Why is CBD oil taken under the tongue?
Next to vaping, taking CBD oil under the tongue (or sublingually) is considered the fastest and most effective administration method. CBD, or cannabidiol, is absorbed by the membranes under the tongue, and it then goes directly into the bloodstream. This means that you skip the tedious digestion process.
Compared to hemp salve, the difference is stark. CBD hemp salve such as gummies can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to be properly digested and take effect. On the other hand, CBD oil tincture should take around 15 minutes to set in.
This is the same reason why various minerals and vitamins are also taken sublingually. The membranes under your tongue are lined with blood vessels. These carry blood and absorbed substances across the body to the appropriate destination.
In the case of cannabidiol, that destination is thought to be the endocannabinoid system.
This system plays a part in coordinating and harmonising the body. It regulates:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Pain
- Learning and memory
- Body temperature
- Inflammatory and immune response.
Science still has a way to go in understanding how the endocannabinoid system works. However, it’s clear that it plays an extremely important role. Sublingual administration will get the CBD to this system quicker and enact its effects much faster.
How long to hold CBD oil under the tongue
Generally, it’s advised that you hold the oil under your tongue for around 30 seconds – one minute. Swallowing CBD too early will extend the process of getting it into your bloodstream.
Conversely, working the oil around your mouth throughout this time should speed up the process.
The effects should begin to show themselves in around 15 minutes. For safety’s sake, allow for an additional 15 minutes if you don’t feel the effects. It’s always better to take things slowly than to risk the potential of negative side effects.
For increased efficacy, be sure to avoid eating 20 minutes before or after taking the oil.
How many drops of CBD oil to take under the tongue
The correct dosage of cannabidiol should always be decided between you and your doctor. Different dosages may be recommended based on your body, the type of CBD oil or the condition you’re aiming to treat.
Recommendations usually sit at around 20 – 40 mg daily. This can be steadily increased in intervals of 5 or 10 mg based on your needs. The safest route is always to start with the lowest dosage possible and work your way up. This could be as low as 5 mg. This way you can avoid or gauge the impact of any nasty side effects.
Why not take CBD oil under your tongue?
The biggest turn-off surrounding cannabidiol oil and its sublingual usage is taste. Your mileage may vary but remember that this is a plant compound. Most products have a powerful, earthy aroma and taste. This can be quite unpleasant to some. It’s worth noting that, as a pure CBD extract, isolates are free of any distinct taste or smell.
Some users have reported an odd burning sensation when taking oils sublingually. This is generally thought to be an aspect of that earthy taste profile and not a cause for any real concern.
However, this is why it’s critical to examine the source of your CBD. Cannabidiol production in Australia is highly regulated. In fact, you can only get it via a doctor’s prescription. Despite this, the market is flooded with dodgy products. These products have largely managed to escape the strict quality control enacted by the TGA.
This can greatly increase the risk of negative side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, fatigue and anxiety.
A great rule of thumb is to simply avoid illegal online retailers and trust your doctor’s judgement.
Why other methods of taking CBD oil are less effective
CBD tincture may not be particularly fast acting, but is perhaps the most common method of administration. If you’re debating which method is right for you, it can help to understand where the others fall short.
Vaping, while easily the fastest method, is inherently dangerous and cause long-term damage to your lungs. No medical professional would recommend this method.
Hemp Salve are thought to be perhaps the least effective method. This is purely due to the nature of our digestive systems. Substances are generally passed through the liver first. This cleans things up before allowing them to enter your bloodstream. It could take up to 2 hours for CBD to take effect this way.
Topical creams are even worse. In short, substances absorbed through the skin do not enter the bloodstream in a significant way. CBD taken this way will take longer to work and be considerably less effective overall.
Ultimately, the correct method will depend on your condition and doctor’s advice.
Taking CBD oil under your tongue
The popularity of cannabidiol isn’t showing any signs of slowing. Research in the area is struggling to keep pace with manufacturers. Always talk to a doctor before committing to any alternative treatment. Our understanding of CBD’s benefits and side effects both leave much to be desired.
If your doctor has identified cannabidiol as an appropriate treatment, sublingual administration acts relatively quickly while minimising excess risk. There’s no shortage of CBD tinctures available. You will, of course, need a prescription first.
Here are a few key points to remember:
- Taking CBD oil under your tongue bypasses the slow-moving digestive system
- Cannabidiol may assist in regulating the body via the endocannabinoid system
- CBD dosage should be determined by your doctor
- Only increase CBD dosage in small intervals
- CBD oils can only be legally purchased with a doctor’s prescription.
Taking CBD is easy but making informed health decisions is a little harder. Especially when there are plenty of unregulated products out there sowing confusion. Work with your doctor and do as much research as you can before you start taking CBD oils.