The world of cannabis can be complex and confusing for not just newcomers, but even seasoned stoners looking to try something new. From all the different Runtz strains to various consumption methods, and of course, unique kinds of cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are the compounds in marijuana that make you feel something - whether it’s a high or something more therapeutic, like relaxation, relief from discomfort, the list goes on and on.
You’re probably most familiar with CBD and THC, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. A new cannabinoid is emerging: CBN. So what’s the difference between THC and CBN? Our CBN vs THC comparison guide below will leave you with a clear understanding of the role each plays.
THC, as you might already know, is the psychoactive cannabinoid that makes you feel “high.” But it’s not just used recreationally to catch a buzz, it brings its own therapeutic benefits to the table as well.
On the other hand, CBN is one of the most relaxing, sedating cannabinoids in the world. It’s commonly used as a sleep aid at night or simply to help users unwind after a long, stressful day.
As we’ll explore in this THC vs CBN guide, it’s not a matter of choosing between one or the other. The real magic with cannabis comes from enjoying the plant closer to its true form - where all the major and secondary cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work in synergy.
We make it easy here at Evn with our CBN THC gummies. They feature a perfectly balanced 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD along with 2mg of CBN! They’re made from single-strain indica rosin, the perfect way to drift way to dreamland. Try them yourself today
CBN + THC Gummies
Overview of Cannabinoids
Let’s start all the way from the beginning with a brief overview of cannabinoids in general. These are the naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This system is how you feel cannabis. It’s a network of receptors that regulate everything from mood to appetite, sleep, pain, immune response, and more.
Cannabinoids are basically just chemical messengers - when you consume them, they bind with these receptors and produce an effect. The specific effect varies depending on two things:
- The specific receptor in question
- The specific cannabinoid in question
This nuance is what makes cannabis so versatile - you can tailor your intake based on whether you need a creative buzz or help falling asleep. After all, more than 100 cannabinoids are currently being studied!
The two most well-known are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). They’re known as major cannabinoids not just because they’re the most researched but because they’re the most abundant in your typical cannabis plant.
However, cannabis also contains a host of minor cannabinoids, such as CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), and CBC (cannabichromene). Each brings something different to the table. We’ll narrow our focus to CBN vs THC for the sake of today’s conversation.
What’s the Difference Between THC and CBN?
So what’s the difference between THC and CBN? There are actually quite a few. THC is far more concentrated in the average plant than CBN. They also produce very different effects. Let’s put each under the microscope below before comparing and contrasting THC vs CBN.
What is THC?
THC is the most abundant and well-known psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. It binds primarily to CB1 receptors in the brain, influencing neurotransmitter release and altering perception, mood, and behavior. This creates the euphoric “high” cannabis is known for.
It’s worth noting that THC doesn’t actually exist in the cannabinoid plant - it’s available in its acidic form, THCa, until exposed to heat. The THCa goes through a process known as decarboxylation and is converted to THC, in turn unlocking its psychoactive properties.
But contrary to what you may have been led to believe, THC isn’t just about getting high. Sure, that’s what it’s most known for and there’s nothing wrong with using cannabis only with the goal of catching a buzz. However, this cannabinoid does have its own therapeutic properties as well:
- Pain Relief: THC is widely used to manage chronic discomfort.
- Appetite Stimulation: It’s effective for combating appetite loss, particularly in patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. The munchies are real!
- Mood Enhancement: Many users report feelings euphoric, relaxed, and more creative after consuming THC.
One another thing to know about THC is that it will show up on a drug test. This, coupled with its sometimes intense psychoactive properties, means it may not be for everyone.
Nevertheless, you’ll find it in raw flower, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and even concentrates like live resin vs rosin vs distillate. There are countless ways to indulge in THC.
What is CBN?
Now, let’s introduce the other half of the CBN vs THC comparison. You’re likely much less familiar with this minor cannabinoid, but that changes today. What’s unique about CBN is that it actually forms as THC degrades! So, all CBN was technically THC at one point.
This is why CBN does have some minor psychoactive effects. It runs in the family, after all! That being said, the “high” it produces will be much more mild than that of true THC.
What’s not mild, though, is it’s calming and sedating properties. CBN is the go-to cannabinoid for relaxing and unwinding, and more specifically, for sleep support. Here are all the benefits of CBN you need to know about:
- Sleep Aid: Like we said, anyone struggling with insomnia or just wanting to fall asleep faster (and stay asleep) can count on CBN to help get a better night’s sleep.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Emerging research suggests CBN may help support a healthier inflammatory response, minimizing aches and pains to some degree.
- Neuroprotective Potential: Some studies indicate CBN could aid in protecting brain health as well, offsetting the effects of age on mental capacity.
You can indulge in CBN through many of the same consumption methods as THC - tinctures, capsules, or gummies. It’s often included with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids as well since it’s a minor cannabinoid that may not move the needle on its own.
THC vs CBN: Which Cannabinoid is Right For You?
Be clear - it’s not a matter of choosing between THC vs CBN. They serve different purposes, and technically, the ideal cannabis experience means having both of these present along with a realm of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
We’ll talk more about this entourage effect in a moment. For now, let’s take a closer look at the differences between CBN vs THC side by side - starting with how they work in the body.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Interaction
The difference between THC and CBN starts with the receptors each binds to. As we said earlier, THC favors the CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). this produces psychoactive effects and influences mood, appetite, pain, and more.
