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One of the latest crazes in the hemp industry is the CBN gummies, a hemp-derived infused treat that has helped users to relax and unwind during at night. But, what is CBN in gummies? If you’re asking that question, you’re really not the only one.

Cannabinol (CBN) is a lightly psychoactive compound that shows lots of promise due to its potential aid to sleeping management. In this article, we’re going to overview what this compound is, how it works, how it makes you feel, and most importantly, our top choices for CBN gummy brands. 

Key Takeaways

• CBN (cannabigerol) is a slightly psychoactive cannabinoid that can be found naturally in hemp in small quantities.
• This cannabinoid is the byproduct of THC oxidation, meaning the compound breaks down into CBN by heat, light, and air exposure.
• Cannabinol has plenty of potential benefits and uses, including acting as a sleep aid, helping manage pain and inflammation, and being a possible neuroprotective agent.
• You can try lots of CBN-based gummies, including broad and full spectrum formulas, with different dosages depending on what you are looking for.

What is CBN?

First, let’s talk about cannabinol (CBN). CBN is unique among its cannabinoid siblings. Cannabinol is actually a byproduct of THC breaking down in the cannabis plant. This usually happens when THC is exposed to external factors like heat, air, and light.

While this compound is slightly psychoactive due to its origin, its effects on the endocannabinoid system are not strong enough to feel fully intoxicated. Instead, users have felt relaxed or sometimes described it as an experience more akin to CBD, but we’ll delve into that later in the article.

What is CBN in a Gummy?

With that out of the way, what is CBN doing inside a gummy? Firstly, gummies that are infused with cannabinoid extracts are called edibles. You can add any type of cannabinoid to a gummy, from psychoactive compounds like THC to CBD and CBN.

Nowadays, CBN can be added to gummies to consume easily. This method also allows for a slower absorption, meaning its effects will last much longer than if you were to vape or smoke it.

So what is CBN in a gummy? It’s a hemp-infused candy that can be consumed for its potential benefits, including possibilities as a sleep aid, pain management, and anti-inflammation. 

How Do CBN Gummies Work?

Now that you know what CBN you may ask, but how do these gummies work? Well, CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is part of our nervous network. In this way, CBN sends chemical signals to help stop inflammation, aid anxiety and has a general sedative effect on the body.

Now, method-wise, gummies are one of the most efficient ways to consume hemp-derived cannabinoids. You can cut them in half to reduce the portion and then eat them. They are discreet, and unlike other methods, you can feel the effects for longer periods.

For very mild psychoactive compounds like CBN, this is actually very good news. Since users seek out this cannabinoid to help them fight insomnia, the potential is better as the effects can let them feel the effects during the night.

How Does CBN Make You Feel?

Do you actually feel high with CBN? Well, not really. We’ll talk more about this later, but users tend to describe the experience as similar to taking CBD rather than actual THC, as it makes their muscles and mind relax without feeling drowsy or intoxicated. CBN is said to have only 25% of the potency of regular THC.

Because of this natural sedative effect, hemp users tend to go for CBN gummies for sleep, mainly as an aid to potentially help certain stress and pain symptoms.

Does CBN Get You High?

Having answered what is CBN in gummies, you might ask if there’s actual THC in them since they are a byproduct of Delta-9. And the short answer to this is no, CBN cannot get you fully intoxicated.

Now, the long answer is a little more complicated. While CBN is a byproduct, the actual affinity of this molecule to the proteins of the CB1 and CB2 receptors is very low when compared to Delta-9 THC.

And in simpler terms, the effect of CBN in our nervous network is different from how Delta-9 interacts. So that slight psychoactive effect usually results in feelings of relaxation and generally having a mood uplift, similar to how CBD works in our body.

Potential Uses and Benefits of CBN

Sleep Aid

CBN has naturally strong sedative effects, and this study showed it has the potential to aid with sleep thanks to its relaxation-inducing feelings. That said, anecdotal evidence also suggests it could make you feel sleepy, hence why some weed users report feeling “drowsy” instead of high when having old weed.

