What Is CBN? The Sleep Cannabinoid Explained

Cannabinol (CBN) is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms naturally when THC breaks down through exposure to light, heat, and air. Often called "the sleepy cannabinoid," CBN has gained attention for its potential sedative effects and shows roughly one-tenth the psychoactive potency of THC. Unlike CBD or THC, you won't find much CBN in fresh cannabis—it develops over time as the plant ages.

This guide covers everything you need to know about CBN: how it forms, what the research actually says about sleep, potential benefits and side effects, drug test considerations, and how to try it in THC beverages.

What Is CBN?

CBN stands for cannabinol, and it holds a unique place in cannabis history. In 1896, scientists Thomas Wood, W.T. Newton Spivey, and Thomas Barlow Easterfield became the first researchers to isolate a cannabinoid from cannabis—and that cannabinoid was CBN. For decades, scientists actually believed CBN was the primary psychoactive component of cannabis until THC was properly identified in the 1960s.

Today we understand that CBN is a degradation product of THC. When cannabis is exposed to oxygen, heat, or ultraviolet light over time, the THC molecules gradually oxidize and convert into CBN. This is why aged cannabis that's been improperly stored tends to produce more sedating effects—the THC has partially broken down into CBN.

Fresh cannabis plants contain almost no CBN, typically less than 1% of total cannabinoid content. However, cannabis that's been stored for extended periods or processed with heat can contain significantly higher CBN concentrations. This natural aging process makes CBN fundamentally different from cannabinoids like CBD or CBG, which the plant produces directly.

How CBN Forms

The formation of CBN follows a straightforward chemical pathway. THC molecules contain a structure that's vulnerable to oxidation—when oxygen interacts with THC over time, it strips away hydrogen atoms and creates a more stable molecular arrangement. The result is cannabinol.

Three main factors accelerate this conversion process. Light exposure, particularly UV light, speeds up THC degradation significantly. Heat also drives the reaction forward, which is why decarboxylated cannabis products often contain higher CBN levels. Finally, simple air exposure allows oxygen to interact with THC molecules continuously.

For consumers, this explains a common observation: cannabis flower that's been sitting in a drawer for months often produces different effects than fresh flower. That sleepier, more sedating experience likely comes from elevated CBN content rather than any change in the original THC. Some cannabis producers now intentionally age their products or use controlled oxidation processes to create CBN-rich formulations.

How CBN Works in the Body

CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system differently than its parent compound THC. While THC acts as a strong agonist at CB1 receptors—the receptors primarily responsible for psychoactive effects—CBN functions as a weak partial agonist at these same receptors. Research indicates CBN binds to CB1 receptors with approximately one-tenth the affinity of THC, explaining its milder psychoactive profile.

Interestingly, CBN shows greater affinity for CB2 receptors, which are concentrated in immune tissues and peripheral organs rather than the brain. This receptor preference aligns CBN more closely with CBD's mechanism of action and may contribute to potential anti-inflammatory effects. When CBN activates cannabinoid receptors, it inhibits adenylyl cyclase activity, decreasing cellular cAMP levels and modulating neurotransmitter release.

Beyond the cannabinoid receptors, CBN also interacts with other physiological targets. Research has identified activity at transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which play roles in pain perception and temperature sensing. CBN also appears to modulate certain serotonin receptors, which could influence mood and relaxation. These multiple interaction points suggest CBN's effects result from a complex interplay of receptor activities rather than a single mechanism.

Does CBN Make You Sleepy?

The reputation of CBN as a powerful sedative deserves careful examination. Marketing claims often position CBN as a natural sleep aid, but the scientific evidence presents a more nuanced picture. A 2021 review published in PMC specifically examined the evidence for CBN's sedative effects and concluded there was "insufficient clinical evidence" to support claims at typical commercial doses of 5mg or less.

However, more recent research offers promising data at higher doses. A 2023 randomized controlled trial involving 293 participants found that 20mg of CBN taken nightly reduced nighttime awakenings and overall sleep disturbance compared to placebo. Notably, participants did not report increased daytime fatigue, suggesting the effects were specific to nighttime sleep quality rather than general sedation.

One surprising finding from that same study: adding CBD to CBN did not enhance the sleep benefits. Participants taking CBN alone at 20mg showed the same improvements as those taking CBN combined with various CBD doses. This challenges assumptions about cannabinoid synergy for sleep and suggests CBN may work effectively as a standalone compound.

The practical takeaway is that dose matters significantly for CBN's sleep effects. Products containing 5mg or less may not provide meaningful sedation, while doses of 20mg or higher appear more likely to influence sleep quality. Individual responses will vary, but the research suggests starting with higher doses if sleep support is the primary goal.

Potential CBN Benefits

Beyond sleep, researchers are investigating several other potential applications for CBN, though most evidence remains preliminary.

Neuroprotection

A 2024 study from the Salk Institute published in Redox Biology found that CBN protected brain cells against aging and neurodegeneration by preserving mitochondrial function. The researchers developed CBN-based compounds that showed enhanced neuroprotective properties in fruit fly models of traumatic brain injury. While human studies are needed, these findings suggest CBN may have therapeutic potential for conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury.

Pain and Inflammation

CBN's interaction with CB2 receptors and TRP channels positions it as a potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. Animal studies have shown CBN can reduce inflammation in arthritis models. However, clinical trials in humans are limited, making it premature to recommend CBN specifically for pain management.

Appetite Stimulation

Research in rats found that CBN increased food intake and extended feeding duration, suggesting potential as an appetite stimulant. This could offer an alternative to THC for patients who need appetite support but want to avoid stronger psychoactive effects.

