Urinalysis & CBN: What You Need to Know

Urinalysis & CBN: What You Need to Know
As the cannabis market expands, there are much more ways to utilize the helpful effects of the cannabis plant. From pain management to helpful sleep aids, cannabis can provide tools to allow for a better quality of life and keep you in the game. Of course, cannabis in any form can only be a promising tool if it does not interfere with other aspects of life. When you hear about the many ways cannabis may help with daily life, another question may be about urinalysis. Urinalysis is a common practice to detect things from medical conditions to traces of substances in urine. Urine tests are common practices in employment practices to check for substances in the body. Here we explain what exactly CBN is, how it affects urine tests, and what you can do to ensure legitimate passing of tests while enjoying the benefits of CBN.

CBN: What is it?

CBN, or cannabinol, is a compound of the cannabis sativa plant. CBN is one of over 100 cannabinoids found within this plant; each of which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in a different way. Although very similar to CBD, the cannabinoid found in most cannabis products, the structure that makes up CBN is different. CND comes from the degradation of THC. When THC undergoes heat or light exposure, CBN forms. As it comes from THC, it may cause slight psychoactive effects, yet is not normally associated with the ‘high’ of THC.

There is not yet as much research on CBN, yet studies point to it addressing similar issues as CBD. For example, people can use CBN to combat insomnia, along with immune support. As it regulates the endocannabinoid system, which controls things such as appetite, mood, and inflammation, CBN holds key interactions to the body’s balance.

In many instances today, CBN is found within products that also contain CBD. Both CBD and CBN bind to CB2 receptors within the endocannabinoid system. This is critical to the body’s immune system and can promote positive immune health, along with working together to accentuate CBD’s calming effects. For these reasons, products with CBN may be a beneficial tool to a well-balanced lifestyle.

What’s a Urinalysis Test?

A urinalysis test is a test of urine to detect its makeup. Urinalysis is a medical procedure that is utilized to catch things from urinary tract infections to kidney disease. This type of test measures content, appearance, and the concentration of the urine. In particular, traces of substances may be noticeable within this type of test. Depending on the circumstance, healthcare providers will choose what to focus on in the examination of urine.

CBN and Urinalysis

Urine tests are not made to detect non-psychoactive forms of cannabis. Cannabinoids such as CBD and CBN fall into this category, so are not the primary target of urine tests. As cannabis products, along with their benefits, are utilized by greater populations, there is more research surrounding CBN and how it appears on tests. While CBD does not show up on tests, in small circumstances CBN can show up on a urinalysis.

Research out of the University of Utah showcases how CBN may show up in a urine test. This is large in part due to the chemical makeup of CBN. Although not psychoactive, CBN is from the same strain as THC, which in this case can cross-react with the urine test. If the CBN has minute traces of THC, it is possible it will show up on a test.

Passing a Test With CBN

As this product is not what urinalysis tests for, it is a good thing to be aware of how to avoid complications present on a test. To legitimately pass a test while utilizing CBN, it is first important to know when the test may occur. Depending on the CBN product you are using, this may be a good time to pause before taking the test. This will allow you to have traces out of your system to ensure there are no false positives. Typically, CBN stays in the system at detectable levels from 2-5 days. This means that at least a week without using the product is best to ensure that it does not create a false-test.

Methods to eradicate traces of the cannabinoid in the system include eating foods high in fiber, exercising which causes sweat to rid the body of chemicals, and drinking lots of water. These methods typically ensure that small traces of CBN are gone from the body.

Bottom Line

It is possible that CBN appears on a urinalysis test if it cross-reacts and appears as THC. Most CBN blends do not have large traces of THC, yet even small ones may set off a false positive. If you are someone who is worried about the potential effects of CBN on a urinalysis test, it is always a good thing to keep in mind while utilizing the product. Cannabis products can unlock extraordinary benefits for lifestyle purposes, yet it is key to know how they interact with urinalysis tests. Not all cannabis products are made the same, and not all companies will be transparent with their product makeup. At VRB Labs, we strive to provide an honest product that helps us in our daily lives feel our best. For any questions about our product, contact us as we join you in this journey to live life optimally.

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