Beginner’s 101

Why put CBD oil under your tongue?

When it comes to taking cannabidiol (CBD) oil, putting it under your tongue is one of the most effective and common ways to receive the benefits. But why is this the most recommended method of taking it? And how do you do it correctly? Many users find that placing a few drops under their tongue is an easy and convenient way to take their dose. 

Here we explain how taking CBD under the tongue works and how to take CBD for effective results. We’ll cover:

• What is the sublingual method?
• How is CBD absorbed under the tongue? 
• Why take CBD under the tongue? 
• How to take CBD sublingually? 
• How to take CBD oil from a dropper
• What are the benefits of taking CBD under the tongue? 
• How long does it take for CBD to work?
• Are there side effects from taking CBD sublingually?
• How does taking CBD under the tongue compare to other methods?

What is the sublingual method

Putting CBD under your tongue is called the sublingual method. Taking CBD in this way allows it to be absorbed by the body more effectively without the risk of degradation. The CBD compound only passes salivary enzymes before it reaches your bloodstream, whereas oral methods have to travel through your gastrointestinal tract and liver.

How is CBD absorbed under the tongue? 

CBD is absorbed by the mucous membrane tissue under your tongue. The tissue is extremely absorbent and it is filled with tiny capillaries that transport CBD straight into your bloodstream. 

The sublingual method is one of the fastest-acting ways to take CBD and is up to 10 times more effective than oral methods. The bioavailability of CBD, when taken in this way, is 12%-35% which gives you a much higher rate absorption compared to when CBD is swallowed.

CBD oil under tongue

There are a few reasons why putting CBD under the tongue might be the best method for you. Most people want to feel the effects of CBD as soon as possible, and the fast and effective results of using CBD sublingually make this a popular choice. 

Here are some of the reasons why taking CBD under the tongue might be the best method for you.  

• you need to get CBD into your system quickly 
• you have trouble swallowing capsules
• you don’t want lessen the effects of CBD
• you want maximum absorption by bypassing the digestive system

How to take cbd oil sublingually?

Taking CBD under the tongue is easy, but can take some getting used to. For the most effective way to try this method, it is advised that you stand in front of a mirror, so you can see where to place the oil droplet. Most CBD oils are packaged in a tincture bottle that allows you to squeeze oil droplets from the glass applicator directly under your tongue. 

Check out this page here if you’re looking for some high-quality CBD oils. 

How to take CBD oil from a dropper – A step-by-step guide 

1. Unscrew the lid of your CBD oil. Squeeze the rubber tip to fill the glass dropper with oil.

2. Position yourself in front of the mirror and raise your tongue. Place the dropper close to your raised tongue and drop a few droplets on either side. 

Tip

We advise you not to put the glass dropper in your mouth for hygiene reasons. Putting saliva back in your CBD oil bottle can introduce bacteria and cause your CBD oil to expire quicker.

3. Lower your tongue and close your mouth and hold for 60-90 seconds. This allows you to get maximum absorption before you swallow. 

4. After 60-90 second you can swallow the remaining oil residue. If you are using regular full spectrum CBD oil you may find the oil has a strong hemp taste, this is due to the terpenes and flavonoids found in hemp. 

Why does CBD oil taste weird?

Some users mention a strong bitter or earthy aftertaste when they take CBD under the tongue, which may have you wondering why CBD tastes weird. While it might be an acquired taste. It’s all down to the natural properties found in hemp. 

Imagine all the plant waxes, chlorophyll, terpenes, and flavonoids all packed into a single drop of oil, that’s what gives CBD its bitter flavor. It’s no secret that plants have potent properties that humans have used for centuries for their effects. 

That’s why keeping all the plant properties in the oil is thought to give you all the benefits of the natural plant. If your CBD oil tastes weird it’s because you’re most likely taking a full spectrum oil that has all the hemp plant benefits kept in. 

There are other alternatives if you can’t handle the taste. Flavored CBD oils are available, made with CBD isolate where the terpenes and flavonoids have been removed. 

