Which CBN Raw Material Should I Use?
Comparing Different Forms of CBN for Effective B2B Formulation
CBN is an emerging cannabinoid gaining traction for its potential therapeutic benefits. As the industry develops, various forms of CBN are available, each with unique physical properties and applications. This blog post will compare six types of bulk CBN Isolates, Distillates and Water Solubles produced at industrial scale, many of which are exclusive to Red Mesa Science & Refining: CBN Isolate, CBN Distillate, Water Soluble CBN, CBN Crystal Resistant Distillate – High Minors, CBN Isolate – Botanical and CBN Distillate – Botanical. We’ll explore their differences, formulation advantages and consumer product applications to help businesses make informed decisions.
What is CBN?
Cannabinol (CBN) is naturally found in Cannabis sativa formed when THC oxidizes and decomposes, typically through exposure to air or heat. However, by law, when Industrial Hemp is harvested, it can’t be ≤ 0.3% THC, decreasing the opportunity to produce hemp-derived CBN through oxidation naturally. Fortunately, scientists and chemists have developed methods to ensure CBN is available to meet rising demand. Unlike THC, CBN is generally considered non-intoxicating and is often associated with potential benefits such as improved sleep (read more), pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. As research continues, the demand for CBN-based products in both B2B and B2C markets is increasing.
Types of CBN Isolates and Distillates - What are the Difference?
Product Demos
View CBN Isolate and Distillate product demonstrations and explore the differences in physical characteristics and guaranteed product specifications.
CBN Isolate
CBN isolate is the purest form of CBN, containing ≥ 98% CBN. It is refined and purified in a CBN crystalline powder form, making it easy to work with during product formulation. Read More
Advantages:
- Purity: High purity ensures consistent dosing without interference from other cannabinoids or terpenes.
- Versatility: Suitable for various formulations targeting CBN’s unique benefits, such as edibles, tinctures, capsules and topicals.
- Stability: Resistant to degradation when stored properly.
Applications:
- Edibles: Easily integrated into gummies, chocolates and other confectionaries.
- Topicals: Ideal for creams, balms and lotions.
- Tinctures and Capsules: Provides precise dosing, essential for oral consumption products.
Water Soluble CBN
Available in highly concentrated 20% or 10% nanoemulsified CBN, offering versatility for water-based formulations, even suspension in solution, precise dosing and enhanced bioavailability and stability. Read More
Advantages:
- Seamless Water Compatibility: Nano-sized CBN droplets disperse evenly into water-based formulations, minimizing sedimentation or separation.
- Increased Bioavailability: Higher absorption rates and quicker onset of benefits.
- Neutral Flavor and Appearance: Virtually tasteless and transparent in solution, with little to no impact on the final product’s flavor, aroma or visual profile.
- Extended Stability: Nanoemulsification enhances shelf stability and maintains product uniformity over time.
Applications:
- Functional Beverages and Drink Drops: Coffee, tea, juices, seltzers, sports drinks, mocktails and cocktails.
- Edibles: Consistent dosing in gummies, baked goods and functional foods.
- Water-Based Tinctures, Gelcaps and Softgels
- Cosmetics and Skincare: Lightweight Gels, serums, cleansers, moisturizers and mists.
- Transdermal Patches, Oral Dissolvable Tablets and Sublingual Sprays
CBN Distillate
CBN Distillate is a refined form of CBN that contains a high percentage of CBN (≥ 85%). It has a viscous, oil-like consistency when heated. Read More
Advantages:
- Flexibility: Can be tailored to CBN’s unique therapeutic properties or easily blended with other cannabinoids to create a synergistic blend.
- Stability: Resistant to degradation when stored properly.
Applications:
- Topicals: Creams, balms and lotions
- Edibles: Adds complexity to flavor profiles in gourmet edible products.
- Tinctures and Capsules
CBN Crystal Resistant Distillate – High Minors
CBN Crystal Resistant Distillate – High Minors is refined and purified to resist crystallization, maintaining its viscous state throughout its shelf life. Its additional ≥ 25% in Minors (CBD, CBG, CBT and others), combined with the high concentration of CBN, can contribute to the Entourage Effect, where the cannabinoids work together to make each more effective. This form of CBN is ideal for applications where stability and consistency are critical. Read More
Advantages:
- Stability: Non-crystallizing to ensure a uniform product over time without using diluents or cutting agents.
- Ease of Use: Its non-crystallizing characteristic simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for frequent reheating or remixing.
Applications:
- Vape Products: Maintains fluidity even at lower temperatures, enhancing user experience.
- Tinctures: Ensures a smooth, consistent pour without crystal formation.
- Topicals: Prevents graininess in cosmetics, skincare, creams and lotions, providing a smooth texture.
