While undeniably relegated to second place by CBD, CBN is gradually finding its audience, particularly among people suffering from insomnia, REM sleep disorders and chronic stress.
This cannabinoid, more potent than CBD, will bring you its soothing and relaxing virtues, anti-inflammatory effect, pain-relieving properties and mildly sedative action. We tell you all about it in this comprehensive guide!
What is CBN?
Cannabinol, or CBN, is a cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant, particularly the Cannabis Indica and Cannabis L. Sativa strains.
Less well known than cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBN has a distinctive feature that sets it apart from the hemp plant's other cannabinoids: it develops mainly in aged cannabis!
If you manage your own crops, don't expect to extract it from a fresh plant, as it is formed by the breakdown of THC when cannabis is exposed to light and heat over a long period of time.
The difference between CBN, CBD and THC
Before detailing the main differences in chemical structure, let's make one thing clear: THC is psychotropic and addictive, and therefore alters your cognitive abilities while inducing a cascade of side effects (paranoia, anxiety, euphoria, altered sensory perception, etc.). CBN and CBD are neither psychotropic nor addictive. So much for the disclaimer.
Let's take a look at the chemical structure, and what it means in terms of effects on the body. While THC, CBD and CBN all come from the cannabis plant, there are DECISIVE differences between them:
THC | CBD | CBN | |
Chemical structure | THC has a cyclic structure with an aromatic ring and an ether group that enables it to bind strongly to CB1 receptors located mainly in the brain. | Although similar to THC in its basic structure, CBD has a different configuration that prevents strong binding to CB1 receptors. It is distinguished by the absence of the closed cyclic chain present in THC. | CBN is a breakdown product of THC. As THC ages through exposure to oxygen and light, it undergoes oxidation which transforms its structure, giving it less affinity for CB1 receptors. |
Interaction and effects | This binding leads to marked psychoactive effects: euphoria, altered sensory perception, paranoia... THC can also interact with other receptors modulating pain, appetite and other physiological functions. | This structural difference makes CBD non-psychoactive. Instead, it interacts with serotonergic and vanilloid receptors, giving it anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and pain-relieving properties. | This structural modification eliminates the psychoactive effect. CBN interacts weakly with CB1 receptors, producing relaxing and mildly sedative effects, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. |
Is CBN legal in France?
Short answer: yes, CBN is legal in France, as it is not intrinsically psychotropic. All CBD products offered by 321CBD are 100% compliant with current legislation and ANSM hygiene standards.
In detail, French legislation on cannabinoids is based on the concentration of THC, which remains the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
It won't have escaped your notice: cannabis and its derivatives containing THC are illegal in France. CBD products, on the other hand, are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. This limit applies to the whole plant and to all derivatives, including those containing CBN.
So, if CBN is extracted from cannabis or hemp varieties respecting this THC limit, its use and marketing are perfectly legal.
How to choose quality CBN?
Along with CBD, CBC and CBG, CBN is one of the cannabinoids attracting the most interest from consumers who want to improve their daily quality of life.
With its mild sedative effect and analgesic action, CBN can complement your CBD intake to soothe chronic pain, neutralize recalcitrant stress and relieve inflammation... as long as you choose your product carefully!
Selection criteria for your CBN products
The 321CBD team has compiled a list of criteria to consider when choosing your CBN products:
Which CBN product format should I choose?
CBN oils enable precise intake and controlled dosage. They can be taken sublingually, for rapid, almost immediate effects, or orally, for a gradual, long-lasting effect.
CBN-rich hemp flowers are more suitable for those who prefer vaporization. Effects are rapid, as with the sublingual method.
Assessing the quality of CBN products
Look for test reports from third-party laboratories. They should indicate not only the concentration of CBN, but also the absence of contaminants and harmful products. Please contact us if you have any questions about our CBN products.
Whenever possible, opt for CBN products made from hemp grown organically, without pesticides or, at the very least, from a producer recognized for its virtuous practices. The quality of the hemp plant directly influences the quality of the CBN extracted from it.
The CBN extraction method
Choose products that have undergone so-called "clean" extraction methods, such as CO2 supercritical extraction, which guarantees maximum CBN purity, with no potentially toxic residues.
THC content of CBN product
Ensure that the CBN product contains less than 0.3% THC, in compliance with French regulations.
