If you’re interested in the benefits of CBD oil, you may have heard about liposomes and how these tiny bubbles help to more effectively deliver CBD throughout the body. In this article, we’ll distill the science behind liposomes and how they work to create a delivery system for CBD, as well as common questions about this breakthrough in the realm of CBD.

What are liposomes?

Liposomes are microscopic spheres made from cholesterol and other non-toxic fatty acids known as phospholipids. As a fat-soluble molecule, CBD needs lipids to effectively access the endocannabinoid system within the body. This system is the body’s own cell-signaling system that controls mood, sleep, appetite, and memory functions. The endocannabinoid system is already at work in your body, even if you don’t consume cannabis.

Liposomes grab onto nutrients, making them more easily and efficiently delivered to various parts of the body, including tissues, cells, and systems (such as the nervous and lymphatic systems). Due to their construction, liposomal delivery makes it easier and faster to absorb nutrients and compounds than it would take if you’d otherwise consumed them orally and waited for your body to metabolize them.

The liposomes form a protective barrier around nutrients and their microscopic size makes it easier for liposomes (and the nutrients and compounds they carry) to pass through membranes and become more readily absorbed. For this reason, liposomes have been used to deliver drugs, genetic material, or nutrients throughout the body in a fast, effective way.

What is Liposomal Hemp Oil?

Liposomal hemp oil is, simply put, hemp oil that contains liposomes. To be more specific, liposomes surround the cannabinoids in hemp oil and make delivery of these cannabinoids within the body more efficient. That’s why Elixinol blends CBD oil and Liposomes in our products, such as our Everyday Rapid Reset Liposome and our Sleep Rapid Rest Liposome.

Read on to learn more about the interactions between CBD and liposomes.

How Do Liposomes Help Absorb CBD?

CBD improves the bioavailability of nutrients & cannabinoids, meaning they increase how much of the substance is available when it arrives at its receptor within the body. How exactly is bioavailability increased? It’s complicated, but what it boils down to is this: liposomes coat substances and help them to bypass initial metabolism mechanisms, meaning more of the substance arrives at the receptor. We’re no scientists but we do know this: more available CBD means more potent effects. Liposomal CBD products are the clear winner if you’re looking for highly-efficient CBD products.

Why Does CBD Work Well With Liposomes?

In order for CBD to be absorbed into the body, it needs a carrier. Typically, oils are used as these carriers. Carrier oils are chosen for their mild flavor and light weight, a well as the fact that oils have a high fat content, which has been linked to better absorption of CBD.

Different types of oils have been used as carriers for CBD, ranging from extra virgin olive oil to hemp seed oil to MCT coconut oil. However, different oils have different properties and levels of absorption within the body. When taken orally, CBD mixed with a carrier oil can be less effective because it’s digested within the stomach and the full serving size does not always make it to the bloodstream, where it’s delivered throughout the body.

Liposomes are a safe delivery mechanism for CBD. Looking to liposomes to function as CBD carriers, their unique composition allows them to transport CBD throughout the bloodstream up to four times faster than some of the more traditionally used carrier oils. The protective coating that liposomes form around CBD can help prevent CBD from being broken down by stomach acids, if taken orally. From salves to capsules or tinctures, there are a variety of ways you can use CBD with liposomes as a carrier.

Because liposomes prevent CBD from being degraded before reaching the bloodstream, CBD can more accurately target parts of the body when used as a topical ointment, or better absorbed by the body when taken orally. While the types of carrier oils used in the formulation of CBD products may impact how quickly and effectively that product works, liposomes may offer greater control over how a formulated product achieves the desired effects.

Is Liposomal CBD Better Than Other CBD Products?

Liposomal CBD products make it easier for CBD to be absorbed into the body, but it’s difficult to say if it’s ‘better’. CBD products vary widely, from orally consumed products, to topical products with other supplements included. The method of ingestion, individual factors and many other variables impact the efficacy of CBD, so better is a deeply subjective way to look at things. Overall, your takeaway should be this: liposomal CBD products are more efficient, but not necessarily ‘stronger’ or ‘healthier’.

Liposomes Function as a Faster Way to Achieve Balance

With an eye on innovation, Elixinol has created several products with CBD liposomes designed to help you find greater balance and feel better faster. Elixinol’s Everyday Rapid Reset Liposome blends CBD with the zingy citrus flavor of lemon and orange extracts to provide all the benefits of liposomal CBD. Elixinol's Sleep Rapid Rest Liposome includes a custom formulation of CBD + CBN, Chamomile & Lemon Balm to help calm and relax mind and body for sleep. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning all about liposomal CBD -- to learn more about CBD and its positive impact on daily living, check out our CBD education resources.

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