Our Tranquility 1:1:1 Gummies became an immediate bestseller, and feedback included high praise for its beautifully balanced cannabinoid-terpene mix. Each blue raspberry-flavor gummy features equal parts CBN, CBD and THC (5mg each) paired with stress-reducing terpenes like β-caryophyllene and myrcene that help induce and maintain sleep.
But what exactly is CBN? Here’s a primer on this cannabinoid and why we made it the centerpiece of our famous Tranquility gummy.
5 Stages Of CBN Oxidation
Cannabinol (CBN) is an oxidation byproduct of THC, meaning THC gradually transforms into CBN after prolonged storage. In fact, the term “cannabinol” is part of “tetrahydrocannabinol” (THC). The transformation process occurs in the following stages:
1) Cannabis plants contain THC in its acidic form, THCa
2) THCa oxidizes over time and through exposure to air and higher temperatures
3) THCa loses a hydrogen molecule through oxidation, transforming into CBNa
4) THCa and CBNa leave their acidic states through decarboxylation (typically heat)
5) This conversion turns the cannabinoids into THC and CBN, respectively
Effects
CBN is related to THC, but the effects are somewhat different. It maintains about 25% of THC’s potency in producing euphoric highs, but the primary effect of Cannabinol is sedation. This can include everything from a mellow calm to insomnia-busting sleepiness. According to research, a 5mg dose of CBN may provide the same sedative effects as 10mg of diazepam (Valium).
In terms of sedation, Cannabinol may be most effective when consumed with CBD and limited amounts of THC, which provides “entourage effects”. Preliminary research suggests that CBD might help reduce the severity of sleep apnea and PTSD-related insomnia, while a modest dose of THC (about 5mg or less) helps people fall asleep quicker.
This might come as a surprise to some, but CBN was actually the first plant cannabinoid ever isolated. That said, in-depth research currently lags behind THC and CBD, though it joins CBG as the leader in second-generation cannabinoid research. At present, studies widely identify sedation as a primary benefit of Cannabinol, but ongoing research hints at many potential therapeutic uses and applications.
As we await these findings, what matters most is how CBN personally affects you. If you struggle with insomnia and restlessness, give our Tranquility 1:1:1 Gummies a try, and let us know how you feel.
