CBN

CBN (cannabinol) was the first cannabinoid ever isolated, identified by chemist Robert S. Cahn in 1940 — predating both CBD (1942) and THC (1964). CBN is unique among major cannabinoids because the plant produces almost none directly: instead, CBN forms when THC degrades through oxidation, heat exposure, or UV radiation over time. Fresh harvested cannabis typically contains under 0.5% CBN, but improperly stored cannabis can show CBN levels of 2-5% as THC progressively converts to CBN over 6-24 months. This is why old cannabis produces more sedating "couch-lock" effects compared to fresh — the THC has partially converted to the more sedating CBN. CBN mechanism: binds CB1 and CB2 receptors with weaker affinity than THC (CBN is approximately 1/4 as potent as THC), produces mild psychoactive effects only at very high doses (most CBN doses are non-intoxicating), strongest documented effect is sedation through a poorly understood non-CB1 pathway. Therapeutic applications: sedation and sleep induction (CBN is the foundation of most cannabis sleep products), appetite stimulation, antibacterial activity (effective against MRSA in lab studies), anticonvulsant effects in animal models, glaucoma intraocular pressure reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects. The sleep market has rapidly adopted CBN: products like CBN-infused gummies, tinctures, and capsules from brands like Charlotte's Web, Calm by Wellness, and Rare Cannabinoid Company target the natural sleep aid category. Standard sleep doses range from 5-25mg CBN, often combined with melatonin and CBD. CBN can be produced commercially through controlled THC oxidation in laboratories, allowing isolated CBN distillates without aging cannabis flower for months. CBN is non-psychoactive at normal therapeutic doses but technically schedule-restricted in most US states alongside THC.