What is the difference between CBD and CBN? Explain the characteristics of each and recommended CBN products!

Following CBD, "CBN" has been attracting attention recently.

However, information on CBN is scarce, and many people find it difficult to get their hands on it.

Therefore, in this article, we will also explain the effects that can be expected from CBN, the differences from CBD, and whether or not there is any illegality to worry about.

What is CBD

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Extracted primarily from cannabis stalks and seeds, it is not intoxicating or addictive, as it is known to give you a "high."

Cannabis contains 104 types of substances called cannabinoids, which can be roughly divided into two types: CBD and THC.

Among them, the one that causes highs is THC, which is an illegal ingredient that is regulated as a drug in Japan .

On the other hand, CBD is not illegal*1, and it is attracting attention as an ingredient that can be expected to have benefits such as supporting the maintenance of the body.

*1 Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare Narcotics Control Department: https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/cbd.html

What is CBN

CBN (cannabinol) is one of the chemicals called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

CBN is produced by the oxidative decomposition of the euphoric THC.

CBN is legal

CBN is basically non-intoxicating and non-addictive like THC.

Therefore, it can be used legally in Japan.

However, some people feel changes in the body similar to THC, so it cannot be denied that future laws and regulations may make it illegal.

CBN is expected to have various effects

CBN can be expected to have various effects.

It has also been shown that taking CBD together with CBN has a synergistic effect (entourage effect) rather than taking CBD alone.

Although there are individual differences, it is characterized by the fact that it is easier to realize the effect than CBD, and it is an ingredient that is attracting attention in every industry following CBD.

However, CBN is a rare ingredient (rare cannabinoid) that can be extracted from cannabis at less than 1%, so there are still few research papers on CBN.

Future clinical trials may reveal new effects.

What is the difference between CBD and CBN?

CBN is one of the three main cannabinoids, along with CBD and THC.

So what exactly is the difference between CBD and CBN?

CBN is rarer than CBD

Both are the same in that they are extracted from cannabis, but CBN is more rare.

Since CBD is the major cannabinoid among many cannabinoids, it is possible to collect 2-20% of the total amount of cannabis.

However, CBN is less abundant than CBD, and only about 1% of all cannabis can be harvested.

Due to its rarity, CBN is also called a “rare cannabinoid” .

CBD and CBN work differently in the body

CBD and CBN also work differently in the body.

Our bodies are born with “cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) ,” which regulate body functions such as appetite, sleep, and motor function.

Recent research has revealed that cannabinoid deficiency due to aging and strong stress leads to various diseases.

CBD and CBN can be expected to work to support the original work of cannabinoid receptors.

However, while CBD can approach the TRPV1 receptor, which acts on the cannabinoid receptor, it cannot act directly on the cannabinoid receptor.

Therefore, it may be difficult for some people to experience it.

On the other hand, CBN can act directly on cannabinoid receptors.

Although it is derived from THC, it does not get you high, but it is said to be more effective than CBD.

CBN pairs well with terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants and fruits, and they are compatible with CBN.

This terpene is responsible for the unique aroma and bitterness of cannabis.

Focusing on the herb-like scent of terpenes, it is often used in aroma oils and perfumes.

Among the many cannabinoids, it is particularly compatible with CBN, and a high synergistic effect (entourage effect) can be expected.

Therefore, if you want to draw out the power of CBN, it is recommended to take CBN together with terpenes instead of taking CBN alone.

Better than CBD! ? ｜Disadvantages of CBN

"I understand that CBN is legal, but are there any disadvantages to taking it..?"

Since the actual situation has not yet been clarified, there will be more than a few people who have such anxieties.

Here, we will focus on the disadvantages of CBN.

Drug tests can give false positives for THC

The downside of CBN is that it can give false positives for THC on drug tests.

In one CBN study, two different drug tests tested positive for CBN, while the other test highlighted an increase in THC due to the additive effects of CBN and THC.

The sensitivity of drug tests can introduce errors, and because of its structural similarity to THC, high concentrations of CBN can lead to false positives in drug tests.

CBN itself is legal, but you need to be careful because there are cases where you get into trouble if you make a mistake.

No other drawbacks or side effects

Other than false positives on drug tests, there are almost no downsides.

However, although it is more effective than CBD, it may cause drowsiness.

Of course, although there are individual differences, do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking CBN.

