CBN may be one of the newest cannabinoid buzzwords on the block, but it has actually been floating around even longer than its more well-known family members, CBD and THC.

CBN was the first naturally occurring cannabinoid to be isolated in its pure form back in 1896. But what is CBN and why should you care?

CBN is included in Receptra’s Serious Rest CBD for Sleep Gummies and we want you to understand that the ingredients we choose are more than just trendy. What is CBN? Well, here is our answer. It may be a little long. It may be a little sciency, but it’s totally ok to nerd out now and then. Plus, you never know when you will need to awe someone with random facts about CBN and other cannabinoids.

The Endocannabinoid System and You

There are over 100 known cannabinoids in the hemp plant, all of which have different interactions with receptors in the body. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Every living thing with vertebrae (that includes you and most of your pets) has an ECS. This system serves the general purpose of restoring and maintaining homeostasis, which means balance in the body.

CB1 and CB2 are the primary receptors in the ECS and each cannabinoid has a unique interaction with them. It is also worth noting that terpenes, fatty acids, flavonoids and other plant compounds (phytocannabinoids) also interact with these receptors and together they incite synergistic reactions known as the entourage effect.

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is a factor in the effectiveness of cannabinoids such as CBD and CBN, which perform their best work with the help of other compounds. When all of the compounds are allowed to remain intact, this is called full-spectrum hemp extract. Broad-spectrum hemp products are similar, but do not include THC and often used by people with employment concerns over THC use. Isolate CBD products contain only the CBD molecule and have been shown less-effective when compared to full or broad-spectrum CBD.

What is CBN?

CBD and CBN, though both cannabinoids are fundamentally two separate molecules that have very different origin stories. While hemp plants and high-CBD marijuana strains may purposefully contain high levels of CBD, the level of CBN contained in the plant depends on the amount of heat and light the live or harvested plant has been exposed to and its age. This is because CBN is a byproduct of the action of existing cannabinoids such as CBG and THC exposed to light and heat. In technical terms, CBN is a product of oxidation or degradation.

How does CBN work?

There is still a lot of research to be done regarding the exact functional mechanisms of CBN. Research has consistently shown CBN to be more effective when combined with other cannabinoids in full-spectrum hemp extract because the entourage effect is a factor.

Much like some of its parent molecules, CBN has a greater binding affinity for the CB2 receptor than the CB1 receptor. Lab tests show that CBN acts as an agonist at the CB1 receptors, but with about one-tenth of the strength of THC, which is why it has no notable negative psychoactive effects.

Receptra Serious Rest CBD Gummies for Sleep contain three milligrams of CBN in each gummy along with twenty-five milligrams of CBD.

How does CBN impact sleep?

CBN for sleep has been researched since the early 1970s, but as many know, funding for cannabis research has not always been readily available. The recent re-surfacing of CBN as a player in the world of natural health has been very encouraging for those searching for sedative effects without intoxication.

When the brain is overwhelmed by stress, the two-way communication system of endocannabinoid receptors allows for cells to talk to each other and find a way to quiet the mind and achieve balance or a baseline stress level. Reducing anxious thoughts could be a big factor in achieving sleep. The addition of CBD and CBN in the body can assist in this calming action.

CBN appears to influence the activity of neurons that are sensitive to capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers, and an ingredient added to many topical pain relievers. These capsaicin-sensitive nerves are important to the body’s pain signaling and perception. Ease of discomfort may be an additional factor that helps in getting a better night’s rest.

Interesting facts about CBN

• - CBN is generally more effective with full-spectrum hemp extract
  
• - CBN is one of over 100 known cannabinoids in the hemp plant
  
• - CBN has similar neuroprotective properties as CBD
  
• - CBN is a non-intoxicating byproduct of oxidized cannabinoids
  
• - CBN may have sedative and pain-relieving properties when used in conjunction with other cannabinoids