The Benefits of CBD With CBN for Pets

November 10, 2023

Written By: Earth Buddy Team

Blue bottle with pink label of Earth Buddy Sleep Support containing CBD with CBN for dogs and cats to promote restful sleep and pain relief.

The combination of CBD with CBN is gaining rapid popularity and recognition within the thriving cannabis community. This dynamic duo of cannabinoids is becoming increasingly sought after for its potential to help maintain the general health of all ages and breeds. These two cannabinoids help maintain physical and mental well-being on their own, and when combined, the effects could be amplified.

More Than Two

Scientists once believed the only beneficial compounds in the cannabis plant were THC and CBD. As researchers continue to explore the potential benefits of cannabis plants, there are more cannabinoids being discovered. Although the most well-known cannabinoids have unlocked a wealth of possibilities, the story of cannabis’ potential benefits is far from a two-ingredient tale.

In recent years, a lesser-known but no less intriguing cannabinoid has emerged from the shadows—CBN, or cannabinol.

Where CBN Comes From

Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid that is formed through the oxidation process of THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which is the acid form of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance is exposed to oxygen, and in the case of THCa, this reaction alters its molecular structure, leading to the formation of the cannabinoid we know as CBN.

The transformation from THCa or THC to CBN is a gradual process that can happen naturally over time, especially under specific conditions conducive to oxidation. For instance, when Cannabis sativa flowers or buds containing THC are exposed to air, light, and heat over an extended period, the THC present begins to degrade and oxidize, forming CBN. That’s why CBN is usually found in older plants, but scientists can speed up the process by exposing the compounds to these elements as well if desired.

CBD With CBN: How They Work Together

Cannabinol (CBN) interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, albeit with a lower binding affinity compared to other cannabinoids such as CBD or THC. The interaction of CBN with the CB1 receptor, predominantly located in the brain, can potentially promote systemic inflammatory responses, support balanced behavior, and have a calming effect on nerves due to this cannabinoid being mildly psychoactive.

Additionally, the engagement of CBN with CB2 receptors, which are more abundantly found in the peripheral organs and immune cells, may hint at potential benefits of CBN for enhancing the immune response in dogs and cats.

Graphic showing the different systems that the endocannabinoid system in dogs interacts with. CBN engages the endocannabinoid system differently than CBD.

CBN, Enzymes, and Receptors

CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting certain enzymes, notably fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). FAAH is instrumental in breaking down anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid associated with mood and sleep among other functions. By inhibiting FAAH, CBN potentially facilitates an increase in anandamide levels within the body, which in turn may help reduce the effects of normal environmental stress and support balanced behavior.

CBN may also influence neurotransmitter chemicals in the body, such as serotonin, by interacting with serotonin receptors. This interaction could unveil potential health benefits for dogs and cats, particularly in helping keep your pet calm and relaxed. The engagement with serotonin receptors suggests a broader spectrum of neurobiological interactions through which CBN may exert its effects, which may not only be beneficial to humans, but also our pets.

When CBD and CBN are used together, they might boost each other’s effects, potentially enhancing the overall benefits of administration based on these substances. This combined use could lead to a well-rounded interaction with the body’s systems, making the combination more effective.

Siberian Husky laying in grass next to a jar of Earth Buddy Mushroom powder for dogs and a pink box of Sleep Support with CBN for dogs with chronic pain.

Potential Benefits of CBN

This emerging compound is drawing interest due to its unique properties and potential benefits. CBN’s potential benefits are diverse, encompassing promoting relaxation, helping maintain a normal inflammatory response, supporting the immune system, and supporting proper weight management. Each of these benefits can be attributed to working like a puzzle piece in the endocannabinoid system.

While further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and applications, the growing body of evidence suggests that CBN holds promise in promoting and supporting our pets’ overall health. As more research unfolds, scientists will be able to share more with the pet owners. For now, the studies available have provided a sufficient amount of information to allow professionals to discover some of its benefits.

Let’s discuss each one individually to take a deeper dive into the world of cannabinol and how the combination of CBD and CBN may help your pet.

Sleep Aids and CBD

CBD is known for helping maintain calmness and promoting normal healthy brain activity, which can help promote proper sleep-wake cycles. CBN, although less studied, has been dubbed the “sleepy cannabinoid” by scientists due to its reported ability to support relaxation and act as a sleep aid. When CBD and CBN are administered together, their combined effects could promote an enhanced sense of relaxation, promoting restful sleep.

