You are currently viewing Nano THC: What is Fast-Acting THC and How Does It Work?

Cannabis consumers seeking fast-acting “high” want products that can provide almost instant psychoactive effects. This is a challenge for cannabis producers, as natural THC variants take time to kick in. THC types such as delta-9 and delta-8 are fast-acting and still require some time to decarboxylate to produce the high. 

To provide instant “high” seekers with an alternative, nano THC has emerged as a promising THC variant with faster onset times and increased bioavailability. In this article, we provide a detailed overview of nano THC, exploring its mechanisms, benefits, and the technology behind this revolutionary form of cannabis consumption.

What is Nano THC?
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Nano THC, also known as nano emulsion THC or nano-infused THC, is a form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is broken down into tiny particles at a nanoscale. The size of a nano THC particle typically ranges from 10 to 100 nanometers in size. 

The key difference between nano THC and regular THC lies not only in particle size but also in the structure of the molecules. The molecules of regular THC are much larger and clump together, which makes them less water-soluble and more challenging for the body to absorb efficiently. Nano THC particles, on the other hand, are too small and encapsulated in a protective layer of emulsifiers. This reduced size enhances absorption and increases bioavailability in the body.

How Do Nano Cannabinoids Work?

How Do Nano Cannabinoids Work?
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The secret to the high efficiency of nano cannabinoids is nanotechnology, which can manipulate matter at the molecular level. For producing nano THC, nanotechnology is used to convert the available cannabinoids into nano-emulsified cannabinoids. With nano-emulsification, THC molecules are broken down into tiny droplets and then encapsulated in a protective layer of emulsifiers. 

The resulting THC nano emulsion is a stable molecule with high water solubility. This makes it easy for the body to absorb nano THC molecules rapidly. Additionally, the nano cannabis has increased surface area-to-volume ratio. When THC particles are reduced to nano-size, their collective surface area increases dramatically, facilitating faster and more complete absorption through cell membranes.

Nano-sized THC particles can more easily penetrate cell membranes and biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier. Due to their small size and increased interaction with membrane phospholipids, they dissolve more rapidly in biological fluids. Additionally, nanoparticles exhibit higher mucoadhesion (the process by which a material adheres to a mucous membrane or tissue in the body), potentially increasing residence time in the gastrointestinal tract and improving absorption.

This is why nano THC has a fast-acting effect on consumers as compared to other types of THC. Also, the increased surface area results in improved bioavailability, meaning more active compounds enter the bloodstream and reach their intended targets in the body.

The Benefits of Nano THC

The Benefits of Nano THC
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Nano THC has several benefits in terms of effect onset, precision and bioavailability. 

1. Speed of onset: 

This THC variant is fast-acting due to its small particle size and enhanced absorption rate. It has a much quicker onset of effects compared to traditional THC products.
It is ideal for consumers who seek immediate relief or recreational effects. 
The waiting time between consumption and experiencing the desired effects is minimal.

2. Enhanced bioavailability:

As mentioned before, nano-infused THC has a much larger surface area-to-volume ratio, which improves its effectiveness with lower doses. 
More efficient absorption of the cannabinoids leads to higher concentrations in the bloodstream.
Potentially reduces the amount of product needed to achieve desired effects.

3. Precision:

As nano THC has consistent and predictable onset times, it allows for more controlled dosages and effects. 
You can expect no variability in effects between different consumption sessions.
Achieving desired effects without overshooting or undershooting the optimal dose is much easier.

4. Versatility in product formulation:

Nano THC emulsions are water-soluble, which allows producers to incorporate them into a wide range of products such as beverages, topicals, and edibles.
With co-crystallization, you can enhance the stability of THC in various formulations, potentially leading to longer shelf life and more consistent potency over time.
Nano-infused THC enables diverse delivery methods, such as sublingual sprays or transdermal patches, expanding the options for consumers.

5. Potential for reduced side effects:

As mentioned, nano THC products can offer high psychoactive effects at lower dosages, potentially reducing the risk of adverse effects.
Rapid absorption and more controlled release of nano THC leads to a more balanced experience, with less intense peaks and a smoother onset and offset of effects.
For some users, traditional edibles can cause stomach discomfort. Nano THC products, due to their small size, reduce gastrointestinal irritation.

What is Co-Crystallization?

What is co crystallization

Co-crystallization is a process within the production of nano THC and nano cannabinoids. This technique involves combining THC molecules with other compounds, such as terpenes or other cannabinoids, to form a crystalline structure at the nanoscale.

Producers use co-crystallization to enhance the potency and absorption of cannabinoids. It acts at several levels: 

  1. Improved solubility: Co-crystals can enhance the solubility of different compounds and THC, leading to better absorption in the body.
  2. Enhanced stability: Crystallization also increases the stability and self-life of THC as a crystalline structure formed through co-crystallization can protect THC molecules from degradation due to factors like heat, light, or oxidation. 
  3. Synergistic effects: Co-crystallized THC synergises with other cannabinoids or terpenes, enhancing the product’s overall therapeutic or experiential benefits.
  4. Controlled release: Depending on the co-formers used, co-crystallization can be used to formulate nano THC products with specific release profiles. It allows for more controlled and sustained effects.
  5. Customization potential: This process offers customization features for nano THC products. Producers can select co-formers, such as terpenes and other cannabinoids, for tailored properties.

The co-crystallization process is an intersection of nanotechnology and pharmaceutical techniques. It allows producers to reduce the size of THC particles and potentially enhance their effectiveness through molecular engineering.

Other Processes for Producing Nanocannabinoids

As technology advances, several other processes emerge to produce nanocannabinoids. At present, co-crystallization and nano-emulsification are popular methods for creating nano THC, but there are different techniques as well used in the production of nano cannabinoids:

  1. Sonication: In this process, large THC molecules are broken into nanoparticles using high-frequency sound waves. Then, these particles are emulsified. 
  2. High-pressure homogenization: Simplest of all methods; in this process, THC is forced through a small opening under high pressure, creating nano-sized particles.
  3. Microfluidization: This technique uses high-pressure streams of fluids to create nano-sized THC particles in a controlled environment.

While all these processes aim to create nano-emulsified cannabinoids, they offer different advantages in terms of scalability, consistency, and specific product applications compared to co-crystallization.

Conclusion

If you are wondering what nano-infused means in the context of THC products? It refers to the incorporation of nano-sized THC particles into various consumables, such as edibles, beverages, or tinctures. 

With the possibility of using nano THC in cannabis products, new opportunities have emerged for creating fast-acting edibles, clear and stable cannabis-infused beverages, and more precise dosing options. With the evolution of the technology, we can expect to see further development of nano THC products in both medical and recreational markets.