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Review

Strategies to Improve Cannabidiol Bioavailability and Drug Delivery

by
Saoirse Elizabeth O’Sullivan
1,*,
Sanne Skov Jensen
2,
Aditya Reddy Kolli
3,
Gitte Nykjær Nikolajsen
2,
Heidi Ziegler Bruun
2 and
Julia Hoeng
4
1
CanPharmaConsulting, Nottingham NG9 3BB, UK
2
Fertin Pharma, Dandyvej 19, 7100 Vejle, Denmark
3
PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
4
Vectura Fertin Pharma, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(2), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17020244
Submission received: 11 January 2024 / Revised: 2 February 2024 / Accepted: 7 February 2024 / Published: 13 February 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)
Browse Figures
Review Reports Versions Notes

Abstract

:
The poor physicochemical properties of cannabidiol (CBD) hamper its clinical development. The aim of this review was to examine the literature to identify novel oral products and delivery strategies for CBD, while assessing their clinical implications and translatability. Evaluation of the published literature revealed that oral CBD strategies are primarily focused on lipid-based and emulsion solutions or encapsulations, which improve the overall pharmacokinetics (PK) of CBD. Some emulsion formulations demonstrate more rapid systemic delivery. Variability in the PK effects of different oral CBD products is apparent across species. Several novel administration routes exist for CBD delivery that may offer promise for specific indications. For example, intranasal administration and inhalation allow quick delivery of CBD to the plasma and the brain, whereas transdermal and transmucosal administration routes deliver CBD systemically more slowly. There are limited but promising data on novel delivery routes such as intramuscular and subcutaneous. Very limited data show that CBD is generally well distributed across tissues and that some CBD products enable increased delivery of CBD to different brain regions. However, evidence is limited regarding whether changes in CBD PK profiles and tissue distribution equate to superior therapeutic efficacy across indications and whether specific CBD products might be suited to particular indications.

1. Introduction

The clinical use of cannabidiol (CBD) is receiving considerable attention, with clinical evidence supporting its efficacy in multiple disorders, including anxiety, psychosis, and schizophrenia, among others [1]. Epidiolex® is currently the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved purified CBD product, which is licensed for the treatment of childhood intractable epilepsy. Epidiolex is an oral solution, with an estimated oral bioavailability of 6–14% [2]. The mean effective dose of Epidiolex is between 20 and 25 mg/kg/day, corresponding to a mean plasma concentration of approximately 125 ng/mL [3,4]. Epidiolex is also being evaluated in the clinic for other paediatric diseases, including anxiety in epilepsy (NCT05324449), hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (NCT05651607), and autism spectrum disorder (NCT04517799), which may result in future label expansion.
The clinical development of CBD is somewhat hampered by its physicochemical properties, as described previously by Millar et al. [5]. As a lipophilic compound, CBD has poor solubility, variable pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles, poor oral bioavailability, and food interactions. To overcome the poor physicochemical properties of CBD, many investigators are developing novel strategies to improve oral bioavailability and identify novel delivery mechanisms for CBD. The primary aim of this review was to assess the preclinical and clinical PK of various CBD formulations, which have been developed using novel methodologies to enhance the bioavailability of CBD. The secondary aim was to review the PK of CBD administered by various routes for improved systemic exposure. Data from relevant studies were identified through a systematic literature search and identification of manuscripts investigating the PK profiles of purified CBD. Relevant manuscripts were also hand searched for any additional relevant studies. All authors independently searched for included studies. Figure 1 summarises the different routes of CBD administration across species. The data in Figure 1 showcase how different CBD products give rise to differences in maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), and total drug exposure (area under the curve (AUC)). However, a head-to-head comparison of PK-based formulation performance across various routes of administration requires further derivation of PK indices. The two most important factors influencing in vivo formulation performance are the overall resulting systemic exposure and the rate or speed of systemic delivery. As different doses are administered across different routes, a dose-normalised AUC (AUC/dose) enables determination of systemic exposure per unit dose. While the rate of systemic delivery can be determined by Cmax/Tmax, a dose increase may result in a higher Cmax, yielding a higher Cmax/Tmax for the same formulation. Therefore, dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery (Cmax/Tmax /dose) allows for the comparison of different formulations administered at various doses.