The recommended intake timing is before going to bed or when you want to relax.

Better than CBD! ? ｜Advantages of CBN

On the other hand, what are the advantages of CBN?

Next, I will explain the three benefits that can be expected from CBN.

Research on sleep is underway

CBN is 10 times less psychoactive than THC.

Although there are still few studies on CBN, the effect of CBN is being proven from the September 1975 study *1 by AE Manson et al.

In this study, five male volunteers were given a combination of CBN and THC, which was found to have a greater impact on sleep quality than THC alone. However, since the number of subjects is 5 and the data is small, it can be said that it is still in the research stage at this time.

*1: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1159836/

Studies have been conducted on chronic pain

A paper authored by Kenneth B. Walsh et al. in November 2021 found that CBN and CBD are effective in relieving chronic pain. *2

Among them, it is reported that the effect is particularly high when ingesting a mixture of CBN and CBD.

Researchers concluded that CBN and CBD can reduce chronic muscle pain, such as temporomandibular disorders and fibromyalgia.

*2: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.777804/full

Research is being conducted to apply it to seizures such as epilepsy and cancer

Research is underway to see if CBN can be used for ``epilepsy'', which is caused by excessive neuronal activity, and even cancer.

A September 1975 study by AE Manson et al. revealed anticonvulsant and anticancer effects of CBN in mice. *3

However, it is necessary to keep in mind that CBN may not be effective alone, but may be effective when combined with CBD or THC, and the results are based on animal experiments.

*3: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1159836/

Easy even for beginners! ｜How to choose a CBN

Even with CBN alone, there are various types such as oils, liquids, balms, and even gummies containing CBN.

If you want to adjust the amount you take according to your daily physical condition, choose the oil type, and if you want to feel the effects quickly, choose the liquid type .

In addition, we recommend gummy for those who want to continue to enjoy CBN deliciously, and balm type that can be applied directly to the skin for those who want to take care of their body frequently.

Here are some tips for choosing a CBN that won't fail.

Please use it as a reference for your purchase.

Select by CBN concentration

When choosing CBN, check "CBN concentration" and "CBN content" as a must.

In most cases, CBN concentration is expressed in % and CBN content in mg or ml. Basically, the higher the concentration, the easier it is to feel the effect, but the concentration you should choose depends on the purpose of ingesting CBN and your constitution.

Below, we will explain the characteristics of each of “less than 10%”, “10% to 30%”, and “30% to more”.

- Less than 10%｜Recommended for beginners

For those who use CBN for the first time, low concentration CBN of less than 10% is recommended.

Its low concentration makes it easy to take frequently, making it suitable for a change of pace between work or study.

If you are a smoker, you can also use it as a substitute for tobacco.

-10% to 30% | Easy to feel the effect

The higher the concentration of CBD and CBN, the higher the price.

Therefore, if you want to keep the cost down while still feeling the effect, we recommend a medium concentration CBN of 10% to 30%.

If you take it when you wake up in the morning or during a break, it is recommended to use it during a sufficient break.

-30% or more | You can feel a very high effect

If you want to emphasize the effect, choose a high concentration CBN of 30% or more.

However, while it can be expected to be very effective, it may cause drowsiness, so it is recommended to use it after returning home or before going to bed.

Although it costs a little, it is reasonable considering that you can feel the effect with a small amount (about 1 drop of oil).

choose by flavor

Choose by flavor because it's something you put in your mouth.

If you are taking CBN for the purpose of relaxation, you want to choose your favorite flavor even more.

Since CBN and terpenes have a unique scent and bitterness to hemp, some products are flavored with lemon, strawberry, and floral scents.

If you don't like bitterness, or if you want to mix it with drinks or desserts, you should choose the flavored type.

On the other hand, highly fragrant products that make use of the original flavor of hemp are recommended for advanced CBN users and smokers.

Choose whether the inspection is done by a third party

Although CBN is legal, trace amounts of THC may be detected in some products.

In fact, in July 2020, there was a case where THC was detected in CBD oil sold by a company in Saitama Prefecture.

Therefore, it is safe to choose a product that has been inspected by a third-party organization just in case. If you buy and use a product that contains THC, which is an illegal ingredient, you may be arrested in the worst case, so be careful.

Therefore, we recommend the CBD store "Green", which is licensed by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and goes to the United States to purchase CBD .