Month: March 2023

Just a few years ago, nobody would have expected that Japan would be on the cusp of becoming one of the largest hemp markets outside North America and Europe. Now, though, the Japanese market has undeniably opened to CBD, leading analysts to predict a national market size exceeding ¥80 billion, the equivalent of around $600 million.

How did the Japanese CBD market turn around so suddenly, and what does it all mean for investors both at home and abroad? Discover the key takeaways from a recent Yano Research report, and learn our thoughts regarding ideal positioning within the quickly evolving Japanese CBD market.

The Yano Research Institute Report on the Japanese CBD Industry

In August of 2022, Yano Research Institute, one of Japan’s leading market research firms, released a compendious report¹ detailing their findings on the size of the Japanese CBD market. In 2019, Yano reports — the first year CBD entered the Japanese market — the domestic hemp industry was worth a paltry ¥4.7 billion, swelling to nearly ¥10 billion the following year.

Now, in 2023, Yano forecasts the Japanese CBD industry to swell to more than ¥47 billion — exactly ten times its entry size four years prior. How did such massive growth occur during such a short span of time? Yano provides a few key factors to consider:

– CBD has been prevalent in Japanese media since 2019

– COVID led to increased interest in natural health

– CBD is presented as a relaxing remedy

– The Japanese government is becoming more pro-CBD

– More Japanese CBD products are being made in Japan, stoking national pride

“Made in Japan” CBD

The evolving Japanese CBD industry increasingly emphasizes CBD products that are at least partially manufactured in Japan. During the early days of the Japanese CBD industry, many consumers were reticent to try the cannabinoid since it was almost always provided in the form of imported products.

Many Japanese CBD brands import partially processed ingredients to create finished products domestically. Japan’s white-label CBD industry supports local production and international suppliers while assuring consumers of product quality. Producing CBD products domestically helps regulators ensure quality, including the absence of detectable THC.

Just as it is changing everywhere else around the world, though, the Japanese stance toward THC is shifting. If upcoming legislative efforts are successful, it is likely that importers will soon have a much easier time getting raw hemp materials through Japanese customs.

A more-welcoming island

The Yano report goes on to comment on the development of a CBD-friendly culture throughout the Japanese island. Traditionally very conservative, the anti-drug Japanese populace has recently softened toward CBD to some degree, as is reflected by ongoing legislative efforts to normalize CBD commerce within Japan.

Yano predicts that CBD products will soon be widespread in Japanese chain convenience stores like 7-Eleven and possibly in Japanese Costcos. This increased acceptance of CBD is largely driven by major name brands adopting these products and leveraging the trust they’ve already built with Japanese shoppers.

Japanese consumers’ mistrust of anything related to cannabis remains a significant obstacle. Possessing even a small amount of THC cannabis is a serious felony, making citizens fearful that using CBD might associate them with unsavory social activities.

The best way that brands can overcome this reticence is to continually point out how CBD is different from THC from both the perspective of effects and legality. Unlike the United States, in which THC is legal in many places, this intoxicating cannabinoid remains fully illegal everywhere in Japan, something that brands catering to Japanese audiences must always keep in mind.

An aging empire

Not mentioned explicitly in the Yano report but highly relevant is the shifting demographic makeup of the Japanese islands. With elderly Japanese making up a staggering portion of the population², issues regarding aging will continue to carry ever-greater importance within the social fabric of Japan.

In the United States, CBD is highly popular among those with age-related conditions like rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, despite lacking federal endorsement.

Now that CBD is becoming accepted throughout Japan for purposes of relaxation, it’s only a matter of time until the nation’s aging population begins to embrace the non-intoxicating cannabinoid for its age-related purposes as well. In the coming years, Japan will offer valuable insights into how elderly individuals adapt to CBD in a culturally distinct, homogeneous society.

A massive demand for CBD

While Japan’s regulatory moves regarding CBD are also promising, the main driver for growth that Yano identifies in its report is simply demand for CBD products. The Japanese people fully support CBD, focusing only on whether the products are made in Japan and free of THC traces.

As long as suppliers meet these needs by offering raw materials for broad-spectrum or isolate CBD production to competent Japanese finished product manufacturers, demand for CBD in Japan should grow at least as much as Yano predicts — if not even more.

Yano’s key predictions

To summarize, what exactly does the Yano report predict?

– 2022 projected Japanese CBD sales: ¥25,936b ($196.62m)

– 2023 projected Japanese CBD sales: ¥47,667 ($361.36m)

– 2025 projected Japanese CBD sales: ¥82,979 ($629.30m)

In contrast, the US CBD market was valued at $8 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $20 billion by 2025. Even though CBD’s original market will always be much bigger, a market in East Asia making up around 5% of the US CBD industry’s size is nothing to scoff at.

