Best CBN Products for Sleep Tested & Compared (2024)

By | Updated on January 9, 2024

Medically reviewed by
Kimberly Langdon

Evidence Based 16

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Similar to CBD, cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid touted for its sleep benefits. CBN oil, gummies, and other CBN products have grown popular among people who struggle to get a good night’s sleep.

But choosing the right product among a sea options isn’t easy. That’s why I tested over 25 leading CBN products, comparing their effects, third-party lab reports, potency, hemp source, reviews, price, certifications, and other factors.

Here’s my review of the best options, plus an evidence-based guide to this lesser-known cannabinoid.

6 Best CBN Oils, Gummies & Capsules

I broke down the best CBN products for sleep into convenient categories to help you find the right fit. Here are my top picks:

CBD Glossary

  • Hemp: cannabis variety with high CBD and low THC levels (no more than 0.3%).
  • Terpenes: aromatic plant compounds with various beneficial properties (1).
  • Minor cannabinoids: CBN, CBG, CBC, and other beneficial cannabinoids found in smaller amounts in hemp. They may work in synergy with CBD.
  • Full-spectrum: whole-plant hemp extract containing multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This form of CBD is about four times more potent than pure CBD (2).
  • Broad-spectrum: whole-plant hemp extract similar to full-spectrum CBD, but with THC removed (may contain trace amounts).
  • CBD isolate: pure CBD without any other hemp compounds.

CBDistillery CBN Oil (Best Overall)

cbdistillery sleep synergy tincture

5/5

CBD/CBN Potency20-40 mg/ml
Volume30 ml
Total CBD/CBN600-1200 mg
Cost per mg$0.08-0.10
TypeFull-spectrum
Third-Party TestsView report

Use coupon code CBDTHINKER for 15% off

Pros: 

  • Full-spectrum formula
  • Vertically integrated CBD brand
  • U.S. Hemp Authority certification

Cons:

  • Lacks higher strengths

My top pick for the best CBN oil goes to CBDistillery. Its CBN tincture is full spectrum, so you’ll be getting all of hemp’s beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids.

The tincture contains a 1:3 ratio of CBN to CBD with two strengths: 150 mg CBN/450 mg CBD and 300 mg CBN/900 mg CBD. The price is about average, but you can also get free shipping by spending over $75.

Colorado’s CBDistillery does everything in-house (vertical integration), from growing the hemp to making the finished products. It’s also certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, highlighting its commitment to hemp industry best practices.

My experience: I took three full droppers of the regular strength tincture (60 mg CBD/CBN) an hour before bed. I felt subtle relaxation and drowsiness within 40 minutes, which helped me fall and stay asleep.

Lazarus Naturals Sleep Tincture (Best Value)

lazarus naturals sleep tincture

5/5

Potency50 mg/ml
Volume30-120 ml
Total cannabinoids1500-6000 mg
Cost per mg $0.02-0.03
TypeFull-spectrum
Third-Party TestsView report

Pros: 

  • Incredibly low price
  • Full-spectrum formula
  • USDA-certified organic hemp source

Cons:

  • Only one potency

If you’re looking to save money on CBN oil for sleep, I recommend Lazarus Naturals. Its sleep tincture costs only 2-3 cents per mg, which is one of the lowest prices you’ll find. You can save even more thanks to free shipping on orders above $50.

This tincture provides 30 mg CBD/10 mg CBN/10 mg CBG per ml.

Lazarus Naturals is an employee-owned brand known for its unbeatable combination of quality and low prices. It grows and extracts its own USDA-certified organic hemp in Central Oregon.

My experience: I took a full dropper an hour before bedtime. Although the effect was subtle, I felt relaxed and slept better than usual.

NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBN Oil (Best Potency)

nuleaf naturals cbn oil

5/5

CBN Potency60 mg/ml
Volume5-30 ml
Total CBN300-1800 mg
Cost per mg$0.05-0.06
TypeFull-spectrum
Third-Party TestsView report

Use coupon code CBDTHINKER for 20% off

Pros: 

  • High CBN potency (60 mg/ml)
  • Full-spectrum CBD
  • Free shipping

Cons:

  • Only one flavor

It’s difficult to find high-strength, full-spectrum CBN oil. Most tinctures actually contain more CBD than CBN. If you’re looking for a truly potent CBN oil, I recommend NuLeaf Naturals. It has a high CBN potency of 60 mg/ml.

Founded in 2014 in Colorado, NuLeaf Naturals is a trustworthy, top-tier CBD brand that’s been around since 2014. Its products sourced from organic Colorado hemp.

Antonio’s experience: Our product reviewer Antonio took 3 servings (90 mg CBN) before bed and felt drowsy within an hour. He slept better but felt a bit groggy in the morning. The next night, he took two servings and woke up feeling more rested.

CbdMD Broad Spectrum CBD PM Tincture (Best THC-Free)

5/5

CBD/CBN Potency50 mg/ml
Volume30 ml
Total CBD/CBN1500 mg
Cost per mg$0.03
TypeBroad-spectrum
Flavors2
Third-Party TestsView report

Pros: 

  • Free of THC
  • Multi-ingredient sleep formula
  • Low price

Cons:

  • Only one potency

If you need a THC-free CBN oil for sleep, we recommend cbdMD’s broad-spectrum PM tincture. It contains 40 mg of CBD with 10 mg of CBN per ml and other evidence-based ingredients used to support sleep: valerian, hops, lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower, and melatonin.

This tincture is available in mint and berry flavors and has an affordable price tag. CbdMD is a popular brand that stands out for its low prices and wide variety of formulations.

Antonio’s experience: Over five nights, a full dropper sent me off to sleep efficiently each time. It’s a gentle yet potent aid, particularly useful after stressful days when unwinding can be challenging. Though the flavor could be improved, it doesn’t detract from the overall effectiveness.

Receptra Serious Rest Gummies (Best Gummies)

receptra serious rest gummies

5/5

CBD/CBN Potency28 mg
Gummy Count30
Total CBD/CBN840 mg
Cost per mg$0.07
TypeFull-spectrum
Third-Party TestsView report

Pros: 

  • Full-spectrum CBD
  • Comprehensive third-party testing
  • Organic Colorado hemp source

Cons:

  • Low CBN strength

If you prefer to take CBN in the delicious form of gummies, I recommend Colorado’s Receptra.

Its full-spectrum serious rest CBD+CBN gummies come in strawberry flavor. They combine 25 mg of CBD and 3 mg of CBN alongside many minor hemp cannabinoids. That’s a sign of a high-quality, full-spectrum hemp product.

These vegan gummies are made from organic Colorado hemp grown on a small family farm. Founded in 2015, Receptra is a high-quality brand known for its effective products.

My experience: I had four gummies an hour before going to bed. They tasted amazing, and I noticed better sleep and waking up more rested. I also noticed some psychoactive effects because I’m sensitive to THC; it’s best to stick to 1-2 gummies if you’re also sensitive.

CBDfx CBD + CBN Night Capsules (Best Capsules)

cbdfx night capsules

4.5/5

CBD/CBN Potency30 mg
Capsule Count60
Total CBD/CBN1800 mg
Cost per mg $0.04
TypeBroad-spectrum
Third-Party TestsView report

Use coupon code FXSAVINGS for 15% off

Pros: 

  • Multi-ingredient sleep formula
  • Comprehensive third-party testing
  • Organic Kentucky hemp source

Cons:

  • Not full-spectrum

I recommend CBDfx for CBN capsules, which combine 15 mg CBD and 15 mg of CBN with a blend of sleep-promoting terpenes, valerian root (3), GABA (4), and magnesium (5).

This effective, THC-free formula works better than CBD or CBN on its own. CBDfx is a popular California brand known for its innovative formulations. Its products are sourced from organic Kentucky hemp.

My experience: The capsules have a strong herbal smell. I took 6 an hour before bed and slept deeper and woke up rested. I also like that they don’t have melatonin, which doesn’t do much for me.