Pain Relief

Cannabinol has great potential to aid as a pain relief agent. Research has shown that this cannabinoid could diminish pain in rats, helping with chronic and long-lasting symptoms. This could aid humans with stronger symptoms in the long run with more data on this specific use.

Neuroprotective Properties

This study reported that cannabinol could help delay sclerosis in rats. This happened thanks to the pharmacology of this cannabinoid and how it acts in our endocannabinoid system, meaning that it could significantly delay the effects of this terminal disease. That said, more research is needed to understand how it could work for human subjects.

Potential Side Effects of CBN Gummies

There are not many CBN studies regarding side effects. But due to anecdotal experience and CBD’s side effects, we can infer a few potential side effects whenever you ingest CBN or CBN gummies.

Some of the possible side effects of this exercise are changes in appetite, nausea, dizziness, changes in appetite, and bowel movement. Users have also reported feeling an upset stomach, especially if they have a sensitive tummy.

CBN vs THC

We’ve talked about what is CBN in THC gummies. However, let’s take a look at how they actually perform. Firstly, while both products are somewhat considered psychoactive, Delta-9 THC is actually intoxicating, while CBN is typically not.

This is due to how strongly THC can bind to the proteins in the receptors of our system. This leads to the second point, general pain management. While CBN may help with muscle and joint pain conditions, due to how strong it is, Delta-9 THC is usually preferred for severe pain conditions, especially chronic pain.

Lastly, Delta-9 THC is not as accessible as CBN. THC is still considered a controlled substance at a federal level, and the states that do allow medicinal cannabis are not that many. So that said, CBN is a pretty great alternative as a hemp product to aid some of the symptoms that D9 THC can potentially treat.

CBN vs CBD

Now, think of CBD and CBN as siblings. They share some properties, but they definitely are not the same cannabinoid. While a letter off might be a general indication these two have similar qualities, CBD typically does not have any psychoactive effects at all.

Moreover, CBD has potential anti-inflammation qualities that users have reported to help them with some symptoms. And while both have sedative properties to aid certain conditions, CBD has an actual drug approved by the FDA to combat epilepsy conditions called Epidiolex.

CBD tends to be more helpful towards physical relaxation and nausea, including pain management. CBN has the potential to aid as a sleeping aid, thanks to its minor psychoactive properties. 

And while one could also argue one is better than the other, they actually work better by taking them together.

CBN vs CBG

In our last comparison between cannabinoids, we’ve got none other than one of the most popular cannabinoids out there, cannabigerol. This minor cannabinoid is similar to CBN, but it is harder to find in both the actual plant and products in general.

CBG is called the mother of all cannabinoids as it eventually breaks down into the precursor of both THC and CBD, THCa and CBDa. A study has found that it could have stronger anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, even aiding by potentially preventing metabolic disease.

So, versus CBN, would we recommend it? Yes, but it’s not black and white. CBG-only products are rare to find. Most products in the hemp space will usually contain CBG and CBD or CBG and CBN. So, generally speaking, we’d go with products that have both CBG and CBN to amplify the entourage effect, especially if you are looking into these cannabinoids for insomnia-related symptoms.

Is CBN Legal?

Yes! Cannabinol-infused gummies are legal as long as the CBN extract comes from hemp plants. That means the plants contain less than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC, as the 2018 Farm Bill legal framework establishes.

That said, some states like Hawaii have particular legislation on hemp-derived cannabinoids, banning them completely even if they are not psychoactive. So make sure you check your state’s legal framework before buying hemp products.

Is CBN Safe?

While research on CBN is still rather scarce, anecdotal evidence has suggested CBN is pretty safe to use, especially since the psychoactive effects are really low. Of course, we still recommend starting with small, buildable doses as you start taking CBN or any cannabinoid.

And if you think you might be sensitive to certain cannabinoids, we always recommend speaking with your healthcare provider first to get the best results from cannabinol and hemp.

Best CBN Gummies Brands

1. Otterspace

Besides the adorable name, Otterspace specializes in simple-yet-high-quality hemp-derived products. We love this brand due to its impeccable customer service, high-quality extracts, cute otters, and aesthetic branding.