And again, the key drivers for the Japanese CBD market’s growth that Yano identifies are:

– Increased prevalence of CBD in Japanese culture

– Relaxing regulations

– Made in Japan CBD products

– Products made by major domestic brands

Overall, Yano comes across as extremely optimistic for the future of the Japanese CBD industry without making any predictions that sound particularly far-fetched. It’s not unreasonable to assume that Japan will be on its way to a $1 billion CBD market within the next few years — and there are plenty of other international locales that are opening up to CBD alongside the Empire of the Sun.

Discussion

The key question is whether optimism about the Japanese CBD industry is justified. A few years ago, this question lacked a clear answer.

Now, though, the situation has objectively changed. Instead of coming down hard against CBD as some skeptics predicted, the Japanese government has instead moved to embrace the cannabinoid as long as it is rid of any association with illegal drugs. The Japanese people, for their part, have shown an even greater demand for CBD than anyone initially predicted, resulting in growth projections that may, at first glance, seem fantastical.

CBD’s power to potentially heal is clearly a trending topic in Japan, though, and it now seems that the last vestiges of any legitimate impediment to the establishment of a highly productive Japanese CBD industry are rapidly washing away.

The bottom line: Is the Japanese CBD market worth investing into?

Abstract prognostications aside, what is the overall likelihood of success for an average international entrepreneur currently attempting to enter the Japanese CBD market? For one thing, we believe your chances of success will be much higher as long as you follow these simple tips:

1. Japanese shoppers have unequivocally demonstrated that they prefer to buy their CBD products from Japanese brands. Position yourself as a supplier of raw or partially processed ingredients, not the face that will be selling products to average Japanese people.

2. Do not underestimate the seriousness of Japanese distrust of THC. Products entering the Japanese market must be entirely THC-free, emphasizing partially processed extracts with THC already removed.

3. Despite facing heavy consumer demand, most Japanese CBD brands are inexperienced in formulating and marketing products. Behind the scenes assistance can and should be offered in a courteous and respectful approach..

4. Japanese brands want to succeed, and they are enthusiastic about CBD. Assist them effectively in their journey to success, and your efforts will be rewarded handsomely.

Overall, there has never been a better time to become involved in the Japanese CBD market in some way. Tread carefully, and always look to the behavior of the Japanese CBD market itself for guidance.

Sources

1. 1. CBD Product Market in Japan Grew to 18,541 Million Yen in 2021, 185.9% of Previous Year | Yano Research Market solution provider. (n.d.). https://www.yanoresearch.com/en/press-release/show/press_id/3013
2. 2. Author, N. (2022, September 19). Over 75s make up over 15% of Japan’s population for first time. The Japan Times. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/09/19/national/japans-graying-population/

According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans are placing more emphasis on the importance of proper sleep than ever before. It has been known for decades that sleep is essential to health, but it’s only recently that scientists have uncovered just how essential a good night of rest is to your defense against disease and expected lifespan.

What, exactly, does Gallup have to say about the relationship between Americans and their sleep, and what does it mean for the growing and solidifying American hemp market? We will cover all the details in this guide and provide you with concrete tips to follow in light of these shifting attitudes towards sleep.

The 2022 Gallup sleep poll

First, the basic facts: In 2022, Gallup partnered with mattress manufacturer Casper to survey more than 3,000 American adults regarding their attitudes toward sleep. Titled the “Casper-Gallup State of Sleep in America 2022 Report¹,” the results of this poll cover a wide range of topics — most importantly, for our purposes, the self-perception of Americans regarding how much the quality of their sleep affects their daily activities.

Before we move on to what the Gallup poll means specifically for cannabinoids, let’s take a moment to summarize its overall key findings:

– One-third of adult Americans (~80 million people) are dissatisfied with their sleep quality

– Good mental health is shown to be associated with healthy sleep

– Younger adults are the most likely to struggle with sleep and stress

– 55% of Americans make sleep a high priority

– Women value sleep more than men

– People who like their mattresses are more likely to sleep well

– More than $40 billion is lost yearly since workers fail to show up due to bad sleep

– Only 7% of adults indicate that their sleep last night was excellent

Americans increasingly value sleep

According to the Gallup-Casper poll, an increasing number of Americans are becoming aware of both the positive and negative impact their sleep habits can have on their quality of life. One of the most fascinating components of the poll was an assay of the areas in life respondents believed were affected by their sleep quality. Here’s a summary of the key findings:

– 49% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their mood

– 49% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their work performance

– 45% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their general health

Furthermore, percentages of Americans who believe sleep affects their lives in the following ways stand thusly:

– Ability to exercise: 31%

– Ability to have fun: 30%

– Relationships with family: 26%

– Healthiness of food choices: 23%

The average person has always known that failing to sleep properly the night before makes it hard to do their job. Just as ubiquitous is the platonism that sleep is essential to your health.

