Many people have begun taking cannabinol (CBN) products are natural sleep aids – often in lieu of melatonin supplements – due to the relaxing, sedative effects this cannabinoid offers.
But does CBN get you high?
In short, yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that CBN creates a mild high effect. CBN can be thought of as a weaker version of THC, and it’s roughly 25% as strong. Unlike THC, the CBN high is characterized by deep relaxation and drowsiness, rather than the uplifting, euphoric, cerebral effects typically associated with cannabis.
In this article, we’ll discuss how CBN makes you feel and talk about how it works in the body to produce its sedative, mildly psychoactive effects.
Does CBN Get You High?
Yes, cannabinol (CBN) will get you high, even if its psychoactive effects aren’t as strong as those of THC.
While CBN is just ¼ as strong as THC, anecdotal evidence suggests that it’s mildly psychoactive and will get you high. But instead of rendering the powerful cerebral effects associated with THC, CBN will create a milder, drowsier, more body-focused high.
Additionally, research indicates that CBN may enhance the psychoactive effects of THC [1].
How Does CBN Make You Feel?
CBN will make you feel slightly lifted and deeply relaxed.
The psychoactive effects of CBN aren’t powerful. Nevertheless, most people report a slight high feeling in addition to feelings of drowsiness and deep physical relaxation.
Unlike THC, CBN’s feelings aren’t particularly cerebral. Instead, CBN tends to promote physical relaxation, mental sedation, and a slight head high.
You won’t feel particularly “high” or “stoned” in the traditional sense of these words, but you’ll feel different than if you took cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG), both of which are non-psychoactive.
How CBN Works in the Body
CBN works in your body via the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a a receptor system responsible for regulating your vital functions, including the sleep-wake cycle, inflammatory response, and mood.
Ultimately, the ECS works to keep your body in a state of homeostasis, or balance.
CBN interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your ECS to regulate the production and transmission of neurotransmitters that affect the way you feel, ultimately promoting deep mental and physical relaxation.
Through this mechanism, CBN is mildly psychoactive and promotes feelings of relaxation and drowsiness, often leading to improved sleep and physical comfort.
CBN vs. THC: How They Make You Feel
Many people report that CBN works like a weaker version of delta 9 THC — many of the same effects, but only about 25% as strong. CBN is roughly 50% as strong as delta 8 THC, a weaker form of THC.
Anecdotal and scientific evidence also suggests that CBN primarily makes you feel relaxed and drowsy. By contrast, THC can cause a variety of feelings, from euphoria to relaxation to happiness.
In this way, CBN creates a more one-dimensional experience that, while not as interesting for recreational use, is very effective for sleep support.
CBN vs. CBD: How They Make You Feel
CBD and CBN both have relaxing effects, however, unlike CBD, CBN can cause you to feel slightly high. CBD won’t cause psychoactive effects — in large doses, it just makes you tired.
A similarity between CBD and CBN is that both may be beneficial for anxiety, though CBD has been researched for this purpose and CBN has not.
Is CBN Legal?
On a national level, yes, CBN is legal – as long as it’s made from hemp-derived THC. The 2018 Farm Bill made all hemp-derived cannabinoids legal.
The difference between hemp and marijuana is THC percentage. Hemp is cannabis containing 0.3% THC or less by dry weight, while marijuana is cannabis containing over 0.3% THC by dry weight.
However, it may be illegal in some states. Many states haven’t specifically called out whether CBN is legal or not, as it hasn’t seen widespread use compared to THC.
Play it safe: if your state prohibits hemp-derived THC or CBD, it’s worth checking state law to see if you can buy CBN.
Will CBN Show Up on a Drug Test?
Although CBN is not an illicit substance and is not screened for on standard 12-panel drug tests, it may cause a false positive for THC.
This is because CBN is chemically very similar to THC, and, due to the way your body processes these two cannabinoids, they appear similar to drug testing technology.
Conclusion: CBN Will Get You High
While CBN’s primary effect is drowsiness, making it effective for sleep support, it can cause a very mild head high.
This makes it great for the evening, when you’re trying to relax and wind down before bed.
If you’re ready to try CBN, check out our CBN dosage guide.
Does CBN Get You High? Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we’re frequently asked about the effects of CBN.
Is CBN a psychoactive drug?
CBN is mildly psychoactive, but not particularly intoxicating like THC. It may promote relaxation without causing a traditional high.
Does CBN have a psychoactive effect?
Yes, CBN has a psychoactive effect, but the feeling is minimal. People typically report feeling calm and sleepy, rather than euphoric.
Is CBN psychotropic?
Yes, CBN is technically psychotropic because it influences mood and sleep. But it doesn’t produce a strong or mind-altering effect like THC or other well-known psychotropic substances.
Can CBN make you trip?
No, CBN won’t make you trip. While it is slightly psychoactive, it doesn’t create the altered perception commonly associated with hallucinogenic drugs or THC in high doses.
How much CBN will get you high?
There’s no standard amount of CBN that will get you high, however, doses of around 20-30mg of CBN are typically enough to feel a mild lift with deep mental and physical relaxation.
How long does a CBN high last?
High effects from CBN will last 2 to 8 hours, depending on how you take it. However, keep in mind that the effects will be more like drowsiness than a high.
Sources
[1] Takahashi RN, Karniol IG. Pharmacologic interaction between cannabinol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Psychopharmacologia. 1975;41(3):277-84. doi: 10.1007/BF00428937. PMID: 168604.
