How smokeless CBD delivery alternatives are carving a new niche

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von Patty Sa VON SPECTRUMLEAF CANNADIPS

The global demand for cannabidiol (CBD) remedies is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, recently published CBD market research have projected the global market to accelerate to USD 23.6 billion1, with Europe set to grow a further 400% by 20232. Such existing and anticipated rising demands for CBD applications in both medical and wellness applications are due to its commonly claimed healing properties. While such claims can yet to be deemed medical and the effects can differ individually, the overwhelming amount of real user stories across a wide spectrum of treatments has become the real key factor in driving the market and relevant regulation changes. For example, some studies have suggested CBD may help with seizure activities, insomnia, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress relief, alleviation of cancer symptoms and an assortment of other ailments associated with inflammation.

The natural evolution of CBD product innovations

Harnessing key takeaways from the cannabis boom in North America, various European governments have since introduced their own regulatory framework around cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. With clearly defined boundaries to play within, this allowed many CBD enthusiast and experts, or just keen entrepreneurs, to either develop their own CBD product or introduce existing ones from more mature markets such as Canada and certain states in the US. The nature of such ecosystem has therefore stimulated a natural evolution of product innovation further to traditional delivery methods such as flowers and vapes, or even oil and tinctures.

How do the delivery methods differ?

The cannabinoids in cannabis are fat soluble, which means the compounds need to be either combusted or incorporated into an ingestible form for the user to ultimately absorb into the bloodstream. The cannabinoids are then transported throughout the body to interact with or influence various receptors. The efficacy of the CBD absorption is thus dependent on the site of administration, or method of delivery.

When taking CBD through inhalation, such as smoking flowers or vaping, the cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the alveoli of the lungs. The large porous surface allows quick absorption, permitting almost instant delivery of the CBD molecules to the bloodstream. However, such methods are generally associated with harmful side-effects. To address those who prefer not to inhale anything, the option of ingestible oils and tinctures quickly surfaced and have since dominated a large segment of the market thanks to the simplicity of its oral delivery. Depending on each user’s preference, CBD oil is taken directly under the tongue for a recommended period of time to maximize delivery via the mucus membranes or is mixed with certain drinks or foods and ingested. When ingested, CBD compounds have to go through the stomach and the liver which metabolizes the active molecules to eventually reduce the concentration before they reach the bloodstream. Naturally, this lowers the effectiveness of the delivery. While the latter sublingual method under the tongue may partially bypass the digestive system, a portion is still ingested and thus efficacy lost.

Topical CBD remedies such as lotions and balms cannot reach the bloodstream but can be absorbed through the skin’s pores to interact with the cells near the surface and have also attracted a following in the cosmetic sector.

A smokeless in-mouth CBD pouch with high efficacy

To tackle the issue of efficacy in oral CBD delivery, one innovation that emerged was an in-mouth pouch product that was developed after careful research and collaboration with chemists. The key breakthrough was the method in making the cannabinoids in the pouches water dispersible. In other words, the CBD content inside the pouches are dissolvable in liquid, or saliva in the context of the pouch’s method of consumption. Although the format and method of use were initially inspired by the Nordic Snus tobacco pouches, these CBD pouches are smokeless, tobacco and nicotine free.

The key benefit of a water-soluble CBD formula via a mucosal delivery is its boost of bioavailability, and thus a faster acting effect. As a result, the bioavailability of a pouch is estimated to be 3 to 4 times higher compared to that of traditional CBD oils or tinctures. One pouch containing 10mg of waterdispersible (or water-soluble) CBD that is absorbed in the mouth is much more effective than an equal amount of oilbased CBD absorbed via the mouth and ingestion, which can have a less potent effect. The difference in effects, however, would only be noticeable when taken in higher dosages such as 100 mg. With no predecessor to such pouch idea, even the selection of the exterior had to be meticulous to ensure optimized release of the cannabinoids. The final material selected for the exterior had to be strong enough to stay intact during usage, but permeable enough to allow an optimal release of the cannabinoid compounds. The end product was a small pouch that utilizes fibre material similar to that of coffee filters and is ideally wedged between the upper inner lip and gum, where the porous surface allows for the desired release – much like the usage of Snus pouches. Furthermore, a proprietary process was used to preserve the valuable terpene and flavonoid compounds in the pouches’ hemp CBD, and any residual THC is extracted to warrant a broadspectrum and THC-free end product. This is a crucial aspect that requires creditable lab test verification for many European countries.

The advantages of a pouch format

By leveraging a smokeless pouch format, this innovation defined a new niche demand in the cannabis market for those who wish to enjoy CBD without any form of inhalation, unnecessary intake of calories (with edibles), and are perhaps just not an advocate of the taste or texture of oils and tinctures. The discreet usage of pouches also empowers users with the freedom of taking them anytime and anywhere without disturbing anyone around. Furthermore, with the high bioavailability and pre-defined dosage per pouch, users can better manage their CBD consumption as they see fit.

More innovations to come

The demographics of CBD users is ever expanding, and more countries are opening up its regulatory gateways towards cannabis. Whether it is taken through inhalation, sublingual, topical or ingestion – new breakthroughs like an in-mouth water-soluble CBD pouch will only continue to appear, with each defining its own niche followers and paving the way for future trends. The global CBD market will undoubtedly inspire another era of product innovation, with well-informed consumer driving the core of it.