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What is nano CBD and how does it work?

What is nano CBD?

Nano CBD is the name given to cannabidiol (CBD) modified using special nanotechnology – most often a process called CBD nanoemulsification, in which oil particles are reduced to microscopic droplets typically smaller than 100 nanometres.

Nano-droplets have a protective coating of emulsifier molecules, which can improve the solubility and bioavailability of CBD.

Products manufactured in this way are sold under various names: nano CBD oil, nano CBD drops, nano CBD tincture or nano CBD spray.

In this article, we will explain in more detail what nano CBD is and how it works.

How is nano CBD produced?

The word “nano” comes from Greek and means dwarf – in the context of science, it refers to objects smaller than 100 nanometres (i.e. less than 0.0000001 metres). Nanotechnology is the application of “extremely small things” carried out on a nanoscale (approximately 1 to 100 nanometres).

This technology is quite widespread in medicine, cosmetic products, biomaterials, robotics, and now also in the production of organic compounds such as CBD.

Some companies refer to nano CBD as “water-soluble CBD”. However, this term is not factually correct. No CBD is water-soluble; it is just that smaller molecules are able to appear so on a macro scale.

How does nano CBD work in the body?

Nano CBD should affect the human body in the same way as regular CBD, as it is the same substance – cannabidiol. The difference lies more in how quickly and effectively CBD can enter the bloodstream.

This is where bioavailability comes into play – the amount and speed at which the substance enters the bloodstream to produce the desired effect.

Regular CBD has a relatively low bioavailability. For example, when taken orally, it is usually around 20% – so if you consume 100 mg of CBD, only 20% of it (20 mg) will enter the bloodstream to produce the desired effect. In contrast, vaporisation offers one of the highest bioavailability rates, between 34-46%.

Since vaporising puts strain on the lungs, some people are looking for an alternative. For some, this may be nano CBD, which has the potential for higher bioavailability.

What does research say about nano CBD?

Although there is only a limited amount of research available on nano CBD, there is already data suggesting that nano CBD may affect absorption.

A promising 2018 study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences examined the bioavailability of Sativex spray compared to CBD/THC nanoemulsion in healthy male volunteers. The study authors noted increased overall absorption of the nanoemulsion.

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Controlled Release compared the bioavailability of CBD/THC nanoemulsion with piperine to Sativex spray in healthy volunteers.

The research showed a significant increase in THC and CBD absorption – however, it is important to note that the nanoemulsion also contained piperine, a natural substance that enhances absorption.

A woman in a laboratory operates a rotary evaporator, controlling the speed and vacuum for CBD oil extraction, with the Canatura logo in the bottom right corner

Another study from 2016 published in the Journal of Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy focused on lipid nanoparticles as a platform for cannabinoid delivery.

The authors focused on the development of a carrier for oral administration of the cannabinoid derivative CB13, which they believe has therapeutic potential for certain chronic pain conditions that do not respond well to conventional analgesics.

The lipid formulation used in this study proved to be a promising way to administer this derivative orally. Nanoparticles can thus be an effective tool for delivering cannabinoids to target tissues and helping with painful conditions that do not respond to conventional medications.

Nano CBD oil vs. standard CBD oil

Both types of CBD oils contain cannabidiol extracted from hemp, but they differ in how it is processed. However, this is not the only difference. The following table clearly summarises the main differences between nano CBD and CBD oils.

Standard CBD oil Nano CBD oil
Form CBD dissolved in carrier oil CBD in a nanoemulsion (oil + water + emulsifiers)
Bioavailability 6 to 20% when taken orally Potentially higher
Onset of effects Slower (approx. 2 hours after oral administration) Potentially faster

Tip: When choosing the right CBD oil, it may be useful to know the differences between broad-spectrum, full-spectrum and isolate.

Is nano CBD more effective than regular CBD?

