The cannabis world is great at explaining the two main substances extracted from the plant: THC and CBD. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is known for its intoxicating properties, while CBD (cannabidiol) produces milder effects with many possible health benefits.
CBN or cannabinol is a new - or new to the market - chemical substance extracted from cannabis. While it certainly sounds similar to CBD, CBN differs in several key ways.
CBN and CBD Differ in Extraction
Cannabis plants consist of THC and CBD in varying proportions. CBD is fairly simple to extract. And, since the process has been available for a while, there have been further refinements.
CBN is made entirely differently, and derived from the THC part of the cannabis plant. It is produced when THC is oxidized, resulting in the eventual formation of CBN. The process involves smoking the THC part of the plant and then exposing it to sunlight and air for long periods. That means it’s much more difficult to make compared with CBD. But in time, the lengthy oxidation processes should be streamlined and improved.
CBD is the mild version of the plant. It does not contain any of the intoxicating qualities associated with THC. CBD is known for its calming effects, with a range of beneficial properties that can help treat various medical conditions and pain. You can even use it to make healthy cannabis edibles. This is why CBD is often hailed as a comprehensive cure, although more research needs to be conducted for many specific treatments,
On the other hand, CBN is derived from THC. When THC is oxidized into CBN, the intoxicating effects are lessened, giving CBN about 25% of the “high” associated with THC. However, CBN is still a lot more intoxicating than CBD. Since it is relatively new, the jury is still out on how beneficial its properties are. Currently, CBN is often used as a sleep aid.
CBN and CBD Differ in Cost
Of the two compounds, CBD is much more available and affordable. It is typically present in a large proportion compared to CBN. Additionally, the extraction process is faster and easier, which results in the more production.
CBN is a minor cannabinoid that is more difficult to isolate, and is produced after the lengthy oxidation of THC. There are no high CBN strains currently available, and it will take some time to develop these through genetics. Because of this difficulty and rarity, CBN can be much more expensive than CBD.
CBN and CBD Differ in the Variety of Products Available
Because CBD is the more mature compound, it comes in many forms, including pills, gummies, oils, lotions, vape pens, and so much more, readily available at most cannabis dispensaries.
CBN is a relatively new ingredient, and only exists in basic forms like oils, capsules, and isolates. It is sometimes even mixed with CBD. Here are some ways you can try CBN now. With time, this compound is set to become as accessible as CBD.