Cbd soluble in water offers the opportunity for beverage manufacturers to create products with superior absorption and predictable, repeatable experiences for consumers. The soluble form of the cannabinoid also allows for the inclusion of other functional ingredients, such as turmeric to help reduce exercise-induced inflammation or magnesium and L-theanine to promote a sense of calm or melatonin to support healthy sleep patterns.

In contrast, oil extracts are hydrophobic, and their bioavailability is limited by the human body’s over 60% water composition. When consumed, oil molecules are processed first in the digestive system where they get absorbed into the blood stream and then transported to the liver for “first-pass metabolism.” The majority of the active compounds will be lost during this process. Increasing the water solubility of cannabinoids in product formulations will allow for the introduction of larger amounts of the compound into the body to achieve the same physiological effects.

Drip by Drip: The Power of CBD Water-Soluble Drops for Precision and Potency

CBD can be made soluble in water using several techniques, including freeze-drying, spray drying and subcritical carbon dioxide impregnation. Formulations based on mesoporous silica (Silsol(r) and Syloid(r) AL-1FP), cyclodextrins (Cyclodextrin, Kollidon VA64 and Soluplus(r)), and zein-wheat protein complexes showed increased aqueous solubility of CBD.

The lyophilized nanoformulations exhibited no melting endotherm corresponding to the crystalline CBD, indicating that the amorphous CBD was successfully incorporated into the CD cavities. This amorphous CBD/CD inclusion complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The amorphous CBD/CD inclusion complexes showed pronounced antiepileptic and anxiolytic properties and could enhance the GABA-A receptor binding affinity, amplifying the natural calming effect of the central nervous system neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Furthermore, the amorphous CBD/CD inclusion complexes demonstrated good permeability across the human corneal epithelial cell monolayer model and the eye ocular fluid.