While CBD and THC have positive effects on sleep, studies revealed that another cannabinoid has a more powerful effect compared to these two. Of all the cannabinoids, CBN appears to be the most sedative. Not only is it sedative, it takes very little to do the job. The consumption of 2.5mg to 5mg of CBN has the same level of sedation as a mild pharmaceutical sedative, with a relaxed body sensation similar to 5mg to 10mg of diazepam. CBN is synergistic with both CBD and D9THC for inducement of sleeping, and when mixed in the correct ratios, CBN becomes an effective sleep aid of 5-6 hours duration. CBN is either non-psychoactive or very mildly psychoactive.
Unlike CBD which is an altogether different cannabinoid from THC, CBN comes from THC itself. Most of the CBN found in cannabis is due to the degradation of THC, wherein the THC has oxidized to CBN. Enzymes from the plant transform a compound called CBGA or Cannabigerolic Acid into the precursors of the three major cannabinoids:
THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.
CBDA or cannabidiolic acid.
CBCA or cannabichromenic acid.
As the plant gets exposed to heat and sunlight, these three precursors become the cannabinoids we are most familiar with – THC, CBD, and CBG. While we consider CBG a minor cannabinoid, it’s interesting to note though that THC and CBD came from CBG.
Now, prolonged sun and air exposure degrade THCA. It loses four of its hydrogen atoms and converts into CBNA, which is the precursor of CBN. Exposure to more air and ultraviolet rays then converts CBNA into CBN. Heat application also turns CBNA into CBN.