The cannabis industry is a constantly changing place.

Gone are the days of homemade weed brownies with who-knows-what in them or Rice Krispy Treats with wildly unpredictable effects you got from a friend of a friend of a friend. Today, cannabis edibles are crafted with precision and sophistication, offering faster results, higher potency, and a more consistent experience overall. Good news all around.

But one of the most exciting innovations in this space is nanoemulsion technology. Sounds like something from the future — because it kind of is — but here we're going to discuss what it means, exactly, how it works, and why some experts are saying these edibles might be the future of cannabis consumption.

Before we get there, though, let's first define exactly what we're talking about.

What Are Nanoemulsion Edibles?

At their core, nanoemulsion edibles are infused with cannabis compounds like THC and CBD that have been processed into very small particles — essentially, nanoparticles. To understand what makes them so effective though, let's first define what "nanoemulsion" means.

As you're probably aware, the word "nano" refers to something incredibly small — usually at the invisible, molecular level. For context, one nanometer is one billionth of a meter, which is far too small for the naked eye to see.

Okay, so why does the size matter? Good question. When cannabis extracts are transformed into nanoparticles, they become much easier for your body to absorb and use. This technology enables cannabis to move through the digestive system more efficiently, allowing for quicker onset times and more effective dosing.

While it might sound kind of complicated — and the process is pretty in-depth — the concept behind nanoemulsion is pretty simple: Break everything down into tiny particles so that they can be absorbed by your body faster. With that idea in mind, let's shift gears a little and discuss why this process works.

The Science Behind Nanoemulsion: Why Does It Work?

Understanding why nanoemulsion works so well boils down to one key concept — bioavailability. In simple terms, a substance's "bioavailability" is the proportion of it that enters the bloodstream and is able to have an active effect after its consumption. The higher the bioavailability, the more active ingredients your body can use.

There's a little bit of a problem, though. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are naturally fat-soluble, meaning they dissolve in fat rather than water. This creates a challenge when you consume cannabis edibles because your body is primarily water-based, and fat molecules don't really mix well with you. With nanoemulsion though, the oil droplets are reduced to particles that are only a few nanometers in size, significantly increasing their surface area. This allows the particles to blend seamlessly with water-based fluids in your body, facilitating that faster absorption that we're going for.

The result is nanoemulsion edibles are not only absorbed more quickly but also deliver more potent effects at lower doses. If you're looking for the elevator pitch for nano gummies, it's this: You get more bang for your buck, and they work faster. What's not to love?

What Does the Nanoemulsion Process Look Like?

To explain how nanoemulsion edibles work, you really need to understand the process in a little more detail. Here's how the process typically goes:

• Extraction of Cannabinoids: First, cannabinoids like THC or CBD are extracted from cannabis. This extract is often in oil form, which is fat-soluble but doesn't dissolve easily in the body's water-based fluids.
• Emulsification: The oil extract is then emulsified, which means it is broken down into much smaller droplets that are suspended in water. This makes it easier for your body to absorb these tiny droplets.
• Nano-Sizing: Using advanced technology, the oil droplets are reduced to the nano-scale, which means they're small enough to enter the bloodstream much more easily. These nano-sized particles are up to 100 times smaller than the molecules found in regular cannabis oil, and the smaller the particle, the more easily it can be absorbed into the body.
• Absorption: Once the nanoemulsified cannabis is consumed, the tiny particles pass through the stomach lining and enter the bloodstream quickly, providing almost immediate effects compared to traditional edibles.

Why Are Nanoemulsion Edibles So Effective?

Now that we know how nanoemulsion works let's explore the key reasons why these edibles are so much more effective than their traditional counterparts.

Faster Onset Time

Like we've previously mentioned, one of the most noticeable benefits of nanoemulsion edibles is their rapid onset. Traditional cannabis edibles often take a while to kick in — anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours — due to the slow digestion and absorption process. This can be frustrating for people who are looking for quicker relief or immediate effects.

Because nanoemulsion technology makes the cannabis extract much smaller and easier for your body to absorb, these edibles tend to work much faster. You can typically feel the effects within 15 to 30 minutes, making them much more predictable. Whether you're looking for quick pain relief, relaxation, or a mental boost, nanoemulsion edibles provide a faster solution to the issue you're dealing with.

Better Bioavailability = More Potent Effects

As we've also mentioned, another significant advantage of nanoemulsion edibles is their higher bioavailability. Because the cannabis molecules are broken down into smaller particles, a higher percentage of the cannabinoids make it into your bloodstream. This means more of the THC or CBD you consume is actually absorbed and put to use.

The result? Stronger, more potent effects from smaller doses. A 10mg THC gummy made with nanoemulsion will probably have more noticeable effects than a 10mg gummy made with traditional cannabis oil, thanks to the higher bioavailability. This allows you to experience more with less, so you don't have to gobble down fistfuls of cannabis gummies to get the desired effect.

Consistent and Reliable Effects

With more traditional edibles, there can be a lot of unpredictability when it comes to onset time and the strength of the effects. Sometimes the edible takes longer to kick in, and sometimes it hits harder than expected. This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially for people who are new to cannabis. It's even made some folks swear off edibles altogether!

Nanoemulsion edibles, however, offer a more consistent experience. Since the cannabinoids are evenly distributed and absorbed more efficiently, you can count on the effects to kick in at the same time and with the same strength pretty much every time. This consistency makes nanoemulsion edibles pretty interesting for both novice users and seasoned cannabis consumers who want a little more control over their experience.

