Frequently Asked Questions About THC Nanoemulsions

THC nanoemulsions, particularly those created with cutting-edge technology like ultrasonic processing, provide significant advantages over traditional cannabis products. Their enhanced bioavailability and rapid absorption make them a compelling choice for both recreational and medicinal use. However, it’s crucial to understand the potential health risks and conduct thorough research before using these products. Additionally, the legality of THC nanoemulsions varies by state, so it is important to check local regulations before making a purchase.

In this blog post, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about THC nanoemulsions to help you make informed decisions.

1. Is There Any Difference Between THC Nanoemulsions and THC Oils/Tinctures?

Yes, there are significant differences between THC nanoemulsions and traditional THC oils or tinctures, particularly in their chemical composition and effects on the body. A recent pharmacokinetic study done by Industrial Sonomechanics showed nanoemulsions (both liquid and powdered) offer a superior absorption [1].

THC nanoemulsions, like those developed by Nanokinetics, are oil-in-water emulsions consisting of tiny droplets suspended in a liquid. This allows them to be absorbed more quickly and efficiently by the body compared to traditional cannabis products like oils and tinctures, which contain larger particles that take longer to absorb. The smaller the particle size of nanoemulsions, the better the absorption of THC

Overall, while both THC nanoemulsions and oils/tinctures offer therapeutic benefits, nanoemulsions’ quicker absorption make them a more efficient option for certain uses where quick symptom relief or an immediate effect is needed. These differences should be considered when choosing the best product for your needs.

2. How are THC nanoemulsions made?

THC nanoemulsions are crafted using advanced nanotechnology techniques to create stable, water-compatible formulations that enable efficient delivery of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) into the body. The process involves reducing THC oil droplets to the nano-size, significantly enhancing its absorption and effectiveness. Here is an enhanced overview of how these nanoemulsions are made.

In this blog post we focus on ultrasonic processing (a.k.a. sonication) as this method has significant advantages over other emulsification techniques. Other methods include high pressure homogenization (typically expensive and bulky), high sheer mixing (not sufficient sheer forces to create small nanoemulsion droplets), and solubilization (a.k.a. microemulsions – a technique requiring a large amount of surfactants, which are typically harsh, very bitter, and soapy-tasting).

• Selection of Ingredients:
  A highly concentrated THC extract is typically utilized, derived from cannabis or hemp plants. In addition to the THC extract, stabilizing agents, commonly known as emulsifiers or surfactants, are used to reduce surface tension between the oil and water phases, ensuring a stable mixture. Polysorbates, lecithin, and quillaja saponin tend to be popular due to their affordability, however, their taste can be extremely bitter and off-putting. Nanokinetics utilizes variety of tasteless ingredients that are typically food-grade, natural, and organic, to ensure taste of the finished products is not affected by the formulation. A correctly chosen carrier oil is also essential for droplet size reduction and improving the bioavailability of the nanoemulsion formulation.
• Ultrasonic Processing (a.k.a. Sonication):
  The THC oil is combined with carrier oil, emulsifiers, preservatives, and water and then subjected to sonication—a process using high-amplitude to create nano-droplets. Ultrasonic processing offers superior control over droplet size and distribution, producing a high-quality, uniform nanoemulsions. Sonication uses less energy than high pressure homogenization, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective, easy-to-maintain option. It also allows for precise temperature control, preserving the integrity of sensitive compounds. Ultrasonic processors are now scalable due to the invention of Barbell Horns® and this type of equipment can be used to manufacture large nanoemulsion volumes effectively. Even the larger ultrasonic units are typically compact and very easy to move or ship around, and get integrated into existing production spaces. Many mobile labs travel from stater-to-state and utilize ultrasonic equipment to manufacture formulations.
• Filtration and Bottling:
  After the ultrasonic processing has been completed, the nanoemulsion undergoes a crucial filtration step. This process is designed to remove any particulate contaminatino – impurities, particles from the ultrasonic equipment, or unincorporated materials that may have been introduced during production. The filtration ensures that the final product has a long shelf life, which is essential for manufacturers. Once filtered, the nanoemulsion is then transferred to a clean storage container or to a controlled environment for bottling or packaging. This step is meticulously managed to prevent contamination and to preserve the quality and integrity of the product. Depending on its intended use, the nanoemulsion is packaged in various formats, such as tincture bottles, beverage containers, edibles, pressed into tablets, or topical applicators.
• Quality Control:
  Nanokinetics’ formulations undergo rigorous testing, which is conducted throughout the process to ensure the nanoemulsion meets specific criteria for droplet size, stability, potency, and purity. Techniques like dynamic light scattering (DLS) are used to measure droplet size and distribution. Such documentation is available on our product pages. We also conduct potency testing for all our formulation.

Why Microemulsions Are Considered Outdated…
Microemulsions can form spontaneously by “solubilizing” oil in water or a beverage, but this process requires very large amounts of surfactants—substantially more than the amount of oil being used. These surfactants can be harsh and may cause undesirable side effects, making microemulsions less suitable for sensitive applications. Moreover, it is often impossible to reach the desired cannabinoid concentration in a beverage without surpassing the maximum allowed surfactant levels. Microemulsions can also be less stable over time, with a higher risk of phase separation or breakdown, which can lead to a decrease in potency and effectiveness.

A typical microemulsion precursor (before the addition to a beverage) formulation looks similar to the follwing [2]:

Active ingredient (e.g., cannabis oil extract) ————- 10.00 %
Carrier oil (e.g., Miglyol 812) ——————————- 30.00 %
Surfactant 1 (e.g., oleic acid) ——————————- 15.00 %
Surfactant 2 (e.g., Tween 80) ——————————- 33.75 %
Surfactant 3 (e.g., Cremophor RH 40) ——————– 11.25 %

Nanokinetics’ THC Nanoemulsions Advantage:

Nanokinetics harnesses the precision of sonication to produce THC nanoemulsions with consistently small droplet sizes and fast onset. This ensures rapid and efficient absorption by the body, leading to more consistent effects.

References:

1. Tagen, M., Klumpers, L. E., & Peshkovsky, A. (2023). Pharmacokinetics of Two Nanoemulsion Formulations of Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Rats. AAPS PharmSciTech, 24(8), 239. https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-023-02699-1.

2. Supersaxo, A., M.A. Weder, and H.G. Weder, Microemulsion Preconcentrate, Microemulsion and Use Thereof. 2012, Vesifact AG, Baar (CH): U.S. Patent #8,158,134.