CBN vs CBD
The world of cannabis is much wider than most people think. While THC and CBD are well-known, they’re just two of the many cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana. One that doesn’t get nearly enough credit is CBN. We’ll compare CBN vs CBD to help you see what makes it so special. Take a look at this quick breakdown below:
|
Feature |
CBN (Cannabinol) |
CBD (Cannabidiol) |
|
Origin |
Formed when THC ages or oxidizes; a minor cannabinoid naturally found in older cannabis. |
Extracted directly from hemp; a major non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in abundance. |
|
Psychoactive Effects |
Mildly psychoactive at higher doses, often associated with physical relaxation and drowsiness. |
Non-psychoactive; does not produce a “high.” Helps promote calm and balance. |
|
Primary Benefits |
Sleep support, nighttime relaxation, easing tension before bed. |
Supporting stress management, focus, and overall wellness throughout the day. |
|
Best Time to Take |
Evening or before bed to promote restful sleep. |
Morning or daytime for calm focus without drowsiness. |
|
Common Pairings |
Often combined with THC, CBD, or melatonin alternatives for sleep gummies. |
Commonly paired with THC, CBG, or CBN for enhanced balance and relaxation. |
|
Legality |
Federally legal when derived from hemp containing ≤0.3% THC under the 2018 Farm Bill. |
Federally legal when derived from hemp; widely available in all 50 states. |
You can learn more about the differences between CBD vs CBN below. And if you decide you want to see what they can do together, look no further than our CBD gummies for sleep. These combine 10mg CBD and 10mg CBN with 25mg L-theanine and 10mg Chamomile.
Order now and sleep more soundly with Snoozy!
“I am one to wake up at 2 or 3 am and not be able to fall back asleep for at least 2 hours. These gummies not only help lull me to sleep but help me stay asleep.” - Cortney
“These bedtime gummies were exactly what I needed! I woke up feeling so rested and refreshed. I will definitely be ordering again.” - Kara
“After trying many different gummies, with mediocre results, I found Snoozy. I was looking for sleep gummies without THC. I find that one gummy helps me fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up refreshed….not to mention, really tastes good!!” - Jacki
Key Takeaways on CBN vs CBD
- CBD is used for overall balance. It can help ease aches and pains, melt away anxious thoughts, and more. It’s really subtle.
- CBN is used specifically for relaxation and sleep support. It isn’t necessarily going to get you high, but it does feel a bit more sedating than CBD.
- CBD and CBN are often used together for the best of both worlds. They can amplify the effects of one another to create synergy.
- You’ll find both of these cannabinoids in some of our sleep gummies here at Snoozy.
Overview of Cannabinoids
When we talk about cannabinoids, we’re referring to the little compounds in cannabis (both hemp and marijuana) responsible for interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This is a network of receptors linked to everything from mood to sleep, appetite, stress response, immune function, and more. We know about 100 distinct cannabinoids so far, each of which brings something special to the table. So, let’s take a closer look at CBN vs CBD below.
Benefits of CBD
You probably know plenty about CBD already. It’s the “healing” cannabinoid in hemp that more and more people are turning to as a natural remedy. Unlike THC, it has zero psychoactive potential - meaning no matter how much you use, it won’t make you “high.”
Instead, the appeal of CBD comes down to how it can help you relax, focus, or ease discomfort. It interacts indirectly with CB1 and CB2 receptors to keep the ECS balanced. But what exactly can it do for you?
The most common reason people rely on CBD as part of their daily routines is to help manage stress. People say it helps them stay grounded even when life gets hectic. It can also support better sleep - not by sedating, but by helping the body transition into a more relaxed state.
CBD has even been studied for its potential to ease mild discomfort, soothe sore muscles, and support post-workout recovery. Some use it for general wellness, while others find it helps ease tension headaches or menstrual discomfort. In general, it’s believed that CBD can support a healthier inflammatory response - in turn, supporting long-term joint and mobility health.
CBD can be used day or night and easily paired with other cannabinoids like CBN or CBG. It’s versatile, gentle, and more available than ever before thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp-derived CBD products across all 50 states.
Benefits of CBN
CBN, or cannabinol, is a lesser-known cannabinoid that forms when THC ages and oxidizes. But it’s so much more than just a byproduct. We know now that it has strong potential in supporting better sleep.
CBN sits in a sort of middle ground between THC and CBD. It doesn’t get you high like THC does - don’t expect any sort of mind-bending effects or crazy euphoric sensations. It can, however, have slightly sedating properties depending on your dose.
CBN works gently with the ECS, binding to the same receptors as THC. The key difference is that it tends to relax rather than create intense euphoria. This is why it’s called the “sleep cannabinoid” by so many people. It naturally promotes drowsiness and helps you stay asleep longer.
This cannabinoid can also help quiet the mental chatter and ease the physical tension that gets in the way of deep, restorative sleep. Its effects are even more pronounced when paired with CBD or small amounts of THC. The best part? There’s rarely any grogginess the next day!
