If you’ve ever reached for a melatonin product after a long day, you aren’t alone.
Sleep aids are big business in the wellness world, and for good reason. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly one-third of adults in the United States report getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. The deficit drives millions of restless dreamers to try everything from over-the-counter pills and sleepy teas to prescription sedatives.
Proper sleep is genuinely out of reach for many people today, not just because of trends like grind or hustle culture, but also because of real physiological dysregulation, chronic stress, and the interference of modern lifestyles. For thousands of years, humans have tried to understand what happens when we sleep. While sleep science is still relatively young, modern medicine has long advocated for a nighttime rest of seven to nine hours in a cool, quiet environment. Sleepmaxxing, an umbrella term for a viral TikTok trend that encompasses users sharing “sleep hacks” for wellness, is just today’s branded version of that enduring human quest to get the restorative rest we need.
Melatonin is a popular sleep supplement that can be effective, but it also has downsides. Many people don’t realize the body naturally produces only about thirty micrograms of melatonin per night. Yet, many commercial gummies contain one to ten milligrams, which is thirty to 300 times more than our bodies make. This massive dosing can overwhelm the body’s natural cycles, leading to next-day grogginess, vivid dreams or nightmares, and even dependence over time as users increase their dose and struggle to taper off. These challenges have sparked interest in alternative natural sleep aids like the minor cannabinoid cannabinol (CBN), which is earning a reputation for aiding restful sleep.
What makes CBN fundamentally different?
Unlike melatonin, which tells the brain it’s time to sleep by shifting the body’s internal clock, CBN doesn’t override the natural circadian rhythm. Instead, it supports relaxation through different pathways in the body, helping users unwind and fall asleep naturally without forcing the process. CBN interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which comprises receptors that process cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis. By binding to the CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors throughout the body, CBN signals it’s time to relax. Rather than disrupting the sleep cycle, it works with natural rhythms, offering a gentler, more balanced approach to rest.
CBN is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp plants, but it has a unique origin story. Unlike THC or CBD, which are produced by the plant’s biosynthesis, CBN is a product of time. The same way wine or cheese develops a different presentation, or palate, when aged, cannabis and hemp yield a “sleepier” effect when aged. Older, well-cured (and often darker) cannabis tends to contain higher concentrations of CBN.
As cannabis ages — particularly if it’s exposed to heat, air, or light — THC oxidizes and breaks down into CBN, a molecule that’s much less psychoactive (about one-fourth as potent by most measures) but has a fascinating set of natural effects, primarily on sleep quality. Chemically, CBN is psychoactive, but its high is exceptionally mild, and many people won’t notice any “buzz” at all. Instead, they may perceive more of a subtle sense of full-body relaxation.
While there is still a long way to go with clinical research on CBN (thanks to regulatory hurdles), animal studies and decades of consumer anecdotes offer plenty of reasons to be excited about the substance’s sedative effects. In early research, CBN was shown to prolong deep sleep time in mice, especially when paired with other cannabinoids like THC.
Human consumers often report a light, gentle sense of calm. Unlike melatonin, CBN’s effects appear more about overall physical and mental relaxation. That difference makes CBN a favorite among people looking to optimize, or sleepmaxx, their rest. Among those seeking the perfect night of sweet dreams, CBN is sometimes paired with magnesium or low-dose THC to achieve deeper, more restorative sleep.
Because CBN forms through oxidation, it’s historically been most abundant in aged cannabis flower. But for today’s manufacturers who aim to deliver consistent doses, CBN is produced by isolating and oxidizing THC or CBD extracts in the lab. The result is a crystalline powder with 99.99-percent purity. This isolate can be carefully dosed and infused into gummies, tinctures, capsules, or vape formulations to deliver precise doses or paired with other compounds for tailored blends.
For sleep, CBN is often blended with small amounts of THC for enhanced sedation or with CBD for overall calm. This approach is rooted in the entourage effect, which is the idea that cannabis compounds work better together than on their own. Because CBN’s psychoactivity is mild, it’s seen as more approachable for sleep than THC edibles, which sometimes cause issues for lower-tolerance users.
CBN is good news for cannabis brands and retailers
As cannabis and hemp research expands alongside nationwide acceptance of a new breed of wellness products, lesser-known minor cannabinoids like CBN see increased demand. An increasing number of consumers seek targeted wellbeing solutions that address their specific needs with as little pharmaceutical interference as possible.
Far from a one-size-fits-all solution like over-the-counter options, CBN offers a milder, gentler way to unwind that pairs well with other cannabinoids, complements mindful bedtime rituals, and aligns with a broader shift toward holistic, personalized sleep routines. CBN has earned its spot in sleep routines and just might be the key that consumers seeking holistic solutions have been awaiting.
CBN and Sleep: Your Questions Answered
What is CBN and how does it help with sleep?
CBN (cannabinol) is a minor cannabinoid formed when THC oxidizes. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote relaxation and support natural sleep cycles without disrupting circadian rhythms.
How is CBN different from melatonin?
Melatonin shifts the body’s internal clock, while CBN works by encouraging relaxation through CB1 and CB2 receptors. Many people find CBN gentler, with fewer side effects like grogginess or vivid dreams.
Does CBN cause a high?
CBN is mildly psychoactive, but about one-quarter as potent as THC. Most users don’t experience a noticeable high—just subtle relaxation that supports better rest.
What kinds of products contain CBN?
Manufacturers isolate CBN into a crystalline powder and infuse it into gummies, tinctures, capsules, or vape formulations. It’s often blended with CBD or low-dose THC for tailored sleep support.
Is CBN safe to use for sleep?
While more clinical research is needed, early studies and consumer reports suggest CBN is a safe, natural option for improving sleep quality. As with all cannabinoids, effects may vary.
By employing a logic-driven approach and a strong grasp of market dynamics, Chris Karazin shaped Carolindca into one of North Carolina’s most successful brands. Karazin founded the hemp company in 2019 after working in outside sales for a residential solar energy firm. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University.
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