CBN vs. THC: What Are the Differences?

People smoke weed for many reasons. Some smoke it for fun, while others use it for medical and psychological benefits.

As states across America legalize this substance, people are growing more interested in it. In fact, as of February this year, 37 states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational purposes.

As people start using this more, understanding the different strains is vital. Today, this article will help you understand the differences between CBN vs. THC. Keep reading to learn more!

Comparing CBN vs. THC

THC is a popular compound for young and older people due to its widespread use. According to the World Health Organization, 2.5% of the world population uses cannabis every year.

There are many different varieties of compounds found in the cannabis plant. Each of these different chemical compounds impacts the brain in various manners.

There are over 80 different types of cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant. In addition to these psychoactive compounds, there are other non-psychoactive compounds in cannabis.

CBN is just one of the many chemical compounds within this plant with distinctive effects. It can be hard to understand how these compounds impact one another, but CBN seems somewhat mild.

Taking different strains from the cannabis plant can result in contradictory reactions. Sometimes the various compounds inside cannabis can cancel the effects of other compounds.

This is why many people take these compounds as isolated compounds. CBN is one of the increasingly popular isolated compounds of cannabis.

What Is CBN?

CBN is known as Cannabinol and is a distinctive compound within cannabis. This compound is not prevalent in cannabis. This caused experts to overlook it for a while.

CBN is actually not present in alive cannabis plants. Instead, it is the result of oxidation.

As oxygen impacts THC during the drying process, it breaks down the chemical composition. This breakdown rearranges the chemical composition of THC into CBN. The changes in the chemical composition of THC alter how it affects the body and brain.

Therefore, CBN is THC in another form. As THC experiences chemical decomposition, it becomes CBN. However, the quantity is so sparse within the plant that it is somewhat hard to test its potency.

What Is THC?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and is one of the most popular parts of the cannabis plant. This portion makes people feel “high” and experience euphoric sensations.

When abused, this substance can cause feelings of anxiety and paranoia. The substance is sometimes used to treat depression, pain, and emotional imbalance.

THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, causing various impacts on the brain. Many people experience a lack of coordination and spotty memory. However, they also experience positive effects such as a sense of calm and positivity.

It is usually found near the buds of the Cannabis Sativa plant or the reproductive portions. This is where the highest amounts of THC are located. This is why many users smoke the “flower” of the plant.

Comparing the Uses of CBN and THC

Since CBN and THC are both the same compounds, just altered by age, the uses are similar. The most significant difference is the amount of available substance and the impact.

THC has a rather powerful impact on the brain as a psychoactive substance. It has been shown to impair judgment and slow the mind down significantly.

CBN, in comparison, is psychoactive but is much milder. It would take a much higher dose of CBN to create the same effects on the brain as THC.

Due to the sparse CBN available in cannabis, it has only undergone basic studies. However, some medical studies have shown that CBN can help delay the onset of ALS. This needs further investigation to be proven, though.

THC is also typically taken in different ways than CBN. THC is generally smoked, consumed in edibles, or vaped.

CBN is usually taken as a tincture or distillate. You can find CBN distillate for sale online or in local shops. Many people prefer this strain over THC because it does not give you as intense an experience.

Is CBN just Old Cannabis?

CBN is more than just old THC. THC is exposed to oxygen as it dries, altering the chemical composition.

When this chemical compound changes, it more or less alters the composition. Therefore, it becomes a new compound after the composition is rearranged.

Similar to how white willow bark is a form of pain killer that influences the development of aspirin.  White willow bark shares many chemical compositions similar to aspirin, but it is chemically different. This is the best way to view CBN and THC.

Is CBN Psychoactive?

CBN is technically a psychoactive substance, but it is far less psychoactive than THC. It will take much more CBN to make you as high as THC will likely leave you.

This is not an economically feasible way to get high, however. Since it requires more time and distillation to derive CBN from cannabis, it costs more per ounce.

Since it has different uses than THC, however, it is popular. It just does not have the same psychoactive impact as THC.

The Importance of CBN vs. THC

CBN vs. THC is an important distinction to understand before taking new substances. CBN products can be a  beneficial substance for any wishing to hopefully boost their mood.

Likewise, CBN vs. CBD is another comparison that is important to understand. CBD is non-psychoactive, while CBN is mildly psychoactive. Before taking them, knowing how these substances will impact you is the most critical part.

We hope this article was helpful to you as you choose the substance that’s best for you. At Stephi LaReine, we discuss topics ranging from Feng Shui to Alzheimer’s, and we hope you’ll revisit us soon!