What is Nano CBD? What are its advantages?

CBD is revolutionizing the medical field and the cosmetics industry. Clear evidence suggesting that cannabidiol (CBD) has beneficial health properties has boosted scientists to explore its multiple possibilities, especially on a therapeutic level. The latest novelty is to apply nano-technology to CBD in order to increase its biodisponibility. 

What is biodisponibility?

Biodisponibility is the amount of substance that reaches the bloodstream once it enters the body. In CBD’s case, as it happens with plenty of elements, its biodiversity varies according to the method used to enter the body. When ingested orally, in capsules or any other edible form, its biodiversity is reduced to 6-20%. This means that for every 100 mg, only between 6 and 20 mg make it to the bloodstream. Therefore, its efficiency decreases proportionally.

However,  by evaporation or intranasal intake, its biodisponibility increases up to 34-46 %. Unfortunately, this method is harmful to the lungs and the respiratory system. Nano-technology CBD is here to sort out this problem, resulting in nano CBD, which increases its biodisponibility by increasing its effects in the human body.

What is nano CBD?

Nano CBD is the result of applying nano-technology, also called nano-emulsion, to cannabidiol. The main reason why this technique promotes biodisponibility is that the cells from the human body can only absorb the molecules that measure between 60 and 80 nano-meters. CBD molecules measure 4,440 nano-meters of diameter, therefore, hard to assimilate by the body.

Nano-technology uses ultrasonic waves to divide matter into nanoscopic dimensions. Nano CBD will enter the bloodstream much faster, enabling CBD medicinal properties to act quicker.

On the other hand, CBD molecules are hydrophobic (they don’t mix with water) and lipophilic (can dilute in oil but not in water). The composition of the human body is mainly water, which hinders CBD’s fast assimilation. CBD has to go through the digestive system when it’s ingested, losing some of its nutrients and active ingredients before reaching the bloodstream.

Nano CBD, on the other hand, is easily absorbed as it doesn’t need to be metabolized. This CBD form is not lipophilic due to its nano-technology transformation. This technology uses emulsifiers that keep cannabidiol particles stable to prevent them from rearranging. Emulsifiers make CBD molecules join water ones, instead of repelling them. This method promotes easier and faster absorption, which improves CBD’s therapeutic properties. 

Is CBD nano-technology safe?

The absence of proper research means that there is a lack of clear evidence regarding the effectiveness of nano CBD; however, some data suggests that it can produce adverse effects.

Body retention

Nano-technology increases CBD’s biodisponibility, thus, the amount that reaches the bloodstream is also higher. However, it is still not possible to determine how long it stays in the system, the less time the less effective. The fact that it can join water molecules in its nano form means that there is a risk of it leaving the body through urine before reaching its destination. 

Nano-technology and the environment

There is evidence that a long exposure to certain nano-materials kills water fleas and possibly other aquatic creatures. According to observations gathered in animal experimentation, nano-particles, including those in nano CBD, accumulate in animals’ bodies after an extended period of use. These are only some of its adverse effects, but it doesn’t rule out others that could also affect the environment. 

Nano CBD and the human body

Although the consequences of long-term nano-technology use haven’t been studied, it is quite possible that nanoscopic glasses (quantum dots) are toxic for humans because they contain cadmium. On the other hand, researches suggest that nano-particles promote the creation of free radicals; a type of atoms related to cell damage that could cause certain conditions. 

Legal situation of nano-technology and nano CBD

Nano-technology is not formally legal in most European countries. As a matter of fact, there isn’t a concrete norm regarding this practice; which means that manufacturers can maneuver without breaking any law.

Either way, to this day, not too many companies supply nano CBD and the ones that do, have to meet current regulations regarding cannabidiol products. In other words, CBD products can only be legally sold for topical, non-edible use. They must also come from hemp and have less than 0.2 % of THC. 

The final conclusion is that nano CBD is a new substance that needs further studies to confirm its efficiency in relieving the symptoms of certain conditions without causing adverse reactions.