What’s the Difference Between CBD and CBN?

CBD and CBN are both cannabinoids. If you are new to the terminology, a cannabinoid functions similarly to a neurotransmitter. While many people are becoming more familiar with the plant-based cannabinoids CBD and THC, far fewer realize that researchers have identified close to 120 potentially beneficial cannabinoids. Most people asking about CBN want to know one thing: whether it helps them sleep better.

Although researchers identified the cannabinoid cannabinol (CBN) long before CBD, CBN has not been studied as extensively. That being said, it may be important to know that preliminary investigations suggest CBN has significant health and wellness potential of its own. The real question isn't which cannabinoid is "best" but which one fits your routine best, especially at night.

CBD vs. CBN Understanding the Differences

While CBD and CBN are both cannabinoids, they do not function in the same manner. Knowing the differences between CBD and CBN can help those investigating the wellness potential of hemp-derived products appreciate the value of each of these potentially beneficial cannabinoids. Consider the following differences:

What Is CBN?

CBN is created by the breakdown of THC from exposure to UV rays and oxygen. Although CBN is a byproduct of THC, it does not have the same effect. Many people reach for CBN in the evening for a non-intoxicating option (though it can cause drowsiness).

What Is CBD?

CBD is a plant-based cannabinoid. CBD is not a byproduct of THC and does not cause intoxication. Many people reach for CBD for a versatile daytime option that supports everyday balance and relaxation.

Here's how the two compare at a glance:

Where Do CBD and CBN Come From?

There are two potential sources for plant-based cannabinoids: the cannabis plants hemp and marijuana. While both sources contain ample amounts of CBD, the CBN levels are generally quite low. Full spectrum CBD oil contains both CBD and CBN.

CBN

While CBN is not shown to provide the same level of health and wellness potential as CBD, researchers are not overlooking the potential benefits of the cannabinoid. While investigations are still preliminary, the research into the effects of CBN is quite intriguing. CBN is shown to be non-intoxicating.

While CBN is a byproduct of the breakdown of THC, this cannabinoid is not considered psychoactive, at least not in the same manner as THC. Some researchers believe large amounts of CBN could be considered mildly psychoactive, but confirm that CBN does not cause the psychoactive effects THC is known for.

CBN has become the cannabinoid people reach for at night. A 2023 study published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology reported that people taking 20 mg of CBN experienced fewer nighttime awakenings and less overall sleep disturbance compared to placebo.¹ And in a 2021 sleep study by CBDistillery and MoreBetter, participants who used a CBN + CBD tincture reported finding it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep and were able to sleep an hour longer per night on average.

The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids Working Together

CBD and CBN both interact with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), the network of messengers and receptors that regulate nearly every crucial function in your body. Because CBN has an affinity to the same receptors as THC, researchers have credited CBN with a variety of potentially helpful effects.

CBN is one of the many plant-based cannabinoids found in full spectrum CBD oil. The cannabinoids in full spectrum hemp oil mimic the messengers and influence the receptors of the communication network that regulates nearly every essential function critical to your health, your ECS. Supporting the function of your endocannabinoid system with plant-based cannabinoids helps keep this vital system functioning efficiently.

Many CBD enthusiasts believe full spectrum CBD products are the most potent because of a fascinating phenomenon known as the entourage effect. It's the entourage effect that explains how each plant element, including the cannabinoids CBD and CBN, magnify and multiply the health and wellness potential of the others.

Are CBD and CBN Safe

Both CBD and CBN are generally well tolerated. In studies, reported side effects are typically mild, such as a dry mouth, changes in appetite, or feeling drowsy (which in the case of sleep support is less a side effect and more a benefit). At CBDistillery, all of our products are made with 100% clean ingredients (no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives), and every batch is third-party tested so you know exactly what's inside. As with any new addition to your routine, it's smart to talk with your healthcare provider first, especially if you take other products or medications.

Are CBD and CBN Legal

Hemp-derived CBD and CBN come from the same plant, and both are currently federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill when the product contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. State rules can differ, and both state and federal regulations continue to evolve. Before you buy, it's worth checking the regulations where you live so you know what's available in your state.

Choosing Between CBD and CBN

You don't actually have to choose; you can use both, and thanks to the entourage effect, might actually experience stronger benefits when you do. The better question is which product fits into your day.

CBD alone tends to fit general wellness goals, whenever you want to feel balanced and relaxed. Products with CBN, or a CBN and CBD blend, tend to fit best at nighttime when your goal is sleeping deeper and longer. That’s why we formulate our CBN sleep gummies and CBN sleep tinctures specifically for bedtime.

Selecting the Ideal CBDistillery™ Product for Your Preferences

It's important to note that full spectrum CBD oil contains <0.3% THC. While not enough to cause intoxication, those who prefer to skip even trace amounts of THC have the option of using products made with a purified form of CBD, CBD isolate (or similarly, products made with CBN isolate). While products made with CBD isolate do not contribute to the entourage effect that comes with the addition of other minor cannabinoids, CBD isolate is flavorless, odorless, and contains 0% THC.

Our hemp-derived CBD products are created from non-GMO, US-grown industrial hemp using natural farming practices and processed with a food-safe CO2 extraction. You can verify the purity, potency, and cannabinoid content of our products by viewing third-party test results on our site or scanning the QR code featured on every product label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBN or CBD Better for Sleep?

Many people find CBN the more natural fit for bedtime, since it's the cannabinoid most often used at night. Early research suggests CBN may support sleeping deeper and sleeping longer, and pairing it with CBD is a popular way to round out a wind-down routine. CBD on its own is more commonly used for general wellness, though some people do find that it helps support sleep.

Can You Take CBD and CBN Together?

Yes, and a lot of people do. Because of the entourage effect, cannabinoids can work together, which is why many of our sleep products combine CBN with CBD in a single formula.

Is CBN Psychoactive or Does It Get You High?

CBN is non-intoxicating and won't get you high the way THC does. CBN can cause drowsiness and some researchers suggest very large amounts could be mildly psychoactive, but it doesn't produce THC's signature effects.

Why Is CBN Harder to Find Than CBD?

CBN forms as THC breaks down over time, so hemp naturally contains far less of it than CBD. That once made dedicated CBN products rare, but today you can find focused blends like our CBN sleep gummies.

What Forms Do CBD and CBN Come In?

CBD comes in tinctures, gummies, capsules, topicals, and more. CBN is most commonly found in sleep-focused gummies, tinctures and softgels.

Whether you want daytime balance or deeper rest at night, shop CBDistillery's lab-tested CBD and CBN products online to find the formula that fits your routine.

Sources

1. Bonn-Miller MO, Feldner MT, Bynion TM, Eglit GML, Brunstetter M, Kalaba M, Zvorsky I, Peters EN, Hennesy M. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2024 Jun;32(3):277-284. doi: 10.1037/pha0000682. Epub 2023 Oct 5. PMID: 37796540.