2. Strategies to Improve the Oral Bioavailability of CBD (Preclinical Studies)

Oral CBD is patient-friendly and easy to consume; however, the poor oral bioavailability of CBD remains a challenge, warranting the development of CBD products for improved in vivo performance. A wide variety of novel oral formulations are evaluated in preclinical animal models across multiple species. Here, we review the performance of different oral formulations of CBD that have been designed to improve the PK of CBD. A comparison of preclinical PK data based on the AUC/dose and Cmax/Tmax/dose of these oral formulations is shown in Figure 2, and the relevant data are listed in Table 1.
Table 1. PK parameters for oral administration of different CBD formulations in dogs, horses, mice, and rats. AUC, total drug exposure area under the curve; AUC/dose, dose-normalised area under the curve; CBD, cannabidiol; Cmax, maximum plasma concentration; Cmax/Tmax/dose, dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery; DCA, deoxycholic acid; EtOH, ethyl alcohol; LCT, long-chain triglyceride; MCT, medium-chain triglyceride; NP, nanoparticle; OG, oleoylglycerol; PG, propylene glycol; PK, pharmacokinetics; PNL, pro-nanoliposphere; SNEDDS, self-nanoemulsifying drug-delivery system; Tmax, time to maximum concentration.
Table 1. PK parameters for oral administration of different CBD formulations in dogs, horses, mice, and rats. AUC, total drug exposure area under the curve; AUC/dose, dose-normalised area under the curve; CBD, cannabidiol; Cmax, maximum plasma concentration; Cmax/Tmax/dose, dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery; DCA, deoxycholic acid; EtOH, ethyl alcohol; LCT, long-chain triglyceride; MCT, medium-chain triglyceride; NP, nanoparticle; OG, oleoylglycerol; PG, propylene glycol; PK, pharmacokinetics; PNL, pro-nanoliposphere; SNEDDS, self-nanoemulsifying drug-delivery system; Tmax, time to maximum concentration.
RouteDose (mg/kg)VehicleFormulation
Category		Tmax (h)Cmax (ng/mL)AUC (ng/mL × h)Cmax (ng/mL)/Dose (mg/kg) AUC (ng/mL × h)/Dose (mg/kg) Cmax (ng/mL)/Tmax (h)/Dose (mg/kg) Ref
Rat
Oral19.3MCTLipid-based61284456.6323.11.11[6]
Oral20Sesame oil (Epidiolex)Lipid-based1629276631.4513831.5[6]
Oral12Sesame oil (LCT)Lipid-based330893225.777.78.56[7]
Oral12Sesame oilLipid-based422582118.868.44.69[8]
Oral12Oleic acidLipid-based313460411.250.33.72[8]
Oral12Linoleic acidLipid-based41086029.0050.22.25[8]
Oral122-OG + oleic acidLipid-based6715125.9242.70.99[8]
Oral12Oleic acid + glycerolLipid-based312558410.448.73.47[8]
Oral12Glycerol trioleateLipid-based315456012.846.74.28[8]
Oral25Sesame oilLipid-based2.5724270229.010811.6[9]
Oral25Sesame oil + surfLipid-based2562213122.585.211.2[9]
Oral12Sesame oilLipid-based316486513.772.14.56[10]
Oral12Coconut oilLipid-based584413734.41.40[10]
Oral12Rapeseed oilLipid-based51185879.8348.91.97[10]
Oral10Sunflower oilLipid-based296.52929.659.301.40[11]
Oral12Sesame oilLipid-based320986517.472.15.81[12]
Oral12Soybean oilLipid-based316577513.864.64.58[12]
Oral12Peanut oilLipid-based315373712.861.44.25[12]
Oral12Olive oilLipid-based225883521.569.610.75[12]
Oral12Sunflower oilLipid-based31125519.3345.93.11[12]
Oral12Coconut oilLipid-based596413834.41.60[12]
Oral100Olive oilLipid-based8272026,70027.22673.40[13]
Oral15Sesame oilLipid-based41366609.0744.02.27[14]
Oral18.75Sunflower oilLipid-based4.058.9566.80.483.560.12[15]
Oral20NanoemulsionEmulsion-based1454194922.797.522.7[6]
Oral18.75Sunflower oil + lecithinEmulsion-based2.5434.41531.838.160.72[15]
Oral15Sesame-SNEDDSEmulsion-based1.081376119.1340.78.46[16]
Oral15MCT-SNEDDSEmulsion-based11015796.7338.66.73[16]
Oral15Cocoa butter-SNEDDSEmulsion-based6458286430.51915.09[16]
Oral15Tricaprin-SNEDDSEmulsion-based5261204117.41363.48[16]
Oral15Piperine-PNLEmulsion-based217859311.939.55.93[16]
Oral15Piperine-PNLEmulsion-based1.816880911.253.96.22[16]
Oral15PNLEmulsion-based1.21302868.6719.17.22[16]
Oral15PNLEmulsion-based1.111373009.1320.08.23[17]
Oral15Piperine-PNLEmulsion-based1.6717057011.338.06.79[17]
Oral15Curcumin-PNLEmulsion-based1.56631684.211.22.69[17]
Oral15Resveratrol-PNLEmulsion-based1.9962026.413.53.37[17]
Oral50NanoemulsionEmulsion-based2.4323022,40064.644826.9[13]
Oral40MCT protein–maltodextrinEmulsion-based41190856029.82147.44[18]
Oral40MCT/LCT protein–maltodextrinEmulsion-based2212012,1905330526.5[18]
Oral40LCT protein–maltodextrinEmulsion-based2189012,50047.331323.6[18]
Oral14.5Pure CBD suspensionLiquid41.13.70.080.260.02[19]
Oral10PGLiquid228932.8014732.4[20]
Oral12PGLiquid2813566.7529.73.38[12]
Oral12PGLiquid3873277.2527.32.42[7]
Oral12PG:EtOH:waterLiquid5553564.5829.70.92[10]
Oral40Zein NP whey protein Nanotechnology2466291211.6572.85.83[21]
Oral12.6NanocrystalsNanotechnology1.2515184712.067.29.61[14]
Oral14.5NanoparticlesNanotechnology0.32151.91.453.584.83[19]
Oral40Free-form CBDSolid/Resin423216575.8041.41.45[21]
Oral15Lipid-freeSolid/Resin1.0739902.606.002.43[17]
Oral48.00IsolateSolid/Resin3739530715.41115.13[22]
Horse
Oral10Sesame oilLipid-based3.555.77785.5777.81.59[23]
Oral10MicellarEmulsion-based214383014.383.07.14[23]
Dog
Oral5.77OilLipid-based262514710825.554.2[24]
Oral5.77Microencapsulated oil beadsLipid-based634610460.017.910[24]
Oral11.5OilLipid-based484631773.627.518.3[24]
Oral11.5Microencapsulated oil beadsLipid-based457817750.315.412.5[24]
Oral1MCTLipid-based2.1720764820764895.3[25]
Oral8.33Cannef tabletsSolid/Resin3.5217137626.11657.43[26]
Transmucosal1MCTLipid-based1.92200536200536104[25]
Mice
Oral5MCT (Miglyol 812 N)Lipid-based0.3814.91.602.985.13[27]
Oral5CapsulesEmulsion-based0.310.916.32.183.267.27[27]
Oral5Capsules + DCAEmulsion-based1116.52.201.302.2[27]
Oral20Soybean oil + fatEmulsion-based21305516.4827.63.24[28]
Oral30GelSolid/Resin1236.24287.8714.37.87[29]
CBD is lipid-soluble; therefore, many studies have investigated the PK profiles of lipid formulations of CBD, such as CBD formulated with coconut, olive, peanut, rapeseed, sesame, soybean, and sunflower oil (Table 1). In rats, lipid-based CBD formulations result in a wide range of systemic exposure levels according to the AUC/dose, ranging from 3.6 to 267 (Table 1). For example, one study showed that compared with a lipid-free formulation, a sesame oil-based CBD formulation resulted in a 14% increase in absolute bioavailability, a higher Cmax, 3-fold higher systemic exposure (AUC), and no alterations in Tmax in rats [7]. CBD as part of a sesame-oil-based lipid formulation appears to be rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation in rats, with a maximal Cmax/Tmax/dose of 31.5 and an AUC/dose of 138 [6]. Lipid formulations, such as CBD formulated with sesame oil, also lead to higher lymphatic uptake of CBD with a lymphatic-to-plasma ratio of 250:1 [30]. Delivery of sesame-oil-based and olive-oil-based formulations increases AUC/dose, with rapid systemic absorption, as indicated by a higher Cmax/Tmax/dose, in rats. Other oils, such as soybean, peanut, sunflower, rapeseed, and coconut oil, show lower AUC/dose and Cmax/Tmax/dose values (Table 1). Most studies have shown that sesame-oil-based CBD formulations have superior PK performance in rats, while medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)-based formulations are most rapidly absorbed in dogs with maximal systemic exposure. However, it must be noted that variability exists among studies, and the number of studies is limited. As such, more research is required (Figure 2).
The PK parameters of emulsion-based CBD formulations have been evaluated in 18 preclinical studies (Table 1). Depending on the emulsifying technology and formulation, the AUC/dose in rodents ranges between 8.2 and 448. Jelinek and colleagues showed that a lecithin-based microemulsion increased CBD bioavailability, with a 3.2-fold higher Cmax and a 2.1-fold higher AUC than the sunflower-oil-based formulation [15]. The CBD concentration in the lymph was 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than the serum concentration for both the lecithin-based formulation and the sunflower-oil-based formulation, emphasising their absorption potential. CBD emulsions with whey protein–maltodextrin are among the most efficient CBD formulations tested to date [18]. The addition of MCTs or long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) improves the delivery efficiency of CBD (Figure 2), and in vivo MCT/LCT and LCT oils show better CBD transport and absorption than lipid-free formulations.
Nanoemulsions demonstrate several advantages, such as a small droplet size, large surface area, and high solubilisation capacity, resulting in good in vivo performance with a Cmax/Tmax/dose of 26.9 and an AUC/dose of 448 [13]. Self-nanoemulsifying drug-delivery systems (SNEDDSs) are anhydrous homogeneous liquid mixtures consisting of oil, surfactant, active pharmaceutical ingredient, and co-emulsifier or solubiliser, forming an oil-in-water nanoemulsion (≤200 nm) upon dilution with water. Izgelov and colleagues [16] compared the PK profiles of LCT-based and MCT-based CBD formulations in rats to understand if incorporating LCTs into SNEDDSs would enhance CBD delivery owing to lymphatic targeting. The results showed that incorporation of LCTs into SNEDDSs enhanced CBD bioavailability when compared with MCT oil; however, this may depend on the triglyceride levels. In vivo evaluation of cocoa butter (LCT-SNEDDS) and tricaprin (MCT-SNEDDS) showed that the LCT-SNEDDS had a 1.6-fold higher AUC than the MCT-SNEDDS. While MCT-based and sesame-oil-based SNEDDS formulations were rapidly absorbed (Cmax/Tmax/dose), cocoa butter-based and tricaprin-based SNEDDS formulations achieved higher systemic exposure (AUC/dose) (Figure 1). Cherniakov and colleagues [17] developed pro-nanoliposphere (PNL) SNEDDSs composed of lipid and emulsifying excipients known to increase solubility, reduce phase I metabolism, and improve absorption of lipophilic active compounds using absorption enhancers, such as piperine. Compared with CBD in solution (propylene glycol:ethyl alcohol:water), CBD–PNL–piperine showed a six-fold increase in AUC [17]. However, another study reported no difference in the enhancement of CBD bioavailability by piperine when administered chronically or acutely in conjunction with the PNL SNEDDS in rats [16]. In fact, the cocoa-butter-based and tricaprin-based SNEDDS formulations showed superior performance to the PNL-based formulation. Kok and colleagues [6] compared the PK profiles of SNEDDS formulations with the MCT-CBD and sesame-oil-based CBD formulations in healthy female rats. No PK differences were found between the two SNEDDS formulations; however, the SNEDDSs showed 2.2- and 2.8-fold greater systemic exposure than MCT-CBD, while there was no increase in systemic exposure when compared with the sesame-oil-based CBD formulation.
Shreiber-Livne et al. [19] synthesised CBD-loaded poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG) b poly(epsilon caprolactone) nanoparticles using a nanoprecipitation method. Compared with CBD in suspension, the CBD-loaded nanoparticles showed a 14-fold increase in AUC and a reduction in Tmax. Wang et al. [21] found that CBD formulated in a nanoparticle composite of zinc and whey protein demonstrated increased water solubility and a 2-fold and 1.75-fold increase in Cmax and AUC, respectively, compared with a soybean-oil-based formulation. However, the overall performance was similar to that of the soybean-oil-based formulation.
In summary, the strategies used to increase the oral bioavailability of CBD in the preclinical space are predominantly lipid-based formulations. Incomplete gastrointestinal absorption combined with extensive hepatic metabolism are the main reasons for the low bioavailability of CBD. The putative mechanism of increased CBD absorption in the presence of lipids is enhanced intestinal–lymphatic transport, minimising presystemic elimination and hepatic first-pass metabolism. In general, emulsion-based formulations and lipid-based formulations demonstrate better preclinical PK performance by taking advantage of the physicochemical properties of CBD, such as its lipophilicity, to increase bioavailability. Whereas SNEDDSs often improve the speed of delivery and demonstrate higher Cmax values, lipid-based formulations prolong the plasma concentration of CBD. Further optimisation of parameters affecting the gastrointestinal absorption and presystemic metabolism of CBD could facilitate the development of novel formulations that demonstrate better and more consistent bioavailability, as well as reduced variability in the clinic. Alternative technologies are continuously being developed and patented to increase CBD solubility and bioavailability. Some examples include the single CBD crystal structure (Pureform), co-crystals (Artelo Biosciences, CA, US [31]), CBD and cyclodextrin complexes (Medexus Pharmaceuticals and Vireo Health LLC, Canada [32]), encapsulation (Avecho, Australia [33]), and CBD encapsulated in biodegradable polymer nanospheres as a lyophilised powder (Aphios Corporation, MA, US [34]). These formulations are often combined with technologies that are intended to increase the delivery of CBD and cannabinoids from rapidly disintegrating tablets [35], lozenges [36], and liquifying tablets (Fertin Pharma) [37].
The translation of formulation performance across species is challenging. The overall in vivo exposure (AUC/dose) to CBD is low in mice, despite a comparable rate of systemic delivery (Cmax/Tmax/dose) to humans and rats (see Figure 3). This may be due to differential tissue distribution kinetics and higher systemic clearance; however, the exact mechanisms need to be further evaluated. Whereas dogs have a comparable AUC/dose values to humans and rats, the rate of systemic delivery tends to be higher (Cmax/Tmax/dose) in dogs. Emulsion-based formulations have shown improved performance compared with lipid-based formulations in rats, whereas oral administration of lipid-based formulations has shown superior performance in dogs. It is because of potential differences in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion that CBD formulations have commonly been evaluated in rats. This is because rats tend to show comparable AUC/dose and Cmax/Tmax/dose values to humans, making rats a relevant animal model for the preclinical evaluation of CBD products.

