You hear people talk about the benefits of CBD all the time, right? From your coworker using it to relax, to your friends using it to lower anxiety.
Even your dad likes to use it now to help with his arthritis. And there are many more benefits of CBD that you need to be aware of, too.
However, many people confuse CBD with CBN, which is another, similar compound. But the difference between CBD and CBN is important.
When trying to determine which product will be most beneficial to you, you need to understand what each one does. CBD vs CBN, which should you choose? Keep reading to find out now.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound in marijuana plants. In fact, it’s the second most common compound found in the plants, after THC.
But unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high feeling or other psychoactive effects. That’s all the result of THC.
When you smoke weed, you experience both CBD and THC in tandem. THC gets you high, and CBD helps you feel relaxed, often lowering feelings of anxiety or paranoia.
However, weed is only legal in some states. In states where weed is not legal, CBD is. Marijuana plants that contain less than 0.3% THC are considered hemp.
Hemp plants can still contain CBD. So long as CBD comes from hemp plants and not marijuana plants, it’s legal in every state, thanks to the Farm Bill passed in 2018.
Using CBD
There are many reasons people use CBD by itself. One of the most common benefits of CBD is stress and anxiety relief.
CBD can help people feel more relaxed. This may be due to how CBD affects our brain’s response to serotonin.
As such, many people report experiencing a lower heart rate, an easier time falling asleep, and lower overall feelings of stress.
Many people also use CBD for pain relief, as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. It often benefits those suffering from arthritis, MS pain, or muscle pains and strains.
It’s also being studied as a method of treatment for things like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. While we still need more study and trials before making definitive conclusions, it’s clear that this natural substance is extremely valuable.
What Is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is another naturally occurring substance that comes from the marijuana plant. Although, it does not automatically come with the plant itself.
Instead, CBN occurs naturally as the result of the oxidation and degradation of THC. Basically, a plant, buds, or extract that receive excess light and heat is going to degrade the THC to a point where it becomes CBN.
CBN is very similar to CBD, with the main difference being its origin. And like its cousin, CBD, CBN does not contain psychoactive properties that lead to feeling high.
Since there is no CBN present until this reaction occurs, that means that there are no plants or strains that contain more or less CBN than others.
Benefits of CBN
Like CBD, there is room for many more studies to be done in order to produce effective claims of using CBN. However, it’s clear that this substance does offer mental and physical health benefits.
Currently, people mainly use CBN as a sedative to help with common sleep disorders. Initial studies have been done to show that CBN can be just as effective at aiding sleep as other common pharmaceuticals.
It also contains anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant properties as well.
The Difference Between CBD and CBN
Many of the benefits of CBD are similar to that of CBN. And the molecules themselves look quite similar. However, the main use of the product, and how each one is produced is the main difference.
CBD occurs naturally in the marijuana and hemp plants and can be extracted and isolated to create CBD oil and other products. CBD can then be used to help with stress, anxiety, pain, and other issues.
CBN is the result of THC being exposed to excessive light and heat. This natural chemical reaction yields CBN, which is commonly used to help with sleep.
Best CBD Products
Want to know how to start using CBD? The most common way is by purchasing pure CBD oil.
The oil itself can be used in many ways, making it the most versatile form of CBD. The most direct way to experience benefits fast is to place a drop under your tongue.
The oil is then absorbed into your bloodstream through a thin membrane. This method bypasses your digestive system, which takes longer to feel any benefits.
The oil can also be added as an ingredient to virtually anything. Many people add it to coffee beverages.
Some people make their own candy or gummies. And others use it in baked goods or dinner recipes.
You can also buy bulk CBD isolate, which is the powder form of CBD. This flavorless substance makes it simple to add to any recipe or other consumer-grade products.
You can also buy CBD lotions and creams. Many people use these to apply to areas of the body that are experiencing pain. It can also help to soothe irritated skin.
Best CBN Products
CBN comes in many of the same products as CBD. Again, the most common product is CBN oil, as it’s easy to use and very versatile. Other common ways to take CBN are in capsule form or isolate form.
People also enjoy CBN vape pens and cartridges when the action of smoking is important. You can also purchase CBN tea bags, which are the most relaxing way to take CBN in the evening as you prepare for a good night’s sleep.
You Don’t Have to Choose One or the Other
Now that you know the difference between CBD and CBN, you can make sure to purchase the right products. However, you don’t have to choose between the two.
In fact, these compounds are often found side by side in many products, as they are naturally in the plants themselves. So using them both, either at separate times or at the same time, isn’t a bad idea.
Looking for more information like this? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog today.
