As an emerging therapy, CBD has been shown to provide potential health benefits that help with everything from inflammation to pain to anxiety. Research is also ongoing with regard to the most optimum way to consume CBD. Bioavailability lies at the heart of the “best” method when it comes to consuming CBD Oil into the body. Bioavailability is calculated as the proportion of the active substance that enters the body and how much of it goes on to have a viable and active effect.
CBD Oil drops and/or CBD/THC oil drops can be swallowed directly or delivered sublingually – meaning the drops are held under the tongue for approximately 60 seconds to then be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
These two delivery methods can affect the onset, duration, and intensity of the effects of CBD and cannabis. There are more than a few pharmaceutical drugs that are prescribed to be taken sublingually. For instance, some fast-acting benzodiazepines that are used to treat acute anxiety are delivered in this way. The area under the tongue is able to quickly absorb various active substances and deliver it directly into the bloodstream.
Sublingual administration is convenient, discreet, and fast-acting. This delivery method may appeal to those who are looking for an alternative to edibles as studies have shown that though the effects kick in faster – the results are shorter lived and less intense. CBD oil and/or CBD/THC oil drops has a sublingual bioavailability of 13% to 19% and users will experience the beneficial effects within about 20 minutes.Because digestive system has to take time to break down the ingested substance, many compounds lose potential bioavailability and time to onset is delayed. With the sublingual dosing of CBD oil and/or CBD/THC oil drops, there is a faster onset.
Ideal CBD products for sublingual use make use of carrier oils which both improves taste and, more importantly, heightens the bioavailability of the CBD. These carrier oils also make it possible to produce a variety of concentrations of CBD. Popular oil products include olive oil, hemp seed oil and coconut.
Orally-consumed drops (similar to eating edibles such as candies and brownies) take longer to kick in as they must be digested and processed in the gastrointestinal system before entering the bloodstream. Swallowed cannabinoids are absorbed into the intestine before being processed by the liver. Additionally, if a patient has recently consumed a large meal, it could take even longer for the cannabinoids to begin to take effect – as long as 90 minutes – and even longer before it can reach peak intensity effect.
That said, when the liver absorbs THC it is actually converting it from Δ-9-THC into 11-hydroxy-THC which is more psychoactive. Thus, the effects of THC-infused CBD oil is more intense if taken orally. THC is associated with the “high” from Marijuana, causing some patients to feel euphoric. Non-THC CBD is not psychoactive and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can be added to a variety of ingestible food and drink, making it easy to dose. The other drawback to the longer until effect-onset is that making its way through the digestive tract, some CBD will degrade along the way.
In general, CBD greatly benefits from the presence of lipids when being absorbed by the intestinal wall. According to CBD Guru in the UK, the cells of the intestinal membrane interact with these lipids which allows for the absorption of CBD. Oral ingestion will result in about 10% absorption of cannabidiol while sublingual will yield in up to 20% absorption.
Ultimately, experimentation is key in discovering the right dose as well as preferred delivery method for treatment.
At Miami’s LifeCannMD, Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende and his team are able to set patients up with a risk-free Medical Marijuana consultation and resulting Medical Marijuana card. Dr. Sende is also able to talk through dosing options – such as sublingual vs oral and offer a professional recommendation for which might be the best fit according to a patients’ experience, needs and comfort-factor.
Florida’s top-rated Medical Marijuana referral clinic has served over 5,000 satisfied patients. For more information, please visit www.lifecannmd.com, email health@lifecannmd.com or call (833) 543-3226.
