Can’t sleep? Meet your new BFF.

CBD may be the cannabis compound getting the most attention in the wellness world these days, but another, lesser-known cannabinoid is getting noticed for its powerful sleep-promoting abilities.

Research from Steep Hill found that CBN, a cannabinoid that results from the degradation of THC (in other words – gets created when weed is exposed to oxygen over time), is the most sedative of all the 100+ cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. So, what your THC-rich old pot lacks in psychoactive potency, it makes up for in an ability to promote a good night’s sleep.

New knowledge around CBN could be huge for people who want to ease up their reliance on prescription sleep aids: The consumption of just 2.5 mg to 5 mg of the cannabinoid was found to have ‘the same level of sedation as a mild pharmaceutical sedative, with a relaxed body sensation similar to 5 mg to 10 mg of diazepam’ (ie – Valium). Pretty potent effects, for something we could be seeing in health food stores in days to come.

Like its more-popular counterparts THC and CBD, CBN works with the body’s (naturally-occuring) endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB2 receptor, to produce a ‘relaxed body sensation.’ This is thought to account for the reported sleep benefits it’s getting recognized for by brands that want to help you get that healthy glow from the inside out.

Worth noting is that CBN is perhaps most effective when mixed with CBD and THC. The synergistic combo becomes an effective sleep aid of 5-6 hours duration, it was found. Until more research is done though, CBN by itself could make what feels like a world of difference, over just CBD and / or THC.

And if you’re really over those dark under-eye circles, know that this compound could also play a role in anti-aging. A good night’s sleep with a side of a complexion-brightening boost – and little to no high? Expect to see many a CBN-rich elixir making its way into the world.

Here are a few sleep-supporting CBN products to check out now:

Dusk for Gossamer

This tincture, created by Dr. Alex Capano – who was the first doctor to claim a doctorate in medical cannabis science (!) brings together cold-pressed hemp seed oil, full spectrum CBD, CBN, and hand-picked terpenes. Keep an eye on Gossamer for a fresh batch, available online.

Robyn for SLEEP by Mineral Health (available online)

Place a few drops of this floral oil blend under your tongue before bed, wait 30 minutes for the benefits of CBN and the sedating terpene blend to kick in. A solid rest ensues.

Kin Slips Shut Eye (available at various locations in California)

Kin Slips makes cannabis-infused sublingual strips that dissolve under your tongue for different effects (there’s one for energy, tranquility, and pain-reflief). Shut Eye has 5 mg of CBN, 5 mg of CBD and a few bedtime-strain terpenes. It takes effect in 10 – 15 mins, like a tiny, fast-acting edible.

Kikoko Tranquil Tea (available at various locations in California)

Your evening cup of herbal tea just got a major boost. One bag of Kikoko’s Tranquili-Tea contains 3 mg of THC, 5 mg of CBN, and sleep-promoting herbs lavender, valerian root and chamomile. All organic, all locally sourced.

Have you tried adding cannabis to your evening routine yet? Ever noticed a difference after smoking older pot before bed? Let us know if CBN works for you.

Categories: CANNABIS WELLNESS