Glossary
CBN (cannabinol)
Minor cannabinoid formed by oxidation of THC; mildly psychoactive, sometimes associated with sedation.
CBN is a minor cannabinoid produced when THC degrades via oxidation over time. It is mildly psychoactive — roughly a tenth as potent as THC — and has been associated anecdotally with sedating effects, though controlled clinical evidence for sleep benefit specifically from CBN is limited. Most marketed products relying on CBN-for-sleep claims have modest evidence base. Medical cannabis formulations in South Africa focus on THC and CBD as primary actives; CBN content is typically a byproduct rather than an intentional dosage target.
Related terms
- THC (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol)The principal psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.
- CBG (cannabigerol)Precursor cannabinoid from which THC and CBD are biosynthesised; limited clinical evidence to date.
- CannabinoidA class of compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system — includes plant-derived (THC, CBD), synthetic, and endogenous forms.