Beyond sleep, CBN has shown potential for easing occasional discomfort, soothing muscle tension, and supporting overall nighttime recovery. Some early research suggests it may also help reduce the perception of pain and support neuroprotective functions.
CBN vs CBD: Key Differences to Consider
Choosing between CBN vs CBD ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for in your self-care arsenal. One isn’t inherently “better” than the other - and the truth is, most people find combining the two is the smartest approach.
Let’s compare and contrast CBD vs CBN below so you can see where they overlap and diverge.
Effects on the Body and Mind
CBD and CBN both interact with the ECS but in very different ways - one indirectly, the other more directly. This is one of the most noteworthy differences between CBN vs CBD.
Contrary to what a lot of people assume, CBD doesn’t actually bind to receptors in the ECS. Instead, it modulates receptor activity throughout the body to promote balance and calm without sedation. This is why it’s used for general wellness, relaxation, stress management, or focus.
On the other hand, CBN has a more targeted effect on rest and recovery. It binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, which are linked to sleep and mood regulation. This is why it’s best used at nighttime for helping you unwind and recover.
Potency and Dosing
In terms of potency, CBN tends to be stronger for sedation even at lower doses. A little goes a long way to support restful sleep, as we talk about in our guide on the optimal CBN dosage for sleep. 2.5 to 10mg is usually more than enough.
In contrast, it takes a little more CBD to feel noticeable effects - 10 to 50mg is a common dose. Even then, effects tend to be much more subtle - which is actually a good thing. CBD can be used during the daytime without derailing you from any of your responsibilities.
Because tolerance varies from person to person, it’s best to start low and gradually increase your dose until you find your sweet spot. But either way, you have next to nothing to worry about as far as “overdoing it” goes.
Legality and Accessibility
Both cannabinoids are legal in the United States when derived from hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC. This goes back to the 2018 Farm Bill we continue to touch on.
That said, CBD has been mainstream for a lot longer. It’s easier to find in wellness products, tinctures, and gummies across the country. CBN is newer to the market, but you won’t have to look far for high-quality products - Snoozy has you covered with Mother Nature’s finest!
Both can be legally purchased online here at Snoozy, whether you’re craving CBD gummies for sex or delta 9 gummies for sale that include CBN. Spoil yourself at Snoozy today.
Potential Side Effects
One final caveat in choosing between CBN vs CBD is the potential side effects each is known for. Fortunately, you have little to worry about. Both are very well tolerated when used correctly.
CBN is more likely to lead to stronger drowsiness, though, which is why we usually don’t recommend it for daytime use. Taking too much may cause next-day grogginess, though this is uncommon with proper dosing.
CBD can be taken all day long without any coordination impairment or intoxication - even at higher doses. People take it from morning to evening to create a sense of balance.
Can You Take CBN and CBD Together?
You should have a pretty solid grasp on the difference between CBD vs CBN. But do you really have to choose between the two? Not at all! You can combine them for the best of both worlds. In fact, this is usually the approach we recommend for nighttime use in particular.
CBD works broadly to calm the mind, reduce tension, and restore balance, all while CBN leans into deeper relaxation and sleep support. This dynamic duo can create a balanced state of calm: CBD softens stress and mental clutter, while CBN helps your muscles unwind and your thoughts quiet down.
Taking CBN and CBD together can also enhance what’s known as the entourage effect - the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes that amplifies their benefits. This means you can achieve stronger results with smaller doses compared to using either alone.
For example, people who take both often report falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, and waking up more refreshed. This is enhanced when you bring THC into the mix, like we have in our melatonin-free sleep gummies at Snoozy. You get:
- 10mg THC
- 10mg CBD
- 10mg CBN
- 25mg L-theanine
- 10mg chamomile
These gummies help you unwind, fall asleep fast, and wake up clear-headed. The THC adds a gentle nudge toward rest, while CBD and CBN promote deep, restorative sleep. L-theanine and chamomile round out the formula, supporting relaxation from the inside out.
Snoozy takes the guesswork out of bedtime. One gummy helps you drift into dreamland naturally. Order today and see how much more naturally good sleep comes with Snoozy!
Closing Thoughts on CBN vs CBD
CBD and CBN share the same roots but play very different roles in your wellness routine. CBD shines during the day, supporting calm focus, while CBN takes over at night, helping you rest deeply and wake restored.
But as we bring this comparison of CBN vs CBD to a close, remember that it doesn’t have to be a matter of one or the other. You can enjoy the best of both worlds by taking them together.
Our blog has additional resources on topics like the best CBD THC ratio for energy if you want to explore other cannabinoid pairings. Otherwise, it’s time to put sleepless nights in the past with our CBN CBD THC gummies at Snoozy.
Drift into balance with our Sleep With Benefits formula!