A growing contingent of Americans, though, are clearly becoming aware of the impact of sleep on seemingly ancillary areas of life. More than a quarter of adults in the country, for instance, now realize that their close relationships suffer when they don’t rest well. Nearly a quarter also realize they’re more likely to binge junk food or go down the drive-thru line when they’re sleepy.

Younger Americans value sleep more

The data from Gallup clearly indicate that sleep is a growing priority as the nation evolves. Among the oldest group surveyed (65+), only 31% admitted that sleep impacted their mood while that number more than doubled in 18 to 29-year-olds: 68%.

The discrepancy is nearly as large but not quite as extreme when it comes to self-assessments regarding the overall importance of sleep to health. Again, 31% of 65+ respondents agreed that sleep quality impacted their health, but 59% of the survey’s youngest cohort recognized how much poor sleep could harm them.

Here are a few other areas in which younger Americans are more focused on how their sleep quality affects their health:

– % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their ability to exercise: 39% vs. 18%

– % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their ability to have fun: 46% vs. 19%

– % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their interpersonal relationships: 33% vs. 18%

– % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts the healthiness of their diet: 28% vs. 16%

There are two major implications that can be drawn from this information. First, younger Americans are already very aware of the impact of sleep on their health, so they’re prepared to recognize the benefits of cannabinoids.

That doesn’t necessarily have to come at the detriment of reducing reach to older shoppers, though. In many cases, older individuals simply have less experience with the internet and are therefore less aware of the latest trends in natural health. Instead of as an averse audience, view older shoppers as simply less aware of the potential ways that cannabinoids might improve their sleep quality.

– Pro tip: If advertising online, create separate campaigns targeted at younger and older audiences. Calibrate your approach based on which demographic engages best.

Trust in conventional sleep medications wanes

Since at least 2010², it has been understood that many patients who are prescribed conventional sleep medications continue to present symptoms — in some cases, those symptoms also worsen. Doctors across the nation still prescribe everything from benzodiazepines to antidepressants in an attempt to help people get to sleep. The results are varied to say the least.

It’s not that prescription sleep medications are acutely ineffective. Pharmacologists have developed highly complex ways to assist human consciousness in shutting down for the night.

The issue, rather, lies in long-term treatment. Whether or not the drugs are safe, they usually fail to address any underlying issues that may be supporting sleep problems. Every dose sweeps insomnia further under the rug but does not remove it from the equation.

In response, many insomnia sufferers have turned to natural substances for help. Often poorly researched and only questionably effective, many of these natural sleep aids have also recently lost favor.

Natural treatments are debunked

“Debunked” might be somewhat too strong of a word, but there’s certainly more skepticism surrounding ingredients like melatonin than there once was. With this growing unease regarding the “first wave” of natural health ingredients aimed at sleep, newer substances like cannabinoids are rising to the fore.

Like melatonin, for instance, CBD affects already-existing areas of the brain. Unlike melatonin, however, CBD is not a hormone and, therefore, does not appear to have any capacity to impact your endocrine system in the way that melatonin might.

Cannabinoids rise to the fore

In many ways, consumers are beginning to view cannabinoids as “upgrades” to their existing natural health routines. Carrying both the grandeur and stigma of prohibition, cannabinoids nonetheless genuinely deliver benefits that have researchers around the world scratching their heads in amazement.

Shoppers appreciate the gentle naturalness of cannabinoids. They also appreciate, though, that these unassuming compounds appear to carry a great deal of heft — despite their humble origins and lack of side effects, there’s a lot that cannabinoids can do to improve our lives. People are awakening to this fact around the globe.

The usefulness of cannabinoids for sleep

Which specific cannabinoids show the most promise for sleep? We’ll give two pertinent examples below:

CBD

Not enough studies have been conducted into the potential benefits of CBD for sleep yet, but the initial evidence that has been amassed is compelling in itself. Even more compelling are the reams and reams of anecdotal evidence provided in the form of product reviews, blog articles, and social media testimonials originating from real people who have experienced the power of CBD for themselves.

