The quality of a cannabis product hinges largely on the water solubilization of cannabinoids in the formulation. Cannabinoids are hydrophobic, meaning they do not naturally dissolve in water on their own. Improving the water solubility of cannabinoids is crucial to cannabis product formulations in terms of shelf life, compatibility, and bioavailability.

Traditional methods to improve the water solubility of cannabinoids include liposomes, micelles, and sonication. Although the term nanotechnology is often used interchangeably with true water solubility when it comes to cannabis product formulation, they are not the same. CannaSorb CB Active is a fully bioavailable compound that increases the solubility of cannabinoids, opening the possibilities for product formulations.

Below, find uses for water-soluble cannabinoids that expand the possibilities for product formulation.

Health-Based Uses of Water Soluble Cannabinoids

The market demand for cannabis product formulations with health and medical applications has exploded, and there is no end in sight. Regarding medical uses of cannabinoids, bioavailability is a crucial consideration in efficacy and dosing.

Bioavailability is a scientific term for the extent to which a substance reaches its intended site of action in the body. It is affected by the chemical composition of the substance, the methods of product formulation, and individual physiological differences.

Reliable medical efficacy depends on delivering a consistent dose of cannabinoids to the site of action. Increasing the water solubility of cannabinoids improves absorption, resulting in greater amounts of cannabinoids that reach the site of action in the body. Therefore, lower amounts of water-soluble cannabinoids are needed in product formulations to get the same effect as cannabinoids that are not truly water-soluble. Not only does this improve efficacy, but it also improves profitability by reducing ingredient costs.

Cannabinoid-Infused Beverage Formulation

Alcohol consumption is declining while the market for cannabinoid-infused beverages is snowballing. Fortune Business Insights reports the market size for cannabis beverages was valued at over $173 million in 2018 and is expected to exceed a staggering $2 billion by 2026.

What issues can poor water-solubility of cannabinoids cause during cannabis beverage formulation?

• When cannabis beverages are made with oil, consumers notice a flavor and aroma that is difficult to mask.
• If cannabinoids are not solubilized in water, beverage formulations will settle and separate on the shelf over time.
• Popular bubbly drinks are ruled out if ingredients separate from the solution because consumers must constantly shake them.

The opportunity in the cannabinoid-infused beverage market is unlimited. An effective water solubilization strategy is critical in beverage formulation for reliable shelf-life and stability.

Cannabinoid-Infused Topical Dosage Forms

Topical dosage forms are another growing area in cannabinoid delivery systems. Creams, ointments, transdermal patches, and lotions are popular application methods. For example, consumers increasingly use topical CBD for skin aging, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and pruritus. Interest in using topical cannabinoids to treat ​​oncology patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is growing.

Pros of Topical Cannabinoid Delivery Systems

Advantages of topical delivery systems include bypassing first-pass metabolism that breaks down oral dosage forms. Clinicians and consumers often choose topical dosage forms because they allow the targeted application to the intended site of action with fast-acting effects.

Cons of Topical Cannabinoid Delivery Systems

Poor solubility can negatively impact bioavailability because the amount of cannabinoid that penetrates the skin depends on the effectiveness of water solubilization in the product formulation. For example, cannabinoid-infused pain creams are widely marketed to relieve arthritis or muscle pain. Still, they won’t work as intended if cannabinoids don’t actually penetrate the skin because of ineffective solubilization.

Another key consideration in topical dosage product formulation is the separation of ingredients. If water solubilization methods are inconsistent or incomplete, ingredients can separate from the product and create problems with product consistency. Advances in water-solubilization methods allow for more possibilities for the use of cannabinoids in designing topical formulations.

Water-Soluble Cannabinoid Takeaways

The effectiveness of your water-solubilization method will be a critical factor in your cannabis product formulation in terms of bioavailability, efficacy, shelf-life, and consumer experience. Water solubilization methods vary widely in terms of effectiveness, cost, and the end product. The patent-pending CannaSorb CB Active is the flagship ingredient at Synergy Life Sciences. It goes beyond nanotechnology to deliver true water-solubility that produces a stable, consistent product, making it an ideal solubilizer for product formulations with improved efficacy and increased profitability.

You’re in the right place if you seek high-value cannabis formulation ingredients and white-label opportunities. Our industry know-how and expert support at Synergy Life Science will help you get your high-quality products on the retail shelves efficiently and affordably. Contact us here to find out more.