3. Strategies to Improve the Oral Bioavailability of CBD (Clinical Studies)

Clinical evaluation of novel CBD formulations is primarily focused on lipid- and emulsion-based delivery systems. A comparison of the clinical PK profiles of CBD formulations based on the AUC/dose and Cmax/Tmax/dose values of different oral formulations is shown in Figure 4 and Table 2.
Table 2. PK parameters for various CBD formulations administered by different routes in humans. AUC, total drug exposure area under the curve; AUC/dose, dose-normalised area under the curve; CBD, cannabidiol; Cmax, maximum plasma concentration; Cmax/Tmax/dose, dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery; EtOH, ethyl alcohol; GML, glyceryl monolinoleate; MCT, medium-chain triglyceride; NP, nanoparticle; PG, propylene glycol; PK, pharmacokinetics; PNL, pro-nanoliposphere; SEDDS, self-emulsifying drug-delivery system; SNEDDS, self-nanoemulsifying drug-delivery system; Tmax, time to maximum concentration.
Table 2. PK parameters for various CBD formulations administered by different routes in humans. AUC, total drug exposure area under the curve; AUC/dose, dose-normalised area under the curve; CBD, cannabidiol; Cmax, maximum plasma concentration; Cmax/Tmax/dose, dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery; EtOH, ethyl alcohol; GML, glyceryl monolinoleate; MCT, medium-chain triglyceride; NP, nanoparticle; PG, propylene glycol; PK, pharmacokinetics; PNL, pro-nanoliposphere; SEDDS, self-emulsifying drug-delivery system; SNEDDS, self-nanoemulsifying drug-delivery system; Tmax, time to maximum concentration.
RouteDose (mg/kg) *VehicleFormulation
Category		Tmax (h)Cmax (ng/mL)AUC (ng/mL × h)Cmax (ng/mL)/Dose (mg/kg) AUC (ng/mL × h)/Dose (mg/kg) Cmax (ng/mL)/Tmax (h)/Dose (mg/kg) Ref
Oral0.33MCTLipid-based33.0519.29.1557.73.05[38]
Oral0.67MCTLipid-based5.21473.8211114.04[39]
Oral0.13MCTLipid-based5.10.843.46.3125.51.24[40]
Oral0.40Lipid-solubleLipid-based1.50.651.511.633.771.08[41]
Oral0.60GenericLipid-based1.8816.837.52862.614.9[42]
Oral1.20GenericLipid-based2.0523.511919.698.89.55[42]
Oral0.67EpidiolexLipid-based2.036.320.19.4530.14.66[43]
Oral0.53MCTLipid-based4.263.511.96.5522.41.54[44]
Oral0.53GMLLipid-based1.596.4715.812.129.57.6[44]
Oral1.20Sesame oil (gelcap)Lipid-based4146611.7552.92[45]
Oral1.33SyrupLipid-based3.22.810.32.17.730.66[46]
Oral1.33EpidiolexLipid-based3.320.564.115.448.14.66[46]
Oral1.6MCTLipid-based4.8913.91228.776.31.78[47]
Oral20EpidiolexLipid-based4292151714.675.93.66[48]
Oral40EpidiolexLipid-based5533266913.366.72.67[48]
Oral60EpidiolexLipid-based572232151253.62.41[48]
Oral80EpidiolexLipid-based578236969.7846.21.96[48]
Oral10EpidiolexLipid-based5.11336158733.61596.58[49]
Oral20EpidiolexLipid-based6.13525265026.21324.28[49]
Oral60EpidiolexLipid-based4.0742723397.12391.75[49]
Oral5.33Corn oil (gelcap)Lipid-based318170433.913211.3[50]
Oral5.33Corn oil (gelcap)Lipid-based1.511448221.490.414.3[50]
Oral10.7Corn oil (gelcap)Lipid-based322186720.781.36.91[50]
Oral10.7Corn oil (gelcap)Lipid-based415772214.767.73.68[50]
Oral2Corn oilLipid-based282.626941.361.520.7[51]
Oral0.4MCTLipid-based1.283.513.818.8534.56.91[52]
Oral0.4PowderLipid-based1.532.889.967.224.94.71[52]
Oral0.4MCTLipid-based0.75.5710.7713.926.919.9[52]
Oral0.33SEDDSEmulsion-based113.532.640.697.940.6[38]
Oral0.13SolutechEmulsion-based0.9623.6152715.6[40]
Oral0.40Water-solubleEmulsion-based0.92.826.87.05177.83[41]
Oral0.53SEDDSEmulsion-based1.686.9417.71333.37.74[44]
Oral1.20SNEDDS (gelcap)Emulsion-based218611550.87.5[45]
Oral0.13PNLEmulsion-based32.16.915.851.85.25[53]
Oral0.13SEDDSEmulsion-based1.642.949.8522.173.913.4[54]
Oral0.60TurboCBDSolidified2.1721.247.735.379.416.3[42]
Oral1.20TurboCBDSolidified1.8377.618164.715135.3[42]
Oral1.20Powder (hardcap)Solid/Capsule8.40.880.676.670.08[45]
Oral1.33Powder (gelcap)Solid/Capsule2.517.842.513.431.95.34[46]
Oral1.33GelcapSolid/Capsule411.131.58.3323.62.08[55]
Oral0.13Gelatin matrix pelletsSolid/Capsule33.229.6424.272.38.05[56]
Oral1.33Gelatin matrix pelletsSolid/Capsule3.547.415035.611210.2[56]
Oral10.7CapsulesSolid/Capsule377.95807.3054.42.43[57]
Oral0.13CapsulesSolid/Capsule1.272.476.0318.545.314.6[58]
Oral2PowderSolid/Capsule2.520.767.410.414.14.14[51]
Transmucosal 0.08Water-soluble NPEmulsion-based10.530.876.6310.96.63[59]
Transmucosal 0.24Water-soluble NPEmulsion-based14.628.9019.337.119.3[59]
Transmucosal0.13SativexLiquid3.52.057.315.454.84.39[56]
Transmucosal0.13SativexLiquid3.182.057.315.454.84.83[54]
Transmucosal0.13SativexLiquid10.53.13.7523.33.75[53]
Transmucosal 0.27SativexLiquid4.54.629.317.31103.83[39]
Transmucosal0.13EtOH:PGLiquid1.632.57.1218.853.411.5[58]
Transmucosal0.13EtOH:PGLiquid2.83.026.822.7518.09[58]
Transmucosal 0.13EtOH:PGLiquid1.391.155.648.6342.36.21[60]
Transmucosal 0.13EtOH:PGLiquid43.6623.127.51736.86[60]
Transmucosal 0.13EtOH:PGLiquid11.035.17.7338.37.73[61]
Transmucosal 0.13EtOH:PGLiquid1.380.663.544.9526.63.59[61]
Transmucosal 0.13EtOH:PGLiquid1.150.6334.7322.54.11[61]
Transmucosal 0.07SativexLiquid3.71.64.52467.56.49[62]
Transmucosal 0.20SativexLiquid46.718.133.590.58.38[62]
Transmucosal0.33WaferSolidified4.59.133.527.31016.07[39]
Transmucosal 0.67WaferSolidified4.1157122.51075.49[39]
* Dose was normalised to a 75 kg human.