Rather than causing intoxication like THC, CBD is gently relaxing — a property that users indicate goes great lengths toward helping them sleep at night. Better yet, most users indicate that CBD does not make them feel groggy in the morning.

CBN

Less studied still than CBD, CBN is a derivative of THC that has been denatured of most of its intoxicating properties. Instead of making you feel high, CBN is usually described as having mildly sedative effects — though researchers will need to publish more on the subject before we opine further.

How to fulfill rising demand for cannabinoid sleep products

The time is now to further the discussion surrounding cannabinoids and sleep by bringing a greater number of excellent products to the market. Chiefly, gummies and tinctures are the most popular cannabinoid sleep products at present, but the market is ready for expansion.

Whichever idea you might have for a cannabinoid sleep product, it has a chance as long as it brings genuine value to shoppers. Find a unique angle of approach, and start making your way into the cannabinoid sleep industry without delay.

Knowledge is power, sleep is health

In retrospect, it’s incredible the things that we didn’t know just a few decades ago. As society has progressed, previously held beliefs, including unquestioning trust in conventional pharmaceutical treatments, much of what people once took for granted has disappeared, leaving new truths behind.

Nowadays, you don’t have to be lucky enough to come across an illuminative newspaper or magazine article to learn about natural health revolutions that may be reshaping your world. An average shopper can learn everything they need to know about CBD or any other natural health product within a few minutes of searching on Google, a level of information freedom that has never before existed in the history of the human race.

The revelation has emerged, and people now know that sleep is the time-honored key to health and longevity. Any substances that help them sleep better without having any serious short-term or long-term negative effects will immediately be adopted by today’s cohort of educated and alternative-minded consumers. It’s only a matter of time, therefore, until cannabinoids attain even greater popularity as substances used to either facilitate or improve sleep.

The more knowledge people have, the more power they have. And, the more power people have, the more they will use that power to better themselves. It’s simply our role to help shoppers achieve these goals with the assistance of natural cannabinoid products.

Sources:

1. 1. Gallup, Inc. (2022, April 18). Casper-Gallup State of Sleep in America 2022 Report. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/analytics/390536/sleep-in-america-2022.aspx
2. 2. Krakow, B., Ulibarri, V. A., & Romero, E. F. (2010). Patients With Treatment-Resistant Insomnia Taking Nightly Prescription Medications for Sleep. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.09m00873bro

According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans are placing more emphasis on the importance of proper sleep than ever before. It has been known for decades that sleep is essential to health, but it’s only recently that scientists have uncovered just how essential a good night of rest is to your defense against disease and expected lifespan.

What, exactly, does Gallup have to say about the relationship between Americans and their sleep, and what does it mean for the growing and solidifying American hemp market? We will cover all the details in this guide and provide you with concrete tips to follow in light of these shifting attitudes towards sleep.

The 2022 Gallup sleep poll

First, the basic facts: In 2022, Gallup partnered with mattress manufacturer Casper to survey more than 3,000 American adults regarding their attitudes toward sleep. Titled the “Casper-Gallup State of Sleep in America 2022 Report¹,” the results of this poll cover a wide range of topics — most importantly, for our purposes, the self-perception of Americans regarding how much the quality of their sleep affects their daily activities.

Before we move on to what the Gallup poll means specifically for cannabinoids, let’s take a moment to summarize its overall key findings:

 – One-third of adult Americans (~80 million people) are dissatisfied with their sleep quality

 – Good mental health is shown to be associated with healthy sleep

 – Younger adults are the most likely to struggle with sleep and stress

 – 55% of Americans make sleep a high priority

 – Women value sleep more than men

 – People who like their mattresses are more likely to sleep well

 – More than $40 billion is lost yearly since workers fail to show up due to bad sleep

 – Only 7% of adults indicate that their sleep last night was excellent

Americans increasingly value sleep

According to the Gallup-Casper poll, an increasing number of Americans are becoming aware of both the positive and negative impact their sleep habits can have on their quality of life. One of the most fascinating components of the poll was an assay of the areas in life respondents believed were affected by their sleep quality. Here’s a summary of the key findings:

 – 49% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their mood

 – 49% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their work performance

 – 45% of Americans believe their sleep quality affects their general health

Furthermore, percentages of Americans who believe sleep affects their lives in the following ways stand thusly:

 – Ability to exercise: 31%

 – Ability to have fun: 30%

 – Relationships with family: 26%

 – Healthiness of food choices: 23%

The average person has always known that failing to sleep properly the night before makes it hard to do their job. Just as ubiquitous is the platonism that sleep is essential to your health.

