Sublingual Cannabis: THC Or CBD Why You Put It Under Your Tongue

If you've ever found yourself dissatisfied with a cannabis product, whether you’ve had some edibles that take too long to bring out the desired effect or are uncomfortable with the risks associated with smoking or vaping, then perhaps it's time to consider sublingual cannabis products.

These cannabis products are absorbed through the mucosal membrane and are directly transported into the bloodstream to bring about quicker results while still maintaining their potency.

This article will introduce you to the world of sublingual cannabis and its benefits. We will explore the different forms of sublingual cannabis, the advantages and disadvantages of using this method, and the average dose and time it takes for the product to take effect.

By the end of this article, you will be armed with all the knowledge you need to determine if sublingual cannabis is right for you.

Let's dive in!

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What Is Sublingual Cannabis?

Sublingual cannabis refers to marijuana products administered into the body by being placed under the tongue. This form of administration involves applying a cannabis product (spray, tablet, tincture, or strip) directly under the tongue to bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream directly.

How Does It Work?

This method involves positioning the cannabis product under your tongue for a certain amount of time, usually between 30 seconds and one minute. This allows the product to dissolve and be absorbed into the mucous membrane under the tongue and then into your body.

Unlike edibles, which are first swallowed before they can pass through the digestive system and then undergo first-pass metabolism, sublingual cannabis gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream, potentially avoiding some of the metabolic breakdowns that occur in other methods of consumption.1

Types Of Sublingual Cannabis

Sublingual cannabis comes in a variety of forms. Let's take a look at the most common ones.

Tinctures

Tinctures are typically cannabis extract dissolved in alcohol or oil (coconut or olive oil). Sometimes, other liquids like vinegar and glycerin are used. Tinctures usually come with a dropper that enables you to measure up to 1 ml of the cannabis extract. This dropper makes it much easier to determine the dosage of the tincture, something that can be quite difficult with other types of cannabis products.

Sprays

Sprays contain cannabis extract and alcohol, packaged in a spray bottle. The product is sprayed directly under the tongue or inside the cheek (buccal administration) to maximize absorption. Using this product can sometimes prove difficult because the spray dosage is often unclear.

Strips

Strips are a more discreet and portable form of sublingual cannabis. They contain a predetermined dosage of cannabis and are simply put under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Absorption of cannabis through strips is a much simpler process than tinctures. However, because strips come in small sizes, the amount of cannabis extract you can get may be limited. Strips come in a variety of flavors, including peppermint and strong cannabis flavors.

Tablets

Sublingual cannabis can come in tablet form. However, these tablets are not the "normal" medicinal tablets or pills that are often swallowed. Instead, they are put underneath the tongue and allowed to be dissolved.

Advantages Of Using Sublingual Cannabis?

There are several reasons why cannabis users prefer the sublingual route. These advantages include:

Faster Absorption

With sublingual cannabis, you can feel the effects of the product much quicker than consuming edibles.2 Unlike edible cannabis, which undergoes first-pass metabolism (slowing down the time it takes to feel the effects), sublingual cannabis is absorbed much more quickly. This means that users feel the effects almost immediately after administration.

Smokeless

Some users are not the biggest fan of vaping or smoking cannabis. This can be attributed to the health risks that smoking poses to the lungs.3 In this case, sublingual cannabis provides a smoke-free alternative for users to get the effects of cannabis.

Safer Than Other Delivery Methods

Another advantage of sublingual cannabis is that it is a safer method of consuming cannabis. Unlike smoking, sublingual cannabis does not involve combustion or inhalation of any harmful toxins. Furthermore, since it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, there is less risk of accidental overdose.

Disadvantages And Possible Side Effects

Sublingual cannabis does have its drawbacks. Let's take a look at some of the possible side effects and disadvantages associated with this method of consuming cannabis.

The effects of sublingual cannabis are typically short-lived, which means that users may need to administer additional doses more frequently.

Eating or drinking can affect how quickly the active compounds in sublingual cannabis are absorbed, resulting in a less intense experience.4 Therefore, it is recommended that users refrain from talking or consuming food or beverages, 10-15 minutes after administration.

Additionally, there are some side effects that users should be aware of when using sublingual cannabis. Although rare, these side effects include dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.5

How Fast Does Sublingual Cannabis Work?

How fast it takes for sublingual cannabis to work will depend on several factors. However, you can follow a few best practices to ensure that your cannabis reaches its maximum efficacy. For example, it's important to keep your tongue still until the cannabis sublingual is completely dissolved. This will help it absorb more effectively.

Also, it's important to avoid ingesting any food or drink just after taking sublingual cannabis. This could interfere with the absorption process and reduce its effectiveness.

Now that we’ve covered some best practices for ensuring fast action of sublingual cannabis, let’s discuss the recommended dosage as well as the time frame in which it takes effect.