Nanotechnology, a cutting-edge field of science, and cannabis therapy, a burgeoning field of research, go together like peanut butter and jelly. They were simply destined to be together. Technology is offering the means to make the most efficient use possible of the nutraceutical and medicinal capabilities of the cannabis plant as research is uncovering the molecular-level miracles that the plant possesses. CannabisTech had a conversation with Sean McDonald, the Chief Operating Officer of CBD Living, about the ways in which the company uses nanotechnology to improve the customer experience.
One Slight Advantage with Numerous Positive Implications
Having a creative mindset is necessary in order to comprehend the breadth of nanotechnology. One billionth of a meter is equal to one nanometer. To put that into a more tangible context, if the size of a nanometer is equivalent to that of a regular marble, then the size of the Earth would roughly correspond to the size of a meter. Through the use of nanotechnology, scientists are able to alter and exert control over individual atoms and molecules.
McDonald gave a one-of-a-kind analogy in order to better convey the benefits of utilizing nanotechnology in pharmaceutical applications and nutritional supplements. “Picture yourself biting into a steak. “Even though the steak probably has 40 grams of protein, due to the digestive process, you will only actually absorb a portion of that,” McDonald stated. “This is because of how protein is broken down in the body.” Because it is easier for the body to absorb the protein after it has been nanosized down to the molecular level, the bioavailability has increased to between 90 and 100 percent.
According to the research, the typical user of cannabis products that are eaten orally only achieves between four and twenty percent bioavailability. If you consume an edible containing 100 milligrams of THC, your body will likely only use 4 to 20 milligrams of that dose, while the remaining dose will be lost due to the digestive process. When it comes to topical applications, the rate of absorption is much lower.
Cannabinoids Have Been Reduced in Size, Thanks to Us!
The field of pharmaceutical applications has been using nanotechnology for some time now. In point of fact, many people think that nanotechnology might completely transform contemporary medicine. Research into the so-called “nano-attack” of aggressive diseases such as AIDS and cancer is also expanding at a rapid rate.
Cannabinoids do not actually become smaller as a result of nanotechnology, despite the fact that this may sound like something out of a science fiction movie. Instead, a technique known as sonication is used to break the cannabis down into their component molecules before they are emulsified into a solution. Because of their size, these extremely minute particles of matter, which have a measurement of 100 nm or less, are able to absorb more readily. In the end, research has demonstrated that nanosized particles can achieve an absorption rate of up to one hundred percent.
When a user uses nanosized cannabis, the complete 20 mg dose that they ingest is capable of being absorbed by their body. Because of the compound’s improved bioavailability, the same outcomes can be obtained by administering a considerably lower dose. McDonald announced, “In other words, you get more bang for your buck.” [In other words:] In addition, as a result of the greater ease with which the smaller particles are absorbed, the customer experiences a quicker beginning of effects than is more traditionally associated with oral intake.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SONICATION?
In December of 2017, CannabisTech conducted an interview with Dr. Alexey Peshkovsky to discuss the application of ultrasonic processing of liquids in the cannabis market. By employing sound waves with a high frequency, at 20 kHz or more, the alternating pressure of the sound waves causes the particles to undergo physical vibration, which finally results in the particles being torn apart. When the frequency is increased, there is a corresponding increase in agitation.
A highly specialized piece of laboratory equipment, the sonicator itself is powered by an ultrasonic electric generator that is connected to a transducer. The electrical signal is then converted into a mechanical vibration using piezoelectric crystals, which is then preserved, amplified, and sent to a probe, which, in turn, agitates the solution.
Throughout the entirety of the procedure, a series of microscopic vacuum bubbles are created in the mixture as a result of the alternating pressure. This results in a reaction known as cavitation when the bubbles pop. When something like this takes place, a tremendous amount of energy is produced in the cavitation field. This energy disrupts the solution on a molecular level, which helps separate particles and makes mixing easier.
High-Tech Accomplishment
While McDonald owes their success to ongoing innovation and patented techniques such as CO2 extraction and chromatographic isolation, it certainly doesn’t hurt that they begin with high-quality, organically cultivated hemp that is supplied from Colorado. In addition, McDonald’s asserts that their leading position in the industry is due in large part to their relentless pursuit of product advancement. After releasing their original recipe for CBD-infused water five years ago, the company is getting ready to make a third adjustment to the formulation, this time moving it to an alkaline solution that will contain 5mg of CBD. In addition, CBD Living currently offers a diverse selection of goods, ranging from concentrates to topicals and everything in between. Nano-infused suppositories are also expected to be added to their product line in the near future.
If the breadth of a market and the volume of sales are good measures of success, then it is obvious that CBD Living has taken advantage of high-tech methods in order to harness success amidst the chaos that now characterizes the CBD industry. Today, more than 40 CBD Living products may be purchased all over the world, and these products are currently stocked in over 2200 retail locations across the globe.