A growing contingent of Americans, though, are clearly becoming aware of the impact of sleep on seemingly ancillary areas of life. More than a quarter of adults in the country, for instance, now realize that their close relationships suffer when they don’t rest well. Nearly a quarter also realize they’re more likely to binge junk food or go down the drive-thru line when they’re sleepy.

Younger Americans value sleep more

The data from Gallup clearly indicate that sleep is a growing priority as the nation evolves. Among the oldest group surveyed (65+), only 31% admitted that sleep impacted their mood while that number more than doubled in 18 to 29-year-olds: 68%.

The discrepancy is nearly as large but not quite as extreme when it comes to self-assessments regarding the overall importance of sleep to health. Again, 31% of 65+ respondents agreed that sleep quality impacted their health, but 59% of the survey’s youngest cohort recognized how much poor sleep could harm them.

Here are a few other areas in which younger Americans are more focused on how their sleep quality affects their health:

 – % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their ability to exercise: 39% vs. 18%

 – % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their ability to have fun: 46% vs. 19%

 – % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts their interpersonal relationships: 33% vs. 18%

 – % of 18-29 vs. 65+ Americans who believe sleep impacts the healthiness of their diet: 28% vs. 16%

There are two major implications that can be drawn from this information. First, younger Americans are already very aware of the impact of sleep on their health, so they’re prepared to recognize the benefits of cannabinoids.

That doesn’t necessarily have to come at the detriment of reducing reach to older shoppers, though. In many cases, older individuals simply have less experience with the internet and are therefore less aware of the latest trends in natural health. Instead of as an averse audience, view older shoppers as simply less aware of the potential ways that cannabinoids might improve their sleep quality.

 – Pro tip: If advertising online, create separate campaigns targeted at younger and older audiences. Calibrate your approach based on which demographic engages best.

Trust in conventional sleep medications wanes

Since at least 2010², it has been understood that many patients who are prescribed conventional sleep medications continue to present symptoms — in some cases, those symptoms also worsen. Doctors across the nation still prescribe everything from benzodiazepines to antidepressants in an attempt to help people get to sleep. The results are varied to say the least.

It’s not that prescription sleep medications are acutely ineffective. Pharmacologists have developed highly complex ways to assist human consciousness in shutting down for the night.

The issue, rather, lies in long-term treatment. Whether or not the drugs are safe, they usually fail to address any underlying issues that may be supporting sleep problems. Every dose sweeps insomnia further under the rug but does not remove it from the equation.

In response, many insomnia sufferers have turned to natural substances for help. Often poorly researched and only questionably effective, many of these natural sleep aids have also recently lost favor.

Natural treatments are debunked

“Debunked” might be somewhat too strong of a word, but there’s certainly more skepticism surrounding ingredients like melatonin than there once was. With this growing unease regarding the “first wave” of natural health ingredients aimed at sleep, newer substances like cannabinoids are rising to the fore.

Like melatonin, for instance, CBD affects already-existing areas of the brain. Unlike melatonin, however, CBD is not a hormone and, therefore, does not appear to have any capacity to impact your endocrine system in the way that melatonin might.

Cannabinoids rise to the fore

In many ways, consumers are beginning to view cannabinoids as “upgrades” to their existing natural health routines. Carrying both the grandeur and stigma of prohibition, cannabinoids nonetheless genuinely deliver benefits that have researchers around the world scratching their heads in amazement.

Shoppers appreciate the gentle naturalness of cannabinoids. They also appreciate, though, that these unassuming compounds appear to carry a great deal of heft — despite their humble origins and lack of side effects, there’s a lot that cannabinoids can do to improve our lives. People are awakening to this fact around the globe.

The usefulness of cannabinoids for sleep

Which specific cannabinoids show the most promise for sleep? We’ll give two pertinent examples below:

CBD

Not enough studies have been conducted into the potential benefits of CBD for sleep yet, but the initial evidence that has been amassed is compelling in itself. Even more compelling are the reams and reams of anecdotal evidence provided in the form of product reviews, blog articles, and social media testimonials originating from real people who have experienced the power of CBD for themselves.

Rather than causing intoxication like THC, CBD is gently relaxing — a property that users indicate goes great lengths toward helping them sleep at night. Better yet, most users indicate that CBD does not make them feel groggy in the morning.

CBN

Less studied still than CBD, CBN is a derivative of THC that has been denatured of most of its intoxicating properties. Instead of making you feel high, CBN is usually described as having mildly sedative effects — though researchers will need to publish more on the subject before we opine further. 

