Let’s Talk About Nanoemulsification
Sometimes, the best things to come in small sizes…
Nanoemulsified cannabis edibles, tinctures, and beverages are a recent technological innovation not many people are familiar with. There are several benefits to nanoemulsified cannabis, including early-onset, consistency, versatility, and efficiency. But first, let’s talk about cannabinoids and how they can even be “nanoemulsified” in the first place.
The Human Endocannabinoid System
Cannabinoids are compounds unique to the cannabis plant; cannabinoids aren’t found or replicated anywhere else in nature besides our own bodies (yes, the human body creates and receives its own cannabinoids, and this process is vital for survival). The Endocannabinoid system is the endogenous human system that produces and uptakes cannabinoids. This system regulates numerous physiological processes such as appetite, sleep, and mood. Different cannabinoids have different effects. The most common cannabinoid, THC, is the one responsible for delivering the psychoactive “high.” On the other hand, the cannabinoid CBD, has non-intoxicating effects and is popular among those who want the benefits of supplementing cannabinoids without getting stoned.
What is nanoemulsification and why you should be excited about it?
Nanoemulsification is the process in which these cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and others) are broken down into microscopic particles, known as nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are much easier to mix into any edible and are used to create an “emulsion.” An emulsion is a fusion of two or more typically insoluble things, for example, THC and water. Since cannabinoids are fat-soluble, not water-soluble, a nanoemulsified edible bends the rules and allows the cannabinoids to be absorbed into the bloodstream much faster. Some pharmaceutical drugs are nanoemulsified to deliver rapid absorption and minimize waste. Unlike most edibles, which can take 90 minutes to two full hours to onset, a nanoemulsified edible will onset in under 30 minutes! This is especially helpful for medical patients who need the early onset of a nanoemulsified product for immediate relief.
Breaking the cannabinoids down into nanoparticles also helps with absorption. Since these new water-soluble cannabinoids enter the bloodstream directly, less THC is filtered by the liver, making it more bioavailable. This means a 10-milligram serving of a nanoemulsified edible can “feel” like 15 or 20 milligrams, so proceed with extra caution. Because of the microscopic particulate size, nanoemulsified edibles have a very evenly distributed amount of THC, so a 10-milligram edible can easily be split in half without worrying about unequal dosages in the two parts.
Ready to stock up?
The most popular products currently utilizing nanoemulsification are tinctures, drinks, and some edibles. As mentioned earlier, because nanoemulsification makes the cannabinoids water-soluble, liquid infusions are getting a lot of attention. Traditionally, because THC is fat-soluble, drinks weren’t especially common unless they were alcohol or oil-based. Nanoemulsification is changing the status quo and opening up a range of possibilities with “drinkables.”
It seems cannabis legalization has brought the most unique technologies to the forefront of the industry, with nanoemulsification being one of the next major steps forward. The future of cannabis edibles certainly is certainly exciting.