CBN and THC are both commonly used for sleep, anxiety, pain, and general relaxation.
CBN offers a milder, drowsy high, while THC delivers the classic deep euphoria and relaxation. They each provide a unique therapeutic (or recreational) option, depending on how you want to feel.
But what are the effects and benefits of taking CBN and THC together?
CBN is calming and sedative, while THC is euphoric and relaxing. When taken together, they render a deeply calming, physically soothing effect that’s great for sleep and discomfort support.
In this article, we’ll explore how these two cannabinoids interact when you combine them, from their effects and benefits to their potential side effects. Let’s get into it.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is one of 100+ naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant.
CBN is considered a minor cannabinoid, since it’s relatively scarce in the plant compared to THC and CBD.
It’s known for its sedative, relaxing properties and is commonly used as a sleep aid, especially when combined with CBD and THC.
Preliminary research suggests CBN may have therapeutic potential for sleep, physical discomfort, eye health, and other uses.
What is THC?
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9 THC, delta 9, or THC) is a naturally-occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.
Delta 9 THC is the cannabinoid most people are talking about when they refer to THC. It is what creates the high you feel after you smoke cannabis.
Due to its high natural abundance in hemp (hemp is cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC), THC has been extensively researched for various medical uses.
Can You Take CBN and THC Together?
Yes, you can take CBN and THC together. Doing so is not only safe, but also very beneficial.
Combining CBN and THC renders more benefits and fewer side effects than either cannabinoid in isolation. CBN is calming, and when combined with THC, it may amplify the relaxation you feel while reducing the potent inebriating or anxiety-inducing effects. Likewise, THC may enhance CBN’s physically relaxing properties.
Some commonly reported benefits of the CBN-THC combination include better sleep, mental relaxation, physical relaxation, and less THC-induced anxiety.
Effects of CBN and THC Together
CBN is known for its sedative, mildly psychoactive effects and is a popular sleep aid. THC creates a euphoric, relaxing head high.
When taken together, CBN and THC give you the best of both worlds. Specific beneficial effects include:
- Balanced high: You won’t feel as sleepy as if you took CBN by itself, but you won’t feel as high as if you took THC alone. THC takes away some of CBN’s sedative edge, while CBN takes away some of THC’s psychoactive edge.
- Deeper mental relaxation: CBN makes the THC experience more sedative, while THC creates effects more powerful than CBN could create by itself, giving you a calm, relaxed effect that’s perfect for sleep and evening relaxation.
- Increased physical comfort: Together, CBN and THC will render physical relaxation greater than what you’d feel from either cannabinoid in isolation.
Taking CBN and THC together also changes where you’ll feel the effects. CBN tends to spread its effects across the mind and body, while THC’s effects are more concentrated in the head. By using CBN and THC together, you can enjoy full-body relaxation.
Benefits of CBN and THC Together
Research suggests the CBN-THC combination may render increased therapeutic benefits in several different areas:
CBN and THC promote restful sleep
Research suggests both CBN and THC have therapeutic potential for promoting restful sleep.
A 1995 study done on mice found that CBN may prolong sleeping time [1]. Anecdotally, CBN may induce a full-body sedative effect.
A study on medical cannabis, which contains high percentages of THC, found that it improved both the duration and quality of sleep in insomnia patients [2].
When taken together, CBN and THC render a more sedative version of the standard THC high. You’ll feel the psychoactive effects THC brings, but you’ll specifically feel the drowsy effects and physical relaxation from CBN needed to fall asleep.
CBN and THC promote mental relaxation
Research suggests THC may have benefits for anxiety, and anecdotal evidence suggests the same for CBN.
In a 2022 study, researchers observed that THC had anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing, effects at smaller doses [3].
Taking CBN and THC together to promote mental relaxation may increase the benefits each has to offer while reducing the side effects of each. THC makes CBN’s relaxing effects more potent, while CBN reduces the anxiety THC sometimes creates as a side effect.