3.1. Lipid-Based Formulations

The PK profiles of CBD in lipid-based formulations (up to 80 mg/kg/day) have been evaluated in multiple clinical studies. Dramatic variations in the rate of systemic delivery and overall exposure have been observed for lipid-based CBD formulations in humans. MacNair and colleagues investigated potential sex differences in CBD PK profiles and found no differences in standard PK parameters [47]. Low and high doses of CBD in a sesame-oil-based formulation (Epidiolex) resulted in lower AUC/dose values, whereas an Epidiolex dose of approximately 10 mg/kg showed an increased AUC/dose value. Compared with rodents (or other preclinical species), higher doses of Epidiolex in humans resulted in lower AUC/dose and Cmax/Tmax/dose values, which may be attributed to potential saturation of CBD solubility in the gastrointestinal tract [63]. Although corn-oil-based CBD formulations have not been evaluated in preclinical species, these formulations [50,51] have demonstrated comparable systemic bioavailability (AUC/dose) to sesame-oil-based formulations (Epidiolex) in humans [43,46,48,49], with higher rates of systemic delivery. In one study, CBD formulated with lipid-based syrup showed poor PK performance [46].

3.2. Emulsion-Based Formulations

Six clinical studies have evaluated the PK profiles of emulsion-based CBD formulations. Compared with lipid-based formulations, emulsion-based formulations have a higher rate of systemic delivery (Figure 3). Berl and colleagues [40] compared the PK profile of Solutech™-TC10, a liquid emulsion containing 23.4 mg cannabis oil (10.0 mg Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); 9.76 mg CBD), with MCT-based CBD oil in healthy adults. Solutech-TC10 showed a greater Cmax, greater elimination and absorption rate constants, and a faster Tmax and shorter lag time and half-life for all analytes compared with MCT-based CBD oil. These results may be due to the smaller droplet size and larger surface area of the nanoemulsion formulation. Another study compared the PK profile of CBD delivered with either MCT oil, glyceryl monolinoleate (GML), or as part of a self-emulsifying drug-delivery system (SEDDS) [44]. In vitro digestion showed that the SEDDS yielded the highest CBD recovery in the aqueous phase (86% ± 2%), followed by GML (13% ± 2%) and MCT oil (5.6% ± 0.8%), respectively. Clinical testing of the SEDDS confirmed better performance in humans, with the CBD AUC0–12 h being 1.12-fold and 1.48-fold higher than with the GML and MCT oil formulations, respectively. The use of proprietary VESIsorb® SEDDS technology improved CBD bioavailability compared with the MCT–coconut oil CBD formulation [38]. The SEDDS formulation was superior for all measured PK parameters, including Cmax and AUC0–24 h, as well as demonstrating a faster Tmax.
Several clinical investigations have demonstrated enhanced systemic delivery of CBD when using SEDDSs. Cherniakov and colleagues [53] compared the PK profile of a capsule-based THC-CBD-piperine-PNL delivery system with an equivalent oromucosal dose of Sativex®. The PNL formulation showed a 4-fold increase in Cmax and a 2.2-fold increase in AUC compared with Sativex. Atsmon and colleagues [54] compared the proprietary PTL401 SEDDS, an oral THC and CBD formulation, with Sativex. The relative CBD bioavailability of PTL401 was 131%, with a 1.6-fold higher Cmax when compared with the equivalent dose of Sativex. PTL401′s CBD Tmax of 1.3 h was significantly shorter than Sativex’s® Tmax of 3.5 h.
Izgelov and colleagues [45] compared the oral absorption of synthetic CBD in a capsule, CBD dissolved in sesame oil, and CBD in a capsule-based SNEDDS. The administration of CBD in sesame oil resulted in a 17-fold increase in Cmax and 8-fold AUC improvement when compared with CBD in powder form. This is in line with findings showing that CBD administered in corn oil produced a significantly higher plasma CBD concentration than pure powdered CBD [51]. The SNEDDS-based CBD formulation showed a 22-fold higher Cmax and a 7-fold higher AUC than the powdered form [45]; however, when comparing the SNEDDS-based CBD formulation with the sesame-oil-based CBD formulation, there was no difference between the AUC and Cmax values. Tmax was delayed (median 4 h) with the sesame-oil-based and powdered formulations. Sesame-oil-based CBD showed delayed absorption, whereas the SNEDDS formulation resulted in a uniform early absorption profile. In other studies, a water-soluble emulsion-based formulation resulted in good systemic delivery but poor dose-normalised exposure [41,59].

3.3. Solidified Formulations

Hobbs and colleagues [41] compared the PK profile of a water-soluble CBD formulation with an MCT oil-based CBD formulation. The water-soluble powdered and MCT formulations demonstrated Cmax values of 2.82 ng/mL and 0.65 ng/mL and Tmax values of 54 min and 90 min, respectively. Interindividual variability was pronounced in the water-soluble CBD group, with some individuals showing a single absorption peak and others showing two peaks. This result is in accordance with the findings of sesame-oil-based CBD formulations, suggesting that (second) exposure may occur after potential enterohepatic recirculation [45]. The volume of CBD distribution was high for both treatment groups (water-soluble CBD and MCT-oil-based CBD) [41], suggesting that a large amount of CBD was partitioned to the tissues relative to the plasma. Williams and colleagues [52] compared the PK performance of five different CBD preparations diluted in water: a tincture, two powdered formulations, and two liquid formulations with varying combinations of MCT oil, emulsifiers, and polyols. One of the liquid formulations, which combined gum arabic, MCT oil, and citric acid, outperformed pure CBD powder and the CBD tincture according to the Cmax and AUC0–4 h values. Another study evaluated the dose-dependent plasma exposure to CBD using the capsule-based TurboCBD™ delivery technology [42]. TurboCBD relies on dehydration of long-chain fatty acids high in oleic acid, as well as the addition of American ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, and CBD in the ratio of 13:3:1. Although there were no differences between TurboCBD and organic multi-spectrum hemp oil in the 45 mg condition, the circulating CBD concentration was higher in the TurboCBD 90 mg group at both 90 min (+86%) and 120 min (+65%) than in the 90 mg hemp oil control group. Only the TurboCBD 90 mg dose showed greater CBD bioavailability than placebo at 30 min, which remained elevated at 4 h.

3.4. Encapsulated Formulations

Atsmon and colleagues [56] compared the PK profile of proprietary agent PTL101 (containing 10 mg CBD), which is an oral gelatin matrix pellet containing CBD embedded in seamless gelatin matrix beadlets, with that of an equivalent dose of Sativex. The bioavailability of CBD with the 10 mg PTL101 dose was 131% relative to the corresponding dose from Sativex. PTL101 administration led to a 1.7-fold higher Cmax and a 1.3-fold higher AUC when compared with Sativex. The Tmax of both formulations occurred at approximately 3–3.5 h after administration; however, there was a 1 h lag time in CBD absorption when delivered via PTL101. Other studies have evaluated the exposure and elimination kinetics of CBD after oral or vaporised administration by measuring plasma [46] and urine [64] CBD concentrations over time. For oral administration, 100 mg CBD was delivered in a gelcap filled with inert microcrystalline cellulose, a CBD powder suspended in 2 mL ORA-Plus®, or as Epidiolex. ORA-Plus is a blend of suspending agents that have a high degree of colloidal activity, forming a gel-like matrix, which suspends particles and attenuates settling. Of the three oral formulations, Epidiolex had the highest Cmax, and the ORA-Plus syrup containing CBD had the lowest Cmax. All formulations demonstrated high variability. Epidiolex led to a higher urinary CBD concentration than the other oral formulations [64]. The Tmax of all oral formulations was approximately 4–5 h [64]. Compared with other encapsulated formulations, such as gel capsules and powder, gelatin matrix pellets demonstrate faster systemic delivery and higher systemic exposure (Figure 4).
To summarise the human data on CBD oral bioavailability, the improvements of Tmax and systemic delivery are commonly shown in published, clinically evaluated SEDDS and lipid-based formulations. Commercial products including technologies such as the VESIsorb®, TurboCBD, and PTL101 can be found in the market. Registered clinical studies are looking at the effects of CBD in insomnia (ACTRN12621001181897), epilepsy (NCT02987114), and hypertension (NCT05346562) using novel oral CBD products. Collectively, the results indicate that the lipid profile of a formulation substantially influences CBD delivery. Lipid-based oral formulations achieve higher systemic exposure (AUC/dose), whereas emulsion-based oral formulations demonstrate rapid systemic delivery (albeit not based on head-to-head studies). Depending on the PK requirements of a target indication (i.e., prolonged systemic exposure or rapid systemic delivery), an appropriate formulation could potentially be selected to best suit the patient’s needs.

