CBD vs CBN
CBD (cannabidiol) and CBN (cannabinol) are two cannabinoids from the hemp plant. CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp and is used day or night for everyday calm. CBN is a minor cannabinoid that forms as THC ages, and it is mostly used in evening products. CBD is non-intoxicating, and CBN binds the body’s CB1 receptors far more weakly than THC, so it is considered mild. Many people use the two together as part of a nighttime routine.
Last updated October 25, 2026. Below we compare CBN and CBD side by side, explain what current research does and doesn’t show, and touch briefly on how both relate to THC and CBG.
CBN vs CBD at a Glance
| CBD | CBN | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cannabidiol | Cannabinol |
| Where it comes from | Made by the hemp plant itself | Forms as THC breaks down with age, heat, light, and oxygen |
| How much is in hemp | The most abundant cannabinoid in hemp | Usually a trace amount |
| Intoxicating? | No | Considered mild; binds CB1 receptors far more weakly than THC |
| When people use it | Day or night | Mostly in the evening |
| Research | Widely studied | Early; only a few small human trials |
| Common products | Oils, gummies, topicals, bath products | Nighttime gummies and oils, usually paired with CBD |
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is the main cannabinoid in hemp. It works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps keep many everyday functions in balance. CBD is non-intoxicating, so it won’t cause a “high.”
People use CBD for everyday calm, to unwind after a stressful day, and to recover after workouts. Because it doesn’t make most people sleepy, it fits both daytime and evening routines. It comes in many forms: oils, gummies, creams, salves, and bath products.
What Is CBN?
CBN, or cannabinol, is a minor cannabinoid that forms as THC slowly breaks down from age, heat, light, and oxygen. That’s why older cannabis tends to contain more of it. Fresh hemp contains only trace amounts, so the CBN used in products is usually concentrated and purified into an isolate.
CBN binds the CB1 receptor far more weakly than THC, which is why it’s considered mild. It has become popular in evening products, and it’s most often paired with CBD rather than taken alone. The CBN in our products is a purified isolate, and lab testing finds no THC in it.
Key Differences Between CBN and CBD
- Origin: CBD is produced by the hemp plant. CBN forms later, as THC ages and breaks down.
- Abundance: CBD is plentiful in hemp, which makes it widely available. CBN is scarce, so it costs more to produce.
- Feel: CBD is clear-headed and fits any time of day. CBN is mild and most people save it for the evening.
- Research: CBD has been studied far more. CBN research is still early.
- Testing: Because CBN comes from THC, third-party testing is the only way to know a CBN product is THC-free. Always check the certificate of analysis (COA).
What Does the Research Say About CBN?
Human research on CBN is still limited, and the results so far are mixed:
- A 2023 randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 293 adults who rated their sleep as poor tested 20 mg of CBN, alone or with 10–100 mg of CBD, over seven nights. Compared with placebo, CBN reduced the number of nighttime awakenings and overall sleep disturbance, but it did not change how fast people fell asleep or how tired they felt the next day. Adding CBD did not increase CBN’s effects in this study (Bonn-Miller et al., 2023).
- A 2026 crossover trial of 20 adults with insomnia disorder compared a single 30 mg or 300 mg amount of CBN with placebo in a sleep lab. Neither amount changed time awake during the night, the study’s main measure. The 300 mg amount did shorten the time it took to fall asleep and improve how people rated their sleep (Lavender et al., Journal of Sleep Research, 2026).
Both research teams say larger, longer studies are needed. For now, CBN is best thought of as a promising part of a wind-down routine, not a proven sleep treatment.
Can You Take CBD and CBN Together?
Yes. Most CBN products on the market, including ours, pair CBN with CBD. People often reach for the combination because CBD supports overall calm while CBN is used for the evening. Research on how the two interact is still early, so the best approach is to start with a small amount, try your first serving at home in the evening, and see how it feels for you.
How CBN and CBD Compare to THC and CBG
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid that causes a “high.” It binds strongly to CB1 receptors, which is why it can affect memory and coordination. CBN forms from THC but binds those receptors far more weakly, and CBD doesn’t produce a high at all. Learn more on our CBD vs THC page.
CBG (cannabigerol) is often called the “mother cannabinoid” because the plant makes it first and then converts it into CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. Many people use CBG during the day for focus. See our CBD vs CBG page and our CBD and CBG products.
Side Effects and Safety
CBD and CBN are generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and digestive upset. CBN has less long-term safety data than CBD.
- CBD can interact with some medications, including blood thinners. Talk with your doctor before combining CBD or CBN with any medication or supplement.
- Don’t use CBD or CBN products if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor says it’s okay.
- Try a new product at home in the evening first, and wait to drive until you know how it affects you.
- Buy products with a current third-party certificate of analysis (COA) that shows potency and confirms no THC. All of our results are on our lab results page.
Choosing a CBD or CBN Product
- For your nighttime routine: our CBD & CBN Gummies have 30 mg CBD and 10 mg CBN per elderberry-flavored gummy. They’re THC-free, melatonin-free, and vegan.
- For adjustable servings: our CBD & CBN Oil is a 1:1 lemon-flavored blend with about 33 mg CBD and 33 mg CBN per 1 ml dropper. We make it in-house in Westminster, Colorado.
- For a bedtime topical: our CBD Magnesium Night Cream combines 1,000 mg magnesium, 1,000 mg CBD, 750 mg CBN, and 250 mg CBG.
- For daytime: our 30 mg CBD Gummies or CBD & CBG Gummies (15 mg CBD + 15 mg CBG) are made for focus and calm without CBN.
Shop all of our CBN products or our nighttime gummies.
CBN vs CBD FAQ
What is the difference between CBN and CBD?
CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp and is used day or night for everyday calm. CBN is a minor cannabinoid that forms as THC ages, and it’s mostly used in evening products. CBD is non-intoxicating, and CBN is considered mild because it binds CB1 receptors far more weakly than THC.
Is CBN better than CBD for sleep?
Research hasn’t settled this. In one 2023 trial, 20 mg of CBN reduced nighttime awakenings compared with placebo, and adding CBD didn’t increase the effect. A 2026 sleep-lab trial found mixed results. Many people use CBN as part of an evening routine and CBD for everyday calm.
Will CBN get me high?
CBN binds CB1 receptors far more weakly than THC and is considered mild. The CBN in our products is a purified isolate, and lab testing found no THC in it.
Can I take CBD and CBN together?
Yes. Most CBN products, including ours, combine the two. Start with a small amount, try your first serving at home in the evening, and talk with your doctor if you take any medications.
How much CBN is in your products?
Our CBD & CBN Gummies have 10 mg CBN and 30 mg CBD per gummy. Our CBD & CBN Oil has about 33 mg CBN and 33 mg CBD per 1 ml dropper.
Are your CBD and CBN products THC-free?
Yes. Our CBD and CBN products are made with isolate, and third-party lab testing found no THC. Every result is on our lab results page.
Sources
- Bonn-Miller MO, et al. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2023.
- Lavender IG, et al. Cannabinol for acute treatment of insomnia disorder in a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial. Journal of Sleep Research, 2026.
The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding before using any Leanna Organics product.
Scott Mollenkopf
Read more about Scott
A father of three and lifelong dog lover, Scott runs the technology stack as well as sales and marketing at Leanna Organics. He balances family life with building the systems that keep the brand growing, while staying closely involved in daily operations and customer experience. Passionate about natural wellness, he shares practical insights on the company blog and enjoys exploring technology, gardening, and time outdoors with his family and dogs.
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