Jun 3

Relief You Can Sip: The Science Behind Popular Fast-Acting Nano-Emulsified Cannabis Beverages

For LiUNA members with physically demanding jobs, recovery matters. Whether you’re dealing with sore joints, back pain, or trouble sleeping after a long shift, finding relief that works—and fits your lifestyle—is key. That’s where nano-emulsified CBD and THC beverages come in: fast‑acting, smoke-free, and designed for responsible off-duty use.

Nano-emulsified CBD and THC beverages are growing in popularity across Ontario, offering an alternative to traditional edibles, oils, or capsules. And for workers looking for safe, effective and legal wellness options, they’re worth understanding. Whether you’re exploring alternatives to relieve minor discomfort or just looking to wind down and relax after work, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Nano-Emulsification?

Nano-emulsification is a process that turns cannabis oil into ultra-small particles—about 20 to 100 nanometres in size—and blending them into water. This allows the cannabinoids (CBD or THC) to absorb more quickly and efficiently into the body through the digestive system.

Why does that matter? Traditional CBD oils and capsules can take longer to take effect because much of the compound is broken down during digestion before it reaches your bloodstream.
In contrast, studies show that nano‑emulsified CBD absorbs more efficiently—reaching peak levels up to 65% faster and nearly doubling overall bioavailability. By reducing droplet size and improving solubility, nano-emulsion technology allows the body to absorb more CBD, more quickly.

Why Speed Matters

For construction and tradespeople, sore muscles, inflammation, and mental fatigue can come with the job. When you’re dealing with aching joints, inflammation, or post-work anxiety, you don’t want to wait hours to feel better. That’s where nano-CBD drinks can shine. Nano-CBD beverages can help manage these symptoms after hours—without causing a high or impairing your ability to function.

Most users report feeling effects within 30 to 60 minutes, compared to 1–2 hours for regular edibles or oils. CBD beverages can be especially helpful for:

  • Relieving physical tension after work
  • Supporting restful sleep without grogginess
  • Easing anxiety or stress in a subtle, non-disruptive way


CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it doesn’t alter your mental state or judgment. Still, like all cannabis products, it should be used off the clock, never before or during work.

Nano THC Drinks: Faster Effects, But With a High

Alongside CBD drinks, the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) offers a variety of nano-emulsified THC beverages. These low-dose THC drinks are designed to provide a mild, fast-onset high. These are typically used to manage pain, promote relaxation, or support sleep.

Compared to traditional THC edibles (which can take up to 2 hours to take effect), nano THC drinks can work in as little as 15–45 minutes and often offer a smoother, more predictable experience.

Check out A Complete Guide to the Top THC/CBD Nano‑Emulsified Drinks to Enjoy This Summer to learn more about the most popular cannabis beverages.

⚠️ Important Reminder: THC does cause impairment and should never be used before or during work. At Learn with JADEO, we do not endorse or permit the use of THC products during work hours or on the job site. These beverages are intended strictly for off-duty, personal use in a safe and controlled environment, and should never compromise job safety, focus, or performance.

Legal and Accessible

In Ontario, CBD and THC beverages are legally available for adults (19+) through the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) and licensed retailers. Each product is tested, labeled, and regulated under Canada’s Cannabis Act for quality and safety.

✅ No prescription is needed for recreational use
✅ CBD-only beverages are non-intoxicating
✅ THC beverages cause impairment and must be used responsibly

If you’re seeking cannabis for therapeutic reasons—like pain, sleep, or anxiety—medical use may be covered under your LiUNA health benefits. 

To qualify for medical cannabis reimbursement, you’ll need:
• A valid medical document from a licensed healthcare provider
• A cannabis education certificate from Learn with JADEO

Check out "A Complete Guide to the Top THC/CBD Nano‑Emulsified Drinks to Enjoy This Summer" to find out what's popular!

How to Sip Responsibly

If you're trying nano-beverages for the first time, keep these tips in mind:

Start Low, Go Slow
Begin with 5–10 mg CBD, or 2.5 mg THC if you’re comfortable. Wait 60–90 minutes before having more.

Use During Personal Time Only
Never consume cannabis before or during work, especially anything with THC.
Avoid Alcohol and Mixing Substances
Combining cannabis with alcohol or sedatives can increase drowsiness or risk of impairment.

Know What You’re Consuming
Always read the label to check for CBD vs. THC content, total milligrams, and serving size. CBD is calming and non-intoxicating, while THC alters perception and can impact coordination and focus.

Key Takeaways

  • Nano-emulsified cannabis drinks can offer faster, more efficient relief than traditional edibles, oils or capsules.

  • CBD drinks are non-psychoactive and well-suited for managing pain, stress, or sleep after work.

  • THC drinks can offer fast relief but do cause impairment—use off-duty only.

  • Products are legal, lab-tested, regulated, and available through the OCS.

  • Cannabis beverages are typically not eligible for reimbursement under most medical cannabis insurance plans.


To find out what formats are covered—such as oils, capsules, or dried flower—check directly with your provider. And don’t forget: to qualify for medical cannabis reimbursement, you’ll need to complete yourOn the Job Site certification through Learn with JADEO and submit it along with your medical documentation.

Sources

1. Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. “Clearing the Smoke on Cannabis: Cannabis Use and Driving – An Update.” CCSA, Dec. 2022. PDF. https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2022-12/CCSA-Cannabis-Use-Driving-Report-2022-en.pdf

Accessed 20 May 2025.

2. GetSoul.com “Do THC Drinks Hit Faster Than Other Edibles? Here’s The Answer.” Soul, Dec. 2024. https://www.getsoul.com/blogs/cbd-education/do-thc-drinks-hit-faster

Accessed 20 May 2025.

3. Government of Canada. “Cannabis Products.” Canada.ca, 2023. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/about.html

Accessed 21 May 2025.

4. Harvey, Dean, et al. “Potential Risks from Cannabis-Infused Beverages: A Critical Review.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 1, no. 1, 2004, pp. 26–34. PubMed Central, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11705039/

Accessed 26 May 2025.

5. Jang, Ji‑Hun, et al. “Quantitative Summary on the Human Pharmacokinetic Properties of Cannabidiol to Accelerate Scientific Clinical Application of Cannabis.” Naunyn-Schmiedebergs Archives of Pharmacology, vol. 397, no. 11, Nov. 2024, pp. 8285–8309. DOI:10.1007/s00210-024-03185-6. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38850302/.

Accessed 26 May 2025.

6. Knaub, K., et al. “Lipid-based Formulations to Increase Cannabidiol Bioavailability.” European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, vol. 168, Mar. 2021, pp. 155–164. DOI:10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.05.012. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34624443/.

Accessed 27 May 2025.

7. Mezzalira, Carla Graneli, et al. “Perspectives on Challenges in Cannabis Drug Delivery Systems.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 19, Sept. 2023, article 14514. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9710325/

Accessed 28 May 2025.

8. Nakano, Yukako, et al. “Development of a Novel Nanoemulsion Formulation to Improve Intestinal Absorption of Cannabidiol.” Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, vol. 2, no. 1, 2019, pp. 35–42. https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/4973615.

Accessed 29 May 2025.

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