You may like to read our blog posts- how to make CBD oil taste better or Why does CBD oil taste weird for more information about CBD oil taste.

What are the benefits of taking CBD under the tongue 

This is usually beneficial if you’re planning on taking CBD to calm down, before bed, to relax or for any purpose that requires fast action. 

Placing CBD under the tongue also has a high bioavailability, this means a higher amount of CBD can be absorbed by the body In comparison to other methods.

How long does it take for CBD to work?

For those that want instantaneous results, they will find the sublingual method is the most effective way to feel the effects almost immediately, within a few seconds. While the sublingual method does deliver fast and effective results, one of the downsides to taking CBD in this way is how long the effects last. 

Compared to other methods, the results can be short-lived. If you prefer longer results over time and want a slow-release effect, this might not be the best method for you. 

Once CBD reaches your bloodstream it’s quickly pumped around your body and wears off quicker than when it’s digested. Also if you eat, drink, or smoke after trying this method it can also lessen the effects. It is advised if you do take CBD in this way, that you wait a while before you resume any of these activities. 

Are there side effects of taking CBD under the tongue? 

There are no known major side effects to putting CBD under your tongue, but there are a few things you should consider if you take CBD in general. Some users describe experiencing dry mouth, drops in blood pressure, lightheadedness, dizziness and drowsiness. Always consult your doctor if you’re thinking of taking CBD or are on any prescription medication. 

How does taking CBD under the tongue compare to other methods?

There are multiple ways of taking CBD that range from putting in on your skin, to taking it rectally. Depending on your CBD needs you’ll find some methods will work better than others. Here are some of the most common CBD methods to choose from.

• Sublingually (under the tongue)
• Orally (eating edibles or swallowing capsules)
• Inhalation (vaping or smoking)
• Topically (skincare)
• Rectally (suppositories)

So, how do these methods compare to putting CBD under your tongue. As we mentioned before the bioavailability of taking CBD under the tongue is quite high. We’ll run through how some of these methods compare so you can work out if taking CBD under the tongue is right for you. 

Taking CBD under tongue vs taking CBD orally 

Oral methods of taking CBD can take longer to be absorbed into the bloodstream, and delay its effects and weaken the amount of CBD that is absorbed by the body. 

Because CBD has to travel through multiple organs before it reaches the bloodstream it reduces how much of the CBD is used by the body. Taking CBD under is more favorable if you need quicker results. Because CBD is absorbed through the capillaries in your mouth and absorbs directly into the bloodstream without bypassing any organs. 

Taking CBD under tongue vs taking CBD topically

Topical application has one of the lowest absorption rates, this method is best if you are looking for localized skin relief. CBD has the ability to penetrate the skin’s dermal layer and interact with cannabinoid receptors in your skin. 

So, if you need internal relief, taking CBD under the tongue may be the best option. Topicals are best for your skin externally, while CBD under thought is better for internal issues. 

Taking CBD under tongue vs vaping CBD 

Vaping CBD also has a high bioavailability. When you inhale vapor it is absorbed by your lungs which then directs the CBD straight into your bloodstream. This method gives some of the fastest results but  also doesn’t last as long as oral methods. 

Taking CBD under tongue vs rectally or vaginally CBD 

Suppositories have the highest absorption rate of any CBD method, the membrane in the vagina and rectum is extremely absorbent and gives fast and long-lasting results. While the absorption rate of suppositories is higher than putting CBD under your tongue, suppositories aren’t as convenient as taking it orally or sublingually.

Oil drops only take a few seconds to place under the tongue and a few minutes to absorb. CBD suppositories need more planning to use, they are best for people who can’t take any oral or sublingual method or need targeted relief in the abdominal area. They can also leak when you’re using them, so they are best taken before bed or when you can stay home. 

Conclusion – What is the most effective way to take CBD? 

When it comes to taking CBD under the tongue it has some of the best advantages of any of the CBD methods available and is why it is the most common way of taking CBD oil. 

Its fast-acting, high absorption rate, and convenience make it an ideal option for users that want to fit it into their lifestyle easily, take it on the go with immediate results.