High-loading cannabidiol powders for inhalation.

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Cannabinoid Research

Background:

• Developing high-loading cannabidiol (CBD) inhalable powders is crucial for achieving effective high-dose delivery.
• Previous efforts in this area have been limited, necessitating further research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize inhalable powders containing ≥95% w/w CBD using wet ball milling.
• To evaluate the impact of magnesium stearate concentration and inhaler resistance on aerosol performance.

Main Methods:

• Wet ball milling was employed to produce CBD powders with high yield and crystalline structure.
• Formulations included 2% and 5% magnesium stearate, tested in low- and high-resistance RS01 inhalers.
• Aerosol performance, particle characteristics, residual solvents, moisture sorption, and dissolution were assessed.

Main Results:

• Wet ball milling achieved >50% production yield with crystalline CBD powders, low residual solvents, and minimal moisture sorption.
• Magnesium stearate addition enhanced emitted and fine particle fractions.
• High-resistance inhalers reduced throat deposition and inhaler retention, while maintaining steady CBD release over 30 minutes.

Conclusions:

• The combination of CBD with 5% magnesium stearate dispersed from a high-resistance RS01 inhaler demonstrated the highest fine particle fraction and lowest throat deposition.
• This optimized formulation warrants further in vivo investigation for its pharmacokinetic profile.