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

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

From BIOACTIVE by Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D.

February 20, 2026 · 58 min

About this episode

Dr. Riley Kirk interviews Dr. Harold Han about the science behind fast-acting cannabis beverages and the technology that enables their formulation.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D.

Guest: Harold Han, PhD

Topics covered

  • cannabis beverages
  • emulsion technology
  • potency and onset
  • cannabinoids
  • beverage development

Keywords

  • cannabis
  • emulsion
  • potency
  • infused products
  • beverage development
  • nano emulsions
  • cannabinoids

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Vertosa

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