If you’re looking into cannabis processing options, homogenization might seem a bit complicated at first. While there are certain elements to homogenization that are technical, homogenization is actually a pretty simple process! When it comes to particle size reduction, homogenizers work to combine two or more ingredients in a uniform manner. Since homogenization is mechanical, it doesn’t involve adding preservatives or other materials to the mixture. Thanks to pressure and other forces, particles become uniformly dispersed in the homogenization process.
When it comes to cannabis products, one of the best benefits a homogenizer can offer is how they deliver more consistent and uniform particle sizes in their dispersions. Here are the top three reasons why this should matter to you:
1. No More “Hot” and “Cold” Spots
As mentioned above, when you homogenize two or more ingredients, those particles are reduced to a small size and uniformly dispersed throughout the mixture. So without homogenization, there’s not a good way to determine where the cannabinoids are in your products. Therefore, you may have one item that is chock full of cannabinoids while the next item doesn’t have any. In fact, a recent study found 31% of cannabis products tested did not contain the amount of cannabinoids their labels claimed. That’s an unacceptable number in any industry, but can be particularly embarrassing for companies that are looking to establish themselves in the relatively new commercial cannabis industry.
2. Increased Drug Efficacy
Next, a smaller particle size will have a greater total surface area which can increase the rates of dissolution and absorption of any active ingredient. Therefore when working with cannabis, you need to ensure your products have small, uniform particle size for a greater absorption rate and there’s no better way to do this than using a homogenizer. Homogenizers can help you reach your target particle size reliably plus you can run a filter through the end product to see that all particles are the target size. Further, smaller particles can increase bioavailability by up to 75% by increasing the surface area and you can actually reduce the active ingredient required to achieve the same effect.
3. Product Appearance
While this doesn’t apply to cannabis products alone, a smaller, more uniform particle size can be beneficial for aesthetic reasons. When particles are homogenized properly, the end product can appear smoother and more homogenous. Therefore, when looking to add cannabis to lotions, food products, and other items, having a beautiful product can make all the difference when it comes to sales.
Final Thoughts
There’s a long history of businesses across all industries using homogenizers to guarantee uniformity in their product, which is something that everyone in the cannabis industry should want when creating new products. Plus, consumers want to associate with brands and products they can trust. So when you use high-pressure homogenizers in your process, you'll be keeping the promises you already make to your customers.
Pion manufactures BEE brand high-pressure homogenizers that are perfect for cannabis formulations. Contact us today to learn more.
