Research from the University of Connecticut indicates that CBN, a cannabis compound in sleep gummies, may cause physical dependence in mice, according to a study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
Study Reveals CBN’s Dependence Potential
Experiments on mice showed that repeated CBN exposure led to tolerance and withdrawal-like symptoms, including head twitches and paw fluttering, when the compound was discontinued. The study, led by Olivia Vanegas ’26 Ph.D., found that mice developed reduced sensitivity to CBN over time, mirroring patterns seen with THC. CBN is everywhere right now,
said Steven Kinsey, a UConn professor. Our findings suggest consumers should be aware repeated use may carry risks.
The study, published in the November issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, involved researchers at the University of Connecticut and collaborators. It tested cannabinol, commonly shortened to CBN, through controlled experiments in adult mice. CBN appears in products such as gummies, capsules, and tinctures promoted for sleep. The findings challenge the assumption that a cannabis compound marketed as gentle necessarily has little dependence potential. Researchers observed that mice receiving CBN twice daily for five days developed tolerance, as evidenced by reduced responsiveness to the compound. When CBN was withdrawn, the animals displayed physical symptoms resembling withdrawal, including head twitching and paw fluttering, which are comparable to the shaking experienced during drug withdrawal.
Marketing Contrasts With Scientific Caution
Despite its reputation as a "gentle" sleep aid, CBN's effects on mice overlapped with THC's, prompting concerns about its safety. The study noted that CBN’s anti-inflammatory properties could have therapeutic value, but it also weakened immune responses during bacterial challenges. The marketing of minor cannabinoids is pretty wild,
Vanegas said. We really don’t know much about their potential risks, especially with repeated use.
CBN is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis, along with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). While CBN is typically viewed as less psychoactive compared to THC, the researchers discovered that it affects some of the same biological systems and can produce several key signs associated with drug dependence. Another experiment revealed a surprising connection between CBN and THC. Mice previously trained to recognize and respond to THC’s psychoactive effects reacted similarly when given CBN. This suggests that the two compounds produce overlapping subjective effects, at least in mice. The results hold significant importance due to the rising prevalence of CBN products, despite the lack of comprehensive data on their long-term impacts.
Human Risks Remain Uncertain
The research focused on mice, so human effects are unclear. The study did not confirm addiction in people but highlighted gaps in understanding CBN’s long-term impacts. CBN may still have therapeutic value,
Kinsey said, but until we know more about dosing and long-term effects, the message for consumers is simple: buyer beware.
Several responses weakened with repeated treatment, providing evidence of tolerance to particular effects, rather than showing directly that CBN stopped helping the animals sleep. On the sixth day, the researchers administered rimonabant, a drug that blocks cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are cellular targets involved in the actions of cannabis compounds. The blocking drug triggered behaviors associated with withdrawal, including head twitches and paw tremors. Physical dependence refers to the body’s adaptation to a substance, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms when its effects are halted. The research was performed on mice, meaning the results do not confirm that CBN induces dependence or withdrawal in humans. Further research is required to determine the compound’s effects on humans, particularly with regular use, higher concentrations, or prolonged exposure.
CBN is now widely promoted as a sleep aid, yet important questions remain unanswered. Scientists still lack a complete understanding of how CBN influences sleep quality or if consistent use at typical supplement dosages might result in addiction among humans. The study’s lead author, Olivia Vanegas ’26 Ph.D., notes that the marketing of minor cannabinoids is “pretty wild,” with many therapeutic claims about these drugs. However, the research demonstrates the need for more rigorous investigation into their potential risks. Steven Kinsey, professor in UConn’s Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing, emphasized that while CBN may have therapeutic value, consumers should exercise caution until more is known about its long-term effects.