But I got diarrhea the next morning because I took too much magnesium (150 mg/capsule), so I recommend sticking to the listed 2-capsule dosage.

What is CBN?

Cannabinol (CBN) is a naturally occurring, non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis. It’s considered a “minor” cannabinoid because its levels in cannabis plants are quite low.

Unlike most other cannabinoids, which are made directly from the “mother cannabinoid” cannabigerolic acid (CBGa), CBN is derived from THC.

More specifically, THC and its precursor tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) break down into CBN and CBNa when exposed to heat and oxygen (6). That’s why old cannabis plants contain more CBN.

CBN products can be made in a variety of ways, including extracting cannabis plants bred for high CBN levels, converting THC into CBN, and even converting CBD into THC and then CBN. Although it’s most popular as a sleep aid, CBN has many potential health benefits.

How Does CBN Differ from CBD?

Both CBN and CBD are non-intoxicating cannabinoids, which means they won’t get you high. But while they do share some similar uses, like supporting sleep, CBN is a distinct cannabinoid. Researchers are hard at work to figure out its exact benefits and applications.

CBN and Sleep: More Research Needed

There’s a widespread belief stemming from the cannabis community that CBN is helpful for sleep. It’s all thanks to the observation that aged cannabis, which is high in CBN from the breakdown of THC, seems to work especially well as a sleep aid (7).

But as noted by esteemed cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo, CBN doesn’t have sedating properties of its own. Instead, it may be the higher levels of sedating oxygenated terpenes that make aged cannabis such a potent sleep inducer.

So, does CBN help you sleep? A 2023 study tested the effects of CBN with and without CBD in 293 people suffering from poor sleep. The researchers founded that unlike placebo, a 20 mg dose of CBN improved sleep quality, number of nighttime awakenings, and sleep disturbances (8).

While these findings are promising, more evidence is needed before we can say anything for certain.

CBN Benefits

Its sleep effects aside, research suggests that CBN has numerous beneficial properties. Here’s a quick summary of the findings:

  • A 2005 study in mice found that CBN delayed the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), suggesting it may protect neurons from damage (9)
  • A 2022 study found that CBN may protect mitochondria from age-related neurodegeneration, which is involved in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease (10)
  • A 2008 study reported that CBN has antibacterial properties (11)
  • A 2012 study found that CBN encouraged rats to eat more, which means it may have potential as an appetite stimulant (12)
  • A 2016 study noted that CBN has anti-inflammatory effects (13)
  • A 2019 study in rats reported that CBN reduced muscle pain (14)
  • A 2022 study found that CBN may help with glaucoma by reducing eye pressure and promoting neuroprotection (15)

As we can see, cannabinol has many potential health benefits. However, research is still in its early stages.

My Experience With CBN Products

After testing dozens of products, the main effects of CBN I noticed were relaxation, easier time falling asleep, and overall better sleep quality. In that sense, the benefits are quite similar to standard full-spectrum CBD products. That’s not too surprising since most CBN formulas contain large amounts of CBD.

I usually take CBN products before bed. But in my experience, you can also take them during the day because they’re not too sedating. As always, keep in mind that cannabinoids affect everyone differently. You’ll have to give CBN a try to see how it affects you.

CBN Side Effects & Safety

What limited research has been done on CBN suggests that it’s safe. It’s possible that CBN might have minor side effects similar to CBD, such as drowsiness or dry mouth, but we’ll have to wait until more studies are done to confirm.

CBN Dosage

There’s no consensus on the best dosage for CBN for sleep or any other use due to a lack of research. On top of that, there are many factors that determine the ideal dosage of cannabinoids, such as body weight, tolerance, the severity of your issue, and the type of formula you’re using.

The best approach is to start low and gradually raise the dosage (16). Be sure to wait for about two hours after a dose to see how it affects you, and continue to slowly increase until you start experiencing the desired effects.

