With the potential to help with sleep and pain vs. CBD to a greater degree, but without causing the high associated with delta-9 THC, CBN is an exciting prospect for many. But with potentially inappropriate action being taken by Health Canada, many wonder if they can buy CBN oil in Canada.
Quick Reminder: What is CBN Oil?
Similar to CBD oil, CBN oil is a cannabis-derived extract that contains a significant amount of the cannabinoid the oil is named after. In this case, that is cannabinol, which was famously mistaken for CBD until very recently. CBN is best known for its sedative effects that contribute greatly to the couch-lock effects that cannabis is famous for producing. Additionally, CBN may help with pain along with epidermolysis bullosa (diseases that cause the skin to easily blister).
Unlike other novel cannabinoids, such as delta-8 THC, some cannabis strains can produce enough CBN for it to be naturally derived from cannabis. This eliminates health experts’ concerns about semi-synthetic cannabinoid products. To promote cannabis plants to produce more CBN, plants can be harvested later than usual as THC slowly degrades into CBN over a plant’s existence.
The Legal Status of CBN in Canada
Due to amendments made to the 2019 Cannabis Act (also known as Bill C-45), recreational cannabis is legal in Canada. This means CBN products are legal. However, Health Canada is pushing cannabis producers to apply the same standards and limits to CBN as they do with delta-9 THC.
This approach to intoxicating cannabinoids is concerning, and potentially borderline inappropriate, however. The intoxicating nature of novel cannabinoids like CBN and delta-8 do not match the potency of delta-9. For example, a cannabis product that combines 5mg of CBN and 5mg of delta-8 wouldn’t come close to causing the same high 10mg of delta-9. In fact, many would say CBN doesn’t even cause a high, it just heavily sedates you.
Health Canada acknowledges their faulty logic, claiming more studies need to be performed. Yet, regardless, they have gone ahead and lumped these cannabinoids together despite several studies establishing their weaker potencies. I understand Health Canada’s concerns, but their approach can lead consumers to equate CBN with delta-9, thinking their potencies and dosages are comparable. This could be very dangerous. As well, I’m not a fan of adding more confusion, especially ones that can make people sick, to an already confusing subject.
Why Should You Buy CBN Oil in Canada?
If you love the tiredness marijuana gives you, which many love for sleep, but don’t want the aggressive high that often comes along, CBN is a great cannabis item to try. Unlike CBD, which promotes energy in low dosages and tiredness at very large dosages, CBN should always leave you feeling sleepier. There are 100s of cannabinoids, but CBN is likely contributing to the classic couch-lock to a much greater degree than any other cannabinoid. In particular, the oil version is great for making slight dosage adjustments, which is great for first-timers.
Few Popular CBN Oil Brands in Canada
If you’re interested in trying CBN oil, We have three great brands to check out to get started.
Happy Bears
Happy Bears has a nice selection of full spectrum CBN items. As well, they offer CBD + CBN gummies that are an excellent option if you have never consumed an intoxicating cannabinoid before. CBD will directly combat CBN’s intoxicating effects.
Mellow
Mellow offers a 98%+ CBN isolate that’s great for when you want to experiment with CBN alone and in tandem with other cannabinoids. Additionally, they offer a broad spectrum CBD and CBN that’s great for those who don’t want delta-9 THC in their items.
Honest Botanicals
Honest Botanicals offers a wide range of items that feature various cannabinoids. On the CBN front, they offer a 600mg CBN oil that is THC-free.
Conclusion
Thanks to the Cannabis Act, CBN is legal to purchase in Canada. So if you love CBD for its ability to help with pain and relaxation, but wish it was a bit more potent, then you should check out our recommended CBN brands. CBN is great for those who like to use marijuana for sleep, but don’t care for the high that comes along. If you have only consumed cannabis in CBD form, consider trying a product that combines CBD and CBN first.
Nicholas McKenzie - Cannabis Research Specialist
Nicholas has spent the last ten years teaching gardeners, businesses, and enthusiasts how to succeed in the exciting and ever-changing world of cannabis. Whether he’s in the field getting his hands dirty or in the lab studying cannabinoids and their uses, Nicholas is passionate about bringing well-researched, factual, and concise information to an industry that very much needs it.
