CBN and the Quest for Sleep

 Medical research has identifIed 113 cannabinoids existing in the cannabis plant and of these cannabinoids, less than ten of them have been subject to any substantial scientific study. CBD and THC  have received the lion’s share of research attention and clinical studies have shown many ways that these two cannabinoids work with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) and improve our health. Cannabinoids supplement our endogenous cannabinoids in their role addressing systemic imbalances, relieving inflammation, nausea, depression, anxiety, pain and appetite issues as well as acting as an anti-cancer and anti-bacterial agent.  

Positive research results and scientific endorsement validate and give credibility to emerging cannabinoid therapies while also stimulating much needed investment in clinical studies. Alongside THC and CBD there has been growing interest in other cannabinoids: CBG, CBN and THCV are three whose medical  benefits have been noted. This trio are all non-psychoactive and each one has developed a distinct reputation for particular therapeutic qualities.

CBN was the very first cannabinoid to be isolated in 1899 but it was a hundred years later when cannabis medicine returned to medical legitimacy that CBN emerged as an effective sleep aid.

As we have learned there are many cannabinoids present in cannabis, a full spectrum extraction is understood to bring an entourage effect of cannabinoids that are present, not just the most plentiful constituents.

CBN is always a low-occuring cannabinoid in any cannabis strain but CBN benefits from being produced in two unique ways in the plant. The first route to CBN is through naturally occurring CBNA, (Cannabinolic Acid) when processed with heat (decarboxylation) it becomes CBN. The second path to CBN occurs as THC-rich cannabis oxidizes, as the dry plant matter ages the THC loses its psychoactivity and  turns into CBN. 

When CBN is utilized as a sleep aid it is generally blended with CBD or THC, sometimes with both. The logic behind these synergistic blends lies in the benefits of combining cannabinoids for soporific effect. CBD, as an anti-anxiety agent, amplifies the sedative effect when partnered with the profile of CBN. Likewise, the addition of a low ratio of THC to CBN enables relaxation and drowsiness, reinforcing the sleep benefits of CBN. 

Cannabis practitioners speculate that the presence of the terpenes beta-caryophyllene and myrcene in CBN bolsters its sleep-inducing profile. Beta-Caryophyllene is the only known terpene that acts directly with CB2 receptors in the same way as a cannabinoid while Myrcene’s relaxed drowsy reputation is based on an affinity with an opioid receptor.

CBN-rich tincture will combine well with herbal sleep aids, chamomile tea, valerian tea or a sleepytime blend. Melatonin is also popular for sleep issues and particularly noted for adjusting the body to return to the correct circadian rhythm after traveling. Often a combination of sleep aids works best, taking tincture in a herbal tea is my double action solution! 

Synergy offers CBN in combination with CBD  (#220 3:1 CBD:CBN) and CBN with THC (#210 1:1 THC:CBN) in both oil-based and alcohol tincture. When either falling asleep, light-sleeping or difficulty staying asleep is the issue we suggest top-up doses, so keeping tincture and water at the bedside is recommended. If you can make a note of your dosages you’ll be able to figure out exactly what your body needs to get some good sleep! 

Is Cannabis Effective in Dealing with Anxiety?

It’s not as straightforward as you might think.

By Dan Reich

Anxiety is one of the most pervasive and hard-to-treat mental health issues of our time. More than 40 million people in America suffer from one or more forms of anxiety, which  can take many guises, from generalized anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder. Panic attacks affect 6 million people, whereas phobias are a problem for more than 19 million. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) manifests itself in 2.5 million, and Social Anxiety Disorder (a spectrum of behaviors from fear of public speaking to agoraphobia) affects the social activity of 15 million. 

Anxiety is generally defined as a sense of unease or foreboding with no easily identifiable cause, or at least one that is insignificant compared to the anxiety response. Anxiety can be a chronic state of worry, or it can be caused by any of several triggers. These can include excessive or unresolved stress, a genetic predisposition to anxiety, an experience of trauma or loss, or a side effect from medication.

Anxiety generally involves feelings of apprehension or worry about events that might occur in the future, whereas fear is a response to an immediate threat, such as an approaching storm or something chasing you. Fear is a normal, healthy biological response…we wouldn’t be here if fear hadn’t enabled our ancestors to escape danger…but anxiety is not nearly as useful. It keeps people from living normal lives, and causes a lot of pain for those affected by it.

Treating anxiety with pharmaceuticals, such as antidepressants, has not been a solution for many. As society begins to embrace alternative therapies, such as cannabis, studies have been undertaken that demonstrate that cannabis could be a good solution for mitigating anxiety. But here is where it gets tricky. THC – the cannabinoid that gets you high – can be effective in small doses, but in larger amounts, can actually cause anxiety. THC has emerged in studies on PTSD as an effective treatment, but it seems to have the most potential when combined with CBD. The two cannabinoids work in concert (the entourage effect) and when CBD is combined with THC, its psychoactive (and anxiety-inducing) properties are minimized.

CBD, on the other hand, has demonstrated that it is an effective anti-anxiety medicine, and is also invaluable in its ability to allow THC to provide therapeutic benefits without making the anxiety worse.

Dosing Is Everything

For those suffering from anxiety who have not tried cannabis to treat it, establishing the right dose is of paramount importance. Conventional wisdom is to start small, and gradually increase the dose. Depending on the type of anxiety, it’s probably best to avoid products that have more THC than CBD to avoid psychoactive side effects. 

Inhalation is the quickest delivery method for cannabinoids as the lungs give immediate access to the blood system.To address acute anxiety or a full blown panic attack vaping or smoking a CBD-rich strain will bring therapeutic relief in seconds. Synergy’s pure extraction vape cartridge CBD:THC 24:1 (#351) is recommended for cessation of anxious symptoms and Synergy has a range of high CBD flowers for conventional smoking.

.A CBD-dominant strain like ACDC in tincture form (CBD;THC 24:1 #100,#101,#102) can offer anti-anxiety benefits without a THC influenced buzz. Containing only trace levels of THC, ACDC uses the force of CBD and terpenes like myrcene to invoke a clear, calm state of mind. If you’re new to cannabis and leery of feeling high, start with ACDC or another CBD-rich strain. If the psychoactivity of THC is helpful. a blended tincture with a low ratio of THC will be mildly psychoactive and can be uplifting and effective. Synergy offers two 4:1 CBD to THC tinctures, Indica dominant (CBD;THC 4:1, #103-#105)  for calming action and Sativa dominant ( CBD:THC 4:1 #116) for uplifting anxiety relief. Both these tinctures are very mildly psychoactive especially at low doses.

For the most tailored and precise dosing tinctures are the best option. Using a sublingual dropper, you can easily manage consistent dosing. Any of our CBD-rich tinctures can be helpful with anxiety, particularly our CBD:CBG blend (CBD:CBG 3:1 #230), which includes a lesser known but powerful cannabinoid (CBG) that is particularly indicated in addressing anxiety.

160# CBD Medley is a blend of 4 CBD -rich strains (ACDC, Valentine X, Electra and  Therapy A. Each strain has its own terpene signature and a blend offers the benefit of an enhanced entourage effect. 

If you are suffering from anxiety and have not obtained the relief you seek, look into cannabis and CBD. It could make all the difference.

Anxiety can also be a triggered response to social pressure, if you suffer from pre-event anxiety, if parties or a dental visit set you on edge CBD will relieve anxious symptoms effectively. 

Before starting a treatment program, it’s best to do so under the supervision of a medical provider. If you would prefer to work with us rather than another provider, we are always available for consultations to develop treatment plans and recommend the most suitable products.