In contrast, CBN interacts with CB2 receptors, which are associated with immune response and inflammation. It still can bind to CB1 receptors but has a much lower affinity for these, which is why CBN doesn’t produce nearly as strong of psychoactive effects as THC.
Speaking of which…
Psychoactive Effects
There’s no question that THC is known for its euphoric high. It’s not just about mind-bending effects, though. The reason an altered perception is so powerful is that it can help elevate your mood and increase creativity.
This is why recreational users typically chase higher THC levels over a more balanced cannabinoid profile. Just be aware that the strong psychoactive nature of THC can be overwhelming, sometimes leading to anxiety or paranoia in too high of a dose.
On the other hand, CBN produces very little psychoactivity. Rather, it brings out a soothing, sedative feeling without altering mental state much. However, CBN paired with THC can create a really complex, balanced high unlike THC or CBN on their own.
Therapeutic Potential
We mentioned some of the key benefits of both THC vs CBN already, but let’s reiterate that each brings something different to the table. There is some overlap in terms of therapeutic effects, but here’s where they differ:
- THC: Pain relief, appetite stimulation, nausea reduction, and mood enhancement.
- CBN: Natural alternative for managing insomnia. Shows promise in reducing inflammation and protecting nerve health as well.
It’s important to remember that research into cannabis from a therapeutic perspective is greatly lacking, but that’s starting to change thanks to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. We’ll slowly but surely start learning more about the power of all the different cannabinoids.
Possible Side Effects
While side effects can be avoided by taking the proper dose and only using lab-tested products from a trusted brand, THC is known for a few uncomfortable adverse effects. These include dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, and increased appetite (which may be a benefit in some cases).
Of course, the real risk of THC comes from taking too much and greening out - ending up paranoid and stuck in an anxiety spiral. Again, this is not something you need to worry about when you titrate your dose, starting slow and working your way up to the sweet spot.
All that being said, CBN isn’t known for any sort of side effects - aside from being a sedative. This is its primary benefit, but it’s worth noting that you might become too drowsy if you take it during the day.
Best Use Cases for Each
Choosing between THC vs CBN is as simple as considering what you want out of the experience. THC is ideal for recreational use but has some potential for pain relief and appetite stimulation as well.
Meanwhile, CBN is best for relaxation, managing stress, or improving sleep quality. It’s our personal favorite for nighttime use, helping to set the stage for a good night’s rest.
But at this point, it’s time we took a closer look at the entourage effect and explained why you shouldn’t try to choose between CBN vs THC - you need both for the full experience!
Why Separating Cannabinoids is Not the Way to Enjoy Cannabis: The Entourage Effect Explained
We’ve referenced the entourage effect a lot throughout this guide, and there’s a reason for that. It’s the most important philosophy on how cannabis should be consumed. It basically states that the sum of all the parts dramatically outweighs the individual parts on their own.
In other words, you don’t want to isolate out THC, or CBN, or CBD - or any other cannabinoid for that matter. Sure, they work on their own - but not nearly as well as they do when combined with one another!
For example, THC alone might provide a powerful high, but it can also lead to anxiety in some users. Pairing THC with CBD or CBN can help counteract those effects, leading to a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Meanwhile, THC’s uplifting properties can offset CBN’s drowsiness.
But it’s not just about cannabinoids. Terpenes are an important piece of the puzzle as well. These are the aromatic compounds in cannabis (and many other plants, for that matter) that influence taste and smell.
However, we’re learning in real time that they have their own therapeutic properties as well. They shape the way you feel cannabis just as much as the cannabinoids do.
For instance, myrcene can amplify CBN’s sedative properties, while limonene might enhance THC’s uplifting effects. Linalool, found in lavender, promotes relaxation. On the other hand, pinene can help with focus and memory.
The point is, you shouldn’t make it a point to try and pinpoint the perfect cannabinoid. Rather, focus on whole-plant extracts that bring all these compounds together for the most well-rounded, true-to-strain experience.
The good news? You won’t have to look far if you want to see how CBN and THC can work in synergy for you. We’ve created something just for you at Evn.
Harness the Power of CBN and THC Together at Evn!
Our Mango CBN + THC gummies are your new nighttime besties. They’re delicious and made from single strain indica rosin and a perfectly balanced 1:1 THC to CBD ratio alongside 2mg of CBN per gummy. You’ll find yourself drifting away to dreamland in no time!
Whether you’re trying to kick insomnia to the curb or just want help relaxing after a long, stressful day, these gummies are worth trying. We also have other types of live resin gummies and live rosin gummies:
Learn about the differences between indica vs sativa vs hybrid in our blog, or live badder vs live resin, how to make live resin gummies, ashwagandha and weed, and more. Otherwise, the only thing left to do today is spoil yourself with the best CBN THC gummies at Evn!
Closing Thoughts on CBN vs THC
We know the diverse range of cannabinoids can make the already complex topic of cannabis even more confusing. No need to get overwhelmed, though - we hope this CBN vs THC comparison has left you with complete clarity about the role each plays.
THC is perfect for those seeking an uplifting, euphoric experience, while CBN shines as a calming, sleep-enhancing compound. It’s not a matter of choosing between one or the other, though - they’re a match made in heaven.
Experience the entourage effect firsthand and discover perfect harmony in our THC CBN gummies at Evn. Why choose one when you can enjoy the best of both? Discover the ideal blend today.