In 2024, a study titled A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety and Effects of CBN With and Without CBD on Sleep Quality, explored the impact of cannabinol (CBN) on sleep quality. As the first trial of its kind to focus specifically on CBN, the research highlights its potential to improve sleep by reducing nighttime awakenings and overall disturbances. These findings provide valuable insights for future research and treatment development, especially as demand grows for natural sleep alternatives.

How to fulfill rising demand for cannabinoid sleep products

The time is now to further the discussion surrounding cannabinoids and sleep by bringing a greater number of excellent products to the market. Chiefly, gummies and tinctures are the most popular cannabinoid sleep products at present, but the market is ready for expansion. 

Whichever idea you might have for a cannabinoid sleep product, it has a chance as long as it brings genuine value to shoppers. Find a unique angle of approach, and start making your way into the cannabinoid sleep industry without delay.

Knowledge is power, sleep is health

In retrospect, it’s incredible the things that we didn’t know just a few decades ago. As society has progressed, previously held beliefs, including unquestioning trust in conventional pharmaceutical treatments, much of what people once took for granted has disappeared, leaving new truths behind.

Nowadays, you don’t have to be lucky enough to come across an illuminative newspaper or magazine article to learn about natural health revolutions that may be reshaping your world. An average shopper can learn everything they need to know about CBD or any other natural health product within a few minutes of searching on Google, a level of information freedom that has never before existed in the history of the human race.

The revelation has emerged, and people now know that sleep is the time-honored key to health and longevity. Any substances that help them sleep better without having any serious short-term or long-term negative effects will immediately be adopted by today’s cohort of educated and alternative-minded consumers. It’s only a matter of time, therefore, until cannabinoids attain even greater popularity as substances used to either facilitate or improve sleep.

The more knowledge people have, the more power they have. And, the more power people have, the more they will use that power to better themselves. It’s simply our role to help shoppers achieve these goals with the assistance of natural cannabinoid products.

Sources:

1. 1. Gallup, Inc. (2022, April 18). Casper-Gallup State of Sleep in America 2022 Report. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/analytics/390536/sleep-in-america-2022.aspx
2. 2. Krakow, B., Ulibarri, V. A., & Romero, E. F. (2010). Patients With Treatment-Resistant Insomnia Taking Nightly Prescription Medications for Sleep. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.09m00873bro

The more we learn about the hemp plant, the clearer it becomes that each cannabinoid has its own ideal uses and special benefits. Scientific inquiry sometimes reveals these benefits, but users more often discover them accidentally while exploring new forms of hemp. In the case of CBN for sleep, it’s a little bit of both.

New research supports CBN’s usefulness for sleep, but anecdotal evidence from countless users has primarily shaped the consensus on this topic.

Is it a good idea to use CBN for sleep? If so, which brands are best to turn to when you’re in need of a solid CBN sleep product? Find the answers in this guide.

What is CBN?

Cannabinol (CBN) is a natural THC metabolite formed through oxidative stress from aging or UV light exposure. In THC-rich cannabis, CBN concentrations increase over time as the plant material ages or is exposed to other oxidative stressors.

Like CBD, CBN is considered to be non-intoxicating, but the cannabinoid can’t entirely get away from its roots in THC. CBN doesn’t cause a high but is often described as more profoundly relaxing than CBD.

[Updated] New 2024 Research on CBN and Sleep

Recent research has provided new insights into the potential of cannabinol (CBN) as a sleep aid. A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology demonstrated that CBN increased both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in rats, leading to an overall increase in total sleep time. Notably, these effects were comparable to those of zolpidem, a commonly prescribed sleep medication.

The study confirmed that CBN doesn’t cause intoxication, setting it apart from cannabinoids like THC. Additionally, the metabolite of CBN exhibited a stronger affinity for cannabinoid receptors, which may enhance its sleep-promoting properties.

These findings align with earlier research indicating that CBN can prolong sleep duration in animal models. These preclinical results are promising, but more research and human clinical trials are needed to confirm CBN’s safety and efficacy.

As the body of evidence grows, CBN continues to show potential as a natural alternative for improving sleep quality. Individuals interested in exploring CBN for sleep should consult healthcare professionals and consider current research findings to make informed decisions.

Effects of CBN

Users often describe THC-rich cannabis high in CBN as very relaxing or sleep-inducing. This effect persists when CBN is isolated from THC, with many calling it the most relaxing, sleep-inducing cannabinoid.

Is CBN intoxicating?

