The Science of Nano CBD - Does Smaller Equal Stronger?

We’ve all heard the phrase “don’t think small”, but when you’re talking about nano science, thinking on a small scale is necessary. Today, nanotechnology is being used to improve products by making them smaller, more effective, and more durable. You can find this technology in sunscreen lotions, stain-resistant fabrics, scratch-resistant coatings and more. And now, it is being implemented to create premium CBD products. Let’s see if nano CBD works better than traditional CBD products.

What is Nanotechnology?

Nano size particles have always existed; we just never had the technology to view such small sizes. Thankfully, today we have high power microscopes capable of viewing our world on the nanoscale.

Nanotechnology is defined as the branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers, especially the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. So basically, nanotechnology is the study and manipulation of extremely small particles (nanoparticles).

So, how small are these particles that nanotechnologists manipulate? Well, to give you an idea, the point of a needle is approximately 80,000 nm (nanometers) wide and a red blood cell measures in at 7000 nm. This means nanotechnology deals with particles 700 to 7000 times smaller than red blood cells.

Nanotechnology is improving many industries, especially medicine. Nano medicine is the use of nanotechnology in the medicinal field.  This technology can improve the effectiveness and delivery process of a drug or substance. So, does this mean nanotechnology can improve CBD? Apparently, it can.

What is Nano CBD?

Water-soluble CBD, nano-emulsified CBD, and nano CBD are all terms people use interchangeably when referring to nano-size CBD. Nano CBD is made by breaking CBD molecules down to nanoparticle sizes. Then, they coat the smaller CBD particles with a surfactant (lipid carrier) which helps to protect the CBD as it passes through the harsh environment of the digestive tract.

Normally, CBD oil does not combine with water due to its hydrophobic properties. However, once you reduce the size of the CBD particles enough, they mimic a truly dissolved substance, hence the name “water-soluble” CBD. So, how tiny are these particles?

The average size of normal CBD particles is 4440 nm (nanometers). In order for it to be nano CBD, the particles must be broken down to a size of 100 nm or less. To reduce the size of the CBD molecules, they use a process called nano-emulsification.

Researchers believe that by reducing the size of CBD particles, it allows the CBD to travel through the digestive tract more efficiently, resulting in a higher concentration of CBD reaching the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Thus, this increases the rate of bioavailability and effect of onset.

Is Nano CBD Better Than Normal CBD?

Nano CBD products like CBD water are still relatively new to the CBD world. Due to the lack of studies, we can’t say for sure if it is superior to normal CBD oil, but it definitely looks that way. In order to compare normal CBD and nano CBD, we must discuss and compare their bioavailability rates and their onset of action.

CBD bioavailability refers to how much CBD actually makes it to your endocannabinoid system, where it can take effect. The onset of action refers to the amount of time it takes for a drug or substance to take effect. So when we compare nano CBD to normal CBD we are comparing how much CBD actually makes it to your ECS and how quickly it gets there.

What the Research Says

There have been two human studies [1][2] comparing nano CBD to the oral CBD application Sativex. Both studies share similar results pointing to nano CBD as the superior CBD product.

One study reports nano CBD concentration levels (measured in the system) were 4 times greater than that of Sativex. Furthermore, the other study concludes that “The relatively faster absorption and improved bioavailability, compared to the (oral) spray, justifies further, larger-scale clinical studies with this (nano) formulation”. 

Comparing the Variables

General CBD oral administrations have low bioavailability rates between 4-20%. This means much of the CBD goes to waste, between 80-96%. The waste is due to CBD’s low water solubility and vulnerability to substantial first-pass metabolism. Consequently, only 4-20% of the CBD dose actually makes it to the ECS. The rest goes to waste. It deteriorates while traveling through the body’s digestive and metabolic processes.

Today, if you do your research, you can find companies making claims of their nano CBD having bioavailability levels of 50% and higher. This means that half or more of the CBD in your dose will make it to your ECS. Additionally, since the particles are so small they are able to travel through your body’s various membrane barriers much quicker than normal size CBD particles resulting in a rapid onset of action.

There is one more important variable to think about when comparing normal CBD to nano CBD. There is a considerable price difference between the products. Speaking from a consumer’s standpoint, in general, the better the product, the greater the price. Nano CBD is no exception to this rule. Nano CBD products are usually 2 to 3 times more expensive than average CBD products.

Even though the nano CBD products are more effective, they are also more expensive. So, are nano CBD products better than normal CBD products? It depends on what you’re comparing. When comparing quality, nano CBD has better bioavailability and onset of action. However, when comparing prices, you will get more milligrams of CBD for less money when you purchase normal CBD products.  

What Products Can Have Nano CBD?

Today, you can find nano CBD products in all the same variations as normal CBD products. This includes all varieties of CBD oil tinctures, edibles, topicals, and even vape juices. One exception is CBD water or beverages. Normal CBD molecules are too large (and hydrophobic) to blend with water so they do not work well in CBD beverages. Therefore, commercial CBD beverage companies only use nano CBD to infuse their drinks.

Is Nano CBD Safe?

Of course, nano CBD is safe! It is just as safe as your normal CBD. Nano CBD offers little to no side effects. It comes with a THC level of 0.3% or less, which makes it completely non-psychoactive. CBD can even be safe for kids.

Some people may experience some minor initial side effects that generally subside once the body becomes acclimated to CBD. Temporary side effects may include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, and minor changes in appetite or mood. If side effects do not subside, try lowering your dosage or discontinue using the product. Get more info here.