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. 2025 Mar 8;11(3):189.
doi: 10.3390/gels11030189.

Development and Characterization of Cannabidiol Gummy Using 3D Printing

Arvind Bagde  1 , Mina Messiha  1 , Mandip Singh  1
Affiliations

Development and Characterization of Cannabidiol Gummy Using 3D Printing

Arvind Bagde et al. Gels. .

Abstract

Oropharyngeal dysphagia and pain are prevalent concerns in the geriatric population. Therefore, this study investigates advances in the development of cannabidiol (CBD) gummies using 3D printing technology and compares them to commercially available molded gummies for pain management. A gelatin-based CBD formulation was prepared and printed using a syringe-based extrusion 3D printer. The formulation's rheological properties were assessed, and the printed gummies were characterized using a texture analyzer. Drug content was analyzed using HPLC, and in vitro dissolution studies were conducted in phosphate buffer (pH 1.2 and 6.8). Our results demonstrated that the gelatin-based formulation had shear-thinning rheological properties for 3D printing at a temperature of 38.00 °C, filament diameter of 26 mm and flow of 110%. The optimized printing parameters produced gummies with higher elasticity compared to marketed gummies and comparable toughness. Drug content analysis showed 98.14 ± 1.56 and 97.97 ± 2.14% of CBD in 3D-printed and marketed gummies, respectively. Dissolution studies revealed that both gummy types released 100% of the drug within 30 min in both pH 1.2 and 6.8 buffers. Overall, 3D printing enables customizable CBD gummies with optimized release and offer a personalized and patient-friendly alternative to traditional oral forms for geriatric care.

Keywords: 3D printing; CBD; dysphagia; gel; gelatin; gummy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Rheological study showing shear-thinning property of CBD gel at 38 °C (n = 3); (b) Rheological study of CBD gel showing higher storage than loss modulus at 38 °C (n = 3).
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Gummy characterization using a texture analyzer showing components of instrument, probe and gummy; (b) Texture analysis graphs showing firmness, toughness, elastic recovery, tackiness and resilience of 3D-printed and marketed molded gummies (n = 3).
Figure 3
Figure 3
In vitro drug-release study showing complete drug release in 30 min in pH 1.2 and 6.8 buffer from both 3D-printed and marketed gummy (n = 3).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Illustration showing steps involved in printing CBD gummy using 3D printing.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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