Reimagining Cannabidiol Delivery Through Carbon Nanodots

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a highly lipophilic phytocannabinoid whose low aqueous solubility, variable oral absorption, extensive first-pass metabolism, and chemical instability motivate advanced delivery strategies. Carbon nanodots (CNDs) have tunable surface chemistry and photoluminescence and have been investigated as carriers for multiple therapeutic cargos. This review critically evaluates whether the literature supports a specific CBD–CND delivery advantage. A structured narrative search of PubMed and targeted publisher websites was conducted. Evidence was classified as direct CBD–CND evidence, indirect CND-platform evidence, or indirect CBD-nanoformulation evidence. No direct study was identified that characterized CBD loading on CNDs and then demonstrated release, pharmacokinetics, safety, or therapeutic efficacy. Existing support is therefore indirect: CNDs can carry other drugs, whereas lipid, polymeric, micellar, and transdermal systems can improve selected CBD formulation or preclinical endpoints. Consequently, improved solubility, targeting, lower toxicity, enhanced bioavailability, and therapeutic synergy remain hypotheses for CBD–CND systems. The review retains a broad discussion of possible applications while clearly separating demonstrated evidence from proposed uses and defining the analytical, comparative, pharmacokinetic, biodistribution, and toxicological studies needed to validate the platform.