Medical research has identifIed 113 cannabinoids existing in the cannabis plant and of these cannabinoids, less than ten of them have been subject to any substantial scientific study. CBD and THC have received the lion’s share of research attention and clinical studies have shown many ways that these two cannabinoids work with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) and improve our health. Cannabinoids supplement our endogenous cannabinoids in their role addressing systemic imbalances, relieving inflammation, nausea, depression, anxiety, pain and appetite issues as well as acting as an anti-cancer and anti-bacterial agent.

Positive research results and scientific endorsement validate and give credibility to emerging cannabinoid therapies while also stimulating much needed investment in clinical studies. Alongside THC and CBD there has been growing interest in other cannabinoids: CBG, CBN and THCV are three whose medical benefits have been noted. This trio are all non-psychoactive and each one has developed a distinct reputation for particular therapeutic qualities.

CBN was the very first cannabinoid to be isolated in 1899 but it was a hundred years later when cannabis medicine returned to medical legitimacy that CBN emerged as an effective sleep aid.

As we have learned there are many cannabinoids present in cannabis, a full spectrum extraction is understood to bring an entourage effect of cannabinoids that are present, not just the most plentiful constituents.

CBN is always a low-occuring cannabinoid in any cannabis strain but CBN benefits from being produced in two unique ways in the plant. The first route to CBN is through naturally occurring CBNA, (Cannabinolic Acid) when processed with heat (decarboxylation) it becomes CBN. The second path to CBN occurs as THC-rich cannabis oxidizes, as the dry plant matter ages the THC loses its psychoactivity and turns into CBN.

When CBN is utilized as a sleep aid it is generally blended with CBD or THC, sometimes with both. The logic behind these synergistic blends lies in the benefits of combining cannabinoids for soporific effect. CBD, as an anti-anxiety agent, amplifies the sedative effect when partnered with the profile of CBN. Likewise, the addition of a low ratio of THC to CBN enables relaxation and drowsiness, reinforcing the sleep benefits of CBN.

Cannabis practitioners speculate that the presence of the terpenes beta-caryophyllene and myrcene in CBN bolsters its sleep-inducing profile. Beta-Caryophyllene is the only known terpene that acts directly with CB2 receptors in the same way as a cannabinoid while Myrcene’s relaxed drowsy reputation is based on an affinity with an opioid receptor.

CBN-rich tincture will combine well with herbal sleep aids, chamomile tea, valerian tea or a sleepytime blend. Melatonin is also popular for sleep issues and particularly noted for adjusting the body to return to the correct circadian rhythm after traveling. Often a combination of sleep aids works best, taking tincture in a herbal tea is my double action solution!

Synergy offers CBN in combination with CBD (#220 3:1 CBD:CBN) and CBN with THC (#210 1:1 THC:CBN) in both oil-based and alcohol tincture. When either falling asleep, light-sleeping or difficulty staying asleep is the issue we suggest top-up doses, so keeping tincture and water at the bedside is recommended. If you can make a note of your dosages you’ll be able to figure out exactly what your body needs to get some good sleep!