What’s the Difference Between CBD and CBN?

CBD and CBN are both cannabinoids, or naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids can be found in both the hemp and marijuana plants; while both sources can contain ample amounts of CBD, CBN levels are generally quite low.

Cannabinoids work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is a network of receptors and messengers that regulate different bodily processes, including mild stress, memory, mood, immune function, pain and inflammation after physical activity and more.

While many people are familiar with CBD or THC, there are actually more than 100 cannabinoids in the hemp plant, including cannabinol (CBN). CBN is similar to CBD in many ways, there are also some major differences between CBD and CBN.

CBD:

• Non-intoxicating, but some people experience sleepiness
• Supports many aspects of wellness
• Found abundantly in the hemp plant

CBN:

• Non-intoxicating, but can cause drowsiness
• Supports sleep
• Created from the breakdown of THC

Key Similarities of CBD and CBN

The two cannabinoids have many things in common: both are cannabinoids that occur naturally in the hemp plant, and unlike THC, both are non-intoxicating (though CBN can cause drowsiness). Both CBD and CBN work by interacting with your ECS, and products containing these cannabinoids are legal when they are derived from hemp and meet other applicable regulations (like THC limits). You can also find both CBD and CBN in a variety of products, including oil tinctures and gummies.

What Is the Difference Between CBN and CBD

While CBD and CBN are both cannabinoids found in hemp plants, they do have differences.

Chemical Formation

Both hemp and some strains of marijuana plants contain ample amounts of CBD naturally. CBN, however, is created by the breakdown of THC from exposure to UV rays and oxygen.

Psychoactivity

Although CBN is a byproduct of THC, it does not have the same psychoactive effect as THC. CBD is not a byproduct of THC, and has no psychoactive effect.  Both CBD and CBN can cause drowsiness, though many customers report feeling especially sleepy with CBN.

Which One Is Better for Sleep?

CBD for Sleep

CBD has been shown to affect many aspects of wellness, including stress relief and sleep. In a December 2019 blind survey, 89% of CBD users reported sleeping better with CBD. CBD’s influence on other aspects of wellness can indirectly affect sleep as well; in the same survey, 89% of CBD users reported that CBD helped calm their mind and 88% reported that CBD helped with mild or temporary anxiety, which can in turn make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

CBN for Sleep

Research on most cannabinoids is limited, and there is even less research into CBN than there is into more well-known cannabinoids like CBD and THC. However, CBDistillery conducted a sleep study in 2021 looking at the effects of CBN. In that study, participants who consumed an oil tincture with CBN reported finding it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, and reported being able to sleep an hour longer per night on average!

Combining CBD + CBN for Enhanced Results

While it’s interesting to compare the effects of different cannabinoids, you don’t have to choose between CBN and CBD. Many hemp-derived tinctures and gummies contain both CBD and CBN, letting you enjoy the sleep effects of both cannabinoids.

Forms and Methods of Using CBD and CBN

You can find CBD and CBN in multiple different forms, each with its own advantages.

Oil Tinctures

Oil tinctures include your cannabinoids of choice with a carrier oil. They can be added to beverages or food items, or taken by holding the oil under your tongue for 45-60 seconds before swallowing. Many find that taking an oil tincture in this manner results in feeling the effects sooner than when the tincture is ingested. The liquid nature of tinctures also makes it easy to adjust your serving size.

Gummies

Gummies offer a tasty, consistent and convenient way to consume CBN or CBD. Each gummy is premeasured with the same amount of cannabinoids for a consistent experience each time. And since gummies do not require any measuring or droppers, many people find them less messy to handle, especially while travelling. Gummies are ingested, so it can take a little longer to feel the effects of CBN gummies compared to tinctures.

Softgels

Softgels are a great choice for those who like the convenience of gummies but want to avoid the gummies’ texture or small amount of sugar. Softgels include the same oil as in oil tinctures, encased in a tasteless gelatin softgel for precise serving sizes and easy consumption. Like gummies and other ingested forms, it can take a little longer to feel the effects of a softgel compared to a tincture held under the tongue.

Finding Your Best Fit for Natural Wellness

No matter which cannabinoid, or combination of cannabinoids, you choose, it’s important make sure you select a product you can trust. All of CBDistillery’s products are made with non-GMO, US-grown hemp and 100% clean ingredients: no corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors or preservatives. And every single batch of products is third-party tested by independent labs to confirm cannabinoid levels and check for the presence of residual solvents and contaminants. You can view these test results on CBDistillery’s website before you place an order, offering additional peace of mind.

FAQs: CBN vs CBD

Q: What is the optimal serving size when combining CBD and CBN for sleep?

A: Like with any cannabinoid, it’s a good idea to start with a low serving size and slowly increase the amount you take until you reach your desired effects. You might start with a partial serving size, cutting a gummy in half or taking only part of a dropper of a tincture, until you see how the cannabinoids make you feel.

Q: Is it safe to use CBD and CBN products daily for sleep support?
A: Daily use of CBD and CBN is generally well-tolerated, but each person is different. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new product, so they can evaluate your specific health situation and needs and give you personalized medical advice.

Q: How quickly do CBD and CBN take effect for sleep improvement?

A: The format of the product you are taking will have a big impact on how quickly you feel the results; holding an oil tincture under your tongue before swallowing will often result in feeling effects sooner than ingesting a gummy, softgel or similar product. But other individual factors, like your metabolism and whether you recently ate a high-fat meal, can also affect how long it takes to feel the effects.