You’re probably familiar with the cannabis chemical compound CBD (cannabidiol), which is used to treat certain health conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorders, inflammation and other ailments.
Another chemical compound found in cannabis which is somewhat unknown and not as often talked about as CBD is CBN or cannabinol.
Much like CBD, the less talked about CBN also plays many behind-the-scenes roles in treating certain health conditions like anxiety and sleep deprivation. But before we discuss the highest CBN strains, it’s noteworthy to understand what CBN actually is.
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What is CBN?
Cannabinol is just one of the over 100 different cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. While CBD and THC are probably the best-known and most commonly studied cannabinoids, CBN actually happens to be the first cannabinoid identified by scientists. All three of these cannabinoids, CBD, CBN and THC, have been under scientists’ radars for many decades now – not just due to their chemical composition but also to their effects on people.
CBN naturally occurs within a marijuana plant as it ages. And over time, when it is exposed to oxygen or heated, the THC in the plant converts to CBN. However, CBN can also be produced from the THC that’s extracted from the cannabis plant.
While you may be able to find several strains which strike an ideal balance of CBD and THC, you might find it difficult to get a hold of CBN-rich strains as easily.
This is because CBN is more or less an oxidised version of THC. For example, in strains where THC is over 30% in a dried marijuana flower, the CBN content is rarely more than 1%. And just so you know, the cannabinoid’s maturation process unfolds like this: from CBGA to THCA and then from CBNA to CBN.
So, to put it in a nutshell, the flower must go through multiple stages on and off the plant to produce CBN. But once this transformation has occurred, this cannabinoid can be quite possibly the best sleeping aid around. In fact, if we put this all into context, just a half dose of CBN can be nearly as effective as a full dose of Diazepam – and with none of the accompanying intoxicating effects, it should be noted.
Many connoisseurs claim that badly stored or old marijuana contains more CBN, which in theory, can provide more sedative effects. However, reasonably good CBN content does not necessarily mean that the flower you purchased is old, badly stored or not fresh. It simply means that the flower's finishing process was deliberately done to produce more CBN in the final product.
As of late, CBN has been garnering a lot of interest from the scientific community due to its potential for curing burns, psoriasis, and as an MRSA anti-bacterial, just to name a few. However, more research is required to justify all of its capabilities, both on its own and when combined with other cannabinoids. Because, for a fact, the entourage effect – a collaboration of a variety of cannabinoids – is far more beneficial than cannabinoids applied alone.
What are the Effects of CBN, and How Does it Work?
The chemical compounds in marijuana can exert many effects on the mind and body. One of the ways these effects take shape is through the human endocannabinoid system – a system that is directly responsible for regulating certain physiological processes and responses, such as mood, focus, appetite, pain perception, immune function and cognitive functions.
Cannabinoids can also influence how neurotransmitters and hormones work – they can also affect how cells function throughout the body.
While CBN shares a similar chemical profile with CBD, it also exerts many of the same effects on the body, such as improving sleep, reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
Benefits of High CBN Strains
Even though much of the research done on CBN so far is preliminary at best, it is very promising because CBN works pretty much along the same lines as CBD. And while the popularity of the latter continues to grow, it is important to understand what the initial scientific knowhow suggests in regards to CBN having major health benefits:
As a sedative
Studies have shown that CBN can act as a powerful sedative. An experiment on mice revealed that this cannabinoid can prolong total rest/sleep time. Furthermore, research also indicates that when CBN is combined with THC, its sedative effects can be amplified.
As an antibiotic
Research conducted just over a decade ago confirms that CBN can combat harmful bacteria. The study revealed that CBN and several other cannabinoids, including CBD, proved to be highly effective in treating MRSA – a bacterial infection that resists antibiotics.
As a pain reliever
Research has proven that CBN boasts pain relieving/analgesic properties and that it has the ability to influence neuron activity – specifically neurons sensitive to capsaicin.
Capsaicin is abundantly present in chilli peppers and an ingredient commonly found in topical pain relievers. Therefore, the capsaicin-sensitive nerves in our body play a critical role in pain perception and management.
As an anti-convulsant
It has been scientifically proven that one of CBD’s greatest benefits is its therapeutic ability to treat epilepsy. And even though its anti-convulsant properties may not be as strong as CBD, it still has a formidable ability to have similar properties – and therefore, its potential is not to be overlooked.
As an appetite stimulant
Perhaps this is the one area where CBN has significantly different effects than CBD. While the latter suppresses appetite, CBN appears to do the opposite. This might make it an excellent therapeutic option for people struggling to maintain a healthy appetite, either because of their genetic makeup or because of dealing with illnesses like cancer.
As an anti-cancer
Promising preliminary evidence indicates that CBN may have cancer-fighting properties. Certain cannabinoids, including CBN are currently being studied due to their potential role in slowing down and even stopping the growth of cancer cells. In one study, it was discovered that CBN was among the list of cannabinoids which reduced the size of tumours found in a specific form of lung cancer.
As a promoter of bone growth and healing
Some of the latest scientific research has revealed that cannabinoids such as CBN can stimulate new bone growth by encouraging stem cells to produce more bone cells. According to all the research thus far, CBN might also promote fractured bone healing and even help reverse bone loss.
The Highest CBN Strains
Bubble Gum (0.386%)
Initially developed in Indiana, Bubble Gum’s genetics have also migrated to Holland and New England. The 94’ Cannabis Cup winner is loved by medical marijuana users everywhere for its relaxing and carefree effects.
Patients of PTSD and depression find the CBN, CBC and THC mix very comforting. The strain is ideal for those who need relief in quick bursts due to the high THCV content, which means that the effects are instant and wear off faster than strains that don’t contain as much THCV.
Durban Poison (0.363%)
One of the most well-known sativas bred to date, Durban Poison is highly popular due to its uplifting effects and the way it energises medical cannabis users. In fact, many patients have reported feeling more sociable and less prone to anxiety after consuming this strain.
Duban Poison truly is among the top-of-the-line medical cannabis strains available today.
BlackBerry Auto (0.312%)
Blackberry Auto-flowering is an indica/ruderalis hybrid strain that combines Pakistani and Canadian genetics. It is primarily indica with a dash of ruderalis and sativa thrown in.
Thanks to its Pakistani genetic background Blackberry Auto-flowering produces loads of sticky resin with 20% THC and low CBD at 0.8%. Buds can turn lovely lilac and red shades. Its taste is sweet, fruity and spicy with berry and pine notes. The effect is first cerebral but becoming extremely relaxing.
Therapeutically recommended for glaucoma, nausea, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, back pain, PMS, arthritis, herpes, rheumatism, Sickle Cell anaemia, as an expectorant, stress, migraines, AIDS, tumours, and asthma.
Big Bang (0.284%)
Big Bang is a 70% indica cannabis strain that was bred by crossing Skunk, Northern Light and El Niño. It is a recognised medicinal variety that is available on prescription from Dutch pharmacies.
THC levels have been lab-tested at 19.8% with 0.12% CBD and 0.28% CBN. The effect of Big Bang is calming and relaxing. It is recommended therapeutically for pain relief as well as appetite stimulation.
References
https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/cannabis-strains-with-unique-cannabinoids
