CBN for Pain Relief

CBD and THC are not the only chemical compounds in cannabis that offer therapeutic benefits for those who struggle with chronic pain. CBN is a minor cannabinoid that’s getting more attention for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Compared to traditional pain medications, which can have a range of side effects, CBN is a well-tolerated, non-addictive substance that can help alleviate pain and improve overall wellness. Whether you deal with chronic pain disorders or inflammatory diseases, CBN could offer you the relief you need.

What is CBN?

Cannabidiol (CBN) is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis). It is formed from the degradation process of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the most well-known psychoactive cannabinoid in the plant. When THC dries and ages, CBN is formed. Though CBN’s effects are not as well studied as cannabidiol (CBD) and THC, it is still believed to have potential benefits like appetite stimulation, improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and pain and inflammation relief.

Even though it is a byproduct of THC, CBN lacks the psychoactivity of Delta 9 THC.

Our vegan CBN gummies are made with 5 mg of CBN per dose, extracted from high-quality 100% American hemp. Packed with all-natural strawberry flavors, these CBN products are just the thing to calm your racing mind without experiencing psychoactive effects.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling system in the body that regulates physiological processes like sleep, mood, learning, memory, concentration, pain regulation, and immune responses. The ECS consists of neurotransmitters and two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2.

CB1 and CB2 Receptors

CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and nervous system. These receptors are known for offering pain relief, mood regulation, and appetite stimulation.

CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system and other peripheral tissues. These receptors are known for reducing inflammation by decreasing the activation of immune cells that contribute to pain.

Both the CB1 and CB2 receptors are also found in bone tissue to help reduce bone loss and form new bone tissue.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that assist in communication between cells. Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are two primary neurotransmitters in this system, and they are known as endocannabinoids, a neurotransmitter subset specifically related to the ECS. These endocannabinoids are produced on demand and travel to receptors to activate them.

Anandamide is informally called the “bliss molecule” because it activates CB1 receptors in the brain to promote happiness and relaxation. This endocannabinoid regulates mood, appetite, pain perception, and neurogenesis in the body. 2-AG activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors. This means 2-AG can play the same role as anandamide for the ECS, but its connection with the CB2 receptors offers added effects. 2-AG binds with CB2 receptors to regulate immune function and inflammation.

Dopamine and serotonin are also neurotransmitters involved in the ECS. CB1 receptors are known to regulate dopamine and serotonin levels, contributing to the treatment of pain, anxiety, and depression. Other, lesser-known, neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA also play a role in the ECS. Glutamate is closely involved with learning and memory. GABA helps regulate anxiety and mood.

The ECS and Cannabis

The ECS is a crucial component in cannabis use. Endocannabinoids have a similar chemical structure to cannabinoids (including CBN) found in cannabis. Cannabinoids can interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors just like endocannabinoids do.

How Does CBN Offer Pain Relief?

Research suggests that CBN has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. CBN binds directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS to subside pain and inflammation and help maintain homeostasis in the body.

CBN for Inflammation

CBN has a high affinity for CB2 receptors, meaning it has strong effects on reducing inflammation and balancing the body’s immune responses. When CBN binds to a CB2 receptor, it regulates the release of cytokines, which are proteins that control inflammation. This makes CBN a potential analgesic treatment for joint pain and inflammatory medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.

CBN for ALS

A clinical trial on animals determined that CBN benefits the treatment of health conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The benefits of CBN’s neuroprotective properties could protect brain cells from damage and cell death caused by this neurodegenerative disease. CBN also modulates inflammation and relieves pain caused by ALS.

CBN for Myofascial Pain

A study entitled “Cannabidiol, cannabinol, and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain” concluded that consuming CBN could help people with myofascial pain syndrome. When CBN binds to CB1 receptors, it can decrease the transmission of pain signals. This makes the pain feel less intense and more manageable, especially for those with muscle, joint, and bone discomfort. Studies have shown that cannabinoids could also promote bone cell healing.