CBN Isolate- Botanical
CBN Isolate—Botanical is produced using a highly sophisticated chromatographic separation technology to separate CBN and other cannabinoids without using chemical catalyst conversion methods. Read More
Advantages:
- Non-Synthetic Source: Appeals to markets seeking naturally refined and purified CBN with regulatory restrictions on synthetic cannabinoids.
- High Purity: Maintains similar purity levels to traditional CBN Isolate.
- Stability: Resistant to degradation when stored properly.
Applications:
- Nutraceuticals: Suitable for supplements in regions with strict cannabis regulations.
- Cosmetics: Ideal for beauty products requiring natural alternatives.
- Functional Foods: Integrates seamlessly into health-focused food products.
CBN Distillate – Botanical
CBN Distillate – Botanical offers a naturally refined and processed CBN broad-spectrum distillate with high minors sourced from industrial hemp. This option provides the benefits of distillate without the association with synthetic CBN. Read More
Advantages:
- Regulatory Compliance: Has met the demands of markets with stringent synthetic cannabinoid restrictions.
- Synergistic Effects: Broad-spectrum formulation harnesses the benefits of multiple cannabinoid compounds working together to increase the effectiveness of each.
- Stability: Resistant to degradation when stored properly.
Applications:
- Wellness Products: Fits well into holistic health products emphasizing plant-based ingredients.
- Topicals: Offers a natural option for cosmetic and skincare products promoting plant-derived benefits.
Comparing Formulation Benefits
When selecting the right form of CBN for product formulation, several factors must be considered:
Consistency and Purity
- Best Option: CBN Isolate, CBN Isolate – Botanical or Water Soluble CBN are superior for applications requiring high purity and precision, such as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
Stability
- Best Option: Water Soluble CBN or CBN Crystal Resistant Distillate – High Minors excels in formulations that require long-term stability, such as tinctures and topicals without adding diluents or cutting agents.
Formulation Specifications
- Water Soluble CBN is best for water-based formulations.
- CBD Isolate, CBN Distillate and CBD Crystal Resistant Distillate are preferred for oil-based formulations.
Entourage Effect
- Best Option: CBN Crystal Resistant Distillate – High Minors and CBN Distillate, each with additional supporting cannabinoids, leverage the entourage effect, making them ideal for therapeutic products seeking enhanced efficacy through the synergy of cannabinoids.
Consumer Product Applications
Edibles
- Ideal Form: CBN Isolate, CBN Isolate – Botanical and Water Soluble CBN.
- Reason: The purity and neutral taste ensure no off-flavors, offering a clean integration into food and drinks.
Topicals
- Ideal Form: Water Soluble CBN, CBN Distillate, CBN Distillate – Botanical and CBN Crystal Resistant Distillate.
- Reason: Easily integrates into formulations. CBN Isolate and Water Soluble CBN offer targeted CBN health and wellness benefits, while CBN Distillate – Botanical and CBN Crystal Resistant Distillate feature broad-spectrum benefits, enhancing the therapeutic potential.
Vape Products
- Ideal Form: CBN Crystal Resistant Distillate.
- Reason: The viscosity and resistance to crystallization are crucial for maintaining quality and user experience.
Tinctures and Capsules
- Ideal Form: CBN Isolate, CBN Isolate – Botanical and Water Soluble CBN.
- Reason: These forms offer precise dosing, which is essential for products aiming for accurate and consistent dosing.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right type of CBN depends on the specific needs of your formulation and the desired consumer product application.
- CBN Isolate, CBN Isolate – Botanical and Water Soluble CBN are best for high-purity applications.
- Water Soluble CBN is best suited for homogenous integration into water -based formulations.
- CBN Distillate, CBN Crystal Resistant Distillate – High Minors and CBN Distillate – Botanical are ideal for oil-based formulations that require liquid integration.
- Water Soluble CBN and CBN Crystal Resistant Distillate are the optimal choices for products requiring stability and resistance to crystallization.
By understanding the unique properties and benefits of each form of CBN, businesses and brands can create innovative, effective and compliant products that meet market demands.
Contact Our Team of Experts
Exploring the nuances between different forms of CBN is crucial for companies looking to incorporate Cannabinol into their product lines.
Contact our experts today to learn more about how each type of CBN can be leveraged in your formulations, ensuring you deliver high-quality, effective products to your consumers.
By comparing these six types of CBN and their applications, we provide businesses with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, fostering innovation and growth within the cannabinoid product market.
DELIVERING WHAT WE PROMISE
Red Mesa Science & Refining exceeds industry regulatory standards to deliver the highest-quality cannabinoid raw materials. Read our blog post “Excellence Uncompromised” to learn about our diligence in ensuring customer trust and satisfaction with every order. Final batch-specific ISO 17025 third-party accredited COAs accompany each order and are available upon request. Please contact us so we can explain firsthand why we can be a trusted partner in your supply chain.


