CBN and THC are both commonly used for sleep, anxiety, 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 if you took them together?
In this article, we’ll explore the effects and benefits of taking CBN and THC together.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol, or CBN, is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the cannabis/hemp plant.
CBN became popular after people realized that aged THC flower made them feel sleepier than normal THC flower.
As THC flower ages, much of the THC converts to CBN, which many attribute the drowsy effects of aged THC flower to.
When companies and cannabis users realized this, they began isolating CBN for its sleep-supporting benefits. Now, it’s a popular sleep aid.
What is THC?
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, aka delta 9 THC or simply THC, is also a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.
THC is well-known for being what makes marijuana get you high. However, it’s also popular in its hemp-derived form and has many therapeutic uses.
CBN vs. THC: The Main Differences
Apart from the fact that CBN is, in essence, degraded THC, there are a couple of main differences between CBN and THC:
Strength & Effects
The high from THC is roughly four times as strong as that of CBN. While CBN promotes a deep, drowsy high, THC gives the euphoric, relaxing high often associated with marijuana.
Interaction with Your Body
Both CBN and THC work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a transmitter system in your body responsible for regulating the vital functions. However, these cannabinoids work differently, thereby creating unique effects.
CBN interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your ECS. CB1 receptors regulate how cannabinoids affect your mind, whereas CB2 receptors regulate how cannabinoids affect your body (e.g. pain processing, inflammatory response).
CBN’s dual-receptor interaction means it spreads its relaxing effects across the mind and body.
On the other hand, THC interacts exclusively with the CB1 receptors, so it only influences your mind. This means THC has strong psychoactive effects, but may not be as beneficial for directly influencing your pain and inflammatory response.
Can You Take CBN and THC Together?
Yes. Taking CBN and THC together is not only safe, but it may also be beneficial.
Many strains of cannabis contain large amounts of both cannabinoids.
The 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 with THC, CBN may contribute to the experience you get by enhancing THC’s physically relaxing effects while mitigating its adverse effects, like anxiety and paranoia.
When taken together, CBN and THC will produce a deep, tired high. This combination won’t make you as sleepy as if you used CBN by itself, and it won’t get you as high as if you took THC by itself.
Rather, it offers a balance of CBN and THC effects.
We also mentioned that CBN’s effects are spread across the mind and body, while THC’s are more focused in the head. Using these two cannabinoids together ensures you experience full-body relaxation.
In terms of adverse effects, combining CBN and THC won’t multiply the side effects that each cannabinoid has. Rather, you may feel a mixture of the side effects.
Some people who have tried this combination report that CBN and THC actually reduce each other’s side effects, particularly the anxiety-inducing effects of THC.
Side Effects of CBN
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
Side Effects of THC
- Difficulty thinking and speaking
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Rapid heart rate
- Memory loss
- Red eyes
- Slowed reaction time
Benefits of CBN and THC Together
The two primary uses of the CBN and THC combination are sleep and anxiety.
CBN and THC Together for Sleep
When it comes to sleep, CBN is a common choice because it promotes sedative effects. Some people even use CBN in place of melatonin supplements.
However, some also want stronger psychoactive effects for sleep support due to secondary problems, like pain and inflammation. This is where adding THC can help.
Together, CBN and THC render a drowsier version of the THC high. You can feel the psychoactive effects, while also getting in the headspace you need to fall asleep.
CBN and THC Together for Anxiety
THC has potential benefits for anxiety and stress.
However, some people feel anxiety and paranoia as a side effect of using THC — kind of counterproductive. CBN may help with this, as it promotes drowsiness and deep relaxation without also potentially creating anxiety.
By using these cannabinoids together, you can get an anxiety-free high.
What’s the Best Ratio of CBN and THC?
The best ratio of CBN to THC is often 1:1, or close to it.
A 1:1 CBN:THC blend will promote a more restful version of THC’s effects.
More CBN (think 3:2 CBN:THC) may promote more tiredness with a weaker head high, while more THC (2:3 CBN:THC) will have you feeling more energized while still feeling the therapeutic effects of CBN for anxiety.
CBN and THC Together: Products & Dosage
There are a variety of different ways you can take CBN and THC in combination. One of the most common is to smoke a CBN-rich cannabis flower, but this combination can also be taken in edibles, capsules, tinctures, and other formats.
CBN and THC edibles are particularly beneficial for therapeutic use because they allow easy, consistent dosing — perfect for building an evening routine.
Whichever product you choose, it’s important to get the dosage right.
Starting out, we recommend taking a small dose of CBN and THC. This way, you can get a feel for how it works in your body before taking more. You can use this formula to calculate your dosage:
(0.05) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dosage of CBN and THC combined (in mg.)
Using a formula ensures you get an amount of THC and CBN customized for your body.
For more, see our CBN dosage guide and chart and our delta 9 dosage guide and chart.
Shop The Best CBN + THC Gummies
If you’re looking for gummies that combine CBN and THC in optimal ratios, we’ve got you covered.
We carry these Blueberry Dream THC & CBN gummies by Happy Fruit, and they’re a customer favorite.
Each piece contains 10mg of CBN and 15mg of delta 9 THC in an indica cannabinoid blend, so you can get relaxation and sleep support — without the anxiety.
You can be confident that they not only work, but are safe. These gummies are 3rd-party lab tested and made with American-grown hemp, and have been delivering great results for our therapeutic and recreational users for years. We’re sure you’ll love them, too!
If you’re looking for relaxation without as strong of a head high, we also carry these delta 9, CBD, and CBN gummies by DriftyZZZs. With 10mg of CBN, 7.5mg of delta 9, and 75mg of CBD for piece, these gummies deliver a light head high with strong, full-body relaxation from the CBD.
They’re perfect if you’re not so interested in the head high and are mainly looking for the therapeutic benefits that hemp has to offer. And like the Blueberry Dream Gummies, they’re 3rd-party lab tested and made with American hemp.
Click here to shop Blueberry Dream THC & CBN gummies.
Click here to shop DriftyZZZs THC, CBN, and CBD gummies.
Want more options? Learn more about the best CBN products for sleep.
Conclusions: A Beneficial Combo?
CBN and THC have unique use cases and benefits on their own, and you may decide you’re better off using one or the other.
But if you’re looking for a head high but also want to ensure you get restful sleep (or the other way around), this combination is definitely beneficial — both for therapeutic and recreational use.
CBN and THC Together: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions customers frequently ask us about using CBN and THC together.
What effects does CBN have on THC?
CBN removes the energetic side of the THC high, and overall, balances it out and creates deeply restful effects. CBN may also help with the anxiety and paranoia that THC may cause.
What is the ratio of CBN to THC for sleep?
For sleep, a 1:1 or 3:2 ratio of CBN and 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.
Is CBN stronger than THC?
No, CBN is not stronger than THC. In fact, THC is roughly 4 times as powerful as CBN. However, CBN’s head high is punctuated with feelings of drowsiness, while THC’s high is more energetic, and is characterized by euphoria and relaxation.
