CBN is one of the Big Six cannabinoids. When THC degrades due to exposure to air and light, Cannabinol (CBN) is formed. Potential therapeutic benefits of CBN include acting as a sedative and sleep aid, working as an antibiotic and antibacterial, reducing convulsions, and stimulating bone cell growth. Cannabinol also shows promise as an analgesic.

The medicinal properties of CBN went mostly unnoticed until recently because it only occurs once THC degrades, but like CBD, cannabinol is being studied as a non-impairing therapeutic aid for people who have sensitivities to, or are looking to avoid THC.

Now CBN is being found in cannabis products like topicals, edibles, capsules, and more in legal and regulated States. Cannabinol content in milligrams should be found on product labeling.

How CBN Works in The Body

Cannabinol has minimal impact on the central nervous system. Its effects are mainly expressed on a variety of immune cells, T cells, B cells, macrophages and dendritic cells, where CBN has been shown to have strong immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties.

CBN may also aid in the natural cycle of cell life and death while inhibiting the production of a variety of cytokines, a protein that triggers immune and inflammatory responses in the body. Recent research shows that when consumed orally CBN is converted by the liver into a form that better binds to the CB1 receptor, meaning that ingestion is a good way to consume CBN.

Common Effects and Uses

The primary benefit of CBN being sold to consumers right now is as a sleep aid or sedative.  

For instance, in an analysis shared by Steep Hill Labs in 2017, researchers found that a 2.5-to-5 milligram dose of CBN was as effective as a 5-to-10 milligram dose of the pharmaceutical sedative diazepam. 

It also seems to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that could be useful in a number of conditions like asthma and arthritis. The antibacterial properties of CBN could be used for any number of applications and Cannabinol has even successfully killed off methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). CBD and THC also successfully killed off the bacteria.

Though more research is needed, Cannabinol might also be useful for bone regeneration and in stimulating the production of new STEM cells in bone marrow.

Research shows that Cannabinol stimulates the same nerve pathways in the body as THC. These nerves, the capsaicin sensitive sensory nerves are named for their sensitivity to capsaicin, which is the active heat producing compound and hot peppers.

Capsaicin is often used in infused pain relief topicals, such as Your Natural Healthcare's Heating CBD Butter Cream.

Cannabinol has also been shown to curb the growth of keratinocytes, the type of skin cell that becomes hyperactive and develop scaly growths and conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

References:
Healing and CBD by Eileen Konieczny, RN
Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness by Aliza Sheran & Dr. Junella Chin.
CBN vs. CBD: What's the Difference