The only difference between CBN and the more commonly known CBD compound found naturally in cannabis plants is that the psychoactive THC compound found naturally on its own in cannabis plants has been removed from CBN.
CBN is a cannabinoid produced when THC is heated or exposed to oxygen, meaning that it only appears in significant quantities in cannabis that has been decarboxylated. Its psychoactive properties are mild compared to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) because of the lower affinity of CB1 receptors for CBN.
One unique feature about CBN is that it may increase energy metabolism. Other facts about CBN products are such as:
The Significance of the Process of Extraction of CBN Products
The type of extraction process used to create CBN will affect how CBN works within the human body. For example, carbon dioxide (CO2) oil can remove all cannabinoids from a flower except for CBN. Other butane and ethanol extraction processes may leave other non-psychoactive cannabinoids behind in the plant matter, leaving a higher percentage of psychoactive cannabinoids like THC and CBD present in the concentrate.
Factors Affecting The Amount of CBN Produced
CBN is not an autoxidation product of THC but rather a degradation product that appears when exposed to oxygen and heat, and light over time. It is important to note that the amount of CBN produced varies depending on humidity, temperature, exposure to oxygen and cooking. Degradation can also occur at a faster pace when CBN is exposed to cannabinoids other than THC.
The Storage Of CBN Products
CBN has a half-life of approximately three hours, which reduces to half the quantity over time without being replenished. This also means that if there is 1 milligram of CBN present in a product, after 3 hours, there will only be 0.5mg of CBN left which is why companies need to know what type of extraction method they are using and how long certain products have been on store shelves before selling them to customers.
In addition, cannabichromene acid (CBCA) can degrade into cannabinol (CBN). CBCA converts to cannabinol upon exposure to oxygen and heat, and light over time, such as when a sample of cannabis is stored for a long period.