4. Novel Routes of CBD Administration

As well as the many strategies being investigated to improve the oral bioavailability of CBD, researchers are investigating novel routes of CBD administration, some of which might be particularly relevant to specific indications. The PK profiles of different delivery strategies and administration sites (both preclinical and clinical) are reviewed below, and clinical developments in these delivery routes are highlighted. Figure 5 shows the PK indices for different routes of administration in various species, and the associated data are shown in Table 3.
Table 3. PK parameters for different CBD formulations administered by non-oral routes in dogs, guinea pigs, horses, mice, rats, and humans. AUC, total drug exposure area under the curve; AUC/dose, dose-normalised area under the curve; CBD, cannabidiol; Cmax, maximum plasma concentration; Cmax/Tmax/dose, dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery; DBC, dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin; EtOH, ethyl alcohol; GML, glyceryl monolinoleate; MCT, medium-chain triglyceride; NP, nanoparticle; PEG, polyethylene glycol; PG, propylene glycol; PK, pharmacokinetics; Tmax, time to maximum concentration.
Table 3. PK parameters for different CBD formulations administered by non-oral routes in dogs, guinea pigs, horses, mice, rats, and humans. AUC, total drug exposure area under the curve; AUC/dose, dose-normalised area under the curve; CBD, cannabidiol; Cmax, maximum plasma concentration; Cmax/Tmax/dose, dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery; DBC, dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin; EtOH, ethyl alcohol; GML, glyceryl monolinoleate; MCT, medium-chain triglyceride; NP, nanoparticle; PEG, polyethylene glycol; PG, propylene glycol; PK, pharmacokinetics; Tmax, time to maximum concentration.
RouteDose (mg/kg) *VehicleFormulation
Category		Tmax (h)Cmax (ng/mL)AUC (ng/mL × h)Cmax (ng/mL)/Dose (mg/kg) AUC (ng/mL × h)/Dose (mg/kg) Cmax (ng/mL)/Tmax (h)/Dose (mg/kg) Ref
Rat
Intravenous0.2PEG:saline:EtOHLiquid–359610417,980518–[65]
Intravenous2.5Capryol + CremophorEL + TranscutolP + waterLiquid0.0811786234712495654[15]
Intravenous4PGLiquid0.08210013805253456300[7]
Intravenous15.5SalineLiquid0.5521626,8703371734673[66]
Intravenous4PGLiquid0.088726742181682724[14]
Intravenous5SalineLiquid––1446–2890.00[22]
Intranasal0.2PEGLiquid0.3535.4152177758506[65]
Intranasal0.2PEG:saline:EtOHLiquid0.4827.443.3137216285[65]
Intranasal0.2PEG:saline:EtOH: glycocholateLiquid0.4730.241.8151209322[65]
Intranasal0.2PEG:saline:EtOH:DBCLiquid0.3319.934.6100173302[65]
Intranasal15.5SalineLiquid0.5271013,038175841350[66]
Intranasal15.5NanoemulsionEmulsion-based0.5261014,723168950337[66]
Inhalation0.9Sunflower oilLiquid521713218.580.11[11]
Inhalation1.7EthanolLiquid52632272246.644[11]
Inhalation3.5MCTLiquid55675131029.24.83[11]
Inhalation6.7PGLiquid588895024114748.2[11]
Inhalation13.9PGLiquid602400203015513430.9[11]
Inhalation10PGLiquid0.52204661731462.88[20]
Subcutaneous10PGLipid-based7885.813314226.5[20]
Intramuscular4.2NanocrystalsNanotechnology0.69239145957.034882.6[14]
Horse
Intravenous1Chremophor + EtOH + salineLiquid0.081000580.4100058012,000[23]
Dog
Intravenous2.25EtOHLiquid––2706–1203–[67]
Intravenous4.5EtOHLiquid––6095–1354–[67]
Intranasal1.67PEG:NaClLiquid0.492861.316.836.834.2[26]
Transdermal5.77CreamLipid-based1074.311.712.92.031.29[24]
Transdermal11.5CreamLipid-based1227829.724.12.572.00[24]
Mice
Intravenous10Soybean oil + fatEmulsion-based0.17234331912343191403[28]
Intranasal30SuspensionLiquid0.291205296840.298.9139[29]
Guinea pigs
Intravenous1PGLiquid0.032691752691758070[65]
Transdermal22.5Gel (PG:water)Solid/Resin38.48.62760.3812.30.01[65]
Transdermal22.5Gel (PG:water) + TranscutolHPSolid/Resin31.235.68881.5839.50.05[65]
Human
Intravenous0.27EtOHLiquid0.0568610002573375151,450[68]
Inhalation0.26Marijuana cigarettesSmoke0.0511029143011378594[68]
Inhalation0.13DPISolid0.0618.787.6614157.52224[43]
Inhalation1.33CBD dominant Aerosol0.101711511281131283[46]
Inhalation1.33Pure CBDAerosol0.1010573.978.555.4785[46]
Inhalation1.33CBD dominant Aerosol0.2181.4185.8136139680[55]
Inhalation1.33Pure CBDAerosol0.2104.610878.581.0392[55]
Transdermal1.33Gefion GT4 techEmulsion-based80.583.330.432.500.05[69]
* Dose was normalised to a 75 kg human, ‘–’, values not reported.

4.1. Transdermal

Transdermal or topical administration of CBD is common, and clinical trials have shown that topical CBD significantly reduces pain in people with joint arthritis [70], peripheral neuropathy [71], and fragile-X syndrome [72] compared with placebo. Unfortunately, only a small number of studies have examined the PK parameters of CBD after transdermal administration. Transdermal administration of CBD is the slowest form of systemic delivery with a low AUC/dose (Figure 5).
A preclinical study conducted in dogs compared the PK profiles of oral microencapsulated oil beads, oral CBD-infused oil, and CBD-infused transdermal cream at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg [24]. Acute application of CBD-infused transdermal cream led to detectable CBD that peaked at 10 h (10 mg/kg) or that was still increasing at 12 h (20 mg/kg), but with much lower plasma exposure than either of the oral formulations at equivalent doses. However, with repeated dosing for 6 weeks (twice per day), the CBD concentration was comparable between the (high-dose) transdermal and oral formulations. In hairless guinea pigs treated with a transdermal CBD gel, a steady-state plasma concentration was achieved at 16 h and was increased by 4-fold when administered with the permeability enhancer diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, with a Tmax of 31 h [65]. This led to a 3-fold increase in systemic exposure and a 5-fold increase in the rate of systemic delivery.
According to a study in humans, the systemic CBD concentration after transdermal delivery is low. However, CBD was administered in combination with THC, which may have affected the results [69]. Nonetheless, using the Gefion GT4 transdermal delivery system, participants had detectable CBD within 2 h, with a Tmax of 8 h. The maximal concentration of CBD reported in this study was 0.58 ng/mL, which is considerably lower than with other delivery methods. However, this was a single-dose study, and exposure levels are likely to increase with repeated application of CBD. Overall, the bioavailability of CBD was poor (Figure 4). Several studies have examined strategies to improve dermal delivery of CBD, but without accompanying systemic measurements of CBD or its metabolites. For example, studies have demonstrated that CBD permeation was enhanced by oleic acid [73] or chitosan and zinc oxide nanoparticles [74]. The treatment of dermatological conditions with CBD is an emerging research area [75], and novel skin-permeable CBD formulations may prove efficacious in this field, although this is yet to be confirmed in the literature.
In summary, while transdermal delivery of CBD may have clinical benefit [70,71], there is a paucity of PK data of transdermal CBD formulations in humans. Preclinical studies suggest that there is very slow permeation of CBD into systemic circulation, but twice daily application for 6 weeks leads to comparable CBD levels as with oral administration [24]. Thus, transdermal delivery of CBD is unlikely to deliver sufficient systemic levels of CBD for acute symptom management. Nevertheless, transdermal delivery may be useful for chronic disorders or where local delivery of CBD is required. Registered clinical studies are investigating the effects of topical CBD on vascular reactivity (NCT05456113), chemotherapy-induced pain (NCT05388058), painful osteoarthritis (ACTRN12621001512819), musculoskeletal pain (NCT05170451), and scar healing (NCT05650697). A permeation-enhanced CBD transdermal gel, Zygel™ [76], is currently in development for patients with fragile-X syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q).