CBN and THC promote physical comfort
Studies suggest both CBN and THC may have therapeutic potential for pain and inflammation.
A 2016 study from University of Massachusetts researchers found CBN may have anti-inflammatory properties [4].
A study of 124 people found that THC allowed patients with neuropathic pain to reduce their doses of opioids [5].
Because of its sedative effects, CBN is best for promoting physical comfort at night. THC, on the other hand, creates effects that make it better for daytime use.
Using the two cannabinoids together may be more effective for discomfort than using either by itself. CBN offers stronger physical relaxation, while THC increases the psychoactivity of CBN and slightly reduces the drowsiness it causes, making for a better overall experience.
CBN and THC create a better high
A 1975 study found that a CBN-THC combination will render a greater psychoactive effect than THC alone [6]. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that CBN may reduce the anxiety and paranoia sometimes caused by THC.
This indicates that CBN may add to the positive aspects of the THC experience while subtracting from the negative. By creating a stronger high with less anxiety, CBN and THC together may render an overall more pleasurable experience for both therapeutic and recreational users.
Side Effects of Taking CBN and THC Together
Taking CBN and THC together won’t create any unique adverse effects. Instead, anecdotal evidence suggests that CBN and THC reduce each other’s side effects.
However, you may experience a mix of the side effects associated with each cannabinoid if you take them together, so it’s important to be aware of the side effects of CBN and THC.
Side Effects of CBN
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Grogginess the next morning (if taken at too high a dose)
Side Effects of THC
- Difficulty thinking and speaking
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Rapid heart rate
- Memory loss
- Red eyes
- Slowed reaction time
Best CBN:THC Ratios
The best ratio of CBN to THC is often 1:1, or close to it. A 1:1 blend will promote a balanced high and strong physical relaxation with minimal THC-induced anxiety.
Generally, greater amounts of CBN will create a more sedative experience with a weaker head high, while greater amounts of THC will leave you feeling more energized while still experiencing CBN’s benefits.
Based on this, here are the CBN:THC ratios we recommend for sleep, anxiety, and pain:
- The best CBN:THC ratio for sleep is 1:1 or 3:2. Even amounts of each cannabinoid ensures you get the optimal blend of psychoactive and restful effects.
- The best CBN:THC ratio for anxiety is 1:1 or 2:1 CBN:THC. Even amounts of each cannabinoid, or slightly more CBN, will create relaxing effects without creating too much drowsiness or anxiety.
- The best CBN:THC ratio for pain is 2:1 THC:CBN. Higher THC levels ensure you get a potent head effect to help tune out the discomfort, while the CBN will reduce the anxious or paranoid sensations caused by THC while increasing its physically relaxing benefits.
These ratios are just starting places; we recommend experimenting with different ratios until you find what works with you.
How to Take CBN and THC Together for Sleep
Sleep is one of the main reasons you might want to take CBN and THC together.
CBN tends to reduce the euphoric effects of THC while multiplying its relaxing properties, giving you a deeply relaxing experience that promotes restful sleep without next-morning grogginess.
If you’ll be taking CBN and THC together for sleep, here are some tips for the best results:
- Dosage: We recommend you start low and go slow with CBN and THC, as both are at least somewhat psychoactive. You can start with a 2:1 (for less psychoactivity) or 1:1 (for stronger physical effects) ratio and take 5-10mg of total cannabinoids per day. Once you’ve taken this dose a few times, gradually adjust it until you find the amount that’s just right.
- Timing: For the best sleep, take your CBN:THC dose 30-60 minutes before bed. That gives your body time to process the cannabinoids and ease into a relaxed state. Keep in mind that the effects will hit sooner if you’re taking a tincture or inhaling the cannabinoids (via flower or vape), in which case you’ll want to consume 15-30 minutes before bed.
- Consult Your Doctor: If you’re on medication, have a complex sleep disorder, or just want help tailoring your cannabinoid routine, we recommend you talk to a medical professional who understands cannabis. They can help you take CBN and THC safely and effectively.
