Sublingual CBD Oil: What You Should Know Before Taking It
The sublingual route is one of the most widely studied methods of administering cannabidiol (CBD) in scientific research. It involves placing a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue to ease its absorption through the oral mucosa.
In this guide we explain in general terms what the sublingual route is, how CBD absorption works through it, what research says about onset times and what the main differences are compared with other ways of using CBD. The information in this article is for informational purposes only.
In several European countries, the regulation of CBD for oral or sublingual use is not uniform. While in countries such as Switzerland, Canada or the United States the sale of CBD products for internal use is authorised, in most of the European Union CBD oils are sold exclusively for external use (topical use).
The sublingual route allows CBD to be absorbed directly through the blood vessels located under the tongue. According to the available research, this may enable faster absorption and greater bioavailability compared with oral ingestion. Effects usually appear within approximately 30 to 45 minutes [1].
In summary
- The sublingual route involves holding a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue: part of the cannabidiol passes into the bloodstream through the mucosa and partly avoids the hepatic first-pass effect.
- Onset of effect: around 30-45 minutes · peak: 1.5-2 hours · approximate duration: 3-6 hours, according to studies.
- It offers greater bioavailability than oral ingestion, but lower than inhalation.
- In Spain and most of the EU, oral or sublingual use is not authorised (Novel Food): Cannactiva's CBD oils are sold for external use.
What is the sublingual route for CBD
Sublingual administration involves placing a liquid — in this case, CBD oil — under the tongue for a short period before swallowing. This area of the mouth is made up of a network of small blood vessels (capillaries) with a high absorption capacity.
When CBD oil is kept in contact with the sublingual mucosa, part of the cannabidiol can pass directly into the bloodstream without needing to travel through the digestive system. This sets it apart from ingestion, where CBD must pass through the digestive tract and the liver before reaching the general circulation [1,3].
Difference between the sublingual route and the oral route
Although both involve taking CBD oil into the mouth, the sublingual route and the oral route (ingestion) work differently. With the oral route, CBD is swallowed directly and passes into the stomach and intestine, where it is absorbed and transported to the liver.
With the sublingual route, part of the CBD is absorbed through the oral mucosa before being swallowed. This difference has implications for the speed of absorption and the amount of CBD that reaches the body in active form [1].
Absorption and bioavailability of sublingual CBD
Bioavailability is the percentage of a substance that reaches the bloodstream in active form. According to the available research, the sublingual route may offer greater CBD bioavailability compared with oral ingestion [1].
The main reason is that sublingual absorption allows CBD to partly avoid the so-called hepatic first-pass metabolism. When a substance is ingested, it passes through the liver before reaching the blood. In the liver, enzymes metabolise part of the CBD, which reduces the amount that reaches the bloodstream in active form.
Hepatic first-pass metabolism
When CBD is administered sublingually, part of the cannabidiol passes directly into the bloodstream without first passing through the liver. This means that a greater proportion of the CBD can reach the body in its active form, compared with direct ingestion [1,3].
It is important to bear in mind that the oil swallowed after being held under the tongue does travel through the digestive route. The sublingual route therefore combines a more direct initial absorption with a slower subsequent absorption through the digestive system.
In Cannactiva's case, CBD oils are sold for external use and are not intended for internal use.
How long sublingual CBD takes to take effect
According to the available research, the effects of CBD administered sublingually usually appear within approximately 30 to 45 minutes [1]. This time can vary depending on individual factors such as body weight, metabolism or the amount administered.
Peak blood concentration is generally reached between 1.5 and 2 hours after administration, according to data from pharmacokinetic studies [2].
Duration of the effect of sublingual CBD
The duration of the effect can vary considerably depending on the person and the amount used. In general terms, the effects of CBD via the sublingual route are estimated to last between 3 and 6 hours, although some research points to longer durations depending on the dose [1,2,3]. If you want to learn more about how long CBD stays in the body according to the route of use, we cover it in a separate guide.
