Sublingual Cannabis- What You Should Know
As the perception of cannabis continues to evolve globally, various administration methods are coming into the limelight. One such approach that's gained significant traction is sublingual cannabis. This sophisticated, quick, and efficient mode of intake has caught the attention of many, but what does it entail? Here's what you need to know.
What Does Sublingual Cannabis Mean?
Sublingual, a term borrowed from Latin, which translates to "under the tongue." Hence, sublingual cannabis refers to a method of consuming cannabis by placing it under the tongue. This method is well-liked because it bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolization, allowing the cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream directly through the mouth's mucus membranes.
Unlike edibles or inhalables, which must undergo the metabolic process before their effects are felt, the sublingual application offers a relatively immediate effect. This direct route allows users to feel the effects faster and ensures a larger proportion of cannabis' active ingredients reach the bloodstream.
Sublingual Measurement Forms
Understanding the administration of sublingual cannabis is crucial in fully appreciating its value. So how is it measured, and what forms does it take?
Sublingual cannabis often comes in the form of tinctures, strips, or sprays. Cannabis tinctures, the most popular form, are alcohol or oil-based extracts that are typically packaged in small dropper bottles. By squeezing the dropper, the user can apply a precise amount of cannabis extract under their tongue.
Sublingual strips, on the other hand, are akin to breath-freshening strips. Small, thin pieces dissolve quickly under the tongue, releasing their contents directly into the bloodstream.
Lastly, sublingual sprays are another popular form of sublingual cannabis. These are alcohol-based sprays that users can spray under their tongues.
Regardless of the form, the key with sublingual administration is that the cannabis product must stay under the tongue for a while (usually a minute or two) before being swallowed, giving the mucous membranes enough time to absorb the active ingredients.
What Are The Benefits of Sublingual Cannabis?
Why are so many people turning to sublingual cannabis? The answer lies in its multitude of benefits.
Speedy Onset: Unlike other methods, sublingual cannabis ensures a rapid onset of effects – usually within 15-30 minutes. This quick action can be a game-changer for those using cannabis for symptom relief.
Efficiency: As sublingual administration bypasses the liver's metabolic processes, more of the active compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream. This translates to more pronounced effects with less product use than methods like ingestion.
Precision Dosing: With tinctures, sprays, and strips designed to deliver specific amounts of cannabis, the sublingual application offers precision dosing. This gives users a greater level of control over their experience.
Discretion: Sublingual forms like tinctures, sprays, and strips are discreet. They neither produce any smoke nor distinct odors, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer to keep their cannabis use private.
Is Sublingual More Potent?
One common question regarding sublingual cannabis is about its potency. Is it more potent than other forms of cannabis use?
The potency of cannabis is highly dependent on the bioavailability of the cannabinoids, which refers to the amount and rate at which they are absorbed into the bloodstream. With sublingual administration, bioavailability is generally increased compared to ingestion because the cannabinoids bypass the digestive system.
This direct route helps maintain the integrity of the cannabinoids, preventing them from being broken down extensively by the liver. An occurrence that often reduces the potency of ingested cannabis. However, while the effects might be more efficient and quicker, this doesn't necessarily mean they are more potent in terms of their intensity. The intensity or potency of effects would depend on the dose used and the individual's tolerance and sensitivity to cannabis.
How Long Do You Hold Sublingual Under Your Tongue?
The absorption process under the tongue begins immediately upon sublingual application. However, to maximize absorption and optimize the effectiveness of the cannabis product, it is generally recommended to hold the sublingual cannabis under the tongue for about 60 to 120 seconds before swallowing.
This allows enough time for the mucus membranes in the mouth to absorb the active compounds and for the onset of effects to occur more swiftly. Swallowing too soon can result in a significant proportion of the product being metabolized by the liver, somewhat defeating the purpose of the sublingual method.
Safety and Side Effects of Sublingual Cannabis
As with any method of cannabis consumption, it's essential to consider potential safety concerns and side effects. While sublingual cannabis has a favorable safety profile for most people, it's still vital to understand potential reactions and interactions, particularly for those with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications.
Understanding the Right Dosage for You
Dosing sublingual cannabis can be quite precise, but it's not one-size-fits-all. Everyone's response to cannabis is unique, and various factors, from your metabolism to your weight, can affect your optimal dose. Here, we'll explore how to find the right dosage for your individual needs and the importance of starting low and going slow.
The Bottom Line
Sublingual cannabis presents a fast, efficient, and discreet way to consume cannabis. Its heightened bioavailability, precision dosing, and quick onset of effects make it an attractive option for medical and recreational users.
While it might not necessarily be more potent than other forms of cannabis consumption, the direct absorption into the bloodstream can often lead to more effective outcomes. Remember, as with all cannabis products, it's essential to start slow and go slow, gradually increasing your dose as necessary until you find what works best for you.
Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about whether sublingual cannabis is the right option for you. As always, make sure to comply with your local laws regarding cannabis use and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any health concerns. Click the link below if you want to book an appointment with our team.
