Cannabinoid Oral Mucosal Delivery: Approaches to Formulation, Fabrication, and Permeation Enhancement
| Journal | AAPS PharmSciTech |
| Study Type | Clinical Study |
| Population | Human participants |
This item covers developments relevant to cannabis medicine and clinical practice. Clinicians monitoring evidence in this area should review the source material.
Cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have garnered significant interest for their broad-spectrum pharmacological activity in managing chronic pain, neurological disorders, and cancer-associated symptoms. Despite their therapeutic promise, clinical translation remains hindered by poor aqueous solubility, extensive first-pass metabolism, and inconsistent systemic exposure following oral administration. Oral mucosal drug delivery systems offer a viable alternative by enabling transmucosal absorption, bypassing hepatic metabolism, and facilitating both rapid and sustained drug release. This review examines the evolution and design of oral mucosal dosage forms, including fast-dissolving films, mucoadhesive matrices, in situ gels, and particulate systems and highlights the critical role of formulation strategies in enhancing cannabinoid bioavailability. Fabrication techniques such as solvent casting, hot melt extrusion, and emerging 3D printing methods are al
“This is a development worth tracking. The clinical implications will become clearer as more evidence accumulates.”
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FAQ
For which health problems are CBD and THC of therapeutic interest?
According to the review, CBD and THC have drawn significant interest for their broad pharmacological activity in managing chronic pain, neurological disorders, and cancer-associated symptoms. The review frames this as therapeutic promise whose clinical translation still faces hurdles, which is what motivates the search for better ways to deliver these compounds.
Why is it hard to get cannabinoids into the body when swallowed?
The review describes three main problems with oral administration of cannabinoids: poor solubility in water, extensive first-pass metabolism, and inconsistent systemic exposure, meaning the amount that reaches the bloodstream varies. These issues have hindered the move from therapeutic promise to clinical use.
How could delivery through the lining of the mouth help?
Oral mucosal delivery systems allow cannabinoids to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. The review describes this as a viable alternative to swallowing because it bypasses metabolism in the liver and can support both rapid and sustained drug release.
What types of oral mucosal cannabinoid products does the review cover?
The review examines the evolution and design of several oral mucosal dosage forms, including fast-dissolving films, mucoadhesive matrices, in situ gels, and particulate systems. It highlights the critical role that formulation strategies play in enhancing cannabinoid bioavailability.
How are oral mucosal cannabinoid products manufactured?
The review names solvent casting, hot melt extrusion, and emerging 3D printing methods as fabrication techniques for oral mucosal cannabinoid dosage forms. These manufacturing methods are covered in the review in addition to its discussion of formulation strategies and dosage form design.
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