These data come from studies carried out in controlled settings and may not apply identically to everyone. Individual response to CBD varies.
How to take CBD oil under the tongue (step by step)
In countries where internal use is authorised, the sublingual technique is carried out simply. We summarise it below for informational purposes:
- Load the pipette: shake the bottle and measure out the amount of oil you are going to use.
- Place the drops under the tongue: apply the oil directly onto the sublingual mucosa.
- Hold the oil for 60-90 seconds: avoid swallowing straight away so that part of the CBD is absorbed through the mucosa.
- Swallow the rest and wait: the effect usually starts to be felt after 30-45 minutes.
- Adjust gradually: change the amount little by little based on your experience and consult a professional.
Remember that in Spain and most of the European Union, Cannactiva's CBD oils are sold for external use; this step-by-step guide describes how the sublingual route is carried out only in countries where it is authorised.
Most common uses of the sublingual route
In territories where internal use is regulated, the sublingual route is one of the methods most often associated with certain wellbeing goals. Below we summarise, for informational purposes, the uses for which there is most documentation.
Sublingual CBD for anxiety
The fast absorption of the sublingual route is one of the reasons it is associated with managing moments of tension. We look further into the available evidence in our guide on CBD for anxiety.
Sublingual CBD for sleep
Rest is another context in which the use of cannabidiol is documented. We explain how it is approached in our guide on CBD for sleep.
Sublingual CBD for pain
It is also associated with accompanying persistent discomfort. We review what research says in our guide on CBD for chronic pain.
Differences between sublingual CBD and other routes of use
There are several ways to use CBD products. Each has its own characteristics in terms of absorption speed, bioavailability and duration of effect. The main differences are described below from an informational point of view.
Sublingual CBD versus oral ingestion
The main difference is the absorption route. With ingestion, CBD passes through the digestive system and the liver before reaching the bloodstream. With the sublingual route, part of the CBD is absorbed directly through the oral mucosa [1].
This can mean a faster onset of effect and greater bioavailability of sublingual CBD compared with ingestion. The effects of the oral route usually take longer to appear (around 60 to 90 minutes), but their duration can be similar or slightly longer.
Sublingual CBD versus topical use
CBD products for topical use — such as CBD creams and cosmetics — are applied directly onto the skin. Their action is localised and the CBD barely reaches the bloodstream [1,3].
The sublingual route, on the other hand, allows systemic absorption: the CBD passes into the general circulation and is distributed throughout the body. They are two methods of use with different goals and mechanisms.
Route of use | Onset of effect (approx.) | Duration (approx.) | Type of absorption |
|---|---|---|---|
Sublingual | 30-45 min | 3-6 hours | Systemic (oral mucosa) |
Oral (ingestion) | 60-90 min | 4-6 hours | Systemic (digestive route) |
Topical (creams) | Variable | Variable | Localised (skin) |
The availability of each format depends on each country's regulations. Cannactiva's CBD oils are sold for topical use.
Factors that can influence the effect of sublingual CBD
The response to sublingual CBD can vary from one person to another. Some factors that research has identified as relevant are:
The CBD dose
The amount used influences the intensity and duration of the effect. If you are unsure what CBD dose to take, it is advisable to start with low amounts and adjust gradually, and to consult a professional before using CBD for any purpose.
The quality and type of CBD oil
The oil's composition, the type of extract and its purity can influence the results. You can check our guide to buying CBD oil and the differences between full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate.
The percentage of the CBD oil
The oil's concentration (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%…) determines how much CBD each drop provides. If you are unsure which CBD oil percentage to choose, take into account your previous experience and the use you have in mind.
Individual factors
Body weight, metabolism, age and individual tolerance to CBD are variables that can change the response. In addition, according to research, the administration format (pipette drops versus spray) can affect the speed of absorption and peak blood concentration [4].
Cannactiva's CBD oils are not sold for oral or sublingual use.