Packaging and storage of CBN products
Opt for properly packaged and stored products to preserve CBN stability. Opaque, airtight packaging is preferable to protect the product from light and air. Note: if you wish to remain discreet about your consumption of legal hemp products, make sure your supplier delivers in unmarked packaging. This is the case with 321CBD. There's nothing to suggest a hemp product in the packaging.
Cannabinoid spectrum of the CBN product
Is it a full-spectrum CBN product, a broad-spectrum CBN product or a CBN isolate? Full-spectrum products contain other beneficial, non-psychotropic cannabinoids, as well as terpenes which may contribute to the "entourage" effect. In other words, the product's virtues are enhanced tenfold.
Understanding CBN labels and concentrations
Caution: CBN is more potent than CBD. We are therefore not on the same order of magnitude when it comes to concentration.
Low concentration (less than 2%): suitable for beginners or those seeking very mild relief. This is a good starting point for observing how your body reacts to CBN for the first time;
Medium concentration (3 - 5%): suitable for regular use and moderate pain or anxiety management needs;
High concentration (6% and over): recommended for those with prior experience with cannabinoids, especially full-spectrum CBD products, or with more demanding needs (chronic pain, insomnia, omnipresent stress, etc.).
The percentage indicated on the label represents the quantity of CBN in relation to the total volume of the product. For example, a 5% CBN oil means that this cannabinoid represents 5% of the contents of the bottle. In a 10 ml bottle, this would be equivalent to 500 mg of CBN.
Dosage can also be expressed per drop. For example, if a 10 ml bottle contains 200 drops, and the total concentration of CBN is 500 mg, each drop will contain approximately 2.5 mg of CBN.
For solid products such as capsules, the concentration is generally indicated per unit. For example, one capsule may contain 10 mg of CBN.
What are the best CBN products on the market?
Naturally, CBN is much less present in the hemp product offering in France, as it is demanded by experienced consumers who wish to supplement their CBD consumption. However, here are the most prominent CBN products in France.
The most popular CBD flowers in France
OG Kush, Snow White and Zkittlez are the hemp varieties most consumed by CBN enthusiasts:
OG Kush CBN (hydroponically grown) - 12% CBN, 6% CBD. This variety is bursting with CBN, with marked soothing and relaxing effects;
Snow White CBN (grown in Greenhouse) - 14% CBN, 9% CBD. This Cannabis L. Sativa-dominant (90%) strain has an energizing effect. It will sharpen your cognitive performance. You're sure to appreciate its woody, spicy and tangy flavours;
Cream Caramel CBN (indoor grown) - 10% CBN, 7% CBD. A fine balance of CBN and CBD;
Mini Bud Lemon CBN (indoor grown) - 10% CBN. This variety offers an intense aromatic experience thanks to natural terpene processing;
Zkittlez (hydroponically grown) - 11.7% CBN. Rich in CBN, this hybrid cannabis variety shines with its sweet, fruity flavours.
CBN oils and resins most popular with consumers
Euphoria 5% CBN oil. This European-made oil contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Balanced and tasty (natural hemp flavor), it can be taken sublingually or used to season your dishes;
Zen CBD and CBN oil from Greeneo. As the name suggests, this cannabinoid-packed oil has been developed for those who have trouble falling asleep;
CBN Pause Absolue 10% oil from ByStilla. This elixir of well-being and rejuvenation concentrates soothing virtues, anti-inflammatory properties and pain-relieving effects, and unfurls fruity flavors of fresh orange and lemon;
ByStilla's Détente Suprême 10% CBN oil. Made in France, this concentrated CBN oil helps you manage stress, fight insomnia and relieve muscular pain and inflammation;
Black Mamba hemp resin combines all the non-psychotropic components of cannabis, including 10% CBN for a total cannabinoid content of 51%.
Where can I buy cheap, quality CBN?
Convinced by the benefits of CBN in your daily life, would you like to stock up and experience its virtues for yourself?
Reliable online stores to buy CBN
The French craze for CBD products has stimulated supply, particularly on the internet, with the advantage of healthy competition and embarrassment of choice for the consumer, but also the disadvantage of the emergence of dubious suppliers with untraceable products.
At 321CBD, we have a golden rule that has guided our business since our creation: we only offer products that are traceable, rigorously tested and 100% compliant with current regulations and hygiene standards. Better still, we refuse to exploit the grey areas of the law. Indeed, we have never offered, and will never offer, synthetic cannabinoids that are poorly understood or little studied, even if their commercial potential is tempting.
So you can buy CBN products from us with peace of mind.
