Recent research conducted by scientists at the University of Sydney has investigated the effects of cannabinol (CBN), a non-hallucinogenic constituent of the cannabis plant, on sleep patterns in rats. This study represents a breakthrough in scientifically validating traditional claims surrounding cannabis and sleep, previously supported mainly by anecdotal evidence.

Study Overview

The research findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Neuropsychopharmacology, marking the first instance of objective measures being used to demonstrate that CBN increases sleep duration in rats by modifying sleep architecture.

“For decades, cannabis folklore has suggested that aged cannabis makes consumers sleepy via the build-up of CBN, however there was no convincing evidence for this,” said Professor Jonathon Arnold, the lead author of the study.

The Science Behind CBN

CBN is formed as a degradation product of the main intoxicating component of cannabis, delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which oxidizes over time. As a result, older cannabis products typically have higher concentrations of CBN, suggesting a potential link between its presence and the sedation of users consuming aged cannabis products.

Notably, in this study, the team utilized sophisticated monitoring technology to assess the different stages of sleep, specifically focusing on non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which is crucial for physical recovery, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, associated with emotional processing and memory consolidation.

Key Findings

Measure Effect of CBN Comparison
Total Sleep Time Increased Similar effect to zolpidem, a known sleep drug
NREM Sleep Duration Significantly increased N/A
REM Sleep Duration Significantly increased N/A

Mechanism of Action

Unlike THC, which binds intensely to CB1 receptors in the brain, the study found that CBN only weakly activates these receptors, alleviating any intoxicating effects. Interestingly, the researchers discovered that a metabolite of CBN, 11-OH CBN, exhibited a more pronounced effect on CB1 activation.

This revelation indicates that CBN's metabolism within the body may produce more potent effects on sleep than CBN itself, leading to its potential as a therapeutic agent. Professor Arnold stated:

“This provides the first evidence that CBN indeed increases sleep using objective sleep measures.”

Implications for Human Sleep Disorders

Encouraged by their promising results in rats, researchers have initiated human clinical trials to explore CBN's efficacy in treating sleep disorders, such as insomnia. These clinical studies, led by Professor Iain McGregor, aim to verify the extent to which CBN may provide sleep benefits in humans.

Future Directions

  • Conduct larger-scale clinical trials to determine the long-term effects and safety of CBN in human subjects.
  • Investigate the potential synergistic effects of CBN with other compounds found in cannabis or conventional sleep aids, such as melatonin.
  • Explore further basic science and clinical trials focusing on the pharmacology of CBN.

Conclusion

The research conducted at the University of Sydney offers a significant insight into the relationship between CBN and sleep, potentially paving the way for future therapeutic strategies in treating sleep disorders. The results emphasize the need for comprehensive studies to translate preliminary animal research into clinically applicable treatments.

References

Arnold, J. C., et al. (2024). A sleepy cannabis constituent: cannabinol and its active metabolite influence sleep architecture in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology.

Lifespan.io