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    CBN Stats & Data

    Depressant Cannabinoid
    Sleepy cannabinoid
    PubChem
    MW310.4
    FormulaC21H26O2
    LogP6.1
    IUPAC6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentylbenzo[c]chromen-1-ol
    SMILESCCCCCC1=CC(=C2C(=C1)OC(C3=C2C=C(C=C3)C)(C)C)O
    InChIKeyVBGLYOIFKLUMQG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
    Chemical Class Cannabinoid
    Psychoactive Class Depressant
    Half-Life Estimated plasma half‑life 4 – 6 h; lipophilicity can extend low‑level presence beyond 24 h. Direct human data are limited; estimates informed by cannabinoid PK reviews.

    Pharmacology

    DrugBank

    Description

    Cannabinol (CBN) is a physiologically inactive constituent of Cannabis sativa.

    Toxicity

    PsychonautWiki

    CBN has low acute toxicity and is far less intoxicating than THC, but it is not well studied in humans, so long-term safety data are limited. As a CNS depressant-leaning cannabinoid it can add to the sedation and impairment of other depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, z-drugs), so combining them raises the risk of over-sedation. Effects and purity of commercial “CBN” products vary widely.

    Addiction & dependence

    CBN has no established dependence syndrome and its abuse potential appears low, but this reflects a lack of study rather than proven safety.

    Tolerance & Pharmacokinetics

    drugs.wiki
    Half-Life
    Estimated plasma half‑life 4 – 6 h; lipophilicity can extend low‑level presence beyond 24 h. Direct human data are limited; estimates informed by cannabinoid PK reviews.
    Addiction Potential
    Very low. Available preclinical and limited human data suggest minimal reinforcing effects and no clear withdrawal syndrome; psychological habit-formation is possible when used nightly as a sleep aid.

    Tolerance Decay

    Half tolerance 14d Baseline ~21d

    Limited direct data; pattern inferred from broader cannabinoid use. Psychological habituation to nightly use as a sleep cue can occur.

    Harm Reduction

    drugs.wiki

    • Product variability is common in the unregulated cannabinoid market; verify CBN content and check for residual solvents, pesticides and heavy metals via a recent third‑party Certificate of Analysis (COA). Avoid informal‑market vape cartridges.

    • Sedation is the primary sought effect; next‑day grogginess and impaired psychomotor function are reported. Allow a full 8–10 hours in bed and avoid driving or operating machinery after dosing. User reports consistently note sleepiness and heavy sedation.

    • Inhalation/vaping: Past EVALI clusters were strongly linked to vitamin E acetate in illicit THC carts; purchase only tested products and avoid unknown diluents or ‘dabbing’ oils directly on hot coils. Seek medical care if cough, chest pain, or dyspnea develop after vaping.

    • Drug–drug interactions: In vitro and clinical data indicate cannabinoids, including CBN, can inhibit CYP2C9 and UGT1A9 (and CBD also inhibits other UGTs/CYPs). Monitor for increased effects/side effects of co‑medications, especially narrow‑therapeutic‑index CYP2C9 or UGT substrates; consult a pharmacist.

    • Oral use: Lipophilicity suggests greater absorption with dietary fat (shown for CBD/cannabis); this can intensify and prolong effects. Start low, titrate slowly, and avoid redosing for at least 2 hours after an oral dose. (Inference based on CBD and THC data.)

    • Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Multiple cannabinoids (including THC and CBD) are measurable in breast milk for days–weeks; avoid cannabinoid products while pregnant or nursing unless guided by a clinician.

    • Chronic heavy cannabis exposure can be associated with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS); persistent cyclic nausea/vomiting warrants cessation and medical evaluation.

    • Drug testing: Routine urine immunoassays target THC‑COOH; confirmatory GC/MS is specific. Non‑THC cannabinoids like CBN have low cross‑reactivity on many modern screens; positives more often reflect undetected THC content in products. Always check COAs and be aware that screening positives require lab confirmation.

    • Special populations: Older adults and those with balance disorders are at higher risk of falls from sedation; those with untreated sleep apnea should avoid bedtime sedatives without medical advice. Hepatic impairment may increase exposure; use extra caution and lower starting doses.

    References

    Cited references

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