Hemp extract, which contains beneficial compounds like Cannabidiol (CBD), is naturally an oil-based, hydrophobic substance that does not mix well with water. The human body is mostly water, which creates a challenge for absorption when a person ingests traditional hemp oil products. Nanotechnology offers a solution to this poor water solubility by physically altering the structure of the hemp compounds. This process results in “nano hemp,” a form designed for improved absorption and versatility.
The Process of Creating Nano Hemp
The transformation of hydrophobic hemp oil into water-compatible nano hemp involves advanced engineering processes. Manufacturers use high-energy methods to break down the oil droplets containing the cannabinoids into microscopic particles. These particles are typically reduced to a size ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers, which is thousands of times smaller than a human red blood cell.
One common method for this reduction is creating a nanoemulsion, an oil-in-water mixture stabilized by a surfactant. Specialized equipment, such as high-pressure homogenizers or ultrasonic processors, applies intense energy to shear the larger oil droplets. This mechanical force generates extremely small, uniform droplets of the hemp oil suspended throughout the water.
Another technique is liposomal encapsulation, where the hemp compounds are encased within tiny lipid (fat) bubbles called liposomes. These liposomal carriers protect the cannabinoid molecules. Both nanoemulsions and liposomal systems serve to create stable, water-compatible solutions. The resulting liquid product is often translucent, a visual indicator of the extremely small particle size achieved during processing.
How Nanoparticles Enhance Bioavailability
The physiological advantage of nano hemp lies in its significantly enhanced bioavailability. Standard hemp oil must travel through the digestive system, where a large percentage of the compound is broken down and lost before reaching the systemic circulation.
The tiny size of nano hemp particles increases the total surface area available for absorption. This increased surface area allows the compounds to make much better contact with the body’s absorptive cells, particularly in the mucosal membranes and the gastrointestinal tract. Because the particles are so small, they can bypass much of the normal digestive process and the destructive first-pass metabolism in the liver.
By circumventing these typical digestive barriers, nano hemp can be absorbed faster and at a much higher percentage than traditional oil. While the absorption rate for standard oil-based CBD can be as low as 10 to 20%, nano-formulations can achieve significantly higher rates. This rapid, efficient uptake means the consumer may experience the effects much quicker, sometimes within minutes of ingestion.
Common Product Applications
The water-soluble nature of nano hemp has expanded the types of products available to consumers. Previously, infusing beverages with hemp was challenging because the oil would separate and float to the top. Nanoemulsions allow for the creation of clear, stable, and homogeneously mixed hemp-infused drinks, including sparkling water.
This technology also makes it possible to create powdered drink mixes and concentrated liquid shots that dissolve seamlessly into any beverage. For edibles, nano hemp ensures a more uniform concentration throughout the product, leading to more predictable dosing. Furthermore, topical applications, such as creams and lotions, benefit from the smaller particle size, which may allow for deeper penetration into the skin layers for targeted relief.
Labeling and Consumer Considerations
Consumers must approach nano hemp products knowing that enhanced absorption affects the product’s effective strength. Due to the high bioavailability, a 10-milligram dose of nano hemp may produce an effect equivalent to a much higher milligram dose of a standard oil-based product. It is prudent for new users to start with a lower dose than they would normally take of a traditional hemp oil to gauge their individual reaction.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet established a specific regulatory framework for nano-cannabinoids. Consumers should carefully check the product label for the total milligram amount of cannabinoids per serving, not just per package, for accurate dosing.
Seeking products that provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent third-party laboratory remains an important step for verification. A COA confirms the product’s actual cannabinoid content, screens for potential contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides, and ensures the consumer is purchasing a product that contains the potency listed on the label.