There are not many studies available that compare nano CBD with standard CBD oil. However, the results so far suggest that nano CBD may be absorbed more effectively. In practice, this may mean that some users achieve a similar effect with a lower dose.

However, there are certain disadvantages associated with nano CBD products: they often contain more additives (e.g. emulsifiers or surfactants), which is why it is important to buy products with transparent ingredients.

At the same time, it should be noted that the limited amount of research available does not yet allow for universal conclusions to be drawn about all nano products on the market.

Available nano CBD products

Nano CBD is most commonly sold in the form of oil and drops, or as sprays and tinctures. Our range includes broad-spectrum and isolate nano CBD products from Green Pharmaceutics.

Is nano CBD oil worth it?

Whether you should try nano CBD depends on what led you to it.

Below are some popular reasons why people consider using nano CBD:

  • Do you already have experience with CBD oil and want to take it to the next level? If you already know how CBD normally affects you, nano CBD may be an interesting next step for you.
  • Have you found that CBD products don’t work the way you want them to? Before you label  them “ineffective,” make sure you have quality products from trusted manufacturers — ideally with available lab tests (COA) and clearly stated ingredients.
  • Do you want your CBD oil to be stronger or for the effects to kick in faster?  Before you throw away your bottle of regular CBD oil, you can first try a few simple tricks that could increase your body’s ability to absorb CBD. For example, try eating a meal full of healthy fats before taking CBD oil, or swishing the CBD oil around in your mouth for a few minutes before swallowing, or adding a natural emulsifier such as a spoonful of honey. If these tips don’t work for you, then you can try nano CBD.

Tips for choosing the best nano CBD products

  • Start with quality: first, verify that the manufacturer has used high-quality hemp extract (full-spectrum or broad-spectrum) and lists the origin of the plant from which it was obtained.
  • Check the ingredients: the main ingredients should be water, hemp extract/CBD oil and a few other substances to stabilise the emulsion. As with the food you eat, the more chemicals on the list, the more wary you should be of the product.
  • “Nano CBD” is not an ingredient: listing only “nano CBD” or “water-soluble CBD” among the product’s ingredients means that the company is unwilling to tell you what other chemicals were used to create stable small droplets of CBD oil.
  • The nano product contains only oil: if the composition is practically only oil (e.g. MCT + CBD), and therefore without water and emulsifiers, it is not a nanoemulsion. In this case, it is more likely to be a marketing use of the trendy term “nano”.
  • Laboratory tests (COA): Trustworthy brands publish a certificate of analysis (COA) that includes the CBD/THC content and other substances. It is therefore better to buy from companies that clearly explain the production and use of their products and make a complete list of ingredients and test results available to the public.

Conclusion: The choice is yours

If you want to stick with a simple and proven solution, classic CBD oil is perfectly adequate for most people. Nano CBD may make sense if you already have some experience with cannabidiol and want to see if the nano form will bring you faster and more effective results.

In both cases, it is worth choosing products with transparent composition and available laboratory tests (COA).

FAQ

1. Is nano CBD better than classic CBD oil?

Potentially yes, in terms of bioavailability – that is, the amount of CBD that actually enters the bloodstream. For beginners, it usually makes sense to start with classic CBD oil and only then try nano CBD.

2. Is nano CBD safe?

CBD itself is considered safe. With nano CBD products, it depends on the emulsifiers and other additives used – always check the composition and choose products with laboratory certificates.

3. What does “water-soluble CBD” mean?

This term is just a marketing term used in connection with CBD – no CBD is soluble in water. CBD is a hydrophobic molecule, which means it does not mix with water.

In addition to being hydrophobic, CBD is also lipophilic, which means it binds with fats or dissolves in fats/lipids.

4. How is nano CBD oil used?

Just like regular CBD oil – sublingually (under the tongue) or by adding it to a drink. The possibility of mixing it with water is one of the practical advantages of nano CBD.

Author: Elena Moreau, updated by Lucie Schmidtová

Sources:

Photo: AI

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