Rational Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of a Solid Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Nanoformulation Suitable for “Microdosing” Applications
Abhinandan Banerjee, William Hosie, Ana Carolina Terso Ventura, Kasra Razmkhah, Joseph Bautista, Afeson Beyene, J. Binder, John F. Trant
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research August 9, 2023 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0084 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Laboratory study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 weeks |
| Topics | Cannabis Microdosing |
| Key points | A stable THC nanoemulsion and a water-redispersible solid powder were produced without specialized equipment, suitable for microdosing applications. |
Abstract
Background: This article highlights the formulation of a solid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-loaded ingestible prepared from pure THC distillate.
Methods: A THC-containing ethanol-assisted cannabinoid nanoemulsion (EACNE) was created using a solvent displacement technique. Subsequently, the EACNE was converted to a solid powdery material while still retaining its THC potency, a format uniquely suited for “microdosing” applications.
Results: EACNE had an average lipid droplet size of ∼190 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.15, and an average droplet ζ potential of −49±10 mV. The nanoemulsion (NE) was colloidally stable for at least 6 weeks, with no meaningful change in cannabinoid potency over the experimental period, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The EACNE remained stable when subjected to physical stresses such as heat, freeze/thaw cycles, carbonation, dilution to beverage concentrations, high sucrose concentrations, and a pH range between 5 and 8. The microencapsulated EACNE demonstrated limited free-flowing behavior but was freely redispersible in water without any visible phase separation.
Conclusions: We report the design, creation, and characterization of a THC NE generated without the use of specialized equipment, such as a microfluidizer or a high-pressure homogenizer. This emulsion could readily be converted to a water-redispersible powder. This embodiment is particularly suited for THC “microdosing,” a practice that might decouple the health benefits of THC from its psychotropic effects.