What Is CBN in Gummies? Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve spent any time shopping for CBD gummies, you may have also noticed products containing CBN. Perhaps you thought it was a typo, but CBD and CBN are actually two different things. Wondering what’s the deal with CBN?

Let’s take a deeper look and see how CBN in gummies could benefit you.

What Is CBN?

Like CBD, CBN (cannabinol) is one of over a hundred cannabinoids that have been discovered within the cannabis plant. The most prominent difference between CBD and CBN is that CBN is a minor cannabinoid known for its calming properties. It is a gentle alternative to THC for those who want another option for sleep support and calming wellness. For this reason, CBN is often added alongside CBD, melatonin, THC, etc. to create products that support calm, sleep, and restful wellness.

How Is It Formed?

CBN develops naturally as THC in the cannabis plant ages and oxidizes (is exposed to air, light, and heat). This is why more CBN can be found in dry or aged cannabis. Unlike other cannabinoids like THC and CBD, the cannabis plant does not naturally produce CBN in significant quantities.

How CBN Works in the Body

Like other cannabinoids, CBN works through its influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is made up of naturally occurring endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that work together to promote homeostasis—a balanced state in the body.

CBN and the ECS

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) includes different types of cannabinoid receptors that regulate functions in the human body such as sleep, memory, immune function, and pain perception. 

Cannabinoids such as CBN are similar to those endocannabinoids naturally produced by the body. They are believed to help restore the body’s own endocannabinoids by influencing cannabinoid receptors—which are categorized as CB1 and CB2, and both play vital roles in the body. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain and central nervous system while CB2 receptors are dominant in the immune system. 

What does that mean, and why is it important?

Science suggests that CBN preferentially binds to CB2 receptors, and research supports some serious potential as a result.

Because of research suggesting CBN has little effect on the central nervous system, CBN does not generally cause intoxicating effects—either on its own or when paired with CBD. When combined with THC, however, CBN has shown to intensify the psychoactive effects of THC. In this way, CBN has the potential to support the best of both worlds.

The Entourage Effect

This phenomenon occurs when cannabinoids work together to promote balance in the body. As mentioned, CBN may act differently alone versus when paired with another cannabinoid like CBD or THC. For example, THC is known to produce psychoactive effects, while CBN generally does not. Combined, though, CBN boosts THC’s effects. Additionally, CBN added to CBD also increases the calming, sleep-supporting benefits of both cannabinoids. This is why you may see products that combine CBN with another cannabinoid—to create that perfect formula that boosts the ECS and creates desirable effects.

What Is CBN in Gummies Specifically?

CBN gummies are just what they sound like: edible gummies infused with CBN (and sometimes melatonin or other cannabinoids like CBD or THC). In a market that offers many formats such as tinctures, softgels, and salves, gummies are often the most popular way to enjoy the benefits of CBN and its cannabinoid counterparts. 

Gummies provide a tasty and convenient method to add CBN to your daily wellness routine. While softgels may seem boring, and salves and tinctures can be messy and involved, gummies are an easy way to get the precise serving that you’re looking for, while tasting delicious and requiring very little effort. For these reasons, CBN gummies are a favorite of many.

Potential Effects and Benefits of CBN Gummies

Restful Sleep

CBN may promote a restful night of sleep—allowing consumers to fall asleep and stay asleep in a healthy sleep cycle. This may be caused by the entourage effect—when cannabinoids such as CBN work together to contribute to feelings of rest and calm. CBN gummies can promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and reduce nighttime restlessness. Unlike other sleep products, CBN does not cause grogginess the next morning, either.

Healthy Appetite

Similar to THC, CBN may play a role in supporting a healthy appetite. Unlike THC, though, CBN does not produce strong psychoactive effects, so some people may prefer CBN instead if they are experiencing loss or reduction of appetite for various reasons. 

Healthy Joints and Muscles

Like CBD, CBN has the potential to support the health and recovery of muscles and joints, whether added to your daily wellness routine, or your exercise regimen. 

