Particle Size and Zeta Potential of CBD Beverage Emulsions

There is increasing evidence of the medical and therapeutic benefits of CBD (cannabidiol) - and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)-based products. This has raised the interest of the health, wellness and pharmaceutical industries. The extremely lipophilic character of CBD and THC oils/extracts is limiting their absorption by the human body and is a challenge for beverage manufacturers to develop a stable formulation. Water-based emulsions of CBD/THC oils can overcome these limitations. Both particle size and zeta potential of the oil droplets directly affect quality and stability of the final product. In this application report, the particle size and zeta potential of CBD infused beverages were analyzed using a Litesizer 500 to determine product quality and stability.

Introduction

The human endocannabinoid system regulates a wide array of essential functions via cannabinoid receptors, including physiological and cognitive processes such as appetite, pain sensation, mood and fertility[1],[2]. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), prevalent in hemp (industrial strains of Cannabis sativa) and marijuana plants, respectively, both mimic the chemical structure of the endocannabinoids naturally produced by the body.

The most important difference between THC and CBD is that THC has a psychoactive effect. This is due to the differences in how both substances interact with cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1), which are mainly expressed in the central nervous system. THC has a high affinity for CB1 receptors, leading to a euphoric intoxication effect. CBD, although structurally very similar to THC, has a low affinity to CB1 receptors and acts in a more antagonistic way.

References

  1. Addiction, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug. Medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids. 2018.
  2. Köfalvi, Attila. Cannabinoids and the Brain. s.l. : Springer-Verlag US, 2008.

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