Cannabinol in popular cannabis sleep gummies produces tolerance and withdrawal-like symptoms in mice, raising concerns about dependence and long-term safety

Repeated exposure to cannabinol, or CBN, a cannabis-derived ingredient widely marketed in sleep gummies and other supplements, caused tolerance and physical dependence-like signs in mice. Animals given CBN twice daily for three days became less responsive to it, and withdrawal produced head twitching and paw fluttering. Mice trained to recognize THC also responded to CBN, suggesting overlapping effects in this animal model. The study additionally found anti-inflammatory activity at non-psychoactive doses, but CBN weakened immune defenses during a simulated bacterial challenge. These findings raise safety questions about frequent or long-term use, especially because human effects, effective doses, sleep benefits, and addiction risk remain unclear. The researchers stress that mouse results do not establish dependence or withdrawal in people and call for further study.