4.2. Inhalation

Because of the poor oral bioavailability of cannabinoids, their traditional route of delivery has been through inhalation. In rats, pulmonary delivery of CBD via a vaporiser (20 mg per 4 rats) led to detectable levels of CBD in serum (almost immediately) and brain (from 15 min) [20]. The peak serum concentration of CBD was similar between inhalational administration and oral administration (10 mg/kg) and higher than subcutaneous administration (10 mg/kg). The concentration of CBD in the brain was highest after oral delivery (pulmonary and subcutaneous delivery led to similar peak brain concentrations of CBD). Also in rats, CBD was more rapidly absorbed following inhalation (13.9 mg/kg) than by ingestion when administered with MCT oil by gavage (10 mg/kg; Tmax 5 min vs. 2 h, respectively) with a 24-fold higher Cmax and a 15-fold higher AUC [11]. The Cmax and AUC of the metabolites 6-OH-CBD, 7-OH-CBD, and 7-COOH-CBD were also higher in the plasma after inhalation than after oral administration of CBD in male rats. Inhalation resulted in a slightly higher Cmax/Tmax/dose and a similar AUC/dose compared with oral administration, which resulted from significant absorption through the gastrointestinal tract [77].
A number of studies have examined the PK profile of CBD delivered through the lungs in humans. Ohlsson et al. (1986) compared inhalation and intravenous (IV) administration of deuterium-labelled CBD (19 mg) in healthy young males [68]. The estimated systematic bioavailability of inhaled CBD was approximately 31%. The mean clearance was around 1240 mL.min−1, and the mean distribution amount was 33 kg−1 (similar to what was previously observed with THC by the same investigators). In a study examining the urinary profile of CBD after administration, the urinary concentration of CBD was higher after oral administration than after CBD administered by vaporisation (100 mg in both cases), peaking at 5 h after ingestion and within 1 h after inhalation in healthy volunteers [78]. A follow-up study investigated the urinary PK profiles of three formulations of CBD (gelcap, pharmacy-grade syrup, and Epidiolex) and vaporised CBD, all 100 mg [64]. As before, the urinary CBD concentration was higher after oral administration, and the oral dose formulation affected the mean Cmax (Epidiolex > capsule > syrup) but had little effect on Tmax (~5 h with the oral formulation and 1.3 h with the vaporised formulation). The Cmax of urinary metabolites of CBD was also highest with Epidiolex for 7-OH (Epidiolex > capsule > syrup > vaporised) and 7-CBD-COOH (Epidiolex > capsule = syrup > vaporised). A second publication from the same study reported the plasma profiles of CBD and its metabolites using the same cohorts [46]. Vaporised CBD delivered the highest plasma concentration of CBD, with the order of oral formulations being the same as that observed when measuring urinary CBD (Epidiolex > capsule > syrup). The 7-COOH-CBD concentration was 7-fold higher with oral administration than with vaporisation. Moreover, the comparison of inhalational (2.1 mg as a dry powder inhaler (DPI)) with oral (50 mg Epidiolex) CBD administration showed that the Cmax was 71-fold higher with inhalational CBD, with a rapid onset (Tmax 4 vs. 122 min, respectively) in healthy adults. The dose-adjusted AUC was also 9-fold higher with inhalational CBD than with oral CBD. Inhalational CBD resulted in a lower plasma concentration of 7-COOH-CBD than oral administration, with a metabolite-to-parent-drug ratio of 2.4 vs. 60, respectively. This suggests that there is reduced first-pass metabolism of the parent compound with inhalation. Devinsky and colleagues compared the PK profile of a DPI CBD formulation with the PK profile of Epidiolex in healthy volunteers. The authors found that DPI CBD had a 71-fold higher Cmax than Epidiolex, while delivering 24-fold less CBD [43]. DPI CBD and Epidiolex had Tmax values of 3.8 and 122 min, respectively. In humans, the Cmax/Tmax/dose for inhalation was ~50 times higher than in rodents as a larger amount of compound was absorbed from the respiratory tract [77], although the AUC/dose was lower with the use of specialised devices, suggesting significant device-related drug loss.
In summary, inhalation of CBD leads to rapid detection of CBD in the plasma and brain, which is likely to be particularly useful for indications requiring an immediate effect, such as seizures or panic attacks. Inhalation may lead to greater plasma exposure (AUC) than oral administration, although further direct comparison studies are needed. Inhalation may reduce the PK variability caused by gastrointestinal absorption and is subject to less first-pass metabolism. Regarding the potential clinical development of inhalational CBD products, investigators (Rapid Therapeutic Science Laboratories) have initiated two phase I trials with a metered-dose inhaler containing CBD in preparation for an Investigational New Drug application with the FDA.

4.3. Transmucosal

CBD users are commonly advised to put CBD oil under their tongue to allow absorption through the mucous membrane, which is suggested to have the potential advantage of faster delivery while avoiding first-pass metabolism. Sativex, the 1:1 THC:CBD medication used for the management of spasticity in multiple sclerosis, is administered via an oral cavity spray. However, a significant portion of the drug is washed from the mucosa and swallowed following its use, resulting in a similar PK profile to that of oral administration. Given the limited and very slow permeation of CBD across mucosal membranes, it is more likely that current transmucosal products are actually delivered orally.
In a preclinical study [79], a sublingual CBD–cyclodextrin complex and sublingual ethanolic CBD were compared with oral ethanolic CBD at a CBD dose of 250 µg/kg in rabbits. The AUC after sublingual administration of the CBD–cyclodextrin complex was similar to that of sublingual ethanolic CBD, but greater than that of oral ethanolic CBD in rabbits. Sublingual CBD was absorbed slowly, without a Tmax during the 5 h study. A major limitation of the study was that the plasma concentration following oral administration was below the limit required for quantification, suggesting an issue with the absorption of the oral formulation. Another study conducted in pigs showed that CBD had a very low permeability rate over 8 h through the oral mucosa and that it accumulated within the oral mucosa [80]. In that study, CBD was detectable in the plasma, albeit appearing slowly and at a very low concentration. In the clinical setting, CBD is likely to be washed away by the saliva before mucosal permeation. In a study conducted in dogs, no difference was seen in any PK parameter between 1 mg/kg oral and transmucosal CBD administration [25]. The authors concluded that CBD was unlikely to be absorbed through the oral mucosa and was swallowed. One study in humans compared a sublingual wafer with an equivalent dose of oral oil solution in humans (both 50 mg CBD). The results showed no difference in the Cmax or Tmax (4 h) between the formulations [39].
Guy and Robson [58] compared sublingual, buccal, and oropharyngeal administration of liquid CBD spray in humans. Sublingual administration had a lower Tmax, whereas buccal administration had a higher Cmax [58]. In another study, healthy volunteers [39] were administered a sublingual wafer (25 and 50 mg) or an oil-based solution to compare their CBD PK profiles. The porous and amorphous WaferiX™ matrix containing active CBD is designed to rapidly collapse and release CBD nanoparticles within 1 min of contact with the saliva in the sublingual space. When comparing the two wafer doses with eight sprays of Sativex and an MCT oil, there were no statistically significant differences between the AUC0–24 h of CBD after administration of MCT oil or wafer compared with Sativex.
Some studies have investigated various mechanisms to improve transmucosal permeation, without measuring PK variables. Two studies by Tabboon and colleagues [81,82] showed that diethylene glycol monoethyl (DEGEE) and PEG or their combination, or DEGEE with MCTs, enhanced CBD permeation through the oesophageal mucosa in pigs.
In summary, because of the lipophilic nature of CBD, transmucosal absorption is slow with a low permeability rate. Thus, the PK profile of CBD with oral mucosal delivery tends to be similar to the PK profile with oral ingestion (Figure 1). The AUC/dose of solidified formulations, such as wafer, is high; however, similar exposure and performance can be obtained with oral administration. It is possible that future studies will establish novel ways to improve oral permeation, but no data currently exist to suggest the superiority of this delivery route.

4.4. Intranasal

Intranasal (IN) drug administration is a potential route of delivery for neurological conditions [83], where CBD has most clinical evidence for efficacy [1]. Preclinical studies have shown that intranasal delivery of CBD improves symptoms in several behavioural tests of posttraumatic stress disorder [29] and produces long-lasting antinociceptive effects in neuropathic pain, with a faster onset than oral delivery [84].
PK studies have shown that CBD (200 μg/kg) is absorbed intranasally within 10 min, with a bioavailability of 34–46% in rats [65]. PEG 400-A leads to an increase of approximately 3.5-fold in AUC compared with the intranasal PEG 400-ES formulation. In this study, bioavailability did not increase with the addition of enhancers. When delivered at the same dose with the same formulation (PEG 400-ES), the AUC of CBD was around 2-fold higher with intravenous administration than with intranasal administration [65]. Ahmed and colleagues [66] also showed that the plasma AUC of intranasal CBD delivery (3.1 mg) was approximately half that of intravenous CBD delivery. However, the brain AUC was around 2-fold higher after intranasal administration of a CBD nanoemulsion formulation compared with intravenous or intranasal delivery of non-formulated CBD. This indicates that CBD formulated as a nanoemulsion is potentially able to pass through the olfactory epithelium, thereby bypassing the blood–brain barrier and increasing the CBD concentration in the brain. In dogs, CBD administered intranasally (20 mg) resulted in a Cmax ~66% and an AUC ~22% of those of oral administration (100 mg) [26]. The Tmax with intranasal CBD ranged between 20 and 30 min among studies [26,65,66].
In summary, intranasal administration of CBD appears to be a fast and effective delivery method, and brain exposure is enhanced with an optimised nanoemulsion formulation. Therefore, this may be an attractive route of delivery for neurological conditions. NobrXiol™ contains pharmaceutical-grade CBD in an intranasal spray powder formulation. It is being developed for the management of epilepsy [85], but it is not yet in clinical trials.

