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What is a nanoemulsion?
Emulsions are simply mixtures of two or more liquids that are normally immiscible, meaning that the liquids typically cannot form a homogenous mixture. In the emulsion, however, there are very small droplets of one liquid dispersed into a second liquid. A nanoemulsions is a type of emulsion that is comprised of very small droplet sizes (much smaller than the droplet sizes in your oil and vinegar salad dressing, for example). In fact, nanoemulsions are the reason that you can now drink your cannabis.
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Why are they important?
Cannabinoids and terpenes are lipophilic (they are fat-loving) and have low solubility in water. In the human body, poor water solubility results in low bioavailability. Consequently, when you eat cannabis, for example, your body absorbs only a fraction of cannabinoids. The rest are metabolized into something else or eliminated. If we can make cannabinoids more water soluble, then the body can absorb much more of the cannabinoid payload, increasing bioavailability. And, water solubility increases time of onset.
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Are they safe and effective?
Is there any evidence that nanoemulsions have higher bioavailability and faster onset? Are they safe? Is there any research to support their safety and efficacy? There is certainly evidence that nanoemulsion technology can improve bioavailability of substances, can be non-toxic, and can improve the stability and absorption of substances. In this module, we’ll review the research that is specific to cannabis and nanoemulsion technologies.