No, CBN does not cause the type of intoxication associated with THC. CBN can be so relaxing it induces sleep, but it won’t cause paranoia, hallucinations, or significant mental effects.

CBN vs. CBD

Though they’re each unique compounds, CBN and CBD are more similar than they are dissimilar. Neither cannabinoid causes intoxication, and both occur naturally in the hemp plant.

CBN and CBD differ significantly in the amount of research conducted on each. While CBN received early attention in cannabis science, it has been largely overlooked until its recent surge in popularity.

While CBD’s potential benefits are easier to predict, studies alone make it harder to confirm CBN’s effectiveness for sleep. To support anecdotal evidence suggesting CBN aids sleep, we’ve mainly relied on scientific research conducted on CBD. However, the study in the updated section above shines a positive list of the usefulness of CBN for sleep!

Is CBN good for sleep?

Anecdotal evidence and limited studies suggest CBN has potential as a sleep aid, warranting further research. Initial studies are inconclusive, but enough evidence has been accumulated to justify further research into CBD and sleep. Many users now prefer CBN to CBD for sleep, a shift in the market that speaks to this cannabinoid’s unique benefits.

CBN sleep studies

In recent decades, researchers have published a handful of studies exploring CBN’s potential benefits for sleep. We’ll start with an exhaustive review of evidence¹ related to the subject published in the journal Cannabis & Cannabinoid Research in October of 2021.

Jamie Corroon notes that claims about CBN’s sleep-promoting effects may originate from “cannabis lore” about old cannabis causing sleepiness. He then examines the evidence supporting CBN’s sleep-inducing properties gathered over the years.

Is it dangerous to use CBN for sleep?

We may not know enough about CBN yet to conclude whether or not it’s useful for sleep, but there’s significantly more evidence regarding CBN’s overall safety. Most of the clinical studies that included CBN in the late 20th century, for instance, closely examined this cannabinoid’s safety, generally finding that it had a favorable side effect profile compared to THC.

Using CBN for sleep will not cause psychoactive effects, and it won’t make you feel paranoid and anxious, either. Similar to CBD, CBN’s side effects are typically limited to sleepiness and occasional mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea.

As a result, trying CBN for sleep shouldn’t pose any significant additional risks. You might find it helpful to start by trying CBN and CBD at the same time: Helpfully, most CBN products also include CBD already.

Is CBD good for sleep?

Research into CBN’s effectiveness for sleep is just beginning, unlike CBD, which has more evidence supporting its potential benefits. While CBD hasn’t been definitively proven as sleep-promoting, existing studies suggest its potential against insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep-related issues warrants further investigation.

CBD sleep studies

To date, enough studies have been conducted into the effectiveness of CBD for sleep to result in hundreds of endnotes attached to popular studies on the subject. One of the most-cited CBD sleep studies circulating on the internet is entitled “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series²” and was featured in the January publication of The Permanente Journal.

As the first major clinical study into the effects of CBD on sleep, it’s understandable that this piece of research received a lot of attention. Consisting of a sample of 72 adults with anxiety and poor sleep, the study found that CBD reduced anxiety in 79.2% of patients and improved sleep scores in 66.7% with fluctuations over time. The study also yielded some results on CBD’s safety: All but three patients tolerated the cannabinoid with no major side effects.

In 2021, this clinical research was followed up with an exhaustive review of available evidence on CBD and sleep³ published in Neurotherapeutics. Starting with the assessment that “the results indicate a potential therapeutic role for cannabinoids in the management of some sleep disorders,” the review goes on to note that “CBD use has been shown to increase total sleep percentage [… and] had a positive effect on anxiety-related REM sleep suppression.” Furthermore, the review relates how a “case series evaluating CBD for treatment of insomnia in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) showed decreased sleep disturbances.”

Overall, it’s clear that the evidence surrounding CBD and sleep is mounting from multiple directions. It wouldn’t be surprising if CBD received increased recognition as a promising sleep-promoting substance over the coming years.

Is it dangerous to use CBD for sleep?

CBD has been the subject of a great deal of safety-related studies over the last decade or so as products containing the cannabinoid have flooded the market. One of the latest of said studies, published in 2020, summarizes all previous research on the subject. Titled “Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials⁴,” the review was published in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research and began by admitting that “the administration [of CBD] was well tolerated with mild side effects.”

In reaching this conclusion, the authors reviewed over 350 studies including 22 controlled clinical trials. They separated their analysis into the use of CBD for specific conditions and found that serious adverse effects (AE) were hardly ever reported. While using CBD may pose some risks in certain situations, it appears quite difficult to make this cannabinoid dangerous.

