CBD vs CBN: Potential Benefits, Uses, and Effects

May 19, 2025 · By Joseph Wilde

Natural wellness is having a moment. And cannabinoids – the chemical compounds found in the cannabis and hemp plant – are right at the heart of it.

You’ve probably heard of CBD. It’s our hero ingredient, and for good reason. But there’s another cannabinoid starting to make waves: CBN.

They may sound alike, but these two compounds do different things.

In this blog, we break down what sets them apart – and how to know which one might work best for you.

Understanding Cannabinoids: CBD and CBN

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant – including its low-THC form, hemp.[1] They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate sleep, mood, pain, and appetite.[1] There are over a hundred known cannabinoids. You’ve probably heard of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD – but others, like CBN, are now gaining attention for their own unique effects.

The Role of the Cannabis Plant

Cannabinoids like CBD are made naturally by the cannabis plant. CBN, though, is a bit different. It forms over time, as THC breaks down when exposed to light, heat or oxygen.[1]

That means older cannabis – especially strains harvested for THC – often contains more CBN.[1]

Hemp vs Marijuana: What’s the difference?

Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis, but they have different roles.

Hemp, which we use at Unspun, is high in CBD and naturally low in THC (under 0.2% in the UK). Marijuana, on the other hand, is usually bred for its high THC content and is regulated differently.[3]

Exploring Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD: Origin and Sources

CBD is one of the main cannabinoids made naturally by the cannabis plant. It’s especially abundant in hemp – the low-THC variety we use at Unspun.[2]

Unlike CBN, which forms over time as THC breaks down, CBD is present in the plant from the start. With a little heat or time, it becomes active and ready for the body to absorb.

What is CBD?

Medical Benefits and Uses of CBD

CBD is best known for its calming effects – but its most proven use is actually in treating rare forms of epilepsy.

A high-strength, pharmaceutical-grade CBD called Epidiolex is approved for reducing seizures in conditions like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex.[4] Clinical trials have shown it can make a real difference in seizure frequency.[5]

Beyond epilepsy, research suggests CBD may help with anxiety.[6] Some studies show it can ease symptoms and support a calmer state of mind.[5]

It’s also being explored for pain. CBD may support the body’s response to discomfort by reducing inflammation and interacting with systems involved in how we process pain.[6]

10 Benefits of CBD

CBD and its Non-Psychoactive Nature

CBD won’t get you high.

That’s one of the key differences between CBD and THC. Thanks to its unique structure, CBD doesn’t activate the brain receptors that cause a “high”.[2][7]

Instead, it works more subtly—helping to support balance in the body by interacting with systems linked to mood, sleep, pain, and inflammation.[6]

It also connects with other important receptors, like the ones involved in stress and serotonin levels.[2] That’s part of what makes it so promising for things like anxiety and overall wellbeing.

Unveiling Cannabinol (CBN)

Formation and Origin of CBN

CBN doesn’t come straight from the plant like CBD does. It forms when THC is exposed to light, heat or oxygen over time.[1]

That’s why older cannabis tends to have more CBN. It builds up slowly as THC breaks down. The longer the exposure, the higher the CBN content.

Potential Benefits of CBN for Sleep and Pain Management

CBN is often associated with sedative effects, making it a potential fit for sleep support.

While the research is still early, some studies suggest it may help reduce night-time wakeups and improve overall sleep quality – without leaving you groggy the next day.[8][9][10]

One study even found its effects were similar to melatonin, with doses between 25 and 100 mg showing promise for helping people stay asleep longer.[10]

CBN is also being explored for pain relief, particularly in conditions like fibromyalgia. In preclinical studies, it helped reduce muscle sensitivity and inflammation. When combined with CBD, the effects lasted even longer than using either on its own.[11]

CBN's Mild Psychoactive Properties

Unlike CBD, CBN may produce mild psychoactive effects at higher doses.

These effects are subtle and far less intense than those caused by THC. You won’t feel high, but you might notice a gentle shift in mood or mental state.[12][8]

This happens because CBN interacts with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, including the same ones THC binds to just with much less strength.[8]

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Comparing CBN vs CBD

Differences in Effects and Uses

When it comes to sleep, the results are mixed. One study found no real difference between taking CBD on its own and taking a mix of CBD and CBN.[13] Another showed that CBN may help with night-time wakeups, but didn’t improve overall sleep quality compared to a placebo.[9]

For pain, there’s more promise. A preclinical study found that combining CBD and CBN gave longer-lasting relief than using either one alone.[11]

CBD also has a stronger research track record overall—especially for conditions like epilepsy and anxiety.[4] Research on CBN in these areas is still in the early stages.

