CBN — cannabinol for better sleep
CBN is what you smell when old weed smells like 'hay loft'. Born from degraded THC — today a sought-after sleep compound.
CBN forms via oxidation and aging of THC. Only very mildly psychoactive (~10% of THC's potency) but the most sedating legal cannabinoid. Typical dose: 2.5–10 mg before bed, often combined with CBD and melatonin.
What is CBN?
CBN = cannabinol. Not a direct plant product but a THC derivative from oxygen, light and time. Old, badly stored flower often contains more CBN than fresh.
Structurally close to THC but loses CB1 'punch'. What remains is a body-relaxing profile.
Sedating or myth?
Evidence still thin but growing. 2023 pilot (n=20): improved sleep at 20 mg CBN vs placebo. Anecdotal: 'heavy body, empty head' — perfect before bed.
Effect strongly amplified with CBD (5–10x more CBD) or terpenes like myrcene/linalool.
Dose & products
Start: 2.5–5 mg CBN. Step up: 5–10 mg. Beyond 20 mg rarely adds benefit, can cause morning grogginess.
Typical products: CBN isolate drops, CBN+CBD sleep tinctures (1:5), CBN gummies. CBN-rich vapes/flower: rare.
CBN vs CBD for sleep
CBD: anti-stress → eases falling asleep when thoughts spiral.
CBN: sedating → helps sleep deep and heavy.
FAQ
Is CBN psychoactive?
Very mildly — ~10% the strength of THC. At sleep doses: no high.
Morning grogginess?
Rare at ≤10 mg, possible at 20+ mg.
Is CBN bad because it's degraded THC?
No. Different effect, not 'bad'.
Legal in Switzerland?
Yes, if final product is < 1% total THC.
CBN + melatonin?
Very common. Mechanisms complement. Start low.