From THC to CBN - A Crash Course in Cannabinol
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A cannabinoid that increases in potency with age adds a new layer of possibilities.
As cannabis consumers dive deeper into their individual practices, many begin to notice the different effects of the plant. The concept of “indica makes you sleepy and sativa keeps you up” is slowly degrading as new cannabis findings come to light.What is Cannabinol (CBN)?
Cannabinol, aka CBN, is a less common and less intoxicating cannabinoid in comparison to THC or CBD. Nevertheless, CBN is still considered a major cannabinoid within the plant’s profile.
Despite its scarcity in the bud, CBN is having a major moment in legal cannabis. The recent boom of CBN products hitting dispensary shelves is mainly due to the cannabinoid’s sedative effect. Although “the sleepy cannabinoid in old weed” may not be the most flattering of titles, the truth is CBN-infused products have the potential to provide relief to the almost 70 million Americans currently living with a sleep disorder. In addition to being an effective anti-insomnia agent, CBN can also be used to fight bacteria, inflammation, and convulsions. Still, there’s a great deal we have yet to learn about this versatile cannabinoid… What we do know is that CBN is in high demand.
Using data from Headset, a leading cannabis market intelligence service, Canadian-based FloraWorks Holdings Inc. released their Q1 2021 CBN Market Report earlier this year, showcasing the surge in growth for CBN products across California, Nevada, Colorado, and Oregon. According to Headset “Consumer data shows that CBN now represents the top selling edible products in both California (Kiva's Camino Midnight 5:1) and Oregon (Wyld's Elderberry 1:1) for the month of March generating over $2.6 million in retail revenue between the two products.”, an impressive feat for an emerging market. For those who may not live in a state where regulated, cannabinoid-specific edibles are an option, there still might be a way for you to try CBN.
How it Works
Studies on CBN date back to the late 1990’s, with a particular study conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This study focused on the relationship between the concentration of THC and the concentration of CBN present in cannabis. The data concluded that the cannabis sample used dropped nearly 50% in THC potency after the course of 4 years. Interestingly enough, as the THC began to degrade over time it actually transmuted into CBN. “Although CBN is the major observed decomposition product of THC, it could not account for the decrease in the concentration of THC over a period of time when the latter is kept under conditions suitable for decomposition” explains the study; meaning CBN is the result of THC degradation but not the cause of it. With that being said, anyone who has old cannabis laying around also has a decent dose of CBN at their fingertips.
What Causes the Degradation of THC?
Simply put, how you store your cannabis plays a huge factor in the preservation of the flower’s cannabinoid and terpene profile. In order to avoid the chemical composition of your cannabis from changing too soon, most degradation happens within the first two years, you’ll wanna make sure there’s a lack of oxygen and light present. That’s because when THC oxidizes it converts into CBN.
Keeping your cannabis in an air-tight storage like our Staze Vacuum Seal Jars will help prolong the freshness and cannabinoid profile of your flower every time. Thoughtfully designed combining vacuum sealing technology, FDA approved materials, and an activated carbon filter for an odor protective barrier. Staze features a built-in hand operated vacuum pump. It locks in freshness by removing all air ultimately extending its shelf life and creating a complete air tight seal with ease.