CBD has exploded in popularity, but it's just one of many great cannabinoids found in cannabis.
As users and the scientific community learn more about the chemicals and compounds found in plants within the cannabis family, the uses and benefits continue to expand.
Across the world cannabis users and researchers are sharing anecdotal evidence about the benefits of compounds such as CBD, CBDN, and CBG.
Defining Cannabis
For a long time, cannabis has been associated with THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. This infamous chemical binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in human beings and creates a sense of euphoria, disconnection or getting high.
CBD is another cannabinoid which binds to these receptor. It does not induce the psychoactive feeling of THC. A cannabis strain that is high in CBD will actually reduce some of the nastier effects of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia.
CBN, or Cannabinol
CBN is a byproduct of the oxidation of THC. While it cannot be harvested directly from the hemp plant, there are legal THC producers who have created ways to process cannabis so the end result is usable CBN, or cannabinol.
Cannabinol is currently being studied for several benefits. Early research indicates that CBN binds to the CB1 receptors like THC but the connection is not as intense. Some users do experience a slight euphoria, but it will not get you 'high'.
Medical studies indicate that CBN use can;
- Promote relaxation
- Increase appetite
- Decrease inflammation
- Lower risk of seizures and convulsions
- Lower risk of bacterial infection
While both CBD and CBN offer pain relief, indications are that the sedative effect of CBN is more intense than CBD. For those who struggle to fall asleep and stay there, adding CBN to their nighttime ritual may help.
CBG, or Cannabigerol
Early in the growth cycle, hemp plants produce CBG, or cannabigerol. Cannabigerol is also referred to as the mother cannabinoid, as it is the first to develop.
When the plants are harvested, several cannabinoids are extracted including CBD, THC and CBN.
Because large amounts of CBG are only available when the plant is quite young, this product is challenging to harvest and not widely produced. However, studies indicate that CBG offers remarkable health benefits.
These benefits include;
- Greater relaxation
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Relief from inflammatory bowel disease
- Antifungal and antibacterial treatment
- Fights gastrointestinal tumors
CBG products can be purchased in an oil, lotions, creams and isolate powder.
What Is the Entourage Effect?
The phrase entourage effect refers to the way that multiple cannabinoids can come together to provide benefits to users. A simple example of the entourage effect is in products with THC and CBD. THC creates disconnection, while CBD keeps it from leading to paranoia.
Another example of an entourage effect is CBN and CBG coming together to create a superior sleep product.
CBN, CBG and Sleep
Many users find CBN helpful in providing a gentle sedative effect. For those who have used CBD in the past but find the benefits to be hit and miss, changing over to CBN at night may be helpful.
Users must be aware that CBN is produced by the oxidation of THC. While CBN is not a euphoria inducing compound, the impact may be more intense than your CBD dosage. It's best to start with smaller dose of CBN.
Because of the way that CBN is produced, it is not possible to generate THC-free CBN.
It's important to note that CBG is not an effective sleep aid on it's own. However, a combination of CBN and CBG creates an effective sleep promoting entourage effect. The CBG will actually enhance the benefits of the CBN.
Tolerance Concerns
Current indications are that you cannot build up a tolerance for CBD, and the data for CBN and CBG are similar. However, CBN has a mild psychoactive impact, about one-tenth of THC. If you have a history of addiction but believe that CBN can help with other conditions, start small.
Because research on these compounds is so limited, it is a good idea to keep a journal of your CBN and CBG use. There are a few things you should track;
- Your dosage and method
- Your reactions over time in thirty minute increments
- When the results wear off
- Your response to any dosage changes
Tracking your CBN and CBG use can help you make the best choice about dosage. You may also need to adjust seasonally, or to make changes due to your life situation. For example, you may have a harder time sleeping in the summer or be under more stress in the fall and winter. If you choose to alter your dose, go back to your journal to figure out what works best for you!
Want to learn more about using CBN and CBG for sleep? Contact Eden's Herbals at support@edensherbals.com