General precautions on the use of CBD
CBD is a compound considered safe according to the available scientific literature. However, there are some important precautions:
- Consult a doctor before using CBD, especially if you are taking medication. CBD could interact with certain drugs.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it is recommended to avoid using CBD products during these stages, unless expressly indicated by a doctor.
- Side effects: they are infrequent and tend to be mild. According to clinical trial data, they may include dry mouth, mild drowsiness or a temporary decrease in appetite [5,6].
- Minors: CBD products are not intended for people under 18.
If in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional.
Regulation of CBD for sublingual use in Europe
The regulation of CBD for oral or sublingual use varies significantly between countries. In the European Union, the EFSA's assessment of CBD as a novel food (Novel Food) has not concluded. This means that, in most member states, CBD products are not authorised for internal use as a food supplement.
In countries such as Switzerland, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, the sale of CBD products for oral or sublingual use is permitted and regulated. In these territories, it is common to find CBD oils sold as food supplements.
The marketing and permitted use of CBD products depends on the country and the product's legal category. It is always advisable to check the regulations in force in your country of residence before purchasing any CBD product. For more information on the regulation in Spain, see our article on the regulation of CBD and hemp.
Cannactiva's CBD oils are intended for external use. Cannactiva does not sell or promote the oral or sublingual use of its products.
Frequently asked questions about sublingual CBD (FAQ)
What is sublingual CBD?
Sublingual CBD is a method of administering cannabidiol that involves placing a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue for a short period. Through the sublingual mucosa, part of the CBD can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This route is authorised in some countries, but not throughout the European Union.
How long does sublingual CBD take to take effect?
According to the available research, the effects of CBD administered sublingually usually appear between 30 and 45 minutes after administration. Peak blood concentration is reached approximately between 1.5 and 2 hours. These times can vary from person to person.
What is the difference between sublingual CBD and oral CBD?
The main difference is the absorption route. With the sublingual route, part of the CBD is absorbed through the oral mucosa and reaches the bloodstream without first passing through the liver. With the oral route (ingestion), CBD travels through the digestive system and the liver before reaching the blood, which can reduce its bioavailability.
Is it legal to use CBD oil sublingually?
The legality of sublingual CBD use depends on the country. In most European Union countries, including Spain, CBD oils are sold for external (topical) use. Countries such as Switzerland, Canada or the United States do permit the sale of CBD products for internal use.
Does sublingual CBD have side effects?
CBD is a compound considered safe. Side effects are infrequent and tend to be mild: dry mouth, mild drowsiness or a temporary decrease in appetite. These effects have been observed mainly at high doses. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using CBD.
CBD oils at Cannactiva
The sublingual route is one of the most widely studied methods of administering CBD in scientific research. The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to use Cannactiva's products.
If you are interested in CBD oils for external use, you can browse Cannactiva's catalogue:
Note: This is an informational article and is not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Its content may complement, but must never replace, the diagnosis or treatment of any disease or symptom. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are intended for external use. New relevant scientific evidence may have emerged since the date of publication. Consult your doctor before using CBD. The therapeutic approach must always be personalised and will depend on professional assessment.
References
- Cannabinoids for Therapeutic Use. Grotenhermen F. Am J Drug Deliv. 2004;2(4):229-240.
- A phase I trial of the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol administered as a single-dose oil solution and single and multiple doses of a sublingual wafer in healthy volunteers. Hosseini A, McLachlan AJ, Lickliter JD. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2021;87(4):2070-2077.
- Características de las vías de administración de cannabis (Actualización). García de Palau M. Fundación CANNA.
- Informe sobre el CBD. Bouso JC. Fundación CANNA.
- Chronic administration of cannabidiol to healthy volunteers and epileptic patients. Cunha JM, Carlini EA, Pereira AE, et al. Pharmacology. 1980;21(3):175-185.
- A Phase I, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose, Multiple Dose, and Food Effect Trial of the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Highly Purified Cannabidiol in Healthy Subjects. Taylor L, Gidal B, Blakey G, Tayo B, Morrison G. CNS Drugs. 2018;32:1053-1067.