Easier to Dose

If you've ever taken too many edibles, you know how uncomfortable it can be. With traditional edibles — especially homemade ones —  it can be difficult to know exactly how much you've eaten or how long it will take for the effects to hit.

Nanoemulsion edibles make dosing much easier and more precise. Since the active ingredients are distributed evenly throughout the product, each gummy, candy, or tincture will contain the exact same amount of THC or CBD. With a predictable and accurate experience, you can dial in the dose that works best for you.

Gentler on the Digestive System

If you have a sensitive stomach, you may have experienced a little discomfort after consuming regular edibles, particularly if those edibles had high doses of THC. This discomfort can come in the form of nausea or an upset stomach, which is common when your digestive system has to process larger quantities of cannabis oil.

Nanoemulsion edibles are gentler on the stomach because they're absorbed more quickly. The smaller particles cause less strain on the digestive process, allowing for a smoother and more comfortable experience. Whether you're new to edibles or just have a sensitive digestive system, nanoemulsion-infused products are a lot easier on your body.

Longer-Lasting Effects

While nanoemulsion edibles may kick in faster, they also tend to provide longer-lasting relief. Because the cannabinoids are released into your system steadily, the effects last longer than traditional edibles. This is great for people who are using cannabis for chronic conditions, as you don't have to worry about constantly re-dosing to maintain relief.

How Nanoemulsion Edibles Compare to Other Cannabis Products

With so many different ways to consume cannabis, it's worth considering how nanoemulsion edibles stack up against other options.

Nanoemulsion Edibles vs. Traditional Edibles

• Onset Time: Nanoemulsion edibles deliver effects in 15 to 30 minutes, while traditional edibles can take 30 minutes to two hours.
• Potency: Nanoemulsion offers stronger effects from smaller doses, while traditional edibles may require higher doses to achieve the same result.
• Consistency: Nanoemulsion edibles provide more consistent, predictable effects, whereas traditional edibles can vary.

Nanoemulsion Edibles vs. Smoking or Vaping

• Onset Time: Smoking or vaping gives almost immediate effects, but nanoemulsion edibles offer more lasting relief without the harshness on the lungs.
• Control: While smoking or vaping offers less control over dosing, nanoemulsion edibles ensure precise, reliable dosing every time.

Nanoemulsion Edibles vs. Tinctures

• Absorption: Tinctures are absorbed through the membranes under the tongue and offer quicker effects, but nanoemulsion edibles offer more gradual and longer-lasting relief.
• Convenience: Edibles are a lot more convenient than tinctures since they require no measuring or awkward administration.

Choosing the Right Nanoemulsion Edible

If you're new to nanoemulsion edibles, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right product for you. These factors can help you find an edible that best suits your needs and ensures a safe, enjoyable experience.

THC vs. CBD: What Do You Want From Your Edible?

One of the first things to consider is whether you want an edible with THC, CBD, or a combination of both. Keep in mind that THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for producing the "high" that many people are looking for when consuming edibles. It can provide a range of effects, from relaxation and pain relief to euphoria and even a jolt to your creativity. If you're looking for a more recreational experience, THC edibles are the way to go.

On the flip side of the coin, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it won't produce the high that THC does. It's really popular among people looking for therapeutic benefits without any mind-altering effects. Most people use them to help with chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, and even sleep issues without the intoxication.

That said, it's not either or. Many users also opt for a combination of both THC and CBD to create a balanced effect, where the THC provides relief and euphoria, while the CBD acts as a calming agent that helps moderate the intensity of the high. When selecting a nanoemulsion edible, think about what you're going for and choose the cannabinoids that best align with your needs.

Potency: Take it Easy — Especially if You're New to This

When it comes to cannabis edibles, especially nanoemulsion edibles, it's important to start with a low dose if you're new to the experience. Like we said above, nanoemulsion edibles are more potent than their counterparts, meaning that the same dose of THC or CBD will likely have a stronger and faster effect compared to traditional edibles. For newcomers, it's best to start with a small dose, generally between 5mg to 10mg of THC.

By starting low, you give your body the chance to adjust to the effects and gauge how you respond to the cannabis. This is important because edibles are easy to overconsume if you're not careful. Keep in mind that while these work a little faster, you're still not going to get the near-immediate feedback you get from smoking or vaping. So be patient and avoid taking more before you feel the initial effects.

Ingredients: Quality Matters

Not all cannabis edibles are created equal, so it's important to pay attention to the ingredients listed on the label. Many edibles use artificial additives, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners to enhance flavor or prolong shelf life, but these ingredients can sometimes be harsh on your body and compromise the quality of the edible.

Ideally, you should choose nanoemulsion edibles that use organic or sustainably sourced cannabis extracts, as well as other natural, clean ingredients. Many reputable brands — Sherpa included — will clearly list their ingredients and offer transparency regarding their sourcing practices.

It's also a good idea to make sure the products you're taking have been third-party tested. This verifies that the product contains the cannabinoid levels listed on the label and that it's free of harmful substances like pesticides, heavy metals, or mold. They should look a little something like this.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Cannabis Edibles?

So all of this is pretty cool, right? Scientists in lab coats breaking down cannabinoids for faster action within the body? We've come a long way in just a few short years, and it's clear that nanoemulsion technology is rapidly transforming the landscape of humble cannabis edibles.

Is this the future of cannabis that some experts are claiming it to be? We're not entirely convinced, but it does seem like a really interesting technology that has some very compelling use cases. Whether you're looking for more immediate and longer-lasting relief for chronic illnesses, if you're looking for a faster way to get to the relaxation after a long day,  or if you're just sick of sitting around waiting for your edible to kick in, this might be just the solution you need.