Nano CBD - Marketing Ploy or the Real Deal?

Nano CBD: Marketing ploy or the real deal?

If you’re familiar with CBD, you’ve probably heard of a new product that’s been making waves in the industry: nano CBD. No doubt you’ve heard of nanotechnology, the ‘branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers’, according to the Oxford Dictionary, but nano CBD is a relatively new addition to the global lexicon. To put it simply, nanotechnology deals with ‘very small things’ and the manipulation of molecules on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular level.

Nanotech is used around the world. In developing countries, it’s used to help prevent health problems and treat diseases under the umbrella term ‘nanomedicine.’ In other areas, it’s used to make construction materials, military goods, and in the development of other nano-related materials. It’s also being applied in the development of alternative energy sources, especially when it comes to renewable, clean, and affordable sources.

In pharmaceuticals, researchers are continuously looking into ways it can help improve existing vaccines, including ones that don’t utilize needles, to hopefully develop a new flu vaccine that would cover more strains and require fewer resources.

But how about when it comes to CBD? Is it just as effective? Or is the use of nanotech just a marketing ploy for its traction as a new buzzword and its cool, vaguely scientific-sounding name? According to our research, it’s a little bit of both.

Although new in the CBD scene, nano-pharmaceuticals have been around for a while now and their existence may point to the very reason proponents of nano CBD have extolled its virtues. The main selling point? Higher bioavailability. Bioavailability pertains to the rate the body absorbs a specific substance. With standard CBD oil, absorption is at 10 percent or less, with liposomal microemulsion CBDs, it bumps up to 20 percent, but with nano-sized microemulsions, it reaches up to 50 percent. A pretty big difference, and if you’re looking to get the most out of your CBD and get the best value for your money, bioavailability is a huge factor in choosing a product.

Meanwhile, in a 2017 study published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, researchers found that in a rat model, there was a 600 percent increase in bioavailability in oral nano CBD compared to regular CBD. In layman’s terms, compared to regular CBD, nano CBD’s effects may come on more quickly when taken orally. The study found that not only did NLCs (nanostructured lipid carriers) increase active bioavailability, it also helped overcome absorption issues and target active tissue delivery.

Although the cellular data is promising, most experts are still undecided about whether nano CBD is really worth the hype, especially since human data on CBD nanotechnology is still non-existent. But for loyal costumers convinced of its benefits, the lack of studies holds little water when it comes to first-hand experience.

Another benefit of nano CBD is that its increased surface area allows the body to digest and absorb the nutrients from the oil more easily, giving it more contact with the body’s enzymes and absorptive tissue. In the stomach, our body’s natural bile salts emulsify oils and other dietary fats. When CBD is pre-emulsified in the form of nano CBD, this allows the digestive tract to start absorbing the CBD molecules faster, without having to go through the emulsification process.

Nano CBD also contains penetration enhancers, which include chemicals such as ethanol and propylene glycol, which coat the CBD oil, thus increasing its movement along mucous membranes and allowing better absorption. However, these penetration enhancers come with a caveat. While they do allow for better movement, some penetration enhancers may have some undesirable effects on the body. One of the more popular ones, propylene glycol, was considered Allergen of the Year by the American Dermatitis Society.

Apart from the addition of chemicals, many nano CBD products promise big but rarely deliver. Be weary of products that want to just ride the coattails of the nano buzzword. Before purchasing, make sure to do your research on the company and if they do extensive third-party testing. If they use a lot of scientific-sounding jargon, they may be using it as a smokescreen to avoid suspicion.

Two companies that have been highly vetted in terms of their nano CBD products and are known to do third-party testing are Infinite CBD and Ojai Energetics. If you’re on the lookout to dip your feet into the nano CBD world, here are two products you may want to consider:

Infinite CBD Nano Energy Shots - Each 30 mL bottle contains a blend of Siberian ginseng, B vitamins, taurine, ginger, and of course 10 mg of CBD. This can be used for pre-workout, for studying, or when you just feel like you need a little pick-me-up.

Ojai Energetics Full-Spectrum Sports Gel - After you’re done working out or training and need some help with post-workout inflammation, grab this sports gel and apply it to any sore or inflamed muscles and joints. Each bottle contains 100 mg of fast-acting CBD. Ojai Energetics’ products are all made with full-spectrum, water-soluble nano CBD.