A patent application (US Pub. 20200237679) assigned to NanoSphere Health Sciences, LLC claims to be able to make cannabinoids more bioavailable for transport across hydrophobic mucosa. The application discloses a cannabis composition with increased bioavailability of 2- to 8-fold when compared to cannabis compositions not utilizing the technology.
NanoSphere Health Sciences is able to achieve this by nanoencapsulation of the cannabinoids by phospholipids, mainly phosphatidylcholine. The enhanced-bioavailability solution is intended for use in precision-metered dose inhalers, a rapid-growing area within the cannabis sector dominated by Pneuma Respiratory and Syqe Medical.
Many people seek to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without potentially harming themselves by smoking it, making metered-dose inhalers and cannabis-infused edibles an appealing option. Edibles, however, must first reach the stomach and small intestine for absorption into the bloodstream before the effects can be felt, which can sometimes take up to a couple of hours. Because of this delay, some people end up having cannabis intoxication because they take more edibles to try and feel the effects sooner.
Metered-dose inhalers have grown in popularity over the years because the same speedy effects achieved from smoking cannabis can also be achieved by inhaler, which also reduces risks involved in combustion smoking. The inhaler is able to deliver active cannabinoids to the lungs where they can be absorbed into the bloodstream virtually immediately with much fewer risks as associated with conventional smoking. Medical patients requiring immediate relief will likely turn to these safer inhaler options.
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