CBN, or cannabinol, forms when THC breaks down over time, especially with exposure to heat, light and air. Old flower that has been sitting around tends to have more CBN and less THC. CBN is generally considered only mildly intoxicating compared with THC.
In recent years, CBN has become popular in gummies and tinctures marketed for nighttime use. It is worth being clear about the evidence: research on CBN in people is limited, and many products that feature CBN also contain THC, which makes it hard to know what is doing what. We do not make sleep or health claims about CBN products.
If you see CBN on a label, check the milligrams of each cannabinoid per serving, not just the CBN number. A "CBN gummy" may contain more THC than CBN. The COA will show the full breakdown.
CBN in flower can also be a clue about freshness. A noticeable CBN number on a flower lab report can suggest the material is older or was stored poorly. That is one more reason to look at harvest and pack dates and to store your own cannabis in a cool, dark, airtight container.