How many different ways do you think CBD oil can be consumed? Two? Four? Well, if we try searching the CBD market, we might end up with more than a dozen different ways. But, the question is that among such a huge variety of CBD products, which is the best way to take CBD oil?
Sublingual methods are one of the strongest contenders in this category. From onset time to effects, it has been taking the cake for a lot of people to a point where sublingual are preferred over other ways like oral and topical. So, is it the best choice for you? Let’s find out.
Today, we’ll discuss the details of the sublingual administration of CBD oil and let you decide if it is ideal for your needs and preferences.
What Is Sublingual Administration?
Sublingual methods involve placing CBD under the tongue for the cannabinoid to be absorbed by the tissues in and under your tongue instead of the digestive system.
Sublingual CBD products are generally available in the form of sprays, tinctures, and CBD strips. You can place them under your tongue and let the product dissolve slowly. Here’s a step by step process that will help you understand how to use CBD sublingually:
- Place a few drops or sprays of CBD oil under your tongue.
- Let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Roll the oil around your mouth.
- Swallow it.
If you are using sublingual strips, take one of the strips, place it under your tongue and follow the same steps. It will dissolve in a few seconds and start showing effects soon after.
Benefits of Using CBD Oil Sublingually
For you to decide if sublingual CBD is the best way to take CBD oil or not, it needs to have an upper hand over other methods. As per the experience of most people and the information provided by experts, the benefits of using CBD oil sublingually extend to three categories: Onset time, convenience, and high bioavailability.
Now, let’s discuss them in detail.
Onset
Onset time refers to the amount of time it takes for a CBD product to start working in the body after consumption.
For the sake of understanding let’s compare three of the most common methods of administration: edibles, smokeable and sublingual. The onset time of each of these methods is different. If we put them in order of fastest to slowest, it would be smokeable, sublingual, and edibles.
Now, despite being in second place, sublingual methods prove to be a better option for a number of reasons.
First, it is a happy mean between smokable CBD and edibles. Sublingual can take about 15- 45 minutes (the duration can vary from person to person) to show effects in the body. It is slower than the instant hit of smokable CBD (within 15 minutes) and the late onset of edibles (30 – 90 minutes). But, it lets you be prepared for the effects without waiting for too long.
Second, it avoids the hassle of smoke and lingering smell. Third, it takes away the risk of overdosing or the potent effects associated with edibles.
Convenience
Sublingual methods are the epitome of convenience. It involves little to no effort from your side. All you have to do is place a few drops or a strip under your tongue and relax. No waiting or instant hits. It will gradually let you in on a good experience.
Sublingual methods also do not involve any extra accessories or preparations for big rigs. Sublingual CBD products take away the hassle of dosing. Most tinctures come with a dropper that lets you microdose accurately. As for CBD sprays and strips, each spray and strip contain a specific amount of CBD which allows easy dosing every time.
Besides offering the convenience of dosing, sublingual is also a discreet way to administer CBD. It doesn’t involve smoke or smell and doesn’t lead to the possibility of getting high.
High Bioavailability
CBD bioavailability refers to the amount of CBD that is absorbed by the body after consumption. Just like onset times, the bioavailability of different methods also varies.
While edibles have the lowest bioavailability of 6-20%, sublingual methods give you a high absorption rate ranging from 20 – 35%. As a result, its benefits are best felt by the consumers.
A higher absorption rate means that the effects will be more prominent. Whether you are using it for pain relief, anxiety, body aches, or any other health issue, you will be able to feel the effects more prominently than when you take edibles infused with CBD.
Is It The Best Way to Take CBD Oil?
Sublingual administrations have more pros than cons. It has a relatively quick onset, is a very convenient method of administration, allows easy dosing, and offers high bioavailability too. It is indeed a balance between edibles and smokable CBD and also lets you enjoy CBD safely. It is a perfect method for people who wish to use CBD discreetly and without much hassle like parents and people who are always on the go.
Now, whether or not sublingual administration is the best way to take CBD oil is a decision that’s up to you.
