A Review of Emerging Drug Delivery Strategies to Protect Cannabidiol from Chemical Degradation

OBJECTIVE: This review provides an overview of recent advances in cannabidiol (CBD) delivery systems aimed at improving its chemical stability. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between formulation type, storage conditions, and the resulting chemical stability of CBD, with the aim of supporting the development of novel cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals. SIGNIFICANCE: CBD has attracted increasing interest due to its diverse pharmacological activities and lack of psychoactive effects. Despite its therapeutic potential, the development of new CBD-based drug delivery systems remains a significant challenge. CBD is chemically unstable and can degrade when exposed to heat, light, oxygen, certain solvents or extreme pH conditions, potentially reducing its efficacy and forming psychoactive degradation products. KEY FINDINGS: Solid CBD formulations offer advantages due to their greater stability compared with liquid forms. However, CBD's poor water solubility and intrinsic instability present major formulation challenges. Amorphous solid dispersions, cyclodextrins, microparticles, and nanostructured systems have been explored to overcome these limitations. Liquid delivery systems, including emulsions and nanoemulsions, can also enhance stability by incorporating CBD into the oil phase, with oil selection and antioxidants playing key roles in minimizing degradation. Among these approaches, nanostructured lipid carriers have shown particular promise in preserving CBD stability. CONCLUSIONS: The appropriate selection of CBD delivery systems is essential to ensure its chemical stability and to support the development of effective cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals. Understanding the interplay between formulation design and storage conditions is crucial for optimizing CBD stability, extending shelf life, and ensuring the safety and efficacy of future CBD-containing therapeutic products.