Features

Their Nighttime CBD + CBN Gummies give an incredible vibe with its 30-piece pack. The Otterspace Lunar gummies have 25mg of CBD and 15mg of CBN per gummy, making them a great entry-level edible to help you sleep. These come in a delicious Lunar Nighttime Raspberry flavor. 

Pros

• It has both CBD and CBN, helping with relaxation and sleep
• 30-pack with a hefty 40mg cannabinoid dose per gummy
• Incredible branding and flavor
• Vegan, Non-GMO, and fully gluten-free

Cons

• Can be a little strong for new users
• Slightly expensive

2. Green Roads

Green Roads is one of our favorite go-to brands for new users. Besides their incredible “own the day” kind of vibe, they have a product guide to help you choose the right product depending on your current needs. Their Sleepy Zs CBD Gummies are a solid choice if you want a ticket right to Morpheus’ realm.

Features

These gummies come in a 30-count jar with blackberry-flavored gummies with three key components: CBD, CBN, and melatonin. These come with 5mg of melatonin with a custom, high-quality blend of both CBD and CBN. 

Pros

• Uses high-quality broad-spectrum melatonin, CBD, and CBN formula
• Delicious blackberry flavor
• Vegan, GMO, and gluten-free
• Has a subscription service available
• Unique melatonin formula might help with stronger insomnia symptoms

Cons

• Very little CBN content when compared to other formulas
• Broad-spectrum formulas might not be the best option for everyone

3. Batch

Batch is a very clean brand in general, with a sleek look and simple-yet-powerful products to let you rest and unwind while they take care of the rest. And if you want to test this Wisconsin hemp scientific brand, you have to try their Nighttime CBD + CBN Gummies.

Features

These amazing gummies by Batch have a pretty strong formula with 25mg of Full Spectrum CBD, 15mg of CBN, 25mg of Passion Flower extract, and 50mg of L-Theanine. All of these together form a super powerful raspberry gummy ready to let you unwind before bed. You can try them out in a 30-pack container.

Pros

• Super-strong, all-natural formula with cannabinoids, Passion Flower, and L-theanine
• Has both CBD and CBN
• Vegan, Non-GMO, and Gluten Free
• Third-party lab tested

Cons

• The formula can be a little too strong for inexperienced users
• A higher price point than some products on the list

4. Tribe Tokes

Tribe Tokes is just one of those clean-looking brands that create innovative products that are potent, lab-tested, and good tasting. And with no vaping in their arsenal, you’ve got lots of tasty hemp products to try, their collection of Live Resin CBN Gummies is as good of an option as any.

Features

These gummies come in a 20-piece pack with top-shelf quality CBN live resin. Each of these infused treats has 20mg of CBN and 10mg of CBD for a whopping 30mg mix for each gummy. These are all-natural, vegan, and gluten-free.

Pros

• Great CBN to CBD ratio (2:1)
• High-quality live resin products
• Gummies are all natural
• Delicious pectin-based gummies with no additional sweeteners

Cons

• Hefty Price
• Cannabinoid dose could be a little on the strong side

5. Dragon Hemp 

Meet one of the most iconic hemp and cannabis brands, Dragon Hemp. This innovative cannabis brand has recently created hemp-derived edibles, capsules, and other products with the newest cannabinoids available. And with the perfect mix for both wellness and recreation, you’ll love their CBN Sleep Gummies.

Features

When these gummies say they will leave you comfortably numb, they aren’t joking. With premium-grade 20mg CBD per gummy and 5mg of CBN per gummy, you’ll get the best of both cannabinoids to enjoy your night. 

Pros

• Incredible CBN and CBD formula
• Excellent price for its high quality
• Amazing brand reputation
• Delicious flavor

Cons

• Only one size of packaging available
• No free shipping option, although affordable

6. Wyld CBD

Let’s talk about Wyld CBD. This hemp-based dispensary creates natural products that are both high-quality and simple to try and enjoy. Their natural CBD Edible – Elderberry CBN Gummies are perfect if you don’t like artificial flavors.

Features

These edibles are the only ones on the list that truly use a real-fruit gummy infused with 25mg CBD and 5mg of CBN Broad spectrum hemp extract. The delicious Elderberry flavor is perfect if you want a more natural taste.