Getting great sleep with cannabinoids comes down to experimentation – follow our guidelines as a starting point, then adjust until you find what works best for you.
Shop The Best CBN + THC Gummies
If you’re looking for gummies that combine CBN and THC in the optimal ratios, we’ve got you covered.
3Chi Comfortably Numb gummies provide a balanced high through even doses of CBN and delta 8 THC. Each piece contains 12.5mg of CBN and 12.5mg of delta 8 THC. The CBN creates deep mental and physical relaxation, while the delta 8 THC reduces the sedative side of CBN. The result? A relaxing full-body experience that’s best described as comfortably numb.
DriftyZZZ’s THC:CBD:CBN gummies provide sleep support through a three-cannabinoid blend. Each gummy contains 7.5mg THC, 10mg CBN, and 75mg of CBD. The THC and CBN will give you a slight head high and deep relaxation, while the potent dose of CBD will temper the inebriating effects of THC and CBN. All that will be left over is straight relaxation.
Conclusion: Should You Take CBN and THC Together?
CBN and THC have unique effects, and you may decide your situation calls specifically for one or the other.
But if you’re looking for a slightly different set of effects, you might find that taking CBN and THC together is just what you need.
If you want a head high but also want to ensure you get restful sleep (or the other way around), the CBN-THC combination is the way to go.
CBN and THC Together: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about using CBN and THC together.
What do CBN and THC do together?
CBN may reduce THC’s inebriating effects while adding to its relaxing effects, making for a more sedative sensation that’s great for evening relaxation and sleep support. The two cannabinoids also work together to increase each other’s overall benefits for numerous other bodily processes.
Can you take THC and CBN together for sleep?
Yes, you can take THC and CBN together for sleep. Doing this creates a more sedative, less anxious version of the regular THC high, allowing you to drift off to sleep and wake up refreshed the next morning.
What is the best THC CBN ratio for sleep?
For sleep, a 1:1 or 3:2 ratio of CBN to THC ensures you get the optimal blend of psychoactive and restful effects. You can also consider adding more CBN (a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio) if you’re not as interested in the strong head high, but still want the therapeutic effects of THC.
What happens when CBN is mixed with THC?
Mixing CBN with THC will create a deep, relaxing head high that’s neither overly sedative or overly strong.
Does CBN make THC stronger?
CBN makes THC’s physically relaxing effects stronger, while tempering its head-focused psychoactive effects.
Does CBN cancel out THC?
CBN tends to cancel out some of THC’s inebriating aspects (euphoria), but it adds to THC’s physically relaxing benefits.
Sources
[1] Yoshida, H et al. “Synthesis and pharmacological effects in mice of halogenated cannabinol derivatives.” Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin vol. 43,2 (1995): 335-7. doi:10.1248/cpb.43.335
[2] Ried, Karin et al. “Medicinal cannabis improves sleep in adults with insomnia: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study.” Journal of sleep research vol. 32,3 (2023): e13793. doi:10.1111/jsr.13793
[3] Lichenstein, Sarah D. “THC, CBD, and Anxiety: A review of recent findings on the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of cannabis’ primary cannabinoids.” Current addiction reports vol. 9,4 (2022): 473-485. doi:10.1007/s40429-022-00450-7
[4] Hergenrather, Jeffrey Y et al. “Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Doses are Associated with Adult ADHD Status of Medical Cannabis Patients.” Rambam Maimonides medical journal vol. 11,1 e0001. 30 Jan. 2020, doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10384
[5] Weber, Janet et al. “Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC) Treatment in Chronic Central Neuropathic Pain and Fibromyalgia Patients: Results of a Multicenter Survey.” Anesthesiology research and practice vol. 2009 (2009): 827290. doi:10.1155/2009/827290
[6] Karniol, I G et al. “Effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol in man.” Pharmacology vol. 13,6 (1975): 502-12. doi:10.1159/000136944
