Sitting at the crossroads of THC and CBD – CBD helps with sleep and pain. Could it be right for you?

Marijuana is been proven a benefit to the medical world and the American Medical Association, Health and Human Services, the American College of Physicians and the Food and Drug administration all support increasing it’s reach and for more research.  It has been shown to be particularly helpful with chronic pain, nausea, and sleep. The cannabis plant provide a variety of cannabinols, including CBD, marijuana and CBN. But the medical question is CBN right for you? It sits at the crossroads between CBD and THC can be useful with health issues.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Like CBD and THC, CBN is among the 100+ molecules in the cannabis plant. When THC is heated and exposed to CO2 (oxygen), it converts to CBN. The compound is said to have a mild psychoactive effect, slightly more so than CBD but much less than THC. Specifically, it is said to have a sedating effect on most users and to have promising sleep aid applications, similar to melatonin (among other potential uses).

The marketing of CBN as a dietary supplement may be viable, provided that no unapproved health claims are made and could be nationally legal as long as they have a THC concentration of 0.3% or less. Unlike CBN and like THC, CBN is legal in some states, but not federally. The FDA likes to point out that the 2018 Farm Bill explicitly preserved FDA’s authority to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds under the Food Drug & Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) and section 351 of the Public Health Service Act. But the marketing of CBN as a dietary supplement may be viable nonetheless, provided that no unapproved health claims are made.

RELATED: What Is CBG And Is It Legal?

Unlike CBD, CBN not been approved as a drug, and FDA itself has acknowledged “parts of the cannabis plant that do not contain THC or CBD might fall outside the scope of the [drug exclusion rule].” As with CBG, if CBN is approved as a drug at some point down the line, it also seems likely that the drug exclusion rule would not apply: this is because the rule contains an exception for substances marketed as foods or dietary supplements prior to any FDA clinical investigation. People are already marketing CBN products as foods and dietary supplements.

But the question is still, is CBN right for you? With regards to sleep, it is can be a bit stronger than CBD alone. While melatonin is a known as a good over the counter sleep aid, it doesn’t work for everyone.

A clinical study looked into sleep improvements from 15 mg of CBD with or without 15 mg of CBN compared with 5 mg of melatonin. In the study, all groups reported improved sleep quality, and there were no significant differences between products. Since this study didn’t look at CBN alone, it isn’t a direct comparison. But it seems to indicate that products containing an equal amount of CBD and CBN are similarly effective to melatonin for sleep. And adding a CBD/CBN product to melatonin didn’t provide any added benefit.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

CBN use showed relief in muscle and joint pain conditions with inflammation. Limited studies show The study also noted that pain relief was better when CBD and CBN were used together.

So CBN can be helpful if you need a little extra in over the counter help.

Updated research has uncovered a significant link between cannabis use and epigenetic changes, which are alterations in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. These findings suggest that cannabis consumption could have long-lasting effects on genetic regulation, potentially impacting various biological processes and health outcomes. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Washington, highlights the complexity of cannabis’s impact on the human body and raises important questions about its long-term effects.

Understanding Epigenetic Changes

Epigenetics refers to modifications in gene expression that occur without altering the DNA sequence itself. These changes can be triggered by various environmental factors, including diet, stress, and substance use. The study found that regular cannabis use can lead to specific epigenetic modifications, particularly in genes related to brain function, immune response, and reproductive health. These changes may not only affect the individual but could also have implications for future generations if the modifications are passed down.

The Study’s Key Findings

The research focused on a group of participants who were regular cannabis users and compared their epigenetic profiles to those of non-users. The results revealed distinct differences in the epigenetic markers between the two groups. Specifically, the study identified changes in genes associated with neurological development and immune system regulation. These epigenetic alterations could potentially influence cognitive function, susceptibility to certain diseases, and overall health.

Potential Health Implications

The epigenetic changes associated with cannabis use may have significant health implications. For instance, modifications in genes related to brain function could impact memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Additionally, changes in immune-related genes might alter the body’s ability to fight infections or respond to inflammatory conditions. While the full extent of these effects is still being studied, the findings underscore the need for a deeper understanding of how cannabis use influences long-term health.

Implications for Future Research

This study opens the door for further research into the epigenetic effects of cannabis use. Future studies could explore how these changes interact with other environmental factors, such as diet and stress, to influence health outcomes. Moreover, research could investigate whether these epigenetic modifications are reversible if cannabis use is reduced or discontinued. Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for developing guidelines on cannabis use, particularly as legalization expands.

Research has also shown that cannabis contains terpenes, aromatic compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects. For example, myrcene is known for its sedative properties, while limonene may help boost mood and reduce stress. The entourage effect, where these compounds work synergistically with cannabinoids, further enhances the plant’s medicinal potential. Understanding this complex interplay can help you choose cannabis products that best align with your specific wellness goals.