How I Chose and Tested CBN Products

I started off with a list of about 30 leading CBN oils, gummies, and capsules. Next, I narrowed down the options based on the following criteria:

  • Third-party testing: Independent tests are essential for verifying the potency, purity, and accuracy of CBD products. I only recommend third-party tested CBN products and check the test reports myself to make sure they match the label.
  • Type of CBN: There’s pure CBN, products with pure CBN and CBD, and full-spectrum CBN, which contains other beneficial cannabinoids. I prefer full-spectrum CBN products for the greatest effects but also suggest alternatives if you need to avoid THC.
  • Potency: This means the amount of CBN (and other cannabinoids) in the product. I prefer high-potency products because they’re more cost-effective and both beginner and advanced users can be sure they’ll get the desired effects.
  • Hemp source: Great products start out from quality hemp. I prefer brands that list where and how their hemp is grown. Third-party certifications like US Hemp Authority and USDA-organic are awesome as well.
  • Company reputation: Great customer reviews and disclosure about the company’s production process, third-party tests, history, and to her details are all signs of a reputable brand.
  • Price: I break down the prices of CBN products into cents per mg of cannabinoids, making it easy to compare and see if you’re getting a good deal. I also keep in mind deals like free shipping and subscriptions.

Then, I tested the remaining CBN products for at least several nights. I took them all at similar doses, usually before bed.

I also took breaks of at least a 2-3 days between trying different products to make sure there weren’t any tolerance issues. Finally, I considered the efficacy of the products and the above factors to choose the six best options. Keep in mind that I’m a seasoned CBD user so the doses I take are on the higher end.

Some of the CBN products I personally tested and compared to write this review.

CBN FAQs

References

  1. Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects.” British journal of pharmacology 163.7 (2011): 1344-1364.
  2. Pamplona, Fabricio A., Lorenzo Rolim da Silva, and Ana Carolina Coan. “Potential clinical benefits of CBD-rich cannabis extracts over purified CBD in treatment-resistant epilepsy: observational data meta-analysis.” Frontiers in neurology 9 (2018): 759.
  3. Bent, Stephen, et al. “Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” The American journal of medicine 119.12 (2006): 1005-1012.
  4. Byun, Jung-Ick, et al. “Safety and efficacy of gamma-aminobutyric acid from fermented rice germ in patients with insomnia symptoms: a randomized, double-blind trial.” Journal of Clinical Neurology 14.3 (2018): 291-295.
  5. Abbasi, Behnood, et al. “The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences 17.12 (2012): 1161.
  6. Tahir, M. Nazir, et al. “The biosynthesis of the cannabinoids.” Journal of cannabis research 3.1 (2021): 1-12.
  7. Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects.” British journal of pharmacology 163.7 (2011): 1344-1364.
  8. Bonn-Miller, Marcel O., 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).
  9. Weydt, Patrick, et al. “Cannabinol delays symptom onset in SOD1 (G93A) transgenic mice without affecting survival.” Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 6.3 (2005): 182-184.
  10. Liang, Zhibin, et al. “Cannabinol inhibits oxytosis/ferroptosis by directly targeting mitochondria independently of cannabinoid receptors.” Free Radical Biology and Medicine 180 (2022): 33-51.
  11. Appendino, Giovanni, et al. “Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: a structure− activity study.” Journal of natural products 71.8 (2008): 1427-1430.
  12. Farrimond, Jonathan A., Benjamin J. Whalley, and Claire M. Williams. “Cannabinol and cannabidiol exert opposing effects on rat feeding patterns.” Psychopharmacology 223.1 (2012): 117-129.
  13. Zurier, Robert B., and Sumner H. Burstein. “Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis.” The FASEB Journal 30.11 (2016): 3682-3689.
  14. Wong, Hayes, and Brian E. Cairns. “Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain.” Archives of oral biology 104 (2019): 33-39.
  15. Somvanshi, Rishi K., et al. “Cannabinol modulates neuroprotection and intraocular pressure: A potential multi-target therapeutic intervention for glaucoma.” Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular Basis of Disease 1868.3 (2022): 166325.
  16. Lucas, Catherine J., Peter Galettis, and Jennifer Schneider. “The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids.” British journal of clinical pharmacology 84.11 (2018): 2477-2482.

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