Pros

• High CBD Broad Spectrum formula
• Natural Flavors
• A 2-piece presentation is available for trying the gummies out first
• Child-safe bottle

Cons

• Low CBN content compared to other products

7. DazedD8

If you love fun packaging, you’ll probably want to try DazeD8. This crazy-looking brand creates hemp and cannabis products for both wellness and recreational use at a very accessible price. And while most of their catalog is focused on psychoactive products, their DazeD8 CBN + CBD Gummies are very high-quality as well.

Features

These gummies come in a 15-piece pouch, with each gummy having a whopping 35mg of CBN and CBD mixed formula. You can try them in assorted flavors, full of delicious sugar and citric flavoring on top. 

Pros

• Very strong formula with 35mg of cannabinoids (CBD and CBN)
• 15 pieces-pouch is perfect to dose or relax without feeling too intoxicated
• Decent assortment of flavors
• Perfect for on-the-go use
• Third-party lab tested
• Best in terms of the price-to-value ratio

Cons

• No details if they are vegan or not, using organic hemp or artificial flavorings
• CBD to CBN ratio is not transparent

8. Moonwlkr

Moonwlkr is one of the hemp brands out there that are constantly pushing the boundaries of what a cannabis plant is capable of. Their award-winning terpenes, custom blends, and innovative cannabinoid products are perfect if you want to try CBN for the first time. So if you want a solid top-shelf choice without breaking the bank, their CBD:CBN Sleep Gummies are a fantastic choice.

Features

This pack comes with 30 gummy pieces with 35mg of CBD and CBN each. They are vegan, gluten-free, and have an amazing formula to help you relax and unwind after a long day. These infused-gummies are available in the delicious mixed berry flavor. 

Pros

• Discreet with kid-safe jar
• Third-party lab tested
• Pretty good CBD and CBN content (35mg of total cannabinoids)
• Great servings size with 30 gummies per pack

Cons

• Flavor option can get dull after a while

9. Slumber CBN

Slumber CBN is one of the brands from the list that specializes in CBN-based products. Their packaging is simple but effective, and all of their hemp supplements are wellness-oriented yet very powerful. Their Slumber CBN – Melatonin Gummies are delicious but also living proof of their innovative CBN hemp products.

Features

The gummies come in a 30-pack, with each gummy having 13mg of CBN and 2mg of Melatonin. These have a delicious Vanilla Blueberry flavor, making them a delicious low-key alternative to OTC sleep aids. 

Pros

• It has both melatonin and CBN, which are both known to promote sleep
• Has a buildable dosage of 13mg of cannabinoids per gummy
• Delicious flavor

Cons

• Pricier than some of their competitors 
• Not vegan or organic

10. FOCL

Last but not least, we got one of the biggest wellness-oriented hemp brands out there, FOCL. With their impressive simple yet functional branding, you’ll love this brand if you want things lowkey yet functional. Their Premium Full Spectrum CBD + CBN Sleep Gummies are one of our favorite ones from this list.

Features

Besides being vegan, non-GMO, and third-party tested, these premium gummies come with a hefty 25mg of premium CBD extract with 15mg of CBN. These contain L-theanine and passion flower extract, which all together create the perfect dream team. The gummies come in a 30-piece pack, with both Broad and Full spectrum options available.

Pros

• Incredible CBD, CBN, and natural botanicals formula.
• Vegan, Non-GMO, and third-party tested.
• Available at both Broad and Full Spectrum formulas.
• Big discounts when buying in bulk (3-packs) and by subscribing.

Cons

• Gummies are tapioca-based, which limits people with allergies.
• Higher price point when buying a single jar.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for the best CBN gummies or just want to know the answer to “what is CBN in gummies?”, cannabinol is a great ally to hemp users. 

This slightly psychoactive cannabinoid has gained lots of buzz thanks to its potential benefits and uses, like aiding with sleep and pain management and even neuroprotective properties.

Due to how easy it is to access and its potential, CBN is a hemp-derived compound with lots of potential and perfect to start your journey into cannabinoids, especially in gummy form.