Special offers and promotions on CBN
In addition to this guarantee of quality and traceability, we offer you the best market price on a large part of our hemp products catalog. On the menu:
Free delivery of your CBN products, with no minimum purchase, within 24 to 48 hours;
10% on your first order and 10% cashback on all your orders (find out more about our loyalty program);
A very advantageous referral system, with 5% cashback on your sponsored child's orders and €10 in gifts;
You have 14 working days from delivery of your order to return a product or a complete order.
Use and benefits of CBN
Like CBD, CBN interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, helping to regulate a number of physiological functions such as sleep, pain sensation, inflammation, sleep and mood.
What are the benefits of CBN?
Research into CBN is relatively recent, and the scientific literature on this cannabinoid is less extensive than for CBD and THC. However, a number of virtues have been revealed since the late 1990s, starting with its soothing and relaxing properties, which are superior to those of CBD. CBN :
Improves the quality and quantity of your sleep, especially if you suffer from insomnia or REM sleep disorders (nocturnal verbalization, inopportune awakenings, muscle spasms...);
Helps relieve stress and anxiety, whether chronic or associated with social situations.
Like CBD, CBN is an excellent anti-inflammatory, making it an interesting molecule for relieving muscle and joint inflammation. In fact, full-spectrum hemp products are increasingly recommended for the treatment of certain inflammatory skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema) and joint diseases (rheumatoid arthritis).
Other properties are strongly suspected, but require further study. These include appetite stimulation, antibacterial properties (notably on strains resistant to the usual antibiotics), and neuroprotective effects, notably in protecting nerve cells against degeneration.
Directions for use and dosage of CBN
The use and dosage of CBN vary according to your profile and the reasons for taking it.
Start with a low dose, even if you're a regular CBD user: 2.5 to 5 mg of CBN will do for the first week. This cautious approach allows you to observe how your body reacts to this cannabinoid to identify the minimum effective dose.
If the initial dose is well tolerated and the desired effects are not achieved, the dose can be increased gradually, in increments of 2.5 mg to 5 mg every two weeks, until the desired effect is achieved.
If you're taking CBN to improve the quality of your sleep, you'll probably need to reach higher doses, around 25 mg, about an hour before bedtime.
For pain or anxiety management, dosage depends on the intensity of symptoms. Moderate doses of 10 to 20 mg are generally recommended.
Please note: physiological factors such as body weight, metabolism and cannabinoid sensitivity determine the optimal dose. People with a higher body weight or slower metabolism will need more CBN.
These recommendations are indicative and may vary according to the concentration of the CBN product used. Always check the product label for specific dosage instructions.
Customer reviews and experiences with CBN
CBN is probably the second most widely used cannabinoid after CBD for improving sleep quality and quantity.
Here, a consumer reports longer, better quality deep sleep after consuming 7.5 mg CBN and 20 mg CBD, with SWS tracking.
In this thread, you'll find numerous testimonials and feedback on the CBD + CBN combo to improve the sleep cycle. Other consumer reviews can be found here and here.
As you can see, CBN has found its audience in the USA among people who suffer from sleep disorders.
Delivery and customer support for your CBN purchases
Would you like to order CBN from our online store? Nothing could be simpler. Explore our different product categories, choose the part number and quantity and proceed to checkout. Not sure which CBN flower or oil to choose? Don't hesitate to contact us by phone (free call). Our advisors will be delighted to help you.
Packages are dispatched the same day if your order is placed before noon, or the following day. Your CBN flower or oil will be shipped via DPD, Colissimo or GLS with tracking number. Click here for more details on delivery and return conditions.
FAQ about buying CBN
What is CBN?
CBN, or cannabinol, is a cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant. It is generally formed by the breakdown of THC as the plant ages. But unlike THC, CBN is not psychoactive.
Is CBN legal?
In France, products containing CBN are legal as long as they comply with the THC limits set by law (less than 0.3% THC).
What are the benefits of CBN?
CBN helps improve sleep, has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and antibacterial properties.
How to use CBN
CBN can be consumed in a variety of forms, including oils, capsules, flowers and topicals. We recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it as the body responds.
Where can I buy CBN?
CBN is available in online stores specializing in cannabinoid products, such as 321CBD, as well as in some physical stores. Always choose products from reliable sources, and check laboratory certificates of analysis to ensure quality and composition.
Does CBN have side effects?
Although CBN is generally well tolerated, it can cause mild side effects, including drowsiness. Avoid driving after taking CBN.