4.5. Intravenous

Although not a common route of administration, a limited number of preclinical studies have shown that intravenous administration of CBD is effective for the treatment of certain conditions, such as newborn brain damage after oxygen starvation [86], ischemia/reperfusion liver injury [87], and depression [28]. Ohlsson and colleagues [68] first described the PK profile of deuterium-labelled CBD (20 mg) in humans, showing that the AUC was 4-fold higher with intravenous administration than when administered by smoking/inhalation at a similar dose (19.2 mg). In another study, compared with intramuscular (5 mg/kg) and oral (15 mg/kg) administration, CBD administered intravenously (4 mg/kg) had a higher Cmax and a similar half-life in rats [14]. The AUC of intravenous CBD was similar to that with oral delivery. In another study conducted in horses, the AUC of intravenous CBD (1 mg/kg) was slightly lower than that of two oral CBD formulations (both 10 mg/kg) [23]. In dogs, intravenous administration of CBD (45 or 90 mg) led to a dose-proportional increase in AUC, with a terminal half-life of approximately 9 h [67]. In the same study, oral CBD (180 mg) did not lead to detectable plasma CBD.
In a direct comparison of efficacy in mice, intravenous CBD (10 mg/kg) had a similar antidepressant effect to 100 mg/kg oral CBD when measured 1 h after drug administration [28]. According to acute PK measurements, mice treated with intravenous CBD had a plasma concentration of ~370 ng/mL compared with a plasma concentration of ~50 ng/mL in mice treated with oral CBD. However, the animals were treated weekly with the respective doses of intravenous or oral CBD, so it is unclear how much of the antidepressant effect was due to chronic dosing and how much was due to acute dosing.

4.6. Intramuscular

Intramuscular delivery of CBD is not common. However, one preclinical study showed that intramuscular injection of CBD (5 mg/mL resulting in administration of 10 µg CBD) reduced mechanical sensitivity in rats, suggesting possible benefits in the context of chronic muscle pain [88]. A recent study showed that intramuscular delivery of a CBD nanocrystal formulation (5 mg/kg) led to enhanced plasma CBD exposure (AUC) when compared with intravenous administration (4 mg/kg) or oral administration of the same CBD nanocrystal or CBD dissolved in oil (both 15 mg/kg) [14]. Intramuscular administration also had a higher Cmax and a faster onset (Tmax ~40 min) than oral administration (Tmax 75–240 min depending on the formulation). Further studies are warranted on intramuscular administration as a potential method to achieve fast and effective CBD delivery.

4.7. Intrarectal

Intrarectal administration is a useful delivery mechanism for certain patients, such as those who cannot swallow or are unconscious, or for indications requiring improved bioavailability or local delivery. Moqejwa and colleagues [89] developed novel CBD-loaded transferosomes for intrarectal delivery with improved permeation of colorectal membranes compared to CBD alone, without affecting membrane integrity. Further PK or efficacy assessments were not conducted for these formulations. However, intrarectal administration of CBD (100 mg suppository after defecation) in dogs did not lead to detectable plasma CBD, suggesting that intrarectal administration may not be an appropriate mechanism for systemic CBD delivery [26]. Future studies are needed to evaluate local administration for indications such as inflammatory bowel disorders, for which intrarectal administration may be appropriate.

4.8. Subcutaneous

Only one study to date has examined the PK profile of CBD after subcutaneous administration. The concentrations of CBD in the serum and brain peaked at around 1 h after subcutaneous delivery of CBD (10 mg/kg) in rats [20]. Compared with oral delivery of the same dose, peak serum and brain concentrations were 3–4-fold lower with subcutaneous delivery, despite appearing to have a longer half-life; however, the AUC and half-life were not reported. Subcutaneous administration showed two CBD concentration peaks, possibly indicative of a two-compartment (central and peripheral) PK model.
At least two subcutaneous CBD products are currently in development. CRD-38 is a novel subcutaneously administered formulation of CBD that is intended for use in heart failure [90]. Valeritas has also developed a proprietary h-Patch™ CBD subcutaneous delivery system, although the status of this development programme is unclear [91].

5. Tissue Distribution of CBD

A limited number of studies have investigated the tissue distribution of CBD and whether CBD distribution is affected by the CBD formulation or route of administration.
In a guinea pig model, CBD was detectable in joint tissues (articular cartilage and infrapatellar fat pad of the stifle joints) 24 h after oral administration of 25 or 50 mg/kg CBD in almond oil [92]. The concentration of CBD in the joint tissues was dose-dependent, with the CBD concentration being higher in the infrapatellar fat pad (~260 ng/g; 50 mg/kg) than in the articular cartilage (~80 ng/g; 50 mg/kg). CBD was also detected in the synovial fluid of horses administered oral CBD acutely (3 mg/kg in sunflower oil) or for 6 weeks (0.5 or 1.5 mg/kg) [93]. CBD was more consistently detectable after 5 weeks of twice-daily dosing (~1–6 ng/mL) compared to 12 h after the first acute dose, suggesting that CBD accumulates in the synovial fluid.
In rats, CBD and its metabolites (6-OH-CBD and 7-OH-CBD) were detected in the whole brain within 5 (CBD) or 30 (metabolites) min after oral dosing (10 mg/kg CBD in MCT). The Tmax was around 2 h, and the maximal CBD brain exposure was around 100 ng/mL [11]. Oral administration of CBD (10 mg/kg in sunflower oil) resulted in a peak brain concentration of around 200 ng/g at 2 h after administration [20]. In the same study, the concentration of CBD in the brain was measured after subcutaneous dosing of CBD (10 mg/kg), peaking at around 45 ng/g at 1 h. After acute pulmonary administration of CBD (20 mg vaporised per four rats), the peak concentration was around 75 ng/g at 15 min [20].
Different CBD formulations may lead to different CBD brain concentrations among brain regions. Microcapsule oral administration of CBD (5 mg/kg in MCT oil) with deoxycholic acid, a permeation-modifying bile acid, showed an earlier and slightly higher (although not statistically significant) CBD concentration in the whole brain compared with two other preparations [27]. A recent study found that oral administration of different lipid-based CBD formulations resulted in varied brain CBD exposures [10]. All oral formulations (lipid-free, sesame oil, coconut oil, and rapeseed oil) showed peak brain exposure at around 1 h after administration (12 mg/kg), with the highest CBD concentration detected in the olfactory bulb, occipital lobe, and striatum. Administration of CBD in lipid-free vehicle resulted in the highest whole-brain CBD exposure (AUC: 3270 ± 1890 ng/g × h), followed by the sesame oil, coconut oil, and rapeseed oil formulations. The relative distribution of CBD across brain regions was formulation-dependent. For example, the CBD concentration in the striatum (motor and reward systems) was considerably higher with the sesame oil, coconut oil, and rapeseed oil formulations. After intranasal delivery, the concentration of CBD in the brain was greater with an optimised nanoemulsion of CBD than with either intravenous or intranasal delivery of non-formulated CBD [65].
Another study measured the accumulation of CBD in the gastrocnemius muscle, liver, and adipose tissue in adult rats following oral gavage at increasing doses (0, 30, 115, and 230 mg/kg/day in MCT oil) [94]. After dosing for 28 days, CBD was around 100-fold higher in the adipose tissue than in the muscle or liver tissue. For example, at the maximum dose of 230 mg/kg/day, the CBD concentration was 1.15 mg/kg in the liver, 0.93 mg/kg in muscle tissue, and 109 mg/kg in adipose tissue. For the same relative CBD dose, females consistently showed higher concentrations in the muscle and liver. Repeated pulmonary dosing of CBD over 14 days (6.7 or 13.9 mg/kg) led to quantifiable levels of CBD in the brain measured 24 h after the last dose, while CBD metabolites were only measurable in the brain tissue following the highest inhaled dose (13.9 mg/kg) [11].
In summary, a limited number of studies have shown that after acute oral CBD dosing, CBD is detectable in the joints and synovial fluid, as well as in the brain, albeit with regional heterogeneity in the brain. This distribution profile may be dependent on the CBD formulation. CBD is also detectable in the brain when administered by inhalation (fast onset), subcutaneously, and intranasally. Data suggest that the formulation and route of delivery of CBD may be optimised for delivery to specific brain regions. Repeated CBD dosing leads to a higher detectable concentration of CBD in the adipose tissue than in the liver and muscle tissue and is also detectable in the synovial fluid (oral administration) and brain (inhalational administration).