Occasional Discomfort

CBD is well-documented for supporting a healthy inflammatory response and helping with occasional discomfort by interacting with the endocannabinoid system and inhibiting the transmission of certain signals in the body. CBN, while less studied than CBD, is showing promise in maintaining a normal inflammatory cytokine cascade. CBN may also support a healthy inflammatory response. When CBD and CBN are used in combination, they provide a synergistic effect, managing occasional discomfort more than either cannabinoid used alone.

Promoting Innate Resistance

CBD, in particular, may disrupt bacterial cell membranes and biofilm formation, which is vital for supporting a healthy immune system in all animals. CBN, while less extensively researched, has also shown promise in supporting normal detoxification. Together, CBD and CBN may offer combined immune enhancing effects that could promote the body’s innate resistance to pathogens.

Small white dog in the snow in Colorado. CBN for dogs that are older can help with sundowners syndrome and pain relief in dogs.

CBD and CBN’s Effects on Appetite

CBN has been shown to support a healthy appetite, which could be beneficial for some animals. While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most famous cannabinoid for food-related desires, emerging research indicates that other cannabinoids like CBN may also play a role in appetite regulation.

CBD, on the other hand, has a more complex relationship with appetite. While it doesn’t necessarily support healthy weight management, it may influence a dog’s appetite by helping with occasional gastric distress or helping reduce the effects of normal environmental stress.

When combined, CBD (cannabidiol) and CBN (cannabinol) have the potential to work in tandem in a synergistic manner, amplifying and complementing each other’s effect on appetite.

CBN Research On Brain Health

CBD has been extensively researched for promoting normal healthy brain activity. It has been found to help decrease oxidative damage, reduce the negative effects of oxidative stress, and support normal cell function in the brain. Additionally, CBD may play a role in promoting healthy neurons in the brain.

CBN, while less studied than CBD oil, has shown promise in supporting brain health, with the capability to promote healthy neurotransmitter release. CBD and CBN may work synergistically to further promote and support brain health as well as support normal brain and nerve function. Combining their individual benefits could lead to enhanced support for cognitive function.

CBN Research About Promoting Healthy Inflammatory Pathways

Research has indicated that cannabinoids, including CBD, promote normal healthy inflammatory pathways that could be beneficial for helping maintain normal eye function and health. CBD has demonstrated the ability to promote long-term ocular health, although its effects might be transient and dose-dependent.

CBN, while less extensively researched in the context of ocular health compared to CBD, has also shown promise in supporting ocular health. When used together, CBD and CBN could offer a synergistic effect, combining their individual benefits to provide enhanced support in helping maintain ocular integrity and structure, as well as maintaining and supporting normal visual function.

Australian shepherd sitting in snow in the Rocky Mountains. CBN Tinctures for dogs with chronic pain can promote restful sleep.

CBD and CBN Combinations Act On Bone Growth

CBD has been shown to promote normal healthy osteoblast activity, the cells responsible for bone formation, and support the normal activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone tissue. This dual action suggests that CBD can potentially help build and maintain bones and teeth.

CBN maintains a normal inflammatory cytokine cascade, which can be beneficial for animals with occasional stiffness and soreness. When used together, CBD and CBN might offer a synergistic approach to supporting bone health, combining CBD’s direct effects on bone cells with CBN supporting healthy cellular activity.

To learn more about CBD’s benefits, check out our blog here titled Exploring The Benefits of Hemp Dog Health Supplements.

Pink box of Earth Buddy Sleep Support next to a bottle of CBN tincture that promotes restful sleep in dogs and cats.

CBN Products

When searching for CBN products, it’s important to remember to look for one that’s full-spectrum. While it is possible for broad spectrum CBD to contain CBN, it’s more likely it has been processed out of the tincture or there may be too little of it to make an impact. Pet parents searching for a product containing both CBD and CBN should check the product’s lab test results or certificate of analysis to confirm the presence and concentration of CBN.

Earth Buddy’s Sleep Support Hemp Extract promotes a calming effect for pets. Full spectrum CBN products may help maintain contentment during separation, travel, motion sickness, and tension caused by changes in your pet’s daily routine and support normal recovery from stress.

The product stands out due to its 4:1 CBN to CBD ratio, ensuring that these two powerful cannabinoids synergize for maximum effects. Start with .25ml per 20lbs body weight 1-2 times daily and adjust as-needed.

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