Cannabinol (CBN) is a non-psychoactive component naturally found in trace amounts of the cannabis plant. It is produced in two ways: decarboxylation and aging. During biosynthesis, cannabigerolic acid (
Cannabinol (CBN) is a non-psychoactive component naturally found in trace amounts of the cannabis plant. It is produced in two ways: decarboxylation and aging. During biosynthesis, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is produced and when exposed to UV light or decarboxylated, enzymes in cannabis converts it into tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromene carboxylic acid (CBCA), or cannabidiol carboxylic acid (CBDA). The acids (THCA, CBDA, CBCA) will break down naturally and convert to CBN from aging over time. On the other hand, when exposed to heat, THCA converts to THC, which is then converted into cannabinolic acid (CBNA) due to oxidation and a loss of hydrogen molecules. When carboxylated or exposed to UV light, CBNA will generally convert to CBN. CBN can’t be found in high concentration, as it’s produced at the point of degradation. On average, less than 1% of CBN is found in fresh cannabis flowers and fails to potentiate psychoactive effects.
CBN interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors but shares a higher affinity for CB2 receptors that can be found in the body’s natural endocannabinoid recept