6. Does an Improved CBD PK Profile Lead to Better Efficacy?

Although some products have improved the plasma exposure to CBD, it remains to be established whether this increased plasma exposure equates to superior therapeutic efficacy. Some studies have attempted to answer this question, and others have evaluated whether particular routes of administration are better suited to some conditions.
In one study in rats, a CBD emulsion demonstrated higher absolute oral bioavailability than an oil solution, with greater lymphatic absorption of CBD [15]. The same study also showed that the CBD emulsion was therapeutically effective in a model of rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, there was no control arm with which to compare the oil CBD solution in the rheumatoid arthritis model, so it was not possible to assess whether the enhanced bioavailability of the emulsion led to superior efficacy. In another study, the administration of nasal inclusion complex temperature-sensitive hydrogels resulted in a higher brain tissue distribution and improved PK compared to oral administration in mice [29]. The nasal formulation was effective in a model of posttraumatic stress disorder, but no direct comparison with the efficacy of oral CBD was made in the same model.
In humans, the plasma concentration of CBD over time was higher in volunteers treated with a corn oil formulation than in those treated with a powdered formulation (both 150 mg). However, neither of the formulations affected a facial emotion recognition task [51]. Hobbs et al. [41] showed that in healthy volunteers, a water-soluble CBD powder demonstrated greater bioavailability than a lipid-soluble formulation (both 30 mg). However, there was no difference in tumour necrosis factor or interleukin-10 production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated or non-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from volunteers 90 min after CBD exposure.
Other studies have concluded that certain CBD formulations have better efficacy, without concurrent PK studies. For example, CBD complexes with cyclodextrins were more cytotoxic to cancer lines in vitro than CBD dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide, indicating their potential applicability in the field of oncology [95]. Similarly, in another study, poly-ε-caprolactone microspheres of CBD were slightly more effective at killing breast cancer cells in vitro [96]. Small lipid nanocapsules of CBD were also better at killing brain cancer cells in vitro [97]. In the pain setting, a nanostructured lipid carrier of CBD delivered intranasally produced a faster and longer-lasting antinociceptive effect in animals with chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain than oral administration or nasal administration (both 5 mg/kg) of a CBD solution [84]. CBD-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles were more effective than CBD at reducing inflammation in chondrocytes in an in vitro model of osteoarthritis [98].
A small number of preclinical studies have compared how the route of CBD administration affects its therapeutic profile. Schicho and colleagues compared the effects of CBD administered intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg), orally (20 mg/kg), or intrarectally (20 mg/kg) in a mouse model of colitis [99]. The authors found that intraperitoneal or intrarectal administration of CBD significantly improved the colitis score index and decreased myeloperoxidase activity, while oral dosing did not. Unfortunately, the plasma concentration of CBD was not measured, so it was not possible to determine whether the oral CBD product achieved a similar plasma concentration to other routes. In mice, repeated dosing with either 10 mg/kg CBD administered intravenously or 100 mg/kg CBD administered orally (but not 10 mg/kg administered orally) exerted antidepressive behavioural effects in the forced swim test in chronically stressed animals, but some of the molecular endpoints (synaptophysin and IBA1) were more consistently modified by intravenous dosing [28]. In a mouse model of brain cancer, local administration of CBD-loaded poly-ε-caprolactone microparticles (containing 6.7 mg CBD, given every 5 days) reduced tumour growth to the same level as daily local administration of the same amount of CBD (15 mg/kg for 22 days) [96]. In addition, subcutaneous and intranasal administration of CBD (both 6.7 mg/kg for 26 days) reduced the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in mice [100].
In conclusion, while some studies have demonstrated a superiority of novel CBD formulations in PK, this has not yet been linked to a greater therapeutic profile, or indeed to a reduced side effect profile. Similarly, some products have shown therapeutic superiority over non-formulated CBD, but without PK measurements to establish whether this is related to differences in the onset, peak, or duration of plasma/tissue CBD exposure. Direct comparisons of various routes of administration (with different associated PK profiles) have also not yet been linked to greater efficacy for particular indications. This is one area that would greatly benefit from further research.

7. Conclusions

This review of the published literature shows that research and commercial development are ongoing to improve the delivery, bioavailability, and variability of CBD. Maximising CBD delivery may help to improve therapeutic efficacy while reducing its side effect profile and drug–drug interaction risks, which is the ultimate aim for the patient. There are limited but promising data on novel delivery routes such as inhalation, intramuscular, and subcutaneous. However, evidence is limited regarding whether changes in CBD PK profiles equate to superior therapeutic efficacy across indications and whether specific CBD products might be suited to particular indications. Very limited data show that CBD is generally well distributed across tissues and that some CBD products enable increased delivery of CBD to different brain regions. Unique tissue distribution profiles associated with different products may be better suited to some indications than others. However, again, there is a paucity of data testing this. Thus, there is still much work to be done to optimise CBD products, and head-to-head comparisons should be performed across various indications.

Author Contributions

All authors have made substantial contributions to the conception (J.H. and S.E.O.), analysis (all), drafting the work (all), and all have approved the submitted version. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This work was funded by Fertin Pharma and Vectura Fertin Pharma.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data sharing is not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

Saoirse Elizabeth O’Sullivan is a paid consultant to Vectura Fertin Pharma, Switzerland, and a paid employee of Artelo Biosciences, US. Sanne Skov Jensen, Gitte Nykjær Nikolajsen, and Heidi Ziegler Bruun are paid employees of Fertin Pharma, Denmark. Julia Hoeng is a paid employee of Vectura Fertin Pharma, Switzerland. Aditya Reddy Kolli is a paid employee of Philip Morris International, Switzerland.

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Figure 1. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), and area under the curve (AUC) for cannabidiol administered by various routes in different species. The raw data used in Figure 1 are listed in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3.
Figure 1. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), and area under the curve (AUC) for cannabidiol administered by various routes in different species. The raw data used in Figure 1 are listed in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3.
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Figure 2. Oral delivery efficiency of various cannabidiol formulations in different species based on the PK indices. A dose-normalised systemic delivery rate (Cmax/Tmax/dose) and dose-normalised systemic exposure (AUC/dose) are used to evaluate cannabidiol-based formulation performance. The use of Cmax/Tmax/dose and AUC/dose enables the selectin of CBD formulation with desired rate of systemic delivery and overall exposure. The labels describe the vehicle used for cannabidiol formulation. The PK data of the CBD formulations in different species are listed in Table 1.
Figure 2. Oral delivery efficiency of various cannabidiol formulations in different species based on the PK indices. A dose-normalised systemic delivery rate (Cmax/Tmax/dose) and dose-normalised systemic exposure (AUC/dose) are used to evaluate cannabidiol-based formulation performance. The use of Cmax/Tmax/dose and AUC/dose enables the selectin of CBD formulation with desired rate of systemic delivery and overall exposure. The labels describe the vehicle used for cannabidiol formulation. The PK data of the CBD formulations in different species are listed in Table 1.
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Figure 3. Box plot of overall dose-normalised systemic exposure (AUC/dose) and dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery (Cmax/Tmax/dose) for various oral formulations of CBD across different species.
Figure 3. Box plot of overall dose-normalised systemic exposure (AUC/dose) and dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery (Cmax/Tmax/dose) for various oral formulations of CBD across different species.
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Figure 4. Oral delivery efficiency of different CBD formulations in humans. The efficiencies were compared by deriving the pharmacokinetic indices, i.e., dose (mg/kg)-normalised area under the curve (AUC/dose) and dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery (Cmax/Tmax/dose). The data are provided in Table 2.
Figure 4. Oral delivery efficiency of different CBD formulations in humans. The efficiencies were compared by deriving the pharmacokinetic indices, i.e., dose (mg/kg)-normalised area under the curve (AUC/dose) and dose-normalised rate of systemic delivery (Cmax/Tmax/dose). The data are provided in Table 2.
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Figure 5. Multi-route delivery efficiency of CBD in different species based on PK indices. The systemic exposure of CBD is derived using dose-normalised area under the curve (AUC/dose) and the rate of systemic delivery is estimated using dose-normalised Cmax/Tmax (Cmax/Tmax/dose). Cmax (ng/mL) is the maximum plasma concentration; and Tmax (h) is the time to maximum concentration. The data are provided in Table 3.
Figure 5. Multi-route delivery efficiency of CBD in different species based on PK indices. The systemic exposure of CBD is derived using dose-normalised area under the curve (AUC/dose) and the rate of systemic delivery is estimated using dose-normalised Cmax/Tmax (Cmax/Tmax/dose). Cmax (ng/mL) is the maximum plasma concentration; and Tmax (h) is the time to maximum concentration. The data are provided in Table 3.
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O’Sullivan, S.E.; Jensen, S.S.; Kolli, A.R.; Nikolajsen, G.N.; Bruun, H.Z.; Hoeng, J. Strategies to Improve Cannabidiol Bioavailability and Drug Delivery. Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17, 244. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17020244

AMA Style

O’Sullivan SE, Jensen SS, Kolli AR, Nikolajsen GN, Bruun HZ, Hoeng J. Strategies to Improve Cannabidiol Bioavailability and Drug Delivery. Pharmaceuticals. 2024; 17(2):244. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17020244

Chicago/Turabian Style

O’Sullivan, Saoirse Elizabeth, Sanne Skov Jensen, Aditya Reddy Kolli, Gitte Nykjær Nikolajsen, Heidi Ziegler Bruun, and Julia Hoeng. 2024. "Strategies to Improve Cannabidiol Bioavailability and Drug Delivery" Pharmaceuticals 17, no. 2: 244. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17020244

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