User:Savannaj13/Cannabinol

Cannabis sativa has been used since ancient times for agricultural, ceremonial and medicinal purposes. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used as an analgesic, anticonvulsant, anti-asthmatic, antimalarial or anti-rheumatic agent. Cannabinol (CBN) is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that binds to the cannabinoid receptors with more selectivity for CB2 over CB1  found in trace amounts from Cannabis. CBN is mostly found in cannabis that is aged and stored, and is derived from the plant's main psychoactive chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Cannabis contains over 700 different chemicals, among which a group of compounds called cannabinoids stands out. One of the most prominent cannabinoids has been commonly referred to as cannabinol. It was the first cannabis compound to be isolated from cannabis extract in the late 1800s. Then by the 1930s, the first to have its structure determined and in 1940, to have scientists achieve its chemical synthesis.

Formation
Delta-9-THC can degrade into CBN from oxidation. Manufacturers expose THC to heat and light, which breaks it down, leaving behind CBN .Unlike more prevalent cannabinoids such as THC and cannabidiol (CBD), CBN is not produced by the plant in significant quantities. CBN is mainly formed from the degradation of THC and other cannabinoids, when they are exposed to heat, UV light and/or oxygen. This is the reason why higher levels of CBN can be found in aged, dry Cannabis. The graphic below shows the chemical structure and production of CBN and other cannabinoids in the plant. Unlike many other cannabinoids, cannabinol (CBN) does not stem from cannabigerol (CBG). Instead, CBN is a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolite formed as cannabis ages. THC degrades into CBN over time and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. .

Pharmacology
CBN acts as a partial agonist at the CB1 receptors, but has a higher affinity to CB2 receptors; however, it has lower affinities relative to THC. Both THC and CBN activate the CB1 (Ki = 211.2 nM) and CB2 (Ki = 126.4 nM) receptors. It is metabolised to 11-OH-CBN, which is a more potent CB1 agonist than CBN but acts as a weak antagonist at CB2.

Chemistry
In contrast to THC, CBN has no double bond isomers or stereoisomers.CBN can degrade into HU-345 from oxidation. CBN is molecularly similar to THC, but is not psychoactive. THC acts on the CB1 endocannabinoid receptors, which is what creates the high associated with cannabis. CBN also binds to the CB1 receptor, but at a much lower strength than THC.

Legal Status
CBN is not listed in the schedules set out by the United Nations' Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs from 1961 nor their Convention on Psychotropic Substances from 1971, so the signatory countries to these international drug control treaties are not required by these treaties to control CBN. This compound is less regulated by the FDA compared to THC and CBD. However, this can make it harder to access legally.

United States
Cannabinol 10 mg transdermal patches are sold at marijuana dispensaries in Colorado, U.S. As of 2021 in the United States, CBN and other cannabis extracts remain illegal under federal law to prescribe for medical use or to use as an ingredient in dietary supplements or other foods, and sales or possession of CBN could potentially be prosecuted under the Federal Analogue Act. In December 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration added marijuana extracts, which are defined as any "extract containing one or more cannabinoids that has been derived from any plant of the genus Cannabis,

other than the separated resin", to Schedule I.

Europe
Europe's government does not support legalisation of cannabis sale for recreational use, and all countries have prison sentences for illegal use. In contrast, nearly half of all European citizens support the recreational use of Cannabis and its properties, such as CBN. Several laws have been proposed to national parliaments in the last few years, as well as some initiatives in different cities. These have all been rejected by European lawmakers. Certain countries, such as the Netherlands and Amsterdam, are referred to as a "back door problem" due to creating legally anomalies for the public sale of Cannabis products.

South America
Recently, the cannabis market has emerged in many South American countries and has begun to attract the attention of many companies and international investors. Slowly, states are decriminalizing the possession, consumption and cultivation of marijuana and its properties. Simultaneously, they are legalizing and increasing the production of cannabis for therapeutic or recreational purposes.

Asia
Compared to the United States, Asia's laws are much stricter. Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines allow CBD to be used in certain medical circumstances, while others still carry severe prison sentences for cannabis possession. Many legally consider the death penalty as mandatory punishment. Slowly, the medical use of CBD and its properties is being explored scientifically. Some countries allow citizens to grow small amounts for personal use.

Benefits
A study by Salk scientists shows how Cannabinol can protect nerve cells from oxidative damage, a major pathway to cell death. Cannabinol protects neurons from oxidative stress and cell death, two of the major contributors to Alzheimer’s. This discovery could one day lead to the development of new therapeutics for treating this disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, like Parkinson’s disease.CBN works by protecting mitochondria, the cell’s powerhouses, within the neurons. . CBN can act with higher potency when interacting with certain receptor systems in the body, while acting with lower potency for others when compared to other cannabinoids.

CBN is expected to maintain its structural integrity/stability under external stresses (e.g. heat, light) for a longer period of time. This characteristic allows for a very long shelf life. CBN has been tested as an effective sleep aid and pain reliever.

Future Development
The use of CBN and other properties found in Cannabis will likely continue to develop. Research on the medical benefits of cannabis properties continues to expand daily. An estimated 147 million people around the world use some form of Cannabis regularly. The number is certainly much larger than this report due to the legal complexities surrounding marijuana use. Relaxed laws and extensive medical research are becoming more common in numerous countries. The use of CBN is becoming less taboo, and will eventually become a more common treatment for medical ailments. Additionally, destigmatizing its use will lead to recreational expansion.