Cannabinol (CBN)

Cannabinol (CBN) is a weak psychoactive cannabinoid found only in trace amounts in Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. It is mostly a metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBN acts as a weak agonist of CB1 receptors but has a higher affinity to CB2 receptors, with lower affinities in comparison to THC. Because of its somewhat selective CB2 agonism, it is used experimentally as an immunosuppressant. In contrast to tetrahydrocannabinol, it has no double bond isomers nor stereoisomers. It is not scheduled by Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

CBN increases the effect of delta9-THC on some aspects of physiological and psychological processes, but that these effects are small and cannot account for the greater potency which has been reported when plant material is used.