CBN for Cancer-Related Pain and Discomfort

People undergoing cancer treatments typically experience significant physical and emotional pain. Intense pain and discomfort often impact mental health and overall well-being. CBN appears to interact to regulate dopamine and serotonin levels, which can reduce one’s perception of pain and calm the body from pain-related stressors.

There is also evidence that CBN is helpful to stimulate the appetite of people who experience weight loss due to chemotherapy. Animal studies offer evidence CBN and other cannabinoids were also effective in inhibiting tumor growth in mice with breast cancer.

CBN for Pain-Related Sleep Issues

People with chronic pain and inflammatory conditions are prone to struggle with sleep. CBN’s potential health benefits also include sedative effects. Using CBN as a sleep aid could be a healthier alternative to prescribed sleeping pills with long-term risks and side effects. Scientific research on the potential benefits of CBN on sleep in an isolated form requires additional information and studies. So far, studies show that taking CBN and other cannabinoids together is the most effective way to improve sleep. Read our guide to dosing CBN for sleep to learn more.

How Do You Take CBN for Pain?

There are many ways you can buy CBN products for pain relief. Deciding which to take is mostly a matter of preference, though your tolerance to certain products and their added ingredients could impact your choice.

Oils and Tinctures

CBN oils and tinctures are liquid extracts people take by placing a droplet under their tongue. Taking CBN sublingually absorbs in the bloodstream in as little as 10 minutes.

Lotions and Creams

People can also buy CBN lotions, balms, and creams to help treat topical pain. These are applied directly to the skin for fast-acting, localized pain relief.

Capsules and Pills

CBN products like capsules and pills are a convenient, taste-free way to relieve pain. Capsules go through a digestive process before reaching the bloodstream. Onset could take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

If you struggle with pain-related sleep issues, try our extra-strength sleep drops. These nano-infused gel capsules are made with natural ingredients and fully organic, terpene-rich hemp extracts.

Edibles

Edible products like gummies and chocolates are the most popular way to consume CBN and other cannabis compounds. Like capsules, edibles could take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to feel their effects.

Our collection of vegan CBD gummies are third-party lab tested for quality assurance and are legal in all 50 US states according to the 2018 Farm Bill.

Dosing CBN

To achieve the health benefits of CBN, you want to start with a low dose (less than 10 mg) and gradually increase it if need be. This will help you avoid any side effects of CBN like dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea that could occur when taking too much.

Is CBN Legal?

After the 2018 Farm Bill created a legal distinction between hemp and marijuana, hemp-derived cannabis products became federally legal. Hemp refers to a cannabis product that has no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Marijuana refers to cannabis that has more than 0.3% THC by dry weight and is still considered a controlled substance under federal law.

Is CBN or CBD Better for Pain Relief?

CBD and CBN both offer benefits for pain and inflammation relief. Like CBN, medically reviewed animal studies indicate that CBD benefits myofascial pain. Research also shows that CBD oil benefits people with joint pain and inflammation.

CBD offers health benefits for pain in a slightly different way than CBN because it does not bind directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. The benefits of CBD are achieved through a more indirect function, meaning CBD is known to antagonize receptors without making direct contact. But that doesn’t make it any less of a potent substance.

Deciding on CBD vs. CBN depends on the type of pain you’re experiencing, your genetic history, and your current health. People may feel more comfortable using CBD products over CBN because CBD is more well-researched regarding its positive impact on pain. Extensive studies about the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD provide evidence that it is an influential, well-tolerated substance even in high doses.

If you’re unsure about whether CBD or CBN is right for you, consider how taking the two cannabinoids together could be useful. Broad-spectrum CBD products will contain a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in cannabis, without the presence of THC.

Try our sleep gummies with a broad-spectrum blend of CBD and 5 mg of CBN in tasty strawberry flavors. We’ve also added 3 mg of melatonin to ensure you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. If you’re looking for more high-quality edibles for sleep, check out our melatonin gummies for adults.

Is CBN or THC Better for Pain Relief?