Relaxation and Stress Management

CBN’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood and stress responses, may contribute to feelings of relaxation and reduction of feelings of anxiety.

Are CBN Gummies Safe to Use?

The short answer is yes. But be sure to only purchase CBN gummies from a reputable company, such asJoy Organics, that manufactures their products with integrity. Be sure the company uses third-party testing and publishes the results so you can ensure the quality and potency of the products you’re using. Always make sure you know what you are putting into your body, and speak with a trusted physician if you have any concerns.

When taking CBN gummies for the first time, it’s recommended to begin with a small serving size according to product directions, and gradually increase the serving if needed. CBN gummies are often used before bedtime for their calming properties, but may also be used as desired. As with any product containing cannabinoids, start slow and go slow.

While research on CBN is still in its early stages, some studies suggest potential benefits and effects that can improve overall wellness. Contact a medical professional if you have any questions about medication interactions with CBN gummies.

CBN Gummies vs. Other Formats

CBN is available in many product formats, each a valid choice based on your preferences and needs. Many people prefer gummies or softgels for their convenience and ready availability, but tinctures and topicals (like salves or lotions) are also effective options.

Gummies

• Pros: Gummies come in tasty flavors and are fun to chew. They are discreet and portable, making them a great option to take with you on the go. The gummies come in automatic serving sizes which you can easily cut in half if needed or desired. They are easy to store as well.
• Cons: Since you need to chew and digest gummies, it takes slightly longer for the onset of CBN’s benefits compared with tinctures.

Tinctures

• Pros: Tinctures offer the ability to personalize or customize your serving size if you’re a more experienced customer, and also gives you the ability to mix a tincture (flavored or unflavored) with food or drink for some tasty combinations. Because you simply squeeze a dropperful into your mouth, tinctures offer quick absorption and faster onset of effects.
• Cons: Tinctures can be more delicate to store (often needing to be kept out of sunlight and upright to avoid leaks. This may make them more difficult to travel with or use in public situations. While the customizable serving size is a benefit to an experienced customer, a newbie may find it difficult to make precise servings like a softgel or gummies.

Topicals

• Pros: Salves and lotions are relaxing and soothing, and often moisturizing. They allow CBN to work directly where applied, providing localized support for muscles, joints, and skin. For those who prefer not to take ingestibles, topicals stay at the surface level; they interact with receptors in the skin rather than entering the bloodstream.
• Cons: Lotions and salves can be messy both in application and storage if not closed properly. This makes them a less convenient option for travel or portability. Because the CBN in topicals doesn’t circulate through the bloodstream, they aren’t effective for whole-body benefits like supporting healthy sleep cycles.

Softgels

• Pros: Softgels are easy to swallow and to add to your daily wellness routine. They are portable, convenient, and discreet. They offer fast absorption and are tasteless for those who don’t prefer the flavors or textures of gummies. They also offer precise serving sizes like gummies.
• Cons: Softgel capsules may be considered more “boring” than flavorful gummies, and some people may dislike to–or have difficulty–swallowing them.

How to Use CBN Gummies

Gummies are a discreet, convenient, and portable way to enjoy the potential benefits of CBN. No need to worry about serving size like a tincture, or the mess of a lotion or salve. CBN gummies are easy to transport in a tote or gym bag, or keep handy in your home. Simply pop in your mouth, chew, and enjoy the potential benefits! 

Now What?

Hopefully this information has cleared up some of the confusion surrounding CBN and explained how this cannabinoid might be a beneficial choice for you. Once you know how CBN works together with other cannabinoids like CBD and THC to support calm, sleep, and wellness, it’s easy to see why many people choose to try it. Then, when you consider the tasty benefits of a gummy format, trying CBN gummies from a safe and reputable manufacturer is practically a no-brainer! Add them to your wellness routine for an easy and delicious way to experience all that CBN has to offer.