Our customers constantly ask us about the difference between CBN vs CBD vs THC, three of the most common cannabinoids you’ll find here in our lineup of delta 9 gummies for sale at Cannovia. So, we put together this THC vs CBD vs CBN comparison for you!
- THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in hemp and marijuana, so it can produce mind-altering effects depending on dose. It has therapeutic potential as well, though, such as for sleep, pain, and more.
- CBD is known as the healing cannabinoid. It supports a healthy inflammatory response and can help mellow out the harsh edges of THC.
- CBN is a bit less-known, but just as significant as the others in our CBD vs THC vs CBN comparison. This one has sedative properties, which is why it’s integral to our THC gummies for sleep.
As you’ll learn in our comparison of CBN vs CBD vs THC, it’s not a matter of choosing between all these - each has its place. The real power of cannabis comes from what is known as the entourage effect, where all of these work in synergy with the strain’s specific terpenes.
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CBD vs CBN vs THC (Comparison Chart)
|
Cannabinoid |
What It Feels Like |
Common Uses |
Psychoactivity |
Possible Side Effects |
Key Notes |
|
CBD |
Steady, clear-headed calm. Takes the edge off tension without changing how you think or see the world. |
Daytime stress, general discomfort, everyday balance, pairing with THC to smooth the experience. |
Non-intoxicating – does not create a “high.” |
Mild fatigue, dry mouth, upset stomach, or light dizziness at higher doses in some people. |
Interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a more indirect way; often used as a base for daily wellness and to round out stronger cannabinoids. |
|
CBN |
Heavier, slow-down calm. Many people feel drowsy, relaxed, and ready to wind down. |
Nighttime routines, restless evenings, adding extra “weight” to sleep formulas alongside CBD and THC. |
Very mild – occasionally feels slightly intoxicating at higher doses, but usually stays clear. |
Drowsiness, grogginess if taken too early in the day; dry mouth or red eyes in some users. |
Often called a “bedtime” cannabinoid; occurs in smaller amounts and is usually paired with other cannabinoids and terpenes rather than used alone. |
|
THC |
Noticeable shift in mood and body feel. Warmth, ease, and altered perception at higher doses. |
Deeper relief, stronger mood lift, evening unwind, adding more “strength” to CBD or CBN blends. |
Intoxicating – can create a high, especially in higher milligram amounts or for new users. |
Dry mouth, red eyes, faster heart rate, short-term memory bumps; in some people, anxiety or paranoia if dose is too high. |
Binds more strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain. Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC must remain at or below 0.3% by dry weight to stay federally compliant in the U.S. |
Overview of Cannabinoids
Before we get into our comparison of CBN vs CBD vs THC we need to take a step back and talk about what exactly cannabinoids are in the first place. These are the natural compounds in cannabis that interact with the body’s internal regulatory network, the endocannabinoid system.
We know that more than a hundred exist, but most people are interested in CBD vs CBN vs THC. These are the three we see compared most often. Other minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBC have their place as well.
The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
Hemp and marijuana both fall under the cannabis family, but they’re very different - mostly in terms of how the law looks at them.
Hemp contains very low levels of Delta-9 THC - no more than 0.3% - so it won’t create the classic marijuana “high.” Marijuana, on the other hand, is federally illegal because it’s THC-rich. Most states have some sort of adult use program in place by now, though.
Both plants contain valuable cannabinoids and terpenes, but hemp is the source that we derive our gummies from here at Cannovia. That’s how we’re able to legally sell you gummies online.
But as soon as you start shopping with us, it’ll become clear there are different cannabinoids for different goals. So, what’s the difference between CBN vs CBD vs THC?
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the most researched and popular cannabinoids in the market. It has many potential benefits for various health and wellness purposes such as:
- Anxiety related effects: CBD can reduce general anxiety and stress in various situations.
- Stress: CBD can have antidepressant effects in animal models of depression, such as the forced swim test or the tail suspension test. CBD can also enhance the effects of conventional antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- Sleep: CBD helps sleep indirectly by making you less anxious, minimizing stress, and easing aches and pains that keep you up at night.
- Pain relief: Many people are turning to CBD oil to ease pain and inflammation in muscles and joints. Cannabidiol can help with pain topically as a CBD lotion or Gel, and it can also help ease discomfort internally as an ingestible supplement.
- Neuroprotection: CBD has been found to have neuroprotective properties which may protect against neurodegeneration. It is important to remember that more research is required to understand the effects better.
CBD is generally well-tolerated and safe to use. It does not produce a high or alter the mind. It does not cause addiction or dependence. It is metabolized by the CYP450 enzyme system, and other drugs metabolized by the CYP450 enzyme system can be affected.
In rare circumstances, CBD may have some mild side effects in some people, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Headache
Now, let’s turn to the other two cannabinoids in our CBD vs CBN vs THC comparison.
What is THC?
THC is the most popular cannabinoid with an infamous reputation for recreational uses, but it has its place in therapeutic wellness, too. Some of the uses of THC include pain relief, muscle relaxation, reduction of inflammation, and improvement in sleep quality.
