Can CBN Replace melatonin for sleep?

Cannabis is really popular nowadays. There are all sorts of products made with cannabis, from clothing to edibles, the cannabis ecosystem is getting wider and wider by the day. 

CBN is a cannabis compound that was first discovered nearly a century ago, and it recently has become a popular sleep aid, but will CBN replace melatonin?

What is CBN?

Weedmaps defines CBN as:

The cannabinoid into which tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) breaks down after prolonged periods of time. The degradation can be accelerated by exposing dried plant matter to oxygen and heat.

Basically, CBN is a compound formed by the oxidation and breakdown of THC from a hemp plant, which occurs when THC is heated and exposed to CO2 (oxygen).

What is the difference between CBN and CBD?

Both CBD and CBN are compounds. They are similar as they are both active chemicals in the cannabis plant and they both interact with your endocannabinoid system, having similar effects. However, there are some differences between them:

• They are found at different quantities in the cannabis plant.
• CBD has been extensively studied, while the research on CBN is still preliminary.
• Research supports the use of CBD for anxiety and pain relief over CBN.
• CBD and CBN have been investigated for sleep. However, if used alone, CBN is preferred to CBD for sleep.

What are the effects of CBN?

Cannabinol, or CBN, is a mildly psychoactive component found in cannabis which, like strongly psychoactive THC, is derived from tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A). CBN is created when THC-A oxidizes. 

CBN binds to the CB1 receptor. Like CBD, it does not bond as firmly as THC. This explains why CBN is sometimes referred to as “THC without the high.” It also explains why there are overlapping effects, such as in sleep.

CBN has been researched for its potential use in the treatment of sleep problems. Some minor studies on CBN and sleep have been conducted, but further study is required. CBN’s sedative qualities are considered to be related to its capacity to combine with other chemicals in the cannabis plant (known as the entourage effect), such as fragrant terpenes (such as myrcene and linalool).

Will CBN replace melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the human brain by the pineal gland. It aids in the regulation of your sleep-wake cycles, as well as your immunological and reproductive systems. The quantity of melatonin secreted by your pineal gland is determined by your circadian rhythm and the amount of light you are exposed to each day.

The study of CBN, and its potential uses is still in its early phases. However, CBN has been demonstrated in numerous trials to be highly beneficial in aiding individuals with sleeping disorders to get better quality sleep.

According to some studies, combining CBN with THC produces greater sedative effects than THC alone, which is another well-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.

Over the past year, cannabis companies have been leveraging the compound’s reputation as a sleep aid with growing success. The only reason companies have done little with CBN, is the time-consuming process of producing the cannabinoid. But that is now changing, thanks to the development of new production methods.

The demand for CBN is climbing, according to Mjbizdaily, In the last four quarters, sales of CBN-containing goods – almost all edibles at this point – reached more than $65 million for adult-use stores in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Oregon.

In comparison, Melatonin is expected to reach $2.4 billion in sales by 2025. 

However, it may not a case of cannabis vs. melatonin, but of cannabinoids AND melatonin. Several companies are beginning to create supplements that use a mix of these.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that many people are self-medicating with cannabis to improve their sleep. When it comes down to it, whether you select melatonin, cannabis, or a mix of the two, it all comes down to what works best for you and has the fewest negative effects!