Since CBD was legalized federally in the US, its use has increased by bounds. This is a versatile product that exists in many forms hence it has several modes of intake. While you can choose to use it topically, swallow, or smoke CBD oil products, you can also place it under the tongue. But how does this process work and what are the possible side effects?
What’s the Sublingual Administration of CBD?
Well, it means placing CBD tincture drops or spray under the tongue for a minute or so for it to be absorbed into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes. This method allows for the rapid entrance of CBD into the bloodstream. However, you shouldn’t confuse it with buccal administration that involves placing a medication in the check and gums.
How Does Sublingual Intake Work?
You need to place CBD under the tongue in the form of tincture drops or spray. The mouth has membranes with capillaries underneath the tongue as well as the inside of your cheeks. The capillaries or blood vessels found in these membranes will absorb the tincture with cannabinoids and transport the compound to the bloodstream. For most people, the absorption process takes around a minute.
While in the bloodstream, CBD will find its way into the body cells. This is of course, in the presence of the endocannabinoid system that helps to promote homeostasis. This system helps to regulate stress, anxiety, sleep, mood, and pain among others. So, once the compound accesses the cells found in this system, chances are that will promote overall wellness by helping to regulate some of these processes.
Is Sublingual Intake Superior to Smoking?
Smoking cannabis is one of the earliest methods of using cannabis products. However, the cannabis industry has undergone significant evolution over the years and there are now several methods of using cannabis products such as CBD tinctures.
In this case, sublingual intake seems to be the more effective and superior source. This is because smoking cannabis often leads to a host of unwanted side effects and can result in other potential health issues. Besides that, your hair, clothing, hands, and even beards will quickly pick up the smell of cannabis.
There have also been issues with your lungs getting potentially exposed to other harmful byproducts found in cannabis for smoking. This includes tar and heat that can trigger the development of lung or throat cancer among other issues. If you compare the two, sublingual intake definitely wins.
How Much CBD Should I Take Sublingually?
There are several factors that affect CBD dosage. They include your body weight, the condition you are trying to treat, and body chemistry i.e., tolerance. Note that the condition you are trying to treat is very important. For instance, sublingual intake has proven to be more effective in treating anxiety than pain.
Besides that, the type of medical issue is important in helping you determine the dosage more appropriately. For beginners, it’s recommended that you start with a 500 mg or 750 mg bottle of CBD tincture. You can start with one or two dropper dosages daily before graduating to more droppers and twice a day. The good rule of thumb indicates that you should always start with a smaller dosage and then gradually increase your intake.
Benefits of CBD Tinctures
Placing CBD under the tongue means that your body will have quick access to cannabidiol. Note CBD is one of the most popular cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
CBD tinctures are made with CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum CBD. Taking any type of these three products means that you can manage conditions such as:
- Anxiety, stress, and depression
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- Epilepsy
- Sleeplessness and insomnia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pain and inflammation
- Change in appetite and weight
Advantages of Sublingual CBD Administration
Taking CBD sublingually is proving to be one of the most effective ways to get cannabidiol into your body. This technique has a high bioavailability. This means that more CBD is able to reach your bloodstream and access your circulatory system due to the high absorption rate. Apart from that, other benefits include:
Discreetness
Sublingual intake can help you maintain a low profile when taking CBD. It’s more effective than smoking or vaporization. Besides that, it offers more convenience compared to edibles or other CBD products. Those who are afraid to use CBD pills and capsules can use this technique as an effective and reliable method.
Easier Dosing
It’s much easier to dose tinctures evenly every time you take them. This is because you only need to count the number of oil drops that you need unlike products such as vape oil or topical products.
Cost Savings
The fact that you are able to dose your intake more effectively means that you will use the tincture in a consistent manner, which means that you can maximize the effect of the CBD by using less overall, based on the amount of your daily consumption.
Disadvantages of Sublingual CBD Administration
There are many benefits that come with taking sublingually. However, this method also comes with its own downsides.
Limited Oral Activity
When taking CBD sublingually, other oral activities will be minimized. This means that drinking, eating, and smoking will have to be reduced or completely eliminated to allow the compound to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Could Trigger Other Conditions
Taking CBD could trigger oral conditions such as mouth sensitivity and mouth sores. Cannabidiol could irritate them and cause significant pain.
FAQs
Q: How Long Do I Need to Place CBD Under the Tongue?
A: The recommended time is for at least60 seconds before you can swallow the tincture or spit it out.
Q: After How Long Will the CBD Effects Kickstart?
A: You should begin to feel the effects of CBD within 15 minutes.
Q: Can I Drink Water After Using CBD Sublingually?
A: Yes. But it’s also recommended that you drink water before to help moisten your mouth. Besides that, hydrating will also minimize the side effects of dehydration that CBD usually causes. So, make sure that you drink adequate water before and after using CBD tinctures.
Q: Are there Side Effects of Using CBD?
A: CBD has a generally safe profile. However, taking it can result in unwanted side effects such as fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. However, the effects are usually mild and go away after a few hours or days.
Q: Is Sublingual Intake Better than Ingestion?
A: CBD products for ingestion are available in several forms. While this may provide versatility in terms of intake, the effects actually take look to kickstart. Meanwhile, tinctures for sublingual intake only take a few minutes for the effects to kickstart. Besides that, these products are available in different flavors, just like edibles.
The Bottom Line
Sublingual intake involves placing a few drops of CBD tinctures under the tongue. It’s proving to be one of the most effective ways to take CBD since its effects are usually felt within 15 minutes. This makes it ideal for treating conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks, sleeplessness, and mild pain.
Besides that, this technique offers a safer and more effective way of discreetly using CBD compared to smoking. Its side effects are generally mild and you can effectively combat most of them by drinking lots of water. However, you need to be aware that taking CBD sublingually means that you will experience the effects for a short while only.
