Taking CBD oil under your tongue, known as “sublingual application”, may seem unusual, but it is by far the most common way cannabidiol is consumed. Placing substances under your tongue understandably sounds a bit odd because it’s not something we often do. So, what is it about this method that makes it so widely used?
The word ‘sublingual’ literally means under the tongue. When liquids are placed there, they can cross the thin membrane via the large blood vessel found here and enter your bloodstream.
Sublingual application of CBD oil is not only the easiest method of application but also one of the quickest ways to get the active ingredients into your bloodstream. It takes effect in as little as 15 minutes and is one of the most efficient delivery methods.
Benefits of taking CBD sublingually
Comparing the different methods
How to take CBD under the tongue
Most of our customers agree that taking CBD under the tongue is quick and easy. It requires very little effort and can be completed in a couple of minutes without having to use any special equipment. Drops can be placed under your tongue discreetly, whether you are at home or work.
As a bonus, taking CBD under your tongue means that a higher amount of the active ingredients will be absorbed for use when compared to simply swallowing it or taking capsules/edibles. This results in a greater effect from less CBD, meaning that you could save money when compared to eating your CBD which has much lower bioavailability.
Of the 5 main methods to take CBD, placing the oil under the tongue is one of the most effective. It isn’t as effective as vaping, but because it is so simple and safe it is still more popular.
The effectiveness of each method can be measured by the length of time it takes for you to feel an effect, and how much of the active ingredient reaches your bloodstream. Once CBD reaches your bloodstream it is unlikely to be broken down further and it will be transported around your body for use.
|
Method used |
Uptake into your bloodstream |
Time to take effect |
|
Ingested (swallowed) |
4 - 20% |
30 minutes - 2 hours |
|
Under your tongue (sublingually) |
Up to 35% |
15 - 25 minutes |
|
Rectally |
8 - 50% |
20 - 60 minutes |
|
Inhaled or vaporised |
Up to 56% |
10 - 20 minutes |
|
Rubbed into the skin (topically) |
Can be up to 45% but stays localised (enters local tissue & small blood vessels only). |
25 - 45 minutes |
If you swallow CBD, it travels through your digestive system and your body automatically starts to break it down. This process can be slowed down by mixing the active ingredients with other substances such as fat or using an MCT oil carrier, but the difference is relatively small.
Most food and drink must take a ‘first pass’ through the liver, this removes toxins and breaks food into its component parts. Between 4% and 12% of the CBD will make it through and reach the bloodstream to be transported to cells for use. Because of the time it takes for your digestive system to process food, it can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours for that small amount of CBD to get to work.
More than two-thirds of our customers notice a difference when switching from edibles like CBD capsules and gummies to the sublingual application of CBD oil.
Rubbing a balm or cream into your skin, unlike the other methods, doesn’t give you a whole-body effect. This is because it only goes to the cells, tissues and small blood vessels close to where you’ve applied it. It can have a localised effect within 25 - 45 minutes and up to 45% can reach the target area.
Vaping involves heating CBD e-liquids in a device to produce a vapour you inhale. The CBD crosses the thin, moist membranes in your lungs directly into your bloodstream. This means that the effects can often be felt within 10 - 20 minutes and up to 56% of the CBD can reach your bloodstream.
Inserting CBD rectally is regarded as a quick and effective way of taking it. However, the speed of its effect and how much reaches your blood, depends on which of the rectal blood vessels absorb it and how the CBD is prepared. The effect of this method can also be reduced by health issues such as constipation and haemorrhoids.
It is currently seen to be a better method than eating CBD, but until CBD has been specifically prepared for rectal use it is not as consistently effective as taking it sublingually or using a vape.
While vaping CBD e-liquid is the most efficient method, it comes with extra steps. You need to buy a vape, keep it topped up, purchase specialised CBD vape oils, and use it only where their use is allowed.
Taking CBD oil sublingually is a simple process, lift your tongue and place the recommended number of drops in the space behind your teeth. Place your tongue back down and hold the oil there for one to two minutes, making sure it stays in contact with the membrane beneath your tongue the whole time for optimal absorption.
If you are having trouble with this process, there are a couple of tips that can aid you:
1. Stand next to a mirror or ask a friend to help you position the dropper and count out the drops. Once you’ve done this a couple of times it gets much easier.
2. CBD sprays are a great way to apply the oil directly under your tongue with no fuss. Brands like CannabiGold have specially designed pump dispensers that make it easier to take a specific amount without any guesswork or the use of a mirror.
After one to two minutes under your tongue, most of the CBD will have been absorbed into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system where much of the CBD gets broken down before it can become effective. You can then swallow the remaining oil to ensure no CBD is wasted.
When you first take CBD, you might be struck by a distinct, bitter undertone. This strong grassy taste often comes with unfiltered, high-quality oils that use the entire hemp plant (This is why they’re called “whole plant CBD oils”.) It’s not the most pleasant sensation, but it's not harmful. A sip of water or some food can help neutralise the aftertaste.
If you get any reaction that goes beyond this slightly bitter taste, stop using it immediately. These reactions are usually due to:
CBD is commonly taken under the tongue because it is effective, convenient and can save you money. If you are just starting to use CBD oil it is an ideal consumption method. With a little bit of practice, you will soon be able to deliver a precise amount wherever you are.
Hi John W. Sullivan, the answer you're looking for is in several of our articles including "How to take CBD oil" but I'm happy to answer it here. One can take CBD oil any time of the day but we've found it most effective when taken under the tongue before meals. Why? Cannabinoids are fat soluble, so any amount that doesn't get absorbed sublingually will then attach to its own carrier oil and the lipids from your meal and be absorbed that way. Also, the CBD oil taste won't stay in your mouth if you've had a meal (or a small snack/drink) right after taking it. Please let us know if you have any other questions. All the best, Daniel (contactfortheageless.com)
You seem to answer all questions but one. WHEN TO TAKE IT. Is there a best time to take it.. take it before or after you eat, take it on an empty stomach or what? Yes, I know it’s placed under the tongue but some of it you swallow may have the CBD and the oil or just the oil. On an empty stomach this may cause some people.. well.. you get the picture. Or do you randomly take it when you please, at any time.
Hi @Jenine, to find out more about how long does it take to feel it check out this article: https://www.fortheageless.com/blogs/cbd-oil-uk-blog/cbd-bioavailability And to find out about the type of feelings you may expect: https://www.fortheageless.com/blogs/cbd-oil-uk-blog/does-cbd-get-you-high Let us know if you have any other questions by contacting us (see details on the footer below).
This is my very first dose of the CBD oil and I put it under my tongue. How long does it take to feel it, and what type of feeling am I expecting.
Hello @Sergio! A good rule of thumb is to start with the minimum dose recommended on the product’s label for a week and see how you react, whether or not you need to increase it the following week, and keep doing so gradually until you find your ideal dose. Kim
Ibought a bottle of cbd oil of 2ooomg how many drops shall i take ?this is my first experiense
Hi Jean, check out this post; it answers your question: https://www.fortheageless.com/blogs/cbd-oil-uk-blog/how-to-take-cbd-oil
Why do people take CBD oil rectoraly and what is the dosing for that?
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Tom Russell
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Tom Russell writes extensively about CBD oil and other groundbreaking food supplements. He and his wife share their home with two daughters and a lifetime’s collection of books.