Hemp plants have more than 110+ healing and therapeutic compounds known as cannabinoids. Different cannabinoids are extracted from hemp plants using complex filtration methods and further packed and sold to you in the form of gummies, oils, tinctures, softgels, and more. 

Most of us are familiar with products made from the most well-researched cannabinoids known as CBD (Cannabidiol). But lately, there’s been a rise in demand for products made from lesser-known cannabinoids. 

CBN ( Cannabinol ) is one of them and is quickly gaining popularity as the best cannabinoid for sleep. Many people are now shifting from regular CBD oil to CBN oil for sleep improvement. 

But here’s the catch: unlike CBD, CBN is mildly psychoactive at higher doses. So yes, technically, it can make you slightly high and give you a buzz, but the effects are not as strong as THC. 

It’s way less potent and has more of a sedative effect. Let’s learn more about this lesser-known cannabinoid in detail and try to understand whether it should be a part of your wellness routine.

Why does CBN give you a buzz?

To understand this, you have to take a look at its origin. See, unlike CBD, CBN is not there in growing cannabis plants. It only forms when THC breaks down over time due to oxidation. S,o in a way, it’s a weaker form of THC hence, it carries some of its sedating and psychoactive properties. 

As per the farm bill, only industrial hemp plants are allowed to be used for making cannabinoid products. Now we know that hemp already has very low amounts of THC, which makes CBN even more rare and expensive to extract. 

That’s why you’ll notice that it’s a bit more expensive than regular cannabinoid products because brands have to invest a lot in specific seeds and machinery to extract it in high amounts. 

So, coming back to the buzz part, it happens because CBN, as we discussed, is like THC’s kid. THC breaks and converts to CBN, so some of the psychoactive properties are still there, but only very mild. 

So, in comparison to CBD, CBN will make you feel a bit more euphoric or somewhat high, but not as strong as THC. In fact, you’ll need to take a lot of it in one go if you want to experience a real buzz. For most people, it will create more of a strong sedative, relaxed, and sleepy effect, and that’s why people use it as a sleep aid. 

The science behind CBD & Sleep

In comparison to CBD, studies on CBN are very limited. Most of the reported benefits regarding better sleep and relaxation often stem from anecdotal reports from people who have added CBN to their wellness routine.

But things are changing now; a recent study noted that CBN is capable of improving sleep quality. Researchers at the University of Sydney observed that cannabinol (CBN) improved sleep quality in rats using objective measurements. Unlike past studies relying on behavioral observations, this team monitored brain activity to track sleep stages. 

They found that purified CBN increased both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep (deep, restorative sleep) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (linked to dreaming and memory), which shows that CBN has a much bigger and better sleep-enhancing effects than give credit to it so far.

A parallel placebo-controlled human trial, led by Professor Iain McGregor is now testing CBN’s effects in insomnia patients. This is the very first and most promising study that shows that CBN may increase sleep quality so far. 

It was published on 12 November 2024, and the whole scientific community, as well as cannabinoid enthusiasts, are eagerly waiting for results from the human trial phase. 

Is CBN Legal?

Yes, as per the 2018 farm bill, all cannabinoid products made from extracts of industrial hemp plants are legal. So, as long as a brand is using hemp-derived THC for making CBN products, they will fall under legal criteria. 

Plus, the total amount of THC in these legally sold CBN products can not be more than 0.3%. But do note that this is a federal bill, and some of the conservative states may have stricter guidelines because of CBN’s origin being THC. 

Hence, it’s best to read up on your local state laws first before placing the order, as they can change anytime. A new farm bill is also due to come, so you have to be prepared for any new changes in legal definitions that might come. But yeah, if you stick with reputed and well-tested brands like Colorado Botanicals, there should be no problem. 

Which CBN product should I buy? Will it show up on a drug test? 

You have tons of options like gummies, oil, or vapes. If you want a slow release, then opt for CBN gummies, they take around an hour or two to kick in. If you want quick results, then go with CBN oils, just put it under your tongue, and it will start working within 15-20 minutes. 

Choose the one based on your use case and experience. As for the drug test, technically, it should not come up on a standard 12-panel drug test. However, since it’s a broken-down form of THC, there can be a slight risk of false flagging. So maybe avoid it if you have an upcoming sporting event or blood test for a potential job.

Our Final Thoughts

To sum it up, Yes, CBN can give you a buzz, but you’ll have to consume it in very large quantities or very frequently. It’s mildly psychoactive but only at very high doses. If you take just 25-30mg every day for better sleep, you won’t get high or trippy as such. 

It will mostly make you feel more relaxed, sedated, and sleepy than general CBD products. Despite being derived from THC, it’s not as strong as it at all. So you can safely use CBN every day without any worries. 

It will not only improve your sleep but also bring down your pain, anxiety, and stress levels. Just make sure to buy it only from reputed, regulated, and well-tested brands like Colorado Botanicals.