We take a science-first approach to develop the formulations and products that are not only consistent and predictable, but enable us to offer unique, safe and reliable experiences.

Our strength in science combined with our sophisticated manufacturing platform enables us to develop cannabis-derived products that deliver consistent, predictable and enjoyable experiences each and every time.

The cannabis plant is native to tropical climates but cultivated across the world. As a traditional homeopathic medicine, cannabis is employed for therapeutic, medicinal and recreational purposes. It is also an incredibly malleable substance that is adapted and utilized in various states of matter – such as leaves, flowers, oil extracts, edibles, and liquid solubles.

These different manifestations inspire the creative use of cannabis, through different approaches, gadgets and mechanisms. Smoke and vapor inhalation, ingestion of edibles and drinkable beverage infusions are all different ways to elevate your cannabis experience and enjoy the benefits of the plant.

Responsible cannabis use is beneficial in treating a spectrum of human needs. From insomnia, chronic pain and depression to simply enhancing pleasure, sensation, creativity and introspection.

Global attitudes and regulations of cannabis have shifted and opened up a wealth of innovation and possibility. We sit at this axis, offering cutting-edge cannabis products that are both rigorously regulated and creatively innovative.

The Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis plants and humans share a chemical compound called cannabinoids. In humans, they’re called endocannabinoids, which determine when to get processes inside your body moving and when to stop. The endocannabinoid system is an important part of the daily health of your body—it helps to maintain optimal balance and affects many important functions such as how a person feels, moves, and reacts.

When cannabis is consumed, cannabinoids can interact with many elements located in the central nervous system, which is why it can produce changes to our cognitive and/or physical states. These effects are different for everyone, and can also depend on the type, quantity, and method of ingestion.

Cannabinoids Explained

The internal chemistry of humans and plants contains systems of compounds known as cannabinoids. In humans, cannabinoids are produced through our endocannabinoid system – in plants, they are produced through the phytocannabinoid system.

When we consume cannabis, our body’s endocannabinoid system interacts with the cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, producing a physiological reaction that is triggered by the human body’s CB1 and CB2 receptor sites. CB1 receptors are located in the human brain and in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system. When the cannabinoids in cannabis are ingested, they induce responses from our receptors, mirroring the functionality of our own endocannabinoid system.

The most notable and abundant cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are the psychoactive ingredient THC and the non-psychoactive balancing agent CBD.

Lesser known cannabinoids like THCA, CBDA, THCV and CBDV are used for pleasure and for plant-based therapies. Most of these minor cannabinoids are not intoxicating or psychoactive; unless infused with THC – similar to how high CBD strains balance and mute the psychoactivity of THC.

Since most of our CB1 receptors reside in the brain and central nervous system, consuming cannabinoids through ingestion, vaporizing and smoking alters our neurological consciousness and stimulates the benefits of cannabis.

Oral administration of cannabis (edibles and ingestible concentrates) is one of the most convenient methods of delivery. However, cannabis in its pure form is thick, oily and difficult to handle. Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, are lipids and therefore hydrophobic (water-hating) – they are repelled by water, forcing them to separate rather than be water soluble.

Edibles and traditional oil-based concentrates are in lipid form, and are not as readily absorbed by the human body. When cannabis is consumed in lipid form, it can affect dose delivery in a couple of ways:

• Only a fraction of orally administered oil-based cannabinoids are absorbed, requiring the user to consume a lot more than would otherwise be necessary
• Cannabinoids act through gastrointestinal absorption and will exhibit delayed onset of action, sometimes for multiple hours

The solution to this is cannabis formulations that are water soluble, resulting  in increased bioavailability and more efficient uptake, or onset.

Kanterra Science uses specially designed emulsification technology to create nano-cannabinoid formulations that are homogeneously dispersed into water, and therefore, not visible. In this process, the lipids are broken down into many tiny particles, which are then coated in a hydrophilic (water-loving) outer shell. Now the nano-cannabinoids can be more readily accepted by the cell membrane of the gastrointestinal tract (in comparison to non-nano formulations), which significantly increases the amount of cannabinoids absorbed. In this format, absorption in the body has been shown to be as much as 4.5 times higher than traditional lipid cannabinoids.*

The benefits of nano-cannabinoid formulations are:

• Exceptionally high bioavailability with rapid oral absorption – this means higher potency and faster onset of action, at a lower dose
• A clear, water-compatible formulation that is all-natural and non-toxic, and can be easily mixed into beverages and many food products at a desired concentration
• Prolonged product stability, even after the product is opened

Our bloodstream carries compounds to our various receptors. Bioavailability is the percentage of a nutrient or compound that our body allows into our bloodstream when we ingest it.

In most edibles and traditional oil-based concentrates or capsules, the average bioavailability is less than 10%, which means that 90% or more of the product you consume is flushed from the body before entering the bloodstream.

When you consume a cannabis product, it must be transferred from the place of ingestion into the bloodstream. From there, it reaches the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in our endocannabinoid system and other non-cannabinoid receptors like our serotonin receptor (5-HT1A). There are a few important points to be aware of:

• The way a cannabis product is consumed determines how long the effects will last
• The effectiveness of a product is determined by the total amount of a substance that was absorbed and used actively in the body, and is measured as a percentage
• The body’s receptors cannot decipher between cannabinoids, so THC and CBD are absorbed the same way and reach both CB1 and CB2 receptors – their bioavailability is the same

For example, when smoking cannabis, the immediate high can be quite intense. But when orally consuming traditional oil-based cannabis products, the body breaks down the compounds of the plant in a process called ‘first pass metabolism’, which occurs in the liver. When cannabis is consumed this way, the onset can take much longer, and the effects can last much longer.

In a true water soluble formulation, the absorption of cannabinoids is significantly improved, and therefore, bioavailability is higher. This typically means the effects can be felt within 10 to 20 minutes of consumption and last for about 60 to 90 minutes (this may vary from person to person). For the consumer, this means higher potency and faster onset of action, at a lower dose – otherwise known as, “more bang for your buck”. This is particularly important for CBD-based natural health formulations since the dosage required to achieve a therapeutic effect is greater than for THC.