Small Wonders: Nanoemulsion Technology for Cannabinoid Delivery

Nanoemulsion technology is rapidly transforming the landscape of cannabinoid delivery by addressing challenges related to the solubility, bioavailability, and stability of cannabinoids. As naturally hydrophobic compounds, cannabinoids traditionally require lipophilic solvents for dissolution, leading to variable absorption rates and delayed onset times in products such as edibles, topicals, and beverages. Nanoemulsions offer a compelling solution by creating nanoscale droplets of cannabinoids that are highly dispersible in water-based products. By examining the science behind nanoemulsion technology, its advantages for cannabinoid delivery, and its growing role in cannabis-based product innovation, this article highlights why nanoemulsion is poised to play a pivotal role in the next generation of cannabis formulations.

Introduction

The cannabis industry is witnessing a surge in innovation, driven by increasing legalization and growing consumer demand for diverse and effective products. However, the delivery of cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, presents unique challenges. Cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are lipophilic, meaning they dissolve readily in fats but poorly in water. This hydrophobicity hinders their incorporation into water-based formulations and limits their bioavailability when consumed orally. Traditional methods of cannabinoid delivery, such as edibles and oils, often suffer from variable absorption rates, delayed onset of action, and low bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism in the liver.

Nanoemulsion technology offers a promising solution to these challenges. By encapsulating cannabinoids within nanoscale droplets, nanoemulsions enhance their solubility, bioavailability, and stability, leading to improved product performance and consumer experiences.

The Science of Nanoemulsions

Nanoemulsions are thermodynamically stable dispersions of two immiscible liquids — typically oil and water — stabilized by an interfacial layer of surfactants. The oil phase contains the lipophilic active compound, in this case, cannabinoids, while the aqueous phase serves as the carrier. Surfactants, amphiphilic molecules with both hydrophilic and lipophilic regions, reduce the interfacial tension between the oil and water phases, preventing droplet coalescence and ensuring long-term stability.

The defining characteristic of nanoemulsions is their small droplet size, typically ranging from 20 to 200 nanometers. This nanoscale size offers several advantages:

• Increased surface area: Smaller droplets provide a larger surface area for interaction with biological membranes, enhancing absorption and bioavailability.
• Improved solubility: Nanoemulsions can solubilize significant amounts of hydrophobic compounds, allowing for the formulation of clear, water-based products.
• Enhanced stability: The small droplet size and surfactant stabilization prevent sedimentation, flocculation, and creaming, ensuring product consistency over time.

Advantages of Nanoemulsions for Cannabinoid Delivery

Nanoemulsion technology offers several key advantages for cannabinoid delivery:

• Enhanced Bioavailability: Nanoemulsions increase the bioavailability of cannabinoids through several mechanisms. The small droplet size facilitates their transport across biological membranes, while the increased surface area promotes rapid absorption. Furthermore, nanoemulsions can bypass first-pass metabolism in the liver, leading to higher systemic concentrations of cannabinoids.
• Improved Solubility: By encapsulating cannabinoids within nano-sized droplets, nanoemulsions allow for their incorporation into water-based formulations, expanding the range of product possibilities. This enables the development of clear beverages, topical creams, and other innovative delivery systems.
• Controlled Release: Nanoemulsions can be designed to provide controlled release of cannabinoids, extending their therapeutic effects and reducing the frequency of administration. This can be achieved by modifying the composition of the nanoemulsion, such as the type and concentration of surfactant or the addition of polymers.
• Increased Stability: Nanoemulsions offer improved stability for cannabinoids, protecting them from degradation and oxidation. The small droplet size and surfactant stabilization prevent aggregation and coalescence, ensuring product consistency and shelf life.

Applications of Nanoemulsions in Cannabis Products

Nanoemulsion technology is revolutionizing the development of cannabis-based products across various categories:

• Beverages: Nanoemulsions enable the creation of clear, water-soluble cannabinoid beverages with rapid onset times and improved bioavailability. This opens new possibilities for refreshing and convenient consumption methods.
• Edibles: Nanoemulsions can be incorporated into edibles to enhance the absorption and consistency of cannabinoid delivery. This addresses the challenges of variable absorption rates and delayed onset times associated with traditional edibles.
• Topicals: Nanoemulsions enhance the penetration of cannabinoids through the skin, improving their efficacy for localized pain relief and inflammation. The small droplet size allows for better absorption into the skin layers, while the increased surface area promotes interaction with receptors.
• Pharmaceuticals: Nanoemulsions hold promise for the development of novel cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals with improved therapeutic outcomes. The ability to control release and target specific tissues makes nanoemulsions attractive for drug delivery applications.

Conclusion

Nanoemulsion technology is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of cannabinoid delivery. Ongoing research is focused on further refining nanoemulsion formulations, exploring novel surfactants and delivery systems, and investigating the long-term safety and efficacy of nanoemulsified cannabinoids.

The potential applications of nanoemulsions in the cannabis industry are vast and exciting. As the science and technology continue to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective cannabinoid products emerge, offering consumers greater control, convenience, and therapeutic benefits. Nanoemulsions are truly small wonders with the potential to revolutionize the way we experience and benefit from cannabinoids.

About the Columnist

Lo Friesen is the founder, CEO, and Chief Extractor of Heylo. With a background in chemistry and clinical research, Lo was inspired to explore cannabis as a medicine and to enter the emerging industry. She joined Eden Labs, a leading CO₂ extraction equipment manufacturer to support and expand a Research and Development department. There she managed the development of their latest and greatest CO₂ extraction system. In 2017, after working with Eden Labs and another cannabis processor, Lo launched Heylo with a mission to help people get more out of life with cannabis.

How to Cite this Article

Friesen, L., Small Wonders: Nanoemulsion Technology for Cannabinoid Delivery, Cannabis Science and Technology, 2024, 7(6), 10-11.