Cannabinol (CBN) has been growing in popularity over the last year and a new study by Oregon biotechnology firm FloraWorks has recently shown its efficacy on sleep disturbance.
The company announced this week the results of its latest clinical trial where a dose of 50 milligrams of its proprietary CBN known as TruCBN, significantly improved sleep disturbance. FloraWorks is also the first in conducting a placebo-controlled trial of pure CBN.
FloraWorks commissioned Radicle Science to conduct a comprehensive study on the cannabinoid where the objective was to scientifically corroborate the anecdotal evidence surrounding CBN’s potential efficacy as a sleep aid.
The study involved over 1000 volunteers from across the United States, each grappling with minor sleep difficulties.
The participants were randomly assigned to one of five groups, each receiving a different nightly treatment for a duration of six weeks. The treatments included different doses of FloraWorks’ proprietary, ultra-pure, THC-free Cannabinol, TruCBN (25 milligrams, 50 milligrams and 100 milligrams), 4 milligrams of melatonin and a placebo.
Participants reported significant improvements in sleep outcomes as measured by the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance 8a score.
A 50 milligrams dose of TruCBN significantly improved sleep disturbances, with no significant side effects reported. This dosage was more effective than either a lower dose of 25 milligrams or a higher dose of 100 milligrams.
This suggests that CBN may exhibit a U-shaped dose-response curve where an excessive amount (100 milligrams) and a lesser quantity (25 milligrams) of CBN might result in reduced effectiveness.
CEO and Co-Founder of FloraWorks Alleh Lindquist said the findings bring needed clarity to the rapidly growing consumer demand for existing CBN products. and mark a milestone in building consumer trust.
FloraWorks is currently preparing a research paper based on these findings for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The company manufactures rare and novel cannabinoids such as CBN, CBDA, CBC, CGB and others.
Read more: Are rare cannabinoids CBG and CBN the next sleep aids?
Read more: Tilray Medical launches CBN oil for sleep
Insufficient sleep has escalated into a critical public health concern
The study also provided some compelling statistics. In addition to the sleep deprivation figures, it was found that 18 per cent of adults used sleep medication every day or most days in the past 30 days to help them fall or stay asleep.
Approximately 60 per cent of Americans cannot achieve the recommended seven hours of sleep per night.
Graph via FloraWorks.
This widespread sleep deprivation not only undermines overall well-being but also escalates the risk of serious health complications, including inflammatory conditions, obesity and heart disease. Consequently, there is a growing demand for natural and safe alternatives to tackle sleep-related issues.
CBN has a rich anecdotal history associated with sleep and sedation and has witnessed a rapid surge in popularity in sleep-focused products since its introduction.
Read more: Tilray’s Solei brand launches cannabinoid-infused tea line
Read more: Dynaleo releases high-CBN gummies to be used as sleep aid
Since 2020, CBN has rapidly gained popularity in sleep-focused products. CBN-infused edibles across eight markets have amassed a market value of USD$186 million, representing a remarkable 400 per cent growth since its introduction.
In the United States, 95 per cent of the available CBN products are specifically marketed for sleep enhancement.
In December 2021, Edmonton-based Dynaleo Inc. released a line of cannabis-infused soft chew edibles with high amounts of CBN, which the company said early research indicates “may be effective as a sleep aid or sedative.”
However, days later the company issued a notice to disregard the contents of the initial press release after it received a non-compliance letter from Health Canada. Under the Cannabis Act, it’s prohibited to promote a cannabis product or service if the promotion could create the impression that use could lead to a health or cosmetic benefit.
Other Canadian cannabis companies such as Tilray Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) released a cannabinol (CBN) oil to help its medical cannabis patients sleep.
In June 2022, the company launched its Aphria CBN Night oil which is supposed to help improve the duration and quality of sleep. This year, the company launched a cannabinoid-infused tea line with THC, CBD and CBN.
