Aug 1, 2025
If you’ve been browsing the edibles section lately, you’ve probably noticed a new acronym popping up on packaging—CBN. It’s not a strain. It’s not a typo. And no, it’s not CBD’s sleepy cousin (well, sort of).
CBN—short for cannabinol—is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and it’s been quietly making a name for itself as the “sleepy one.” And for good reason.
While THC brings the buzz and CBD is known for calming the nerves, CBN is starting to show up in gummies, tinctures, and nighttime formulas aimed at helping you fall asleep, stay asleep, or simply take the edge off a racing mind after 9 p.m.
But what is it really? And does it actually work?
CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms when THC ages and oxidizes. In other words, when THC gets old, it slowly transforms into CBN. This chemical process is why old weed sometimes makes people feel a bit sleepier than expected.
Unlike THC, CBN is not known to produce a strong high. It’s very subtle—and often only noticeable when paired with a small amount of THC or CBD. On its own, it won’t send you to space. But in the right blend? It might just help you drift off more easily.
For years, CBN flew under the radar. It wasn’t well-studied, it wasn’t regulated separately, and honestly—it didn’t seem all that exciting.
But as cannabis consumers (especially in New York) have become more wellness-focused, the demand for functional, non-intoxicating products has skyrocketed. Sleep gummies, in particular, are a huge driver—and that’s where CBN shines.
Today, you’ll find CBN in all kinds of infused options, including:
1:1 THC:CBN gummies for sleep
1:1:1 blends with THC, CBD, and CBN for balanced relaxation
CBN-focused tinctures and softgels for those who prefer no sugar or flavoring
And unlike melatonin, which can leave some people groggy or groaning in the morning, CBN tends to be gentler and better tolerated—even if you don’t usually use cannabis.
Nope. That’s where a lot of people get tripped up.
CBD works more broadly on inflammation and anxiety pathways
CBN appears to support sleep and sedation more directly (though the science is still catching up)
THC helps both—but in higher doses can spike anxiety or disrupt deep sleep if mistimed
The best nighttime formulas usually combine all three—using a small amount of THC, a balancing dose of CBD, and just enough CBN to nudge you toward rest.
We’ve all seen the bottles, jars, and gummies lined up behind the counter with bold ratios like 1:1, 2:1:1, or 5:1—but what do they actually mean? And more importantly, how does CBN fit into the picture?
To understand how CBN works—and why it shows up most often alongside THC and CBD—it helps to know what each of these cannabinoids actually does.
This is the cannabinoid most people know. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is what gets you high. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and body to create effects like:
Euphoria
Relaxation
Altered perception
Increased appetite
(Sometimes) anxiety or racing thoughts—especially in higher doses
THC can absolutely help with sleep—but timing and dose matter. Too much too late and you may fall asleep fast but interrupt deep sleep or wake up groggy.
CBD (cannabidiol) doesn’t get you high. Instead, it works indirectly on the body’s endocannabinoid system to support:
Anxiety relief
Inflammation reduction
Mood regulation
Improved stress response
CBD is often used during the day—but at night, it can help smooth out the sharper edges of THC, making it easier to relax without getting overly sedated or spaced out.
CBN (cannabinol) is often marketed as the “sleepy” cannabinoid—but it’s not quite that simple. While CBN has shown mild sedative effects in animal studies, there’s limited clinical data on its impact in humans.
That said, when CBN is combined with a small amount of THC and/or CBD, many users report:
Faster sleep onset
Easier mental quieting
Reduced middle-of-the-night wakeups
No groggy morning-after effects
So while CBN may not knock you out like melatonin, it’s especially promising as part of a carefully balanced nighttime formula.
The real magic often lies in the blend—not the individual cannabinoid.
Here’s how it plays out in some of Treehouse’s best-selling sleep-friendly options:
🌙 Sweet Plum Dreamweaver Gummies: 1mg THC to 3mg CBN—ultra-light THC, all about wind-down
🌙 Blackberry Lemonade Pearls 1:1:1: THC, CBD, and CBN in equal parts for a calm, balanced effect
🌙 Deep Sleep Blackberry Dream Sours 1:1:1: Heavier 10mg doses of all three cannabinoids—ideal for deeper rest and experienced users
THC = high + sedation (at the right dose)
CBD = anxiety + stress relief
CBN = subtle nudge toward sleep
Together = better sleep support than any one alone
CBN has a rep as the “sleep cannabinoid”—but if you’re wondering whether that’s science, smart marketing, or just stoner folklore, you’re not alone.
