Looking for a strain for my wife’s insomnia

found this neat little blurb about decarbing THC for CBN:

What temperature does THC convert to CBN?


It was also observed that CBN formation is correlated to THC degradation. A study by Repka et al. [7] on the stability of THC in polymeric matrices reported that at 120 °C and 160 °C, 9.0% and 7.8%, respectively, of the total degraded THC appeared as CBN, and that at 200 °C the THC conversion to CBN was 29.1%.
 
found this neat little blurb about decarbing THC for CBN:

What temperature does THC convert to CBN?


It was also observed that CBN formation is correlated to THC degradation. A study by Repka et al. [7] on the stability of THC in polymeric matrices reported that at 120 °C and 160 °C, 9.0% and 7.8%, respectively, of the total degraded THC appeared as CBN, and that at 200 °C the THC conversion to CBN was 29.1%.

To get a high amount of CBN (cannabinol) in cannabis, you need to understand how CBN is formed. CBN is not directly produced by the plant — it’s actually the degradation product of THC. Here’s how to intentionally increase CBN levels:

Best Methods to Increase CBN in Cannabis:

1. Controlled THC Oxidation




CBN is formed when THC degrades due to exposure to oxygen, light, and heat over time.





  • Harvest a THC-rich strain.
  • Store buds in a way that promotes degradation:
    • Expose to oxygen (do not vacuum-seal).
    • Allow some light exposure (UV helps degrade THC).
    • Store in a warm place (~70–100°F or 21–38°C).
    • Over time (weeks to months), THC will oxidize into CBN.







This is ideal if you want flower with higher CBN naturally, but it takes time.






2. Decarboxylation and Aging
CBN can be encouraged with a two-step process
  • Decarboxylate your cannabis at a slightly higher temperature:
    • Use around 200–230°F (93–110°C) for 60–90 minutes.

  • Age the decarbed product in loosely sealed containers in a warm, light-exposed environment.



Over time, this accelerates THC → CBN conversion.


3. CBN Extraction from Old Material
  • CBN is often found in aged cannabis or old trim.
  • Extract from old flower/trim using ethanol or CO₂ methods.
  • Concentrate the extract and test for CBN content.



4. Lab Synthesis or Commercial CBN Isolate

  • If you’re after high-purity CBN (for products like tinctures, gummies, vapes), it’s often better to buy CBN isolate.
  • Some labs convert THC to CBN using chemical oxidation — efficient but not DIY-friendly.




Important Notes:
  • CBN has mild psychoactivity, less than THC.
  • It’s commonly associated with sedative or sleep-inducing effects.
  • Over-oxidizing may also degrade terpenes and other cannabinoids, so balance is key.
 
CBN can be encouraged with a two-step process
  • Decarboxylate your cannabis at a slightly higher temperature:
    • Use around 200–230°F (93–110°C) for 60–90 minutes.
those temps are much different from the 2 charts I saw.

one was 350F for 60 minutes

and that little quote before your last post has it at 200C to get 29% conversion rate thc/cbn
 
wonder if we should start another thread just about CBN if there isn't one?

I had a feeling this was gonna happen with me now that CBN definitely helping my shitty sleep and I can make my own meds too.

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“Perfect — here’s both a DIY guide to make high-CBN cannabis products at home and a note on top product types with high CBN in case you want ready-made options.


DIY Guide: How to Make High-CBN Cannabis at Home





Materials Needed:
  • High-THC cannabis flower (older flower works better)
  • Oven
  • Glass jar with loose-fitting lid
  • Cheesecloth or mesh (for airflow)
  • Optional: Tincture supplies (alcohol, dropper bottles)



Step-by-Step Method 1: Make CBN-Rich Flower
  1. Select Older, THC-Rich Cannabis:
    • Or just age newer cannabis for a few weeks in a warm, dry area.

  2. Decarboxylate:
    • Preheat oven to 220–230°F (104–110°C).
    • Break up flower and spread on a baking sheet.
    • Bake for 90 minutes (slightly longer and hotter than normal THC decarb).
    • Let cool.

  3. Cure for Oxidation:
    • Place decarbed cannabis in a loosely closed glass jar (not airtight).
    • Store it in a warm spot (70–90°F) with some light exposure.
    • Stir or shake gently once a week to promote even oxidation.
    • After 4–6 weeks, CBN levels will increase significantly.

  4. Use or Extract:
    • You can now smoke, vape, or extract this CBN-rich material.
    • To make a CBN tincture, soak the material in high-proof alcohol for a few weeks and strain.


Alternative DIY: CBN Oil from Old Weed

  1. Follow steps above to decarb and age your cannabis.
  2. Use coconut oil or MCT oil in a slow cooker (low heat for 6–8 hours).
  3. Strain and bottle the oil — you’ll now have a mild, sedative CBN-dominant oil.






Recommended CBN Products (If You Prefer Ready-Made):

Look for these online or in dispensaries:
  • CBN Isolate or Distillate (for DIY mixing)
  • CBN Tinctures (often in 1:1 or 2:1 ratios with CBD or THC)
  • CBN Gummies (popular for sleep support)
  • CBN Vape Carts (less common but effective)”
 

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