Study Finds Common Cannabis Sleep Gummies May Lead to Tolerance and Withdrawal
Researchers at the University of Connecticut discovered that repeated exposure to cannabinol (CBN) in mice caused tolerance and physical withdrawal symptoms, raising safety concerns for its use in sleep supplements.
A University of Connecticut investigation examined the habit-forming potential of cannabinol (CBN), a cannabinoid increasingly added to sleep gummies and other supplements. Mice receiving CBN twice a day for three days developed tolerance, becoming less responsive to the drug over time. Upon cessation, the rodents displayed physical withdrawal signs such as head twitching and paw fluttering, behaviors comparable to human drug withdrawal.
In a separate experiment, mice previously conditioned to recognize THC responded similarly to CBN, indicating shared psychoactive pathways. The researchers also observed anti-inflammatory effects at low doses but noted that CBN reduced immune response during a simulated bacterial challenge. Although these findings highlight possible risks, they are limited to animal models, and the long-term impact on human users remains unclear. The study’s authors urge consumers to be cautious and call for further human trials to determine safe dosing and potential addiction risks.
Why it matters
CBN is widely marketed as a safe sleep aid, but animal research suggests it may cause dependence and affect immunity.
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