Let’s unpack what we do know about CBN and sleep, and where things still get fuzzy. Spoiler: it might not knock you out cold—but it could help you wind down gently and stay asleep longer, especially when paired with THC and CBD.
CBN is one of the oldest known cannabinoids (first isolated in the 1800s), but ironically, it’s one of the least studied—especially in humans.
Most of what we know about its sedative potential comes from:
A 1975 animal study that showed mild sleep-promoting effects in rats
Anecdotal reports and surveys from medical cannabis users
More recent clinical interest in CBN + THC combinations for nighttime relief
So far, studies suggest that CBN on its own isn’t a strong sedative—but when paired with a little THC, it may enhance relaxation, promote sleepiness, and help reduce night wakings.
In short: CBN doesn’t knock you out. But it helps your body shift into sleep mode when other calming elements are present.
We talk to a lot of people at Treehouse about sleep. Here’s what they often report after trying CBN blends:
“I didn’t pass out—but I actually fell asleep on purpose, which is rare for me.”
“It’s like my brain stopped looping right before bed. I didn’t feel drugged, just mellow.”
“I used to wake up every night at 3am. Now I sleep through till 6 or 7, easy.”
“No hangover, which is huge. Melatonin always made me feel like I got hit by a truck.”
CBN products seem to work especially well for:
Racing thoughts before bed
People sensitive to THC who want a gentler option
Those looking to reduce or replace melatonin, Ambien, or nighttime wine
As we mentioned earlier, CBN by itself usually isn’t enough. The key is how it’s blended—and at what ratios.
Let’s revisit some real examples from the Treehouse menu:
💜 Sweet Plum Dreamweaver 1:3 THC:CBN: A great pick if you want a microdose of THC with a stronger CBN boost. Ideal for first-timers or light sleepers.
🫐 Blackberry Lemonade Pearls 1:1:1: Balanced and gentle, great for easing into sleep without zoning out. Also good if stress, not insomnia, is your issue.
🌌 Deep Sleep Sours 1:1:1: A stronger option with 10mg each of THC, CBD, and CBN—best for seasoned consumers or serious nighttime needs.
Bottom line? If you’re expecting a knockout, CBN might not be your answer. But if you’re looking for a gentle transition into rest, fewer wakeups, and a clearer head the next morning, it’s a promising (and natural) tool worth trying.
CBN is subtle—but shopping for it shouldn’t be confusing. If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably interested in seeing what it can do. The good news? Whether you're brand new to cannabis or just looking for a smoother night’s sleep, there’s a CBN product that’ll fit your rhythm.
Here’s how to choose one, take it, and make it part of your routine without overthinking it.
CBN rarely comes solo—and that’s a good thing.
Most products pair it with THC and/or CBD in gentle, sleep-focused ratios. That blend helps guide the experience and reduce the chance of overstimulation or grogginess.
Look for:
1:3 THC:CBN – like Sweet Plum Dreamweaver, great for people who want minimal THC but effective sleep support
1:1:1 THC:CBD:CBN – like Blackberry Lemonade Pearls or Deep Sleep Sours, ideal for balance, calm, and lasting support
If you’re new to THC or sensitive to edibles, start with low-THC/high-CBN formulas first to get a feel for it.
The most common and accessible CBN products are gummies—and for good reason:
They’re easy to dose (usually 5–10mg per piece)
They’re discreet
They taste good
They digest consistently (especially with a little food)
Other formats include tinctures, capsules, and drinkables, but gummies remain the go-to for most consumers at Treehouse.
This might be the most important part. CBN products aren’t instant—they’re edibles, so you’ll want to:
Take them 60–90 minutes before bed
Avoid screens and caffeine once it starts kicking in
Pair with your usual wind-down cues (book, music, warm shower)
Fast-acting gummies may kick in faster (20–30 mins), but always plan your night accordingly so you’re not fighting the onset while doing chores or scrolling social media.
One reason many Treehouse customers prefer CBN blends to melatonin is how they feel in the morning.
With CBN:
You’re less likely to wake up groggy or “hung over”
You may feel clearer, lighter, and more rested
You can start your day without needing three coffees and a cold shower
That said—every body is different. Try it on a night when you can ease into your morning, just in case you need to adjust your dose or timing.
CBN isn’t a knockout—it’s a soft nudge toward rest. If your sleep issues are moderate (racing mind, minor anxiety, inconsistent shut-eye), it might be exactly the tool you need.
And if you’re not sure where to start? Treehouse carries a curated lineup of CBN-forward edibles, all staff-tested and clearly labeled. We’ll help you find the right ratio and format for your bedtime routine—no sleep myths, no groggy regrets.
