{"id":120,"date":"2019-09-13T22:40:13","date_gmt":"2019-09-13T22:40:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wmlearnver2.wmmota.com\/?p=120"},"modified":"2026-03-09T20:09:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T20:09:26","slug":"cbn-vs-cbd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/cbd\/cbn-vs-cbd","title":{"rendered":"CBN vs CBD: the differences and the science behind it"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n

You've probably heard of CBD a lot and now CBN and wondered about the difference between them. Cannabinol (CBN)<\/a> and cannabidiol (CBD)<\/a> are cannabinoids naturally produced by the cannabis plant. And while they are both non-intoxicating, they both produce a range of other effects when consumed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to our current understanding of these naturally occurring chemical compounds, there are fundamental differences in how these cannabis compounds are produced and in the chemical makeup of these cannabinoids. These differences between CBD and CBN produce very distinct effects on the human body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding how these cannabinoids work can help you more precisely craft your cannabis consumption to give you the experience you're looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tCannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cannabinoids like CBN and CBD are a class of chemicals naturally produced by the cannabis plant. Some produce highs while others are non-intoxicating. When consumed, these chemicals interact with the human body's endocannabinoid system<\/a>. The interactions between cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system are what produce the range of effects that people experience when they consume marijuana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To date, researchers have identified and isolated well over 100 unique cannabinoids<\/a> in the cannabis plant. It is generally believed that each individual cannabinoid has its own unique effect on the body, determined by the specific ways any given cannabinoid interacts with a consumer's endocannabinoid system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, many researchers also believe that cannabinoids tend to produce the most potent and powerful effects when they are consumed together in combination, rather than as isolated compounds. This tendency for cannabinoids such as CBD and CBN to be more potent when consumed together is called the \u201centourage effect<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bottom line:<\/strong> While it can be helpful to understand the difference between CBN vs CBD, if you want to tap into the full range of effects and health benefits of cannabis, it may ultimately be better to consume it as a whole rather than as isolated parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tUnderstanding CBN and how it's produced<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cannabinol was the first naturally occurring cannabinoid to be isolated in its pure form. Scientists first isolated CBN as far back as 1896<\/a>. People originally thought CBN was the compound that creates the distinctive cannabis high, but later research found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)<\/a> is actually the cannabinoid that produces marijuana's intoxicating effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At that point, our understanding of cannabinoids in general \u2014 and CBN in particular \u2014 began to morph. It was soon discovered that CBN is actually a by-product of THC content, produced when THC oxidizes. Basically, as THC is exposed to heat and light<\/a>, it breaks down into CBN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that the level of CBN found in a cannabis flower or concentrate is not determined by genetic factors, but rather by environmental factors. Old buds, flower that has not been stored away from light or in airtight containers, and cannabis extracts that are left unrefrigerated or in direct light will begin to oxidize. As a result, they will tend to have higher levels of CBN when compared to fresher products or products that have been stored properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because CBN is produced through the oxidation process rather than through genetics, there are currently no high-CBN cannabis strains available on the market. If you really wanted to consume high levels of CBN, the best way to obtain it would be to simply allow the plant's THC to oxidize. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t

\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t<\/a>Photo by: Gina Coleman\/Weedmaps<\/cite>
Old cannabis or cannabis extracts left unrefrigerated or in the light will have higher levels of CBN. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\t\t\t