This week we went deep on formulations, bioavailability, and compliance with Ron Fazio of Hemp Synergistics (former forensic scientist turned hemp innovator). If you make capsules, foods, or beverages—or just want a cleaner, more reliable CBD experience—this episode is for you.

What we covered

• From distillate to free‑flowing powder (no nano, no lipo)
• Reverse‑flash chromatography removes Δ9‑THC from distillate (keeps minors like CBG/CBN/CBC).
• BioDry: a patent‑pending broad‑spectrum powder, standardized at 50% CBD (nutra) or 20% (food).
• Encapsulated in a natural, vegan polysaccharide that resists stomach acid and releases in the small intestine where cannabinoids are absorbed.
• Odorless, flavorless, shelf‑stable, and runs on existing equipment/recipes (granulated to spec).
• Why distillate > isolate for most consumer products
• Isolate = a drug form (Epidiolex); the FDA doesn’t allow drug actives in functional foods.
• Broad‑spectrum distillate preserves minor cannabinoids consumers expect—and regulators prefer in food.
• Bake it, drink it, dose it
• Bake Mix: 400 mg CBD per pouch; mix into dry ingredients for cookies, breads, pancakes (avoid deep‑fry losses).
• Drink Mix: tailored versions for point‑of‑sale, hot‑pack, and large‑scale beverages.
• NutriMix capsules: room for enzyme‑inhibiting co‑actives to improve uptake (think grapefruit‑effect science, without the grapefruit).
• Delta‑8 and the law (and safety)
• Most D8 on the market is synthetically produced and often contaminated (solvents, heavy metals, Δ9).
• DEA classifies all synthetic THCs (including D8/D10) as Schedule I; hemp programs can’t use them.
• Field testing and on‑farm peace of mind
• TrueTHC: a disposable roadside plant test kit for law enforcement to distinguish hemp vs. marijuana (visual thresholds from 0.3% up).
• Next‑gen version aims for ~0.01% resolution with a handheld meter—useful for regulators and farmers.
• Coming next on iHemp Hour: Neogen’s Raptor on‑farm THC tester for harvest timing.

Why it matters

• Better bioavailability without harsh chemistry.
• Cleaner labels (natural, vegan) that fit into evolving FDA/state rules.
• Broad‑spectrum inputs that consumers prefer—and retailers will demand.
• Practical compliance tools for police, regulators, and growers.

Want intros to Hemp Synergistics or help scoping a hemp‑to‑hemp powder SKUs? Join iHemp Michigan for member connections, compliance briefings, and a Business Directory listing that gets found.

Events

• Southern Hemp Expo (Raleigh): Sept 2–4
• West Michigan Cannabis & Hemp Expo (Grand Rapids): Sept 10–11
• iHemp Midwest Expo + Hempies Awards (Lansing): Jan 21–22 (US Hemp Authority training Jan 20)

Join the movement at iHempMichigan.com.