How Fast-Acting Products Actually Work with Harold Han, PhD

Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Harold Han, Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder of Vertosa to explore the fascinating world of the science powering modern cannabis beverages and infused products. Known in the industry as “The Happy Chemist,” Dr. Han explains how emulsion technology solves the classic oil-and-water problem that makes cannabinoids difficult to incorporate into drinks. The conversation breaks down how water-compatible cannabinoids are created, why droplet size and consistency matter for potency and onset, and how stability challenges differ between beverages and gummies. They explore oxidation rates of major cannabinoids, packaging risks like “scalping” from can liners, and new patented approaches to preserving potencyin infused drinks. They also examine the full beverage development pipeline, from cannabinoids and infusion technology to formulation, manufacturing, testing, and distribution, highlighting the many points where potency and quality can be affected. Dr. Han clarifies the difference between nano and micro emulsions, why most commercial cannabis drinks use nano systems, and how natural emulsifiers influence formulation choices. The discussion further explores how the human body processes emulsified cannabinoids, why food (especially fat) changes edible effects, and how fast-acting beverages work at a physiological level. They discuss new human research initiatives, patient applications such as consistent dosing without sugar or smoke, and how standardized emulsions could transform both clinical research and at-home use. Looking ahead, Dr. Han shares insights on full-plant formulations, the future of cannabis as a precise delivery system for medicine, and the role of science-driven innovation in making cannabinoids more accessible, consistent, and scalable across recreational, wellness, and medical markets. Chapters 00:00 Welcome + Meet Dr. Harold Hahn (“Happy Chemist”) & What Vert Does 00:52 From Cannabis Stigma to Conscious Living: Harold’s Personal Journey 02:18 The Oil-and-Water Problem: Emulsifiers Explained for Cannabis Drinks 04:13 Vert’s Water-Compatible Cannabinoids: Droplet Size, Consistency & Effects 09:48 Stability Deep Dive: Physical Separation, Oxidation Rates & Gummies vs Beverages 16:05 Packaging Pitfalls: Can Liners, “Scalping,” FTIR Testing & a New Patent Fix 22:49 Beverage R&D Checklist: The 7-Step Supply Chain + Taste/Mouthfeel Priorities 27:16 Flavor Wars: Tasteless THC vs “Tastes Like the Plant” 28:37 Nano vs Micro Emulsions Explained (It’s Not Just Size) 31:40 Why Most Cannabis Drinks Use Nano: Natural Emulsifiers & Custom Control 34:38 Fast-Acting vs Slow-Acting: What Your Gut Does With Emulsions 37:41 Food Effects + The New UCSF Cannabis Beverage PK Lab 40:32 Patient Benefits: Consistent Dosing, No Sugar, Full-Plant Medicine 44:23 Research, DIY Possibilities & Big-Picture Wrap-Up   Connect with Dr. Harold Han LinkedIn: Harold Han Ph.D. (The Happy Chemist) Company: Vertosa — https://vertosa.com/   Want Exclusive Content and Ad-Free Episodes? Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your burning questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Kirk one-on-one. www.Patreon.com/Cannabichem 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, plant biology, pharmacology, and industry innovation!   Sign Up for Emails www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org   Keep Up with Dr. Riley Kirk https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices