CBN Stats & Data
CCCCCc1cc(OC(C)=O)c2c(c1)OC(C)(C)c1ccc(C)cc12LCXOAMRAVSWHBP-UHFFFAOYSA-NPharmacology
DrugBankDescription
Cannabinol (CBN) is a physiologically inactive constituent of Cannabis sativa.
Tolerance & Pharmacokinetics
drugs.wikiHarm 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
Drugs.wiki References
- DrugBank – Cannabinol (DB14737) entry
- DrugBank Article – Potential Cannabis–Medication PK interactions (Qian et al., 2019)
- DrugBank Category – UGT1A9 Inhibitors (lists Cannabinol)
- DrugBank Article – Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of THC, CBD, and CBN (Huestis 2005)
- NCBI Bookshelf – LactMed: Cannabis (updated 2025-07-15)
- NCBI Bookshelf – StatPearls: Vaping-Associated Pulmonary Injury (EVALI)
- NCBI Bookshelf – StatPearls: Cannabinoid Antiemetic Therapy (CHS mention)
- NCBI Bookshelf – StatPearls: Cannabidiol (for high-fat meal effect and PK analogy)
- NCI PDQ – Cannabis and Cannabinoids (oral vs inhaled PK, low oral bioavailability)
- Hi-Ground – Cannabis HR overview (unregulated market, dosing cautions, combos)
- Erowid – Drug Testing Basics (cutoffs; confirmation by GC/MS)
- Erowid – Cannabis Drug Testing (cutoffs; context)
- Drugs‑Forum – ‘What are the effects of CBN?’ (user reports of sedation/grogginess)