Interaction with Body Receptors

CBD and CBN both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, but in different ways.

CBD doesn’t bind strongly to cannabinoid receptors. Instead, it helps regulate them and also works with other systems in the body, like those linked to mood and inflammation.[6][2]

CBN connects more directly with these receptors. It has a mild effect on the same brain receptors as THC, but with much less intensity—around one-tenth the strength.[14] It also binds more easily to CB2 receptors, which are involved in immune response and inflammation.[14]

These effects are why CBN is often used in products aimed at sleep and recovery.

Market Availability: CBD vs CBN

CBD dominates the wellness space. You’ll find CBD oils, gummies, creams and more in pharmacies, supermarkets and all over the internet. It’s well established, widely trusted and legally available across much of the world.

CBD for fitness

CBN is a different story. CBN products like CBN oil and CBN gummies are still relatively niche, mostly found through specialist retailers. In the UK, CBN’s legal status is more restricted, which limits how it can be sold.

That said, broad-spectrum CBD products may contain trace amounts of CBN, including Unspun. CBN and CBD are part of the wider cannabinoid profile that contributes to the overall effect.

Legal Status of CBN in the United Kingdom

CBN is classed as a controlled substance in the UK, similar to THC. On its own—as a concentrated ingredient in oils or gummies—it’s not legal to sell without a special Home Office licence.[15][16][17]

But here’s the nuance. Trace amounts of CBN are allowed in CBD products, as long as the total level of controlled cannabinoids (including CBN and THC) is no more than 1 mg per container. That’s why broad-spectrum CBD products, like Unspun’s, can legally contain naturally occurring traces of CBN.

It’s part of the wider cannabinoid profile that supports the “entourage effect” and may enhance overall results without breaking any rules.

So while CBN isn’t legal as a standalone supplement in the UK, it is legally present in tiny, compliant amounts within broad-spectrum CBD.

Clinical Applications and Research

FDA Approval and Epidiolex: A Milestone for CBD

The approval of Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, by the US FDA represents a significant milestone. This pharmaceutical-grade CBD product has been approved for treating seizures associated with specific syndromes.[4] Clinical trials have shown that CBD significantly reduces seizure frequency in these conditions.[5]

The success of Epidiolex has provided a vital treatment option for patients with rare and often treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy while helping legitimise CBD as a therapeutic agent with significant medical potential.

CBN in Studies for Sleep Aid and Pain Relief

While CBD for sleep has been studied extensively, CBN research is emerging. A study from 2025 conducted in rats suggests that CBN and its active metabolite influence sleep architecture, increasing both NREM and REM sleep.[18] Additionally, a 2024 study reported that CBN in doses of 25-100 mg was effective for improving sleep quality in humans.[10]

The potential benefits of CBN for sleep issues is gaining attention, but research on CBN remains less mature than CBD research, with fewer completed clinical trials to confirm its efficacy for sleep disorders and optimal dosing protocols.

Recommendations and Expert Advice

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

The approval of Epidiolex by the US FDA marked a major step forward for CBD.

It’s the first prescription medicine made from CBD, approved for treating seizures linked to rare forms of epilepsy.[4] Clinical trials showed that it can reduce how often these seizures occur.[5]

This gave patients with hard-to-treat epilepsy a new, evidence-based option. It also helped establish CBD as more than just a wellness ingredient—proving it can have real medical value when properly researched and regulated.

Reporting Adverse Reactions

If you ever experience side effects from a CBD or cannabinoid product, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know.

In the UK, you can also report it through the Yellow Card Scheme, run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. This helps flag potential safety issues and keeps the system accountable.

Conclusion

CBD and CBN are just two of over a hundred cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both come from hemp, and both interact with the body in different ways.

CBD is the more familiar of the two. It’s legal in the UK, widely used, and backed by strong research, especially in areas like epilepsy, anxiety and pain. It’s also non-psychoactive, which makes it a popular choice for everyday wellbeing.

CBN is less well-known but starting to gain attention. Early research suggests it may support sleep and pain relief, particularly as a gentler, more mellow alternative to THC. That said, it’s harder to produce, more tightly regulated in the UK, and still being studied.

As research evolves, we’ll understand more about how these cannabinoids work, both on their own and together. For now, CBD remains the most accessible and well-supported option, but CBN is one to watch.