If you’ve ever wondered why that old stash of weed tucked away in the back of your drawer was rumored to make you super sleepy, you’re not alone—scientists have been curious about this cannabis folklore for ages. Well, the latest research from the University of Sydney’s Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics suggests there might actually be something to that old “sleepy weed” tale. Say hello to cannabinol (CBN), a cannabis component that’s stepping into the spotlight as a potential natural snooze-ally.

So, What’s CBN Anyway?

We’re all pretty familiar with CBD and THC by now. But CBN is a lesser-known cousin that forms when THC breaks down over time. Picture it as the “chilled-out” version of THC’s original form, mellowed with age. Unlike THC, CBN doesn’t leave you feeling “high” or intoxicated. Instead, it’s gaining a reputation as the “sleep whisperer” of the cannabis plant. And this new study is the first to put some science behind that claim using objective measurements—on rats, that is.

What Did the Scientists Actually Find?

In their experiments, researchers gave rats purified CBN and then monitored their snooze patterns with all sorts of fancy gear. The results were pretty exciting: CBN increased total sleep time by boosting both REM and non-REM sleep. Translation: these rats weren’t just sleeping more—they were also getting that sweet, balanced sleep mix we humans crave. It’s kind of like turning up your brain’s internal “sleep music” to a soothing lullaby, rather than just hitting it over the head with a hammer.

What’s the Big Deal About REM and Non-REM Sleep?

Think of REM sleep as the “dream factory” where you sort out feelings, and non-REM sleep as a luxurious deep pool of rest that helps your body and mind recharge. More of both could mean a more restful night’s slumber. The fact that CBN can tune into both these channels is a big deal—most sleep aids can knock you out, but they might not enhance the natural rhythm of your sleep cycle quite so elegantly.

And the Best Part—It’s Non-Intoxicating!

Unlike THC, CBN isn’t going to make you giggle at cartoons for hours on end. It doesn’t aggressively activate those CB1 receptors in the brain the way THC does. In fact, the researchers were a bit surprised to find that a metabolite (a kind of “breakdown buddy” created when your body processes CBN) had a more significant effect on these receptors. This might mean part of CBN’s sleep magic comes from what it turns into inside your body, rather than just the original compound itself.

What’s Next for CBN Research?

We know what you’re thinking: “Cool, but what about humans?” Great question. The team already has a parallel human trial underway (not yet published) testing CBN’s effects on people with insomnia. Early announcements sound promising—think fewer tossing-and-turning nights and happier, better-rested mornings. But we’ll need more research, bigger studies, and maybe some repeated dosing trials to understand the full picture.

In the future, we might see CBN paired up with other cannabis compounds or even popular sleep supplements like melatonin to form a dream team (pun intended) of natural sleep aids. The scientists at the Lambert Initiative are already working on a preclinical drug discovery program around CBN, exploring new ways to tap into its sleepy superpowers.

Takeaway: CBN Is the New Sleepy Superhero on the Block

While THC and CBD have hogged the limelight for the past few years, it’s looking like CBN might be ready for its close-up. Early signs suggest that this gentle, non-intoxicating cannabis component could help us get more balanced, restorative sleep—and that’s something we could all use a bit more of these days. Stay tuned as more research rolls in, because the era of “sleepy cannabis” might just be dawning!