CBN Side Effects

CBN appears to be generally well-tolerated based on available research. The 2023 sleep study reported only mild side effects, with headache being the most commonly mentioned. Participants did not experience significant next-day drowsiness or impairment, which is notable for a compound used as a sleep aid.

Expected side effects may include drowsiness (which is often the desired effect), dry mouth, and mild dizziness at higher doses. Because CBN is mildly psychoactive, some users may notice subtle cognitive effects, though these are typically much less pronounced than with THC.

Drug interactions remain poorly studied. CBN is metabolized by liver enzymes, so it could theoretically interact with medications processed by the same pathways. If you take prescription medications, discuss CBN use with your healthcare provider before starting.

Does CBN Show on a Drug Test?

This is a critical consideration for anyone subject to workplace or legal drug testing. Standard urine drug tests screen for THC metabolites, not CBN specifically. However, research has documented that CBN can cross-react with certain immunoassay tests and produce false positive results for THC.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine tested two common commercial urine immunoassays and found that both showed cross-reactivity with CBN. For one assay, approximately five times more CBN than THC metabolite was required to trigger a positive result. For the other, about 20 times more CBN was needed. This means high-dose CBN consumption could potentially trigger a failed screening test.

The good news is that confirmatory testing using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) can accurately distinguish between CBN and THC metabolites. If an initial screening comes back positive, requesting confirmatory testing should resolve any false positive from CBN alone.

Our recommendation: if you have an upcoming drug test, avoid CBN products for at least one to two weeks beforehand. The risk of a false positive, while not guaranteed, isn't worth the potential consequences.

Is CBN Legal?

Hemp-derived CBN containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight is federally legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill. Because CBN can be extracted from hemp or synthesized from hemp-derived CBD, most commercial CBN products fall under this federal legality umbrella.

However, state laws vary significantly. Some states have enacted restrictions on specific cannabinoids beyond federal guidelines. A few states treat all psychoactive cannabinoids—even mildly psychoactive ones like CBN—as controlled substances. Always verify your state's current regulations before purchasing or using CBN products.

It's also worth noting that CBN derived from marijuana (cannabis with more than 0.3% THC) remains federally illegal and subject to state marijuana laws. When shopping for CBN, confirm the product comes from hemp sources and verify third-party lab testing to ensure THC content stays below the 0.3% threshold.

CBN vs CBD vs THC

Understanding how CBN compares to other cannabinoids helps you choose the right product for your needs. For a deeper dive into cannabinoid differences, see our complete guide to CBD vs CBN vs CBG.

The key distinctions come down to psychoactivity and primary effects. THC produces strong psychoactive effects and euphoria. CBD is non-psychoactive and promotes general calm without sedation. CBN falls between them—mildly psychoactive with a more sedating profile than either.

For sleep specifically, CBN appears more targeted than CBD. While CBD may help with sleep indirectly by reducing anxiety, CBN's sedative properties seem more directly sleep-promoting. Our comparison of CBN vs CBD explores these differences in detail.

How to Try CBN

CBN is available in several formats, each with different onset times and duration of effects.

THC drinks with CBN offer a convenient way to experience this cannabinoid with precise dosing. The liquid format typically provides faster onset than traditional edibles—usually 15-30 minutes rather than 1-2 hours. Many beverage formulations combine CBN with complementary cannabinoids for enhanced effects. Browse our sleep-focused collection to explore options.

Gummies and capsules remain popular for their convenience and consistent dosing. Look for products containing at least 10-20mg of CBN per serving if sleep support is your goal, based on the research suggesting lower doses may be less effective.

Oils and tinctures allow flexible dosing and sublingual absorption for faster effects. Start with the manufacturer's recommended dose and adjust based on your response.

For dosing guidance across all cannabinoid products, our THC drink dosing guide provides a helpful framework for finding your optimal amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CBN stand for?

CBN stands for cannabinol. It was the first cannabinoid ever isolated from cannabis, identified by researchers in 1896—decades before THC or CBD were discovered.

Will CBN get me high?

CBN is mildly psychoactive, producing subtle effects that are approximately one-tenth as strong as THC. Most users describe feeling relaxed and drowsy rather than intoxicated. At typical doses, CBN does not produce the euphoric "high" associated with THC.

How long does CBN take to work?

When taken orally in drinks, gummies, or capsules, CBN typically takes 30-60 minutes to produce noticeable effects. Sublingual tinctures may work faster, within 15-30 minutes. Effects generally last 4-6 hours.

Can I take CBN during the day?

Because CBN tends to produce sedating effects, it's generally best suited for evening or nighttime use. Taking CBN during the day may cause unwanted drowsiness that interferes with productivity or alertness.

Is CBN the same as CBD?

No. CBN and CBD are different cannabinoids with distinct effects. CBD is non-psychoactive and promotes general calm, while CBN is mildly psychoactive and more specifically sedating. CBD is abundant in hemp, while CBN forms only when THC degrades over time.

Does CBN have THC in it?

CBN itself does not contain THC, but it forms when THC breaks down through oxidation. Hemp-derived CBN products should contain less than 0.3% THC to comply with federal law. However, some CBN products may contain trace THC, so always check third-party lab results.

The Bottom Line

CBN represents a unique cannabinoid with genuine potential for sleep support—but the research suggests dose matters. Products containing 20mg or more of CBN show the most promising evidence for improving sleep quality, while lower doses may not deliver meaningful effects. As the first cannabinoid ever isolated and the natural result of aged THC, CBN also carries fascinating historical significance in cannabis science.

Ready to try a sleep-focused cannabinoid beverage? Explore our complete sleep collection to find the right option for your nighttime routine.