Though THC is most known for its powerful sedative properties and antidepressant effects, it can also relieve pain in similar ways to CBN. Animal studies show that THC and other cannabinoids can suppress pain in several ways, most notably by blocking peripheral nerve pain. A medical review noted that THC could relieve neuropathic and arthritic pain. Like CBN, THC reduces inflammation by reducing cytokine production in the body. THC’s interactions with dopamine are known to stimulate the release of this neurotransmitter to alter pain perception and regulate mood.

THC also binds directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. When THC interacts with the CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, altered perception and impaired coordination could occur. The intensity of this effect makes THC the major psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.

That’s why people choose to microdose THC. This is a practice of taking ultra-low doses of THC so you can reap the benefits of the cannabinoid without feeling high. Just 5 mg of THC could offer mild euphoria but will not cross a threshold of feeling cognitively impaired or intoxicated.

If you’re thinking about microdosing THC for pain, you’ve got to check out our collection of Delta 9 THC edibles. All of our Delta 9 THC products contain THC in low doses and are made with 100% federally legal hemp.

Research suggests that taking THC, CBN, and other cannabinoids together is the best way to achieve pain relief. This whole-plant medicinal concept is known as the entourage effect, a theory that cannabis compounds work together synergistically to offer enhanced benefits.

One can achieve the benefits of the entourage effect by taking a full-spectrum CBD product that includes CBD and THC along with other cannabinoids (like CBN), terpenes, and flavonoids. Taking CBD and THC together is also useful because CBD is known to downregulate THC, making it a more tolerable substance for users.

Shop our full-spectrum CBD gummies for high-quality edible hemp products. Whether getting an uplifting boost for your day with our Energy Delta 9 THC gummies or getting comfy on the couch in the evening with our Relax Plus gummies, our gluten-free, non-GMO edibles ensure you reliable dosing and full transparency about our quality ingredients.

Citations:

• Endocannabinoid system dysfunction in mood and related disorders - PubMed. (2011, October 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.2011.01687.x
• Rodrigues, R. S., Lourenço, D. M., Paulo, S. L., Mateus, J. M., Ferreira, M. F., Mouro, F. M., Moreira, J. B., Ribeiro, F. F., Sebastião, A. M., & Xapelli, S. (2019, April 5). Cannabinoid Actions on Neural Stem Cells: Implications for Pathophysiology. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24071350
• Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems: A Clinical Review - PubMed. (2015, June 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2015.6199
• Mack, A., & Joy, J. (2000, January 1). MARIJUANA AND PAIN - Marijuana as Medicine? - NCBI Bookshelf. MARIJUANA AND PAIN - Marijuana as Medicine? - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224384/#:~:text=Peripheral%20nerves%20that%20detect%20pain,suppress%20pain%20through%20different%20mechanisms.
• Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019, December 25). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021
• CBD for the treatment of pain: What is the evidence? (2020, July 4). CBD For the Treatment of Pain: What Is the Evidence? - ScienceDirect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2020.06.009
• Cannabidiol has therapeutic potential for myofascial pain in female and male parkinsonian rats - PubMed. (2021, September 15). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108700
• Farm Bill. (n.d.). Farm Bill | USDA. https://www.usda.gov/farmbill
• Cannabinol and Sleep: Separating Fact from Fiction - PubMed. (2021, October 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0006
• Almeida, C. F., Teixeira, N., Correia-da-Silva, G., & Amaral, C. (2021, December 28). Cannabinoids in Breast Cancer: Differential Susceptibility According to Subtype. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010156
• Cannabinol and cannabidiol exert opposing effects on rat feeding patterns - PubMed. (2012, September 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-012-2697-x
• The Cannabinoids Effect on Bone Formation and Bone Healing - PubMed. (2020, October 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-020-00607-1
• Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain - PubMed. (2019, August 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.05.028
• Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain - PubMed. (2019, August 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.05.028
• Anthony, A. T., Rahmat, S., Sangle, P., Sandhu, O., & Khan, S. (2020, September 14). Cannabinoid Receptors and Their Relationship With Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.10436

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