What are the Effects, Differences, and Benefits of: Cannabinoids, Terpenes and the endocannabinoid system?
And why should I care about it? This guide will walk you through in detail why it is the cannabinoid you should know all about.
CBN is a cannabinoid that has only recently become part of the bigger cannabinoid conversation. As research into CBN’s potential therapeutic uses increases, the excitement around its purported benefits grow.
Cannabinoids are a structurally diverse class of chemicals found in cannabis and hemp. At current count, there appears to be over 120+ unique cannabinoid compounds that can be isolated and each molecule can have different physiological effects on people. One of the most well know Cannabinoids is THC (Delta 9-THC or Delta 8-THC) which produces the psychoactive effects which are widely associated with cannabis. However, CBD (cannabidiol), another widely discussed and studied Cannabinoid that is abundant in hemp, does not elicit a psychotropic effect. Today we will be focused on discussing CBD and an exciting but less know cannabinoid, CBN.
CBD is the major cannabinoid found in hemp. The molecule has proven to be an effective treatment for seizures and is the main component in Epidiolex, a drug approved for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy. In addition to its anit-seizure properties, early research has indicated CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties. CBD is being widely talked about it and in April of last year, 6.4 million “CBD” Google searches took place in just one month! This April one of the top search results was “best cbd oil” indicating that the consumers interest in CBD remains high. which produces the psychoactive effects which are widely associated with cannabis. However, CBD (cannabidiol), another widely discussed and studied Cannabinoid that is abundant in hemp, does not elicit a psychotropic effect. Today we will be focused on discussing CBD and an exciting but less know cannabinoid, CBN.
CBN, or Cannabinol, is a non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid produced at low levels in both cannabis and hemp plants. CBN is formed from the degradation of THC as plants age. Similar to other cannabinoids, CBN binds to the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 which are found throughout our bodies, and has also been shown to bind the TRPV2 receptor present on immune cells. Interestingly, CBN has a higher binding affinity for the CB2 receptor relative to the CB1 receptor which may partly explain the building anecdotal evidence suggesting that CBN offers many positive attributes of cannabinoid use without the psychoactive high, which is why it’s being widely talked about.
In April of last year, 6.4 million “CBD” Google searches took place in just one month! This April one of the top search results was “best cbd oil” indicating that the consumers interest in CBD remains high. which produces the psychoactive effects which are widely associated with cannabis.
However, CBD (cannabidiol), another widely discussed and studied Cannabinoid that is abundant in hemp, does not elicit a psychotropic effect. Today we will be focused on discussing CBD and an exciting but less know cannabinoid, CBN.
Early-stage research has shown that cannabinol may provide general relaxation, pain reduction, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and neuroprotectant properties. In addition, many believe CBN is beneficial for sleep, although recent studies have questioned this belief. While additional studies are required to solidify any health claims, CBN does appear to have the potential to provide a number of health benefits associated with other cannabinoids, including THC, without the unwanted psychoactive effect.
Some say it is all about the terps!
In addition to cannabinoids, other abundant chemicals exist within cannabis and hemp. Terpenes might be the most recognizable but least talked about component to the plant. Everyone knows the distinguished, unique smell and flavor associated with the cannabis plant, but very few people realize that is the result of the terpenes. Terpenes are organic compounds found in a variety of plants, not only in Cannabis and Hemp. The strong smell produced by Terpenes might actually help keep the plants safe from predators during the cultivation cycle among other beneficial properties. Terpenes might also be responsible for a variety of the different effects each cannabis strain is known to produce.
The terpene profile of a plant is influenced by a number of factors including: climate, soil, nutrients, humidity, air pressure and C02 levels, the age of the plant and more. Every cultivar has a unique terpene profile and composition. This profile is what gives some strains more of a citrus smell while others exhibit more of a pine note. Many consumers make product selection based on preference to a specific terpene profile and use smell as a large determining factor.
In the 90’s scientists began to study the endocannabinoids, cannabinoid like molecules found naturally in our bodies. This system is partially responsible for keeping the body in homeostasis. Early research suggested that endocannabinoid receptors were only found in the brain, however scientists later found receptors throughout the body in nerves, skin, immune cells, fat, bone, heart, blood vessels, the GI tract and more. Endocannabinoids play vital roles in immune and reproductive function and are possibly one of the most versatile molecules known by scientists. Learn more about the science behind the Endocannabinoid System.
Unlike THC, which has been shown in studies to bind both the CB1 and CB2 receptors with equal affinity, CBN has a higher binding affinity for CB2 versus CB1 and it’s binding to CB1 appears to be about 10x weaker than THC’s. CB1 is present in the brain and is thought to be responsible for the high caused by THC. CB2 is present in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells throughout the body and is thought to be involved in mediating some of the relaxation, pain relieving, and anti-inflammatory effects seen with various cannabinoids. The differential binding of CBN to the CB2 receptor could explain why mounting evidence is starting to suggest that CBN, taken at dose levels expected have many the benefits of THC without the “high.”
Now that you know all about CBN, you might want to give it a try!
The low and slow approach is best for those new to CBN.
Try 10-20mg to start, and dose up as needed for your desired effect. Take note of how you feel, and adjust accordingly. Take your time finding the dose that works best for you and your body! Want more information? Here is our guide on how much CBN to take.
Not only does Right use Premium Hemp CBN from the United States, but we’re so confident you’ll love our CBN Tincture, that if you don’t love it after 30 days, we’ll give you a full refund.
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*Products contain less than 0.3% THC
*Must be at least 18 years of age to purchase
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.
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It’s best to take Right at the same time every day in the beginning. Try taking note of your dose, time of day, how you feel before and after taking it.
