CBD OIL UNDER THE TONGUE

Cannabidiol, CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound produced by hemp and marijuana. There are different consumption methods. This article highlights all you need to know about the sublingual intake of CBD oil, including its advantages and disadvantages.

CBD is among the over one hundred other cannabinoids that have been identified. CBD and THC attract more attention than other cannabinoids because they are the most abundant, especially in hemp and marijuana. While CBD is an anti-psychotic, the latter is known to induce psychotic effects when used. It inhibits connections in the brain associated with memory and cognition, thus giving the user a high feeling when taken. Various extraction processes yield different CBD products, including oils, tinctures, and concentrated forms of CBD known as isolates. These products have different methods of administration that include sublingual, oral, topical, oromucular, and tablets and pills.

CBD Oil Under the Tongue

Various CBD products are available, but most are majorly delimitated into oils, tinctures, topicals, and edibles. These forms differ in their administration and the time taken to take effect on the body. Sublingual application, as opposed to regular oral consumption, involves placing a substance under your tongue and allowing it to diffuse through the surrounding tissue and into the bloodstream. Though ingesting CBD sublingually is specific, it is also extremely simple. CBD oil should be left under the tongue for at least 60 seconds to allow the molecules to diffuse across the epithelial cells. It is critical to note that the substance must be held under the tongue because different mouth areas have different cells that may not be porous enough to allow diffusion into the bloodstream.

CBD is commonly ingested sublingually as a tincture (drops) or spray. This works because the mouth has membranes underneath the tongue and cheeks. These membranes are densely packed with blood vessels, which transport blood to and from the heart via veins, capillaries, and arteries. As a result, anything these membranes can absorb can enter the bloodstream directly as long as they remain present long enough to be absorbed, usually around a minute for most people. CBD taken sublingually differs from edible forms such as gummies, chocolates, or capsules, which must be swallowed to begin the absorption process. In that case, the CBD enters the gastrointestinal tract, or gut, where it can take up to two hours to absorb fully. Watkins (2019)suggested that when CBD enters the body, it is used by ECS receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors based on your body's current environment and state. The body is constantly attempting to maintain homeostasis, and the ECS is only one component of that process. It communicates with other systems and thus requires feedback from them to know where it should focus its attention. In this case, the ECS being receptive to cannabinoids initiates faster absorption of the CBD available.

Bioavailability of Sublingual CBD

Bioavailability refers to the proportion and rate at which a substance is absorbed into the bloodstream. Products administered intravenously have 100 percent bioavailability. Other methods, such as topical or oral, must pass through several body parts before reaching the bloodstream. The greater the complexity or length of the journey, the lower the bioavailability. In the case of CBD, the goal is for the compound to enter the circulatory system and provide its benefits. However, even if a drop contains 2mg of CBD, only a small portion of that dosage will enter the bloodstream. As a result, the effectiveness and intensity levels of CBD are determined by bioavailability. CBD intravenous administration is neither feasible nor recommended. As a result, it would be preferable if you used a method of consumption that ensures greater bioavailability. Millar et al. (2018) noted that CBD sublingual bioavailability appears high. The typical CBD sublingual bioavailability rate ranges from 13% to 19%, with some cases having an absorption rate of up to 35%. This is accomplished by placing a few drops under the tongue and allowing them to sit there for a few minutes. The CBD oil is absorbed directly into your bloodstream by the mucous membrane in your mouth, allowing it to begin working almost immediately. CBD is taken sublingually, so it bypasses your digestive system and liver. This means the absorption rate will be higher, and the effects will be felt much faster.

Advantages of Sublingual CBD Administration

Most consumers who use this method to consume CBD oil begin to experience its health benefits after about 20 minutes. According to Hegazy & Platnick (2019), sublingual intake is an excellent method of administration for those who use CBD to treat chronic pain. People suffering from neuropathic pain due to arthritis will benefit from the quick relief provided by sublingual administration. Other CBD-based pain relief methods are still available. However, sublingual administration continues to be a highly effective method of obtaining immediate relief.

Sublingual intake is discreet, unlike vaping or smoking CBD, which attracts attention and has a negative stigma. One can conduct their business anywhere without drawing attention to themselves. It doesn't have a strong odor or smoke that would draw attention. This method does not require any preparation. The dropper bottles are quite small and easily fit into your pocket or purse.

Disadvantages Of Sublingual Administration Of CBD

There are a few drawbacks to taking CBD oil sublingually, given the numerous benefits. However, there isn't much you can do about the flavor. Since it is placed under the tongue, one will have to put up with the taste while the mucous membranes absorb it. Van de Donk et al. (2019) suggested that other potential CBD side effects include sluggishness, lightheadedness, and dry mouth.

Conclusion

There are various methods of administering CBD to the body, all affected by different factors such as age, sex, and body weight. Sublingual administration of CBD is a great way to take CBD without attracting attention. It is one of the quickest administration methods with a high level of bioavailability. However, there are drawbacks when using this method as it causes mouth dryness and has a bitter taste which some people might find unpleasant.

References

Hegazy, O., & Platnick, H. (2019). Cannabidiol (CBD) For Treatment Of Neurofibromatosis-Related Pain And Concomitant Mood Disorder: A Case Report. Cureus, 11(12).

Millar, S. A., Stone, N. L., Yates, A. S., & O'Sullivan, S. E. (2018). A Systematic Review On The Pharmacokinetics Of Cannabidiol In Humans. Frontiers In Pharmacology, 9,

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Van De Donk, T., Niesters, M., Kowal, M. A., Olofsen, E., Dahan, A., & Van Velzen, M. (2019). An Experimental Randomized Study On The Analgesic Effects Of Pharmaceutical-Grade Cannabis In Chronic Pain Patients With Fibromyalgia. Pain, 160(4), 860.

Watkins, A. R. (2019). Cannabinoid Interactions With Ion Channels And Receptors. Channels, 13(1), 162-167.