#167: Nano Edibles Explained: Why They Hit Faster (and Feel Stronger)
#167: Nano Edibles Explained: Why They Hit Faster (and Feel Stronger)
Ever taken an edible and felt like you were waiting for Godot? You check your watch. Nothing. Check again an hour later. Still nothing. Then suddenly, BAM! You're on the moon and wondering why you ate that second gummy.
If you've been there, you're not alone. Traditional edibles are notoriously unpredictable. But there's a technology that's changing the game: nanoemulsion. Cannabis products made with nanoemulsion deliver faster onset times, more predictable effects, and often feel more potent than their old-school counterparts. Here's what's actually happening when you eat a nanoemulsion edible:
What is nanoemulsion?

Nanoemulsion is an advanced technology that creates tiny droplets of cannabinoids and other compounds in water-based solutions. These particles are so small that they can easily pass through the lining of your mouth and stomach, allowing for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. This means that instead of waiting up to two hours for traditional edibles to take effect, you can start feeling the effects in as little as 15 minutes with nanoemulsion products.
The process of creating a nanoemulsion involves breaking down cannabis oil using specialized equipment and techniques. This creates a stable emulsion where the tiny droplets remain suspended in a solution without separating over time.
Cannabis compounds like THC and CBD are hydrophobic, which means they don't mix well with water. They dissolve in fats and oils, not in your bloodstream. When you eat a regular edible, those cannabinoids have to take the scenic route through your digestive system to get absorbed.
First, the cannabinoids have to survive the acidic environment of your stomach. Then they move to the small intestine, where absorption begins. From there, they pass through the liver (a process known as first-pass metabolism), where a big chunk of the cannabinoids gets broken down before reaching your brain.
This whole process can take anywhere from 60 to 120 minutes, sometimes even longer. Since everyone's metabolism is different, the amount of cannabinoids that gets absorbed can vary widely from person to person. It's why one 10 mg gummy might feel mild, while another hits like a freight train.
The nano advantage
Nanoemulsion technology takes those oily cannabis extracts and breaks them down into ultra-tiny droplets, which are so small they can mix smoothly into water-based products like drinks, tinctures, and even some gummies. We're talking droplets measured in nanometers, far smaller than what you'd see in regular emulsions like salad dressing.
The process typically involves high-pressure homogenization or ultrasonic mixing, which forces oil and water together under intense conditions to create stable, microscopic particles. The result? A clear or slightly cloudy liquid that blends seamlessly into beverages and other cannabis products.
Why does size matter? Because the smaller the particle, the larger the surface area. More surface area means more contact with your body's absorption sites, such as your mouth, stomach lining, and intestines. This dramatically changes how cannabinoids behave once they're inside you.
Same dose, stronger feel
Here's the thing: nanoemulsion doesn't magically add more THC to a product. A 10 mg gummy is still 10 mg whether it's nano or not. But what does change is how much of that THC your body actually uses.
Bioavailability refers to the percentage of a dose that enters your bloodstream in its active form. Traditional edibles have low bioavailability, typically ranging from 6% to 20%. This means that from a 10 mg edible, only 0.6 to 2 mg may actually reach your system.
On the other hand, nano-formulated cannabinoids have significantly higher bioavailability. Research shows that nanoemulsions can increase absorption by three to four times compared to standard oil-based products. Some studies even report bioavailability as high as 85% for nano THC, compared to the single digits for traditional edibles.
In practical terms, a 5 mg nano gummy could provide an experience as strong as, or even stronger than, a 10 mg traditional gummy. This is because more cannabinoids are absorbed into your bloodstream, making the effects feel more potent even at the same labeled dosage.
Top nano choices
Looking to put nanoemulsion into practice? Here are a few member favourites that showcase fast onset, flexible dosing and modern formats.
Nano Drops 5:50: For those who want gentle, highly customizable dosing with a big CBD backbone, Nano Drops 5:50 are a great place to start. These water-soluble drops mix easily into your favourite beverage and are well‑suited to people who are CBD‑forward, new to THC, or looking for an all‑day microdosing option.
The Drop (Viola): If you prefer a more THC‑forward nano booster, The Drop by Viola is a powerful, water‑soluble THC infuser made for beverages. The Drop uses an advanced nano‑emulsion colloidal solution designed for 100% dissolution, fast dispersion and fast onset when mixed into water, teas, juices and more.
Rapid Onset Peach 10:10 Gummies: For a classic edible format with a nano twist, Emprise’s Rapid Onset Peach 10:10 Gummies deliver balanced effects with a fruity finish. Made with full‑spectrum THC:CBD extracts and a sativa:indica terpene profile, these vegan, naturally flavoured gummies are designed to be both delicious and fast‑acting.
Lemonade 10 mg THC Instant Drink: If you enjoy drinkable cannabis, look for a lemonade‑style instant drink with 10 mg of THC made using nanoemulsion for rapid onset. They’re ideal for social situations where you want your dose to come on (and taper off) within a more manageable window.
Cherry THC Indica Gummy: For evening use, many members reach for indica‑leaning cherry gummies that pair a classic flavour with nano‑driven onset. These types of gummies can be effective for that evening wind-down or that final push for a good night’s rest.
Edibles, optimized
Nanoemulsion technology doesn't replace classic edibles; it just gives cannabis consumers another tool in the toolkit. Faster onset, improved bioavailability, and more repeatable effects make for a winning combination. Look out for nano products on Herbal Dispatch and see for yourself how this new technology is revolutionizing the cannabis industry.
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