It is important to remember that all of these benefits come with the intoxication of being "high". That’s why dosage is so important. We’ve taken care to formulate our gummies here at Cannovia such that CBD mellows out the harsh edges of THC.
THC has many similar benefits to CBD and CBN. From THC gummies for pain to THC gummies for energy, there’s something for everyone at Cannovia.
A word of warning - THC can also alter the perception of time, space, and sensory stimuli. For some people, that’s part of the fun. For others, it can be uncomfortable and overwhelming. Again, proper dosage avoids this issue altogether. Still, be aware of the side effects:
- Impaired memory
- Impaired concentration
- Impaired coordination
- Increased heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
That being said, how does CBN compare to THC and CBD?
What is CBN?
CBN is a minor cannabinoid that's less known and less studied than CBD. However, it has some promising benefits and uses for your health. Some of the conditions that CBN can help with are:
- Sleep disorders: CBN can induce sleepiness and improve sleep quality in people with insomnia or other sleep problems. This is our favorite use for it.
- Pain Management: Just like CBD, CBN can help with pain and inflammation by interacting with your ECS. Some studies found that CBN and CBD together might be even more effective than CBD alone for relief.
- Inflammation: CBN can ease inflammation inside the body by activating the cannabinoid receptors (CB2). Some studies suggest that CBN can fight against various bacteria and fungi that cause infections. However, more research is required.
- Bone health: CBN may potentially stimulate the growth of stem cells in the bone marrow, which can create new bone cells and promote bone formation.
CBN can also be used for general wellness purposes, such as relaxing, calming, soothing, and more. CBN can also support the health of the endocannabinoid system by restoring its balance and function. But like the others in our CBN vs CBD vs THC comparison, be aware of side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Impaired memory
- Impaired coordination
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
Again, these are usually the result of taking too strong a dose - and in some cases, these aren’t even side effects at all. For instance, drowsiness and sedation is what draws more people to CBN than anything else!
CBN vs CBD vs THC: Understanding Key Differences in Effects
We know the world of cannabis can be a little confusing, but we’re here to simplify things for you in this comparison of CBN vs CBD vs THC. Remember, they all have their place in wellness - but there are differences to take note of.
Potential Benefits
There’s a bit of overlap in looking at the benefits of CBD vs THC vs CBN. But CBD is what most people use during the daytime to steady nerves, soften physical discomfort, and align with a busy schedule. There’s no risk of intoxication with CBD alone.
THC helps when you’re looking for a deeper change, though. Maybe that’s a stronger mood lift, more noticeable comfort, or a way to unwind when the day has been too loud for too long.
Meanwhile, CBN does its best work at night when you’re ready to go to bed. Many people reach for it when their mind won’t slow down or their body feels restless in ways that make sleep harder.
Blending all three often leads to a more rounded experience, especially when CBD smooths out THC or when CBN adds a heavier sense of calm.
Possible Side Effects
Most people tolerate these cannabinoids well, but each has its quirks. CBD, however, is the most gentle with really no risk whatsoever. It has zero intoxicating properties.
In contrast, THC and CBN require a bit more care in terms of dosage. CBN can make you groggy if you take too much during the day. THC can spark anxiety or racing thoughts in certain people - although pairing it with CBD often takes that edge off.
Legality and Accessibility
The 2018 Farm Bill changed everything - hemp-derived cannabinoids and products made from them are now totally legal, so long as they meet certain requirements. They just have to have less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC does have a few nuances, though. Some states have put laws in place to regulate it since it ultimately provides the same experience as marijuana-derived THC.
Consumption Methods
Most people use tinctures or gummies because they’re easy to measure and fit into a daily routine. Gummies offer longer-lasting support, which makes them great for evening calm or nighttime comfort. Oils act a little faster and give you more control over the exact dose. There are also topicals that you can apply directly to aches and pains.
No method is “right” - the best one is simply the one that matches the moment you’re trying to improve. We have something for everyone here at Cannovia!
The Best Results Often Come From a Combination of CBD, THC, CBN, and More!
We know you came here hoping to learn about the differences between THC vs CBD vs CBN, and you should feel clearer on those now. But the truth is, it’s not a matter of choosing among CBN vs CBD vs THC. You need all of them for the full experience!
CBD brings steadiness, THC delivers a stronger shift in how you feel, and CBN adds a heavier, evening-style calm. You get a fuller, more layered effect when they interact with each other - especially when the plant’s natural terpenes are included as well.
Terpenes like myrcene, limonene, or pinene shape the mood and “tone” of the experience, making it brighter, calmer, or more comforting depending on the blend. Our gummies here at Cannovia are crafted with the entourage effect in mind.
Closing Thoughts on THC vs CBD vs CBN
Hopefully this comparison of CBN vs CBD vs THC has left you clear on the differences and overlap between these three cannabinoids. Each brings its own strengths, whether you’re looking for deeper calm, a smoother headspace, or help settling in for the night.
Most people discover that the best results come from choosing the right ratio of all of these cannabinoids rather than isolating just one or using just one for everything. That’s why our gummies are crafted for specific moments, from sleep to pain, energy, stress, and more.
Whether you’re looking for indica vs sativa edibles, your search ends here. Shop our strain-specific gummies and discover what true, tailored relief feels like.
