The Sublingual Method—Why Is It So Effective?

Jun 28, 2021 | Hemp + Heart Journal

There are many different ways to take your CBD. First, we will cover the sublingual method and why it is so effective.

Sublingual administration is the most common and most effective way to take CBD. This method involves taking your CBD dose under your tongue, letting the compound dissolve and diffuse into your bloodstream through the membrane tissues beneath your tongue. Sublingual literally means ‘under the tongue.’

If you want to get the most out of your CBD oil, sublingual administration is the way to go!

However, some people prefer taking CBD gummies for their daily dosing, while this is still a viable option, you will not receive the full benefits and therapeutic potential of CBD in this form as the gummies need to travel through and into the digestive system before they can enter the bloodstream, and by the time it enters the bloodstream there has been quite a loss in CBD percentage, meaning you are getting less than you think.

Gummies can be a subtle introduction to the benefits of CBD. Still, if you are looking for that impactful relief, this isn’t the most efficient option compared to taking the compound sublingually.

How much CBD is absorbed sublingually?

Now that you have a general grasp of why sublingual administration is one of the most effective ways to take CBD, let’s dig deeper.

Bioavailability is the very reason why any and all supplements can be absorbed into your system from calcium, to magnesium, to CBD.

Bioavailability is the proportion of a compound that enters circulation after being introduced to the body. The higher the bioavailability, the more efficient and cost-effective the product is. For example, imagine paying money for a CBD product containing 40 milligrams per serving, only to find that 5-7% of the mixture will end up in your bloodstream, shocking right? We think so too.

If the compound doesn’t end up in your bloodstream, it’s of very little use to you.

This is why we use the analogy of CBD products acting as vessels, carrying the compound to the desired destination. Over the years, as CBD products of all shapes and sizes have emerged into the marketplace, there have been several studies looking into the bioavailability of these products.
Taking CBD sublingually creates maximum bloodstream levels absorbing between 13%-20% of the CBD and the desired effects have been tracked to last between 4 to 6 hours. The bioavailability is also attributed to the carrier oil used and at FoCo Organics we use USDA Organic MCT Oil (coconut oil) which makes the bioavailability 3x more efficient! Why, because by infusing the CBD with a saturated fat that the body can absorb it enhances its bioavailability.

This is amazing!

Sublingual vs. Oral Method

We know that higher CBD levels are achieved when taking it sublingually, but what about the oral application? If you take CBD and swallow it directly or use other oral methods like edibles or capsules, the CBD goes straight to your stomach. In those cases, there are a couple of main risks to the CBD that can cause degradation.

The first is your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including your stomach. This path is a chemistry lab that’s prepared to do its job, and do it well. From various enzymes, stomach acid, and bile the GI tract is ready to attack, filter, and reduce the potency of the CBD, which is, of course, a chemical compound.
The second risk is that the liver must process anything absorbed in your gastrointestinal tract/stomach. As a result, the liver can significantly alter the CBD through what is known as the “first-pass effect” or drug metabolism.

If you take too much CBD orally, by accident or willingly, you may experience feelings of being “high” as the CBD reacts with the diverse environment in your stomach.

Bottom line is that by taking your CBD orally, and after the digestive system does its job you are left with absorbing ~5-8% of the CBD intended, and effects can last anywhere between 1-2 hours.

So How Do You Take CBD Sublingually?

Typically, you will be using a dropper to take your CBD oil. Based on your desired dosage, place the liquid using the dropper under your tongue. You should leave it in your mouth for between one and two minutes. It’s recommended to swish it around your mouth a bit since you can get absorption in all the mouth’s tissues. This will distribute the oil to your cheek tissues or even your gums. Let it come to rest and sit under the tongue for a minute, and then swallow it.

What does “Buccal” mean as a method to take CBD?

Another exciting term to look out for when taking CBD orally is “buccal.” Buccal refers to absorbing CBD through the inside of the cheek. It has similar benefits to sublingual, but obviously, it’s a little harder to keep the liquid there. It is good to coat your mouth so you can get the benefits of buccal absorption, but the sublingual (under the tongue) is where the liquid should rest.

Final thoughts on the Sublingual Method

We hope you enjoyed learning more about sublingual CBD. This cannabis-derived chemical compound contains a treasure trove of exciting science, and it’s always fun to share this with our community. After all, when you are equipped with the knowledge, this can often make you feel more confident in your buying decisions.

The key to unlocking the therapeutic potential of CBD is information. Knowledge is power! If you understand how CBD works in the body, you will pick the right products to support your wellness journey. Unfortunately, far too many wellness consumers start taking CBD without having the foundational knowledge they need to get the most out of the compound.

CBD is commonly taken under the tongue because it is practical, convenient, and can save you money. With a little bit of practice, you will soon be able to deliver a precise amount of CBD and reap the therapeutic benefits you seek in an easy and most effective manner.

Our Organic Promise to You

“We promise you a final product that has no pesticides, no herbicides, no GMOs, no chemical and harmful fertilizers, hand harvested, carefully selected organic ingredients, third-party tested, traceability from seed to shelf, and grown in organic rich living soil out in the full spectrum Colorado sunshine.”

— FoCo Organics

Written by: Laura Oswald
Holistic Health Practitioner & Certified Holistic Nutritionist.

Laura is part of the Fort Collins community, a mama of two, and an avid advocate for holistic well-being! We are proud to have her as part of our FoCo Organics family.

“I envision a world where all people live in deep connection and harmony with themselves, their communities, and the Earth as they honor the rhythms, rituals, and rites of passage that guide them on their own journey through life.” – Laura Oswald

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