You've enjoyed the buzz. Now let's look under the hood. How does THC — an oil-based compound — end up dissolved in your sparkling water? The answer is nano-emulsion technology.
Step 1: Extraction
The process starts with hemp (for hemp-derived THC). The THC is extracted from the plant using CO2 or ethanol extraction, producing a cannabis distillate — a concentrated oil.
Step 2: Emulsification
Here's where the magic happens. THC is oil-based. Water is, well, water. They don't mix. To create a beverage, the THC needs to become water-soluble. The distillate is blended with a carrier oil (such as sunflower or fractionated coconut oil), then processed through nano-emulsification — a technique that breaks the THC into microscopic particles. "Nano" means extremely small, and "emulsification" means mixing two liquids that normally don't mix, like oil and water.
Step 3: Nano-Size Reduction
Through high-shear or ultrasonic processing, the oil droplets are reduced to nanoscale sizes — typically less than 100 nanometers. These tiny particles are:
- Water-compatible — they disperse evenly
- Fast-absorbing — they enter the bloodstream quickly
- Stable — they stay suspended in liquid
Step 4: Formulation
The nano-emulsified THC is then combined with flavorings (like Last Call's Pineapple Paradise), sweeteners (or zero-calorie alternatives), preservatives for shelf life, and sometimes other functional ingredients like L-theanine or electrolytes.
Step 5: Packaging
- Liquid mixers — concentrated bottles
- Powder sticks — the liquid is dried into a solid powder while retaining potency
- Ready-to-drink cans — seltzers, sodas, teas
Why Nano-Emulsion Matters
Nano-emulsion yields even tinier droplets than conventional emulsion. This makes cannabinoids more bioavailable, so the onset of effects is typically faster than with most other edibles.
The Last Call Difference
Last Call uses advanced nano-emulsion technology for both our liquid mixers and powder sticks. The result? Effects in 10–15 minutes — not 60–90.