Sublingual
Pronunciation: /sub-LIN-gwal/
Definition
Sublingual means 'under the tongue.' CBD oil held under the tongue absorbs through the rich blood vessels there, reaching the bloodstream in 15-45 minutes.
Sublingual administration bypasses the digestive system and first-pass liver metabolism, giving CBD oil 2-3× the bioavailability of swallowed CBD.
Best practice: place drops under the tongue, hold for 60-90 seconds without swallowing, then swallow. Avoid drinking liquids for a few minutes after.
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Shop CBD oil drops made for sublingual use →Related terms
- BioavailabilityBioavailability is the percentage of a dose that actually reaches your bloodstream. CBD's bioavailability varies dramatically by delivery method.
- 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.
- 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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