Bioavailability
Definition
Bioavailability is the percentage of a dose that actually reaches your bloodstream. CBD's bioavailability varies dramatically by delivery method.
Sublingual oils (held under the tongue) typically achieve 13-35% bioavailability. Edibles and capsules drop to 4-20% because of first-pass liver metabolism. Inhaled CBD reaches 30-56%. Topicals don't enter the bloodstream meaningfully — they act locally.
Microemulsion and nanoemulsion formulations can increase bioavailability by improving how CBD dissolves into water-based body fluids. Taking CBD with a meal containing fat (avocado, eggs, olive oil) can improve absorption 4-14× according to published studies, because CBD is fat-soluble.
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Shop our microemulsion drops — formulated for 95% bioavailability →Related terms
- SublingualSublingual means 'under the tongue.' CBD oil held under the tongue absorbs through the rich blood vessels there, reaching the bloodstream in 15-45 minutes.
- TinctureA tincture is a liquid herbal extract, traditionally made by soaking plant material in alcohol. Modern CBD 'tinctures' usually use a fat-based carrier (MCT oil) instead.
- MicroemulsionA microemulsion is a stable mixture of CBD oil and water created by reducing CBD particle size to under 100 nanometers, dramatically improving absorption.
- MCT OilMCT oil — medium-chain triglycerides, derived from coconut or palm — is the most common carrier oil for CBD tinctures because it improves absorption.
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