Not Your Average Gummy: Fast Onset and Reliable Dosing with THC and CBD Nanoemulsions

In this blog post, we will explore cannabis-infused gummies, comparing traditional oil-based gummies to nanoemulsion-infused options. We will also highlight Nanokinetics’ CBD and THC nanoemulsion solutions and how they enable manufacturers to create superior gummy products.

Traditional cannabis gummies, though popular, often pose challenges for consumers due to delayed onset times (ranging from 40 minutes to two hours) and inconsistent dosing. These delays result primarily from the slower absorption of oil-based cannabis extracts typically used in gummy formulations, which can prevent users from experiencing the immediate effects they seek.

In response to growing consumer demand for fast-acting cannabis products, innovative formulations like Nanokinetics’® cannabis nanoemulsions have emerged. Water-soluble cannabis nano-formulations address the delayed onset issue by allowing the body to absorb them rapidly—typically within 5-10 minutes—compared to the much longer wait with traditional gummies.

Understanding Nanoemulsions

Oil-in-water emulsions are visually homogeneous mixtures that combine the properties of both oil and water, one of which is the continuous phase and the other – the dispersed phase. Many industries—such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, beverage, and cannabis—produce emulsion-based products.

When droplet sizes are measured in nanometers, the emulsions are referred to as nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsions with droplets smaller than 100 nm are optically translucent, achieving higher clarity, stability, and bioavailability. Nanoemulsions can be in liquid form or converted into water-soluble powders, both of which can be incorporated into gummies to provide rapid onset and deliver faster, more predictable effects.

These extremely small, nanometer-sized particles are absorbed through the small intestine more efficiently than oils, leading to quicker entry into the bloodstream. As a result, active compounds in cannabis, like THC and CBD, reach their target receptors faster, producing a rapid onset of effects. Nanoemulsion gummies typically take effect in just 5-10 minutes, compared to the 40 minutes to 2 hours of traditional gummies.

Why Do Water-Soluble Cannabis Nanoemulsions Have Quicker Onset Than Oils?

Cannabis extracts are hydrophobic (incompatible with water), making them challenging to deliver efficiently to the bloodstream, which is water-based. When consumed orally, they undergo a slow gastrointestinal absorption process, leading to delayed onset of effects and low (6–10%) and often unpredictable bioavailability.

In contrast, cannabis extract nanoemulsions are fully water-compatible, kinetically stable, and provide exceptional therapeutic effects. They are rapidly and completely absorbed by the body, delivering faster onset of action at lower doses. Additionally, they mix easily into water or other beverages, making them highly versatile for various applications.

This video presentation explains the bioactives’ digestive absorption in detail:

How Do Nanoemulsion Gummies Compare to Other Fast-Acting Cannabis Products

1. Faster Onset Than Traditional Gummies

Nanoemulsion-infused gummies offer much quicker onset of effect than traditional cannabis  oil-infused gummies. While regular gummies can take up to two hours to take effect, nanoemulsions kick in within 5-10 minutes, providing a more predictable experience without the long wait. Click the image below to learn more about nanoemulsions quick onset in the following pre-clinical study:

2. Discreet, Enjoyable, and More Convenient than Tinctures or Vapes

Nanoemulsion-infused gummies offer a simple, discreet, and enjoyable alternative to tinctures and vapes. Unlike tinctures, which require holding under the tongue, and vapes, which may not appeal to everyone, nanoemulsion gummies are easy to consume on the go, providing both quick onset and convenience. They allow for a discreet way to consume cannabis without drawing attention.

Why Do Water-Soluble THC and CBD Nanoemulsions Offer More Consistent Dosing?

Nanokinetics’® water-soluble nanoemulsions deliver even dispersion and high stability in infused edibles, ensuring more accurate dosing in gummy products. By contrast, oil-based cannabinoid products often experience batch-to-batch dosing inconsistencies.

Well-prepared water-soluble nanoemulsions remain stable over time, though some cannabinoids may degrade and lose potency when exposed to light. As shown in the graph below (image courtesy of Industrial Sonomechanics), the increasingly pink area after around 150 days represents a sample stored in a clear-glass container, indicating potential CBD degradation due to light exposure. To maximize shelf life, Nanokinetics sterilizes its nanoemulsions and uses proper storage containers.

Conclusion

Nanoemulsion gummies combine the best of both worlds: the quick onset of inhalation products with the convenience and enjoyment of traditional edibles. With faster onset times, longer-lasting effects, better bioavailability, and ease of consumption, they provide an ideal solution for consumers seeking a reliable and enjoyable cannabis experience. For cannabis gummy manufacturers water-soluble cannabis liquids and powders and both are easy to incorporate into a production process. Nanokinetics offer nanoemulsions that are made with gluten free, sugar free, vegan, natural, and organic ingredients, to best fit manufacturers’ product needs. Our water-soluble powders, for example, are a great choice for pectin-based gummies, where manufacturers need to be mindful of the total amount of water in their recipe.  

If you are looking for a water-soluble solution to use in a gummy, let Nanokinetics® be your nanoemulsion manufacturer. Our research and development team is a group of experienced scientists who have helped many of our companies bring new products to market, sharing their knowledge and expertise working with our liquid and powder emulsions. 

Book a meeting with our team today to talk about your product development needs!