Sublingual administration refers to taking CBD oil under the tongue. There is no set guidance yet on how often people can use CBD this way, but most products advise taking CBD oil once or twice daily.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Other cannabinoids include delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the chemical responsible for the euphoric feeling many people associate with cannabis.

Unlike THC, CBD is nonintoxicating and may also possess many therapeutic uses due to how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is a biological system that helps regulate key bodily functions.

There are many ways people can take CBD, including under the tongue. However, each delivery method has different challenges that may make it difficult to get the important properties of CBD into the body and working effectively.

Sublingual use is a delivery method that can bypass some of these challenges, and proponents suggest that it may allow CBD to quickly enter the bloodstream through the veins under the tongue. However, experts need to perform more research on this topic.

In this article, we discuss the sublingual method for using CBD oil and suggest how frequently a person can take CBD oil under the tongue.

A person using CBD sublingually.Share on Pinterest
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At present, there is very little information available in scientific literature as to how much or how often a person can take CBD oil under their tongue.

Currently, there is only one manufacturer of a CBD product that has the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, which is the prescription drug Epidiolex. This approval enables people to use the drug to treat seizures that occur due to:

  • Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
  • Dravet syndrome
  • tuberous sclerosis complex

As such, there is still a lot that scientists do not know about CBD. However, research is ongoing into the:

  • appropriate dosage guidelines
  • potential long-term effects of CBD
  • different CBD delivery methods’ effects on people

Evidence notes that CBD is generally safe, particularly when people use it responsibly. Therefore, it is advisable to follow product suggestions for how frequently a person uses sublingual CBD.

Many manufacturers typically recommend that people take CBD oil once or twice a day. However, this varies according to various factors, which can include:

  • the condition the person is treating
  • weight
  • lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption
  • other medication use

Medical guidelines for using Epidiolex recommend a starting dose of 2.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) twice daily, for a total of 5 mg/kg per day. If tolerable, a person may be able to slowly increase their dosage to 20 mg/kg per day.

The above guidance is for taking CBD oil orally. Currently, no guidelines refer to suitable dosages of Epidiolex when using the sublingual approach. It is important to note that dosage for Epidiolex will differ from over-the-counter CBD products. As such, it is advisable for people to follow the recommendations on the packaging.

Sublingual administration refers to when a person places a drug under their tongue, which allows the drug to absorb directly into the bloodstream.

As such, this may allow the compounds of CBD to enter the bloodstream rapidly and directly because there are numerous blood vessels under the tongue. However, more research is necessary to understand how effectively CBD oil can absorb into the capillaries under the tongue.

Research suggests that methods that bypass the digestive process, such as sublingual delivery methods, typically absorb better when people take CBD orally.

By entering the blood vessels directly, the part of the drug that enters the bloodstream can skip the process of metabolism. This prevents the body from disposing of the drug before it has the chance to enter the system.

To use CBD sublingually, it is advisable to follow instructions on the product’s label. Typically, this will involve using a pipette and placing a drop of CBD oil under the tongue, where a person will hold it until it absorbs. A person can also follow a healthcare professional’s directions when taking CBD oil using the sublingual approach.

Researchers are still investigating which delivery methods are effective for taking CBD oil. Taking CBD for medicinal purposes comes with challenges that may include:

  • low bioavailability, meaning the extent of the drug entering the bloodstream is often low
  • variable pharmacokinetics profiles, as different bodies process the drug in different ways
  • possible polymorphisms, as genetic variation can influence the effectiveness, side effects, and drug interactions

CBD has a lipophilic nature, meaning it tends to either dissolve in or combine with fats and lipids. Because of this, it is often available in the form of oil. Different forms of CBD products can include:

  • oils
  • foods
  • lotions
  • capsules
  • cosmetics

As well as taking CBD oil under the tongue, some people may use the following delivery methods:

  • oral
  • inhalation
  • topical

Click here to learn more about the different ways to take CBD.

When using CBD products, it is advisable to purchase these products from a reputable source and discuss taking them with a healthcare professional. A person can follow guidelines on the product packaging and ask their doctor about dosages and whether taking CBD will impact any medications they currently take.

CBD is a cannabinoid compound that comes from the cannabis plant. Findings show that CBD can help treat seizures and may also possess many other health benefits.

CBD is available in various forms and people can take it in many ways. This includes sublingually, which refers to placing CBD oil under the tongue.

At present, research is still ongoing into different delivery methods and suitable dosages. Many factors can influence an appropriate dose when using CBD sublingually. However, many products often recommend taking CBD oil under the tongue once or twice a day. Before using CBD, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.