5 brands to buy CBN products from

Encouraged by CBD’s success, hemp brands are diving into CBN, incorporating this unique, non-intoxicating cannabinoid into their products. Usually, in combination with CBD, CBN is gradually making its way into the world of online hemp, making it important for potential users to be able to determine which CBN brands are worth buying from.

As you search the CBN market for the best deals on the best products, consider these five brands before any others:

#1 Calmy Wellness

Calmy is taking an unusual approach to the CBD industry by offering a line of hemp drink mixes. Called Mornin’, Anytime, and Sleep-Aid, these powdered drink mix packets contain a variety of different cannabinoids: In the case of Sleep-Aid, both CBD and CBN.

Each pouch of Calmy Sleep-Aid Drink Mix contains 10mg CBD and 5mg CBN, which is usually considered to be an ideal ratio. Also present are magnesium and theanine, both of which are believed to have calming or sleep-promoting effects.

If you’re looking for an unconventional method of getting CBD and CBN into your system, this drink mix packet is certainly worth a shot. Also worth trying are Calmy’s vitamin D Anytime pouch and their CBG and green tea Mornin’ pouch.

#2 Daytrip CBD

Next on our list is Daytrip CBD, a clean and simple CBD brand that offers a trio of edibles and a line of sparkling waters. In its sparkling water products, Daytrip is notable for using high-bioavailability, fast-acting extracts that deliver the effects of their cannabinoids with greater intensity than usual.

Daytrip’s Blueberry Hibiscus gummies are enhanced with terpenes to provide flavor-specific effects, offering a unique and enjoyable experience. For those seeking deep relaxation, these gummies are an excellent choice. Additionally, Daytrip has introduced a new sleep-enhancing gummy, the Blackberry Lemon Sleep-Enhancing Gummies, designed to promote better sleep.

#3 Binoid

Binoid is a massive brand that offers a huge array of different cannabinoids. For their core tinctures, however, Binoid has chosen to focus on CBD and CBN with both cannabinoids present in Binoid Good Night CBD Oil. This powerhouse tincture contains not only CBD and CBN but also valerian root, skullcap, and lemon essential oil for a flavorful, all-natural experience.

Some CBN users might like the idea of drink mixes, but others may prefer to take a more conventional route. For those who still rely on tinctures as their preferred method for using cannabinoids, Binoid’s Good Night tincture provides a familiar approach in the form of an unusually high-quality hemp oil.

#4 Moonstruck CBD

The brain naturally uses melatonin to tell itself that it’s time to go to sleep, so it only makes sense to include melatonin in a hemp tincture designed to help you get to sleep. That’s exactly what Moonstruck CBD has done in their Melatonin Sleep Tincture, an oil that combines 1500mg CBD and 90mg melatonin for a combined approach to getting you to sleep at night.

This broad-spectrum tincture is THC-free and lightly flavored with lemon and vanilla to mask any hemp taste. One of the most impressive benefits of this tincture is its concentration: With 50mg CBD per milliliter, you don’t have to take much to feel the effects.

#5 Twine CBD

Twine CBD is an up-and-coming hemp company that recently launched a line of hemp gummies. One offering from this lineup features melatonin, combining hemp cannabinoids with this natural hormone in a tasty and convenient format.

Featuring 25mg CBD and 2mg melatonin per gummy, these berry-flavored edibles contain everything necessary to experience the desired effects in just 1-2 gummies. For those who would rather take their nightly dose of hemp in the form of a tasty treat, these delicious CBD isolate gummies are well worth a shot.

The bottom line: Trying CBN for sleep is easy

With new compounds becoming available to try all the time, it’s a fact that the cannabinoid renaissance is now upon us. And, while in the past getting your hands on cannabinoids to try as an individual was next-to impossible, it’s now easy to buy CBD, CBG, and even CBN products online from any number of different sources.

The risks of trying CBN for sleep appear to be minimal, but based on anecdotal evidence and scientific research, there seem to be plenty of reasons to try CBN if your nightly sleep cycle could use some improvement. When you’re ready to give CBN a shot for yourself, choose one of the five brands we listed above, and pick a product.

Sources

1. 1. Corroon, J. (2021). Cannabinol and Sleep: Separating Fact from Fiction. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0006
2. 2. Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019b). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/18-041
3. 3. Kaul, M., Zee, P. C., & Sahni, A. S. (2021). Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep and their Therapeutic Potential for Sleep Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 18(1), 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-021-01013-w
4. 4. Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J. (2020). Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, 12(3), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4090