shown the great medicinal potential of CBD and other cannabinoids are also being studied. The cannabinoid CBN (cannabinol) is slightly psychoactive, but much less so than THC (about 10% of the strength of THC).
What is cannabinol (CBN)?
Like many cannabinoids, cannabinol (CBN) is produced from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). The cannabis plant produces natural enzymes (so-called synthases) that convert CBGA to one of the 3 main cannabinoids: Cannabidiol Carboxylic Acid (CBDA) and Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid (THCA). When the plant produces THCA, this is usually converted to THC as a result of heat and UV light. In addition, THCA can also be converted to CBNA. When the finished dried cannabis has prolonged contact with air, the THCA is caused to lose its water molecule and oxidise, creating CBNA. Like the rest of the acidic cannabinoids, CBNA is converted to cannabinol (CBN) when exposed to UV light and heat.
Cannabinoid synthase (click on the image to enlarge)
The production of hashish oxidises a large amount of THC to CBN. Cannabinol has a higher affinity to CB2 receptors than to CB1 receptors. It is soluble in fats and also dissolves very well in solvents such as ethanol and methanol. The boiling point of cannabinol is 185 ° C. At room temperature, CBN is a colourless crystalline solid.
In the medical use of cannabis, the respective cannabinoid profile of a strain is decisive. Especially cannabis that has been stored for a longer period of time usually has a relatively high CBN content and has a correspondingly more sedating effect. If you want to prevent a very high CBN content from developing, the cannabis should always be stored in a dry, dark and cool place.
What are the medical benefits of cannabinol (CBN)?
Medical cannabis is used, among other things, as an effective sleep aid by patients suffering from insomnia. Cannabinol (CBN) plays an important role in this. As has been researched in the meantime, the cannabinoid CBN is responsible for the sedative effect in cannabis. Therefore, it makes sense to use CBN strains especially at night.
According to an Italian study from 2008, cannabinol also has antibacterial properties and shows strong activities against MRSA when applied topically (externally). Topical applications had also been shown to be helpful for burns.
(Source: Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: a structure-activity study. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18681481)
Furthermore, some other medicinal benefits are attributed to CBN:
- sedating
- anti-bacterial
- against nausea and vomiting
- according to current knowledge, anti-tumour effect
- Stimulates bone growth
- reduces muscle spasms
Research into CBN is still in its infancy. There are indications that this cannabinoid stimulates bone growth and can thus be useful in the treatment of osteoporosis. Bone fractures could heal faster with the help of CBN.
When THC and CBN are present in higher proportions in a cannabis plant, the CBN seems to reduce the paranoia that can be associated with the use of marijuana. Users often feel less confused and can enjoy a clear high. When large amounts of CBN are ingested, it leads to fatigue and a sound and deep sleep, which is particularly interesting for patients with a sleep disorder and can be very useful here.
Waiting a little longer to harvest the cannabis plant until the trichomes are mostly amber will result in a higher CBN content in the final product.
CBN is a cannabinoid that, along with THC, CBD and the other cannbinoids and terpenes in cannabis, has numerous medicinal benefits and is sure to benefit many more patients in the future and after further research. Cannabis patients (in consultation with their doctor) should definitely try CBN-rich strains and products as well, as these could be very helpful for some in combating their condition.
Elixir by Cannamed is a cannabis strain with a high CBN content
- 21% THC, 1.2% CBD
- 0.09% CBN, 0.4% CBC
- analgesic, relaxing, anti-inflammatory
- Nervous diseases, multiple sclerosis
<<medizinische Cannabis-Sorten>>
Medical disclaimer
The information on this website is for general information purposes only and is not to be equated with medical or legal advice. We do not wish to encourage anyone to consume or use drugs illegally. Please consult your doctor/health care provider before using any products/methods referenced or linked to on this website.
