CBD Nano-encapsulation: What is Nano CBD?

A look into a CBD processing method called nano-encapsulation, the benefits of this process, and why it’s important to know the science of nanotechnology/nano-CBD.
If you have been struggling to keep up with the many new developments emerging in the hemp industry, you’re not alone — especially if you have been hearing about nano-encapsulated CBD and CBG technology.

Even if you consider yourself familiar with more than the basics when it comes to extraction methods, this term may be the one that throws you for a loop. It begs you to ask: how many ways can you get organic CBD out of a hemp plant? Rather than an extraction method, nano-encapsulation is a technology applied to your chosen extract. There are many different ways to extract CBD, the “right” one all depends on what you value and prioritize about the process and its resulting product. So, what’s the deal with CBD nanotechnology and nano CBD?

The Process of Creating Nano CBD

Nano CBD is produced through a process called nanotechnology, which reduces CBD molecules into extremely small particles, often less than 100 nanometers in size. The process typically involves:

• Emulsification: CBD oil is combined with water and emulsifiers, creating a base mixture.
• High-Shear Homogenization: The mixture is subjected to high-pressure or ultrasonic waves, breaking CBD molecules into nanoscale particles.
• Encapsulation: To stabilize these nanoparticles, they are encapsulated in carriers like lipids, polymers, or other protective materials. This ensures they remain intact until they reach their target in the body.
• Quality Control: Rigorous testing ensures particle uniformity and efficacy, as inconsistent particle sizes can affect absorption rates.

The result is a water-compatible form of CBD that mixes easily with liquids and can bypass traditional fat-solubility barriers in the body.

What Is CBD Nano-encapsulation?

Although nano-encapsulation can be used to enhance a consumer’s CBD experience, it’s not exclusive to extracting cannabinoids from hemp. In general, it is the coating of one substance on another material at a molecular scale. It deals with extremely small particles, anywhere from 1 to 999 nanometers. CBD nanotechnology applies a process that breaks the cannabinoid down into teeny, tiny nanoparticles, and wraps them in a substance that is easier for the body to absorb.

The Upstate Advantage: Particle Size

At Upstate Elevator, we achieve an average particle size of about 70 nanometers (for context, a red blood cell is about 80,000 nanometers), which is very small. We validate this with third-party testing through dynamic light scattering & laser diffraction, so we’re confident you are getting the best product we can craft.

Why Use Nano CBD?

CBD is often referred to as a hydrophobic molecule because it is not water-soluble and doesn’t bind with water molecules. Because the cannabinoid can’t naturally be dissolved in water, it requires a particular process in order to be infused into a liquid like water or any other beverage. That’s where CBD nanoencapsulation comes in. Through an ultrasonic processing method, it encapsulates the CBD inside a tiny structure, called either a liposome or a micelle. The process emulsifies the cannabinoid, allowing it to be equally distributed throughout a liquid. Typically, products that use “nano CBD” in their formulation do so either to increase the bioavailability or for it’s water-soluble properties.

What Are the Different Types of Nanoparticles Used in CBD Formulations?

When formulating CBD, nanoparticles play a key role in enhancing bioavailability and efficacy. Several types of nanoparticles are commonly used to create nano CBD products, each offering unique benefits:

Lipid-Based Nanoparticles: Liposomes are spherical vesicles made of phospholipids, which encapsulate CBD, protecting it from degradation and improving absorption.

Polymeric Nanoparticles: Made from biodegradable polymers, these nanoparticles allow for controlled release, ensuring consistent dosing over time. 

Nanoemulsions: Nanoemulsions are oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions stabilized with surfactant to enhance the water solubility of CBD, making it more easily absorbed by the body.

Nanocrystals: CBD nanocrystals are pure CBD particles reduced to nanoscale size. This type of nanoparticle enhances solubility and stability while allowing for simpler formulations without additional carriers or stabilizers.

The Upstate Advantage: Micelle vs. Liposome

At Upstate, we use micellar structures to trap the CBD inside of tiny structures called micelles. While both micelles and liposomes provide the advantage of making hard-to-absorb substances easier to assimilate, micelles have been scientifically validated to be more effective and are the preferred form for the pharmaceutical industry.

While liposomes are another popular delivery method, their larger size, and more complex structure can limit their ability to cross biological barriers and release at the desired absorption sites. Micelles, on the other hand, are significantly smaller and consist of a single-layered structure. This allows micelles to achieve higher stability across pH and temperature changes, absorb into the bloodstream faster, and provide faster-acting relief.

The Benefits of Nano CBD

A primary benefit of nano CBD is the increase in bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to how efficiently your body can absorb a substance—how much of it, and how quickly it gets into your bloodstream. This means that more of what you’ve purchased actually gets absorbed. Nano-encapsulated micellar structures are 50% to 90% more bioavailable than the same unmodified compound.

A primary benefit of nano CBD is the increase in bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to how efficiently your body can absorb a substance—how much of it, and how quickly it gets into your bloodstream.

Another big advantage is the speed with which nano CBD starts working. Because it is composed of very small particles, it can bypass your liver and be absorbed directly into your bloodstream.

By reducing the size of the particles, we increase the total surface area of CBD in contact with tissue, helping to speed absorption. These nano CBD particles can enter into different types of tissues that normal particle sizes are not able to pass through. With a nano beverage, the CBD starts absorbing as soon as it touches your lips and works faster than traditional products

Due to these advantages, nano-encapsulated substances are considered up to 6 times more powerful. So, you may not need as high a dose as you would with traditional products that aren’t using micelle nanotechnology.

The Environmental Impact of Making Nano CBD

The production of nano CBD provides several environmental benefits as well. The process of advanced emulsification techniques reduces the overall amount of raw materials needed to produce high-quality CBD, helping to minimize agricultural strain. Additionally, the smaller particle size of nano CBD allows for greater bioavailability, meaning the potential doses you’d need are reduced. 

Where to Find Quality Nano CBD Products

Our proprietary method is very similar to the technique that pharmaceutical companies use. We achieve average particle sizes of about 70 nanometers, not only to enhance potency and stability, but to reach maximum absorption.

All of our infused beverages use nano CBD allowing your body to absorb CBD up to six times faster. There are four different thc-free flavors to choose from including — our African Ginger & Mexican Lime Soda sweetened with agave and the unsweetened, zero-calorie Raspberry Hibiscus Lime or Black Cherry Lemon Seltzers, and our multi-cannabinoid CBG+CBD Wild Strawberry Tangerine seltzer.

For fast-acting nano-infused THC beverages check out our line of hemp-derived THC sodas and seltzers!

Get your nano on with Upstate today!