A new trend could be emerging in the cannabis industry. Nanotechnology is starting to attract the attention of the cannabis industry, especially when it comes to medical marijuana and cannabinoid pharmaceuticals.

What is Nanotechnology?

In the simplest of terms, nanotechnology is the ability to alter and customize substances at the atomic level. This kind of tiny technology sounds like it belongs in a comic book. It is exactly the tech Tony Stark uses to rebuild his Iron Man suits in real time. But nanotechnology has been used by pharmaceuticals companies for over the past decade.

Nanotechnology is necessary to help the human body absorb many of the non-water soluble ingredients in medication. It is ideal for patients suffering from chronic pain who benefit most from a stable, time-release therapy.

It is in this area of research where the relationship between nanotechnology and cannabis pays off.

According to Cannabis Tech, cannabis is more effective in “nano form.” Patients can feel the effects in less than 15 minutes because nanotechnology directly enhances how much (or how little) cannabis is absorbed into the bloodstream.

One pot stock cashing in on this area of research is GB Sciences Inc. (OTC:GBLX). In October, they contracted the University of Seville (USE) to research nanotechnology and develop a time-released version of their THC-free chronic pain therapies. GB Sciences wants to provide patients with medication that does not come with any psychoactive side effects.

“We believe that developing a time-released formulation in conjunction with USE would increase the effectiveness of our chronic pain therapy and improve patient compliance. Time-release formulas are taken less frequently and achieve more consistent pain relief over time,” Dr. Andrea Small-Howard, Chief Science Officer at GB Sciences, clarified in a statement last fall.

Delay and other variabilities of onset are just a few ways nanotechnologies can be used in the cannabis sphere. Controlling the dosage of medical marijuana is another. Traditional edibles can take up to an hour to achieve the desired effects, and improper dosing can make it almost impossible to recreate effective medical treatments over time. Nanotechnology brings a level of precision to medical marijuana.

Nanotechnology and Cannabis in Real Time

Abattis Bioceutcals Corp. (CSE.ATT) (OTC.ATTBF) and the University of British Colombia started collaborating earlier this year to develop their nano-delivery tech for cannabis and hemp oils. The research aims to create nanotechnology that will enhance the oral delivery of cannabis.

Abattis also signed an agreement with Cannamedix last week that promises the provision of any current research the cannabis company is engaged in, including nanotech. According to the press release, Abattis CEO Rob Abenate wants to support the efforts of Cannamedix to create one of the first cannabis-infused natural health products in Canada.

“Our partnership with Cannamedix showcases another example of our commitment to offer R&D, analytical, regulatory and distribution services to the nascent cannabis and hemp markets,” Mr. Abenate added on May 17.

But GB Sciences might beat them to it. They finished the development of their nanotechnology with USE in April and received their exclusive worldwide license to manufacture the time-release nanoparticles. The company’s chief science officers, including Dr. Small-Howard, were trained in all aspects of nanoparticle manufacturing and quality control, emphasizing GB Sciences’ dedication to this area of technological development.

“This product could really be a game-changer for patients who suffer from neuropathic pain. We are eager to begin manufacturing these licensed nanoparticles in the US; thus, continuing the development and commercialization of this important therapeutic option," Dr. Small-Howard said.