You’ve Heard of CBD, but There’s a Trendy New Cannabinoid in Town—and It Might Help You Sleep Better
The most dominant cannabis compounds, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), steal all the attention, but cannabinol, or CBN, could be the next big thing. According to Bon Appetit, as marijuana oxidizes, the THC converts to CBN. In other words, old weed is high in CBN. But can you get high on it? Not really. The CB1 receptors are weaker than with THC, but it definitely still has the potential to make you drowsy, which is why more people are turning to it before they turn in for the night.
Scientific evidence is sparse, but CBN has been studied on mice, though it should be noted that researchers used synthetic derivatives of CBN. When rodents were given the lab-made cannabinol, they were more likely to stay asleep. There's a chance it could even be used to fight the signs of aging, so look out for CBN as an ingredient in sleep aids and night cream. But here's the kicker: Most studies suggest it works best when combined with other cannabinoid compounds, like THC or CBD. Anecdotal evidence still dominates in conversations pertaining to uses for CBN. In any case, it's worth noting that if your friend says it works for them that doesn't mean it will work for you. As always, consult your doctor about your options and possible interactions with other medications.
Currently, the health benefits of CBN and its effectiveness as a sleep aid are still largely unknown. But with the booming CBD industry expected to be worth $1.15 billion by 2020, it's a good bet that more companies will begin to experiment with CBN, perhaps by pairing it with CBD to discover if it does indeed lead to a better night's sleep.
Is cannabinol the answer to our restless nights? We can dream.
In the meantime, here are some foods that can help put you to sleep and others that might be keeping you up at night.
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