There is a growing mountain of anecdotal, self-reported evidence that cites taking CBD oil under the tongue as an effective wellness supplement.
Since the legalization of CBD oil sourced from industrial hemp, scientific studies are being launched and competed almost on a regular basis. These studies are constantly providing supporting, fact-based evidence that CBD oil is capable of providing a host of benefits.
Infused oils are a common entry point into the world of CBD. Taking CBD oil under the tongue is an easy way to enjoy the benefits of CBD quickly and effectively, and the dropper allows you to adjust your dosage as necessary.
If you’re trying CBD oil for the first time, there’s a good chance that you’ve asked questions before, and you might have been given mixed responses and myths in return. Everyone experiences cannabinoids differently, and there are many misconceptions surrounding CBD oil.
In this article, we’ll present the facts regarding the dosing, side effects, and benefits of taking CBD oil under the tongue.
What CBD Oil Is
Cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant, which contains a number of naturally-occurring compounds.
The human body is already equipped to process endocannabinoids, and phytocannabinoids produced by plants are compatible. Supplementing the body’s natural supply of cannabinoids can improve a range of bodily functions, including relaxation, mood, appetite, and more.
CBD in particular has been highlighted for its benefits, but there is still hesitance by some to vew it as a health supplement. If you have reservations about trying CBD, learning more about cannabinoids and where they come from can help you decide if it’s right for you.
Understanding CBD
Before delving deeper into the topic of CBD oil, it’s important to highlight the distinction between marijuana and industrial hemp.
In the United States, Cannabis sativa plants containing more than 0.3% THC are classified as marijuana and subject to different regulations than industrial hemp. CBD manufacturers cultivate their plants to fall below this threshold, ensuring the quality of the CBD.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both cannabinoids, but only THC is psychoactive. CBD, along with numerous other cannabinoids, do not interact with the body that way. Instead, they have the potential to relieve pain, reduce stress, and relax the body.
CBD can be taken in isolation, or combined with other cannabinoids to enhance the effect. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains a complete spread of cannabinoids, including CBC, CBG, CBN, and more. There are over a hundred known cannabinoids, and a number of them are being researched for their unique benefits.
Cannabinoids are not the only compounds of note, however. Flavonoids and terpenes also play a part, often contributing subtly to the overall experience. Even THC has its place on the spectrum, but only in trace amounts.
Understanding THC
The cannabis plant has a long and storied history, which has contributed to its perception in the modern age. If you asked the average person about cannabinoids, there’s a good chance they would only be aware of marijuana.
Cannabis and marijuana have been interchangeable for many years, but that’s beginning to change. As people come to understand cannabinoids better, they’re able to make the distinction between THC and CBD.
The primary difference between them is the method of action. CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids are processed by the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), where they are used to boost and balance bodily processes. This is done indirectly through the peripheral nervous system.
THC interacts directly with the central nervous system, changing the brain chemistry. This can lead to a number of psychoactive side effects, including intoxication (feeling “high”), euphoria, paranoia and anxiety, extreme drowsiness, hunger (“munchies”), and red, itchy eyes
CBD products do not induce these side effects, even full-spectrum CBD. This is because full-spectrum CBD only contains a trace amount of THC, which is not enough to elicit a psychoactive response. It is only present to boost the other cannabinoids.
CBD Oil Dosing and Side Effects
If you’ve never tried CBD products before, CBD oil is a great place to start. However, it’s important that you have the full picture before trying it for yourself. Many first-timers find themselves disappointed with CBD oil, not because it did not work for them, but because they bought the wrong oil or took it the wrong way.
To get off on the right foot, you need to understand the entourage effect and how it might improve your experience.
The Entourage Effect
There are three general types of CBD oil: CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum.
CBD isolate contains only oil and CBD, nothing else. This is where many people begin taking CBD oil, but the results are sometimes lackluster. The good news is that CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid worth taking. In fact, other compounds can amplify the effects of the CBD. This is known as the entourage effect.
Within broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD, you’ll find an array of compounds, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. When taken together, they work in unison to enhance and prolong the effects of the oil. This means better sleep, pain relief, and more.
Broad-spectrum CBD usually contains a selection of compounds, excluding THC. While this does encourage the entourage effect at some level, only a full spectrum can complete it. Full-spectrum CBD includes a trace amount of THC to round out the overall experience, giving you the fullest effect possible.
Dosing
Taking CBD oil under the tongue is the fastest and most effective method. Underneath your tongue are a collection of capillaries, which provide an excellent entry point into the body. Holding the CBD oil under your tongue allows your capillaries to absorb the CBD, where it enters the bloodstream and begins working.
Sublingual dosing allows you to make the most of every drop, and it delivers better results than digestive dosing. When you eat something, it has to be digested and metabolized before it can really work. Not only is this slow, but it strips away some of the efficacy. While CBD gummies are designed with this in mind; however, CBD oil should be taken sublingually for the best results. Many people avoid holding the oil under their tongue due to the taste or texture, which is why Yummy CBD oils are infused and flavored with your palate in mind.
To take Yummy CBD oil under the tongue, measure out your dose and empty the dropper under your tongue. Hold the oil there for at least a minute, long enough for the CBD to seep in through the blood vessels.
Side effects
When it comes to CBD side effects, they are often subtle and easily alleviated.
You might experience slight numbness under your tongue after holding the oil there, but this will dissipate in a few minutes. Changes in appetite and gastrointestinal issues have also been reported. Eating a small snack right before or after taking CBD oil can help settle the stomach.
If you experience dry mouth, try chewing a piece of gum or brushing your teeth to stimulate your salivary glands, and keep a water bottle on-hand.
Some people feel drowsy after taking CBD, especially when they first begin taking it. Make sure to take a daytime CBD oil during the day, and save the nighttime tincture until it’s time for sleep.
CBD Oil Myths
It’s natural to have concerns before beginning any new supplement, but it’s important to fact-check everything you hear. While cannabis products are entering the mainstream and getting more attention, there are still a lot of myths surrounding CBD oil.
CBD oil will yellow your teeth
A cup of coffee will stain your teeth far worse than a dose of CBD oil. Your pearly whites pick up stains easily, and things like berries, citrus, wine, and coffee are the worst offenders. CBD oil yellow teeth less than smoking, and does far less damage to your airways in the process.
When you take CBD oil under the tongue, there is little contact with your teeth. If you’re concerned about your smile, just rinse after dosing.
CBD oil will make your breath smell bad
If your CBD oil tastes or smells bad, the carrier oil might be the culprit. Certain oils, like olive or hemp seed, do not mask the flavor of the CBD very well. They also have their own taste and aroma, which might make your breath smell after dosing.
Yummy CBD uses coconut oil as a carrier, and we infuse each tincture with light, refreshing flavors like orange or mint. This makes the oil easier to hold in your mouth, and doesn’t leave a foul aftertaste.
Putting CBD oil on food is just as effective
As mentioned above, CBD oil is best taken under the tongue. It might seem like a small difference, but it plays a large part in how your body absorbs the compounds.
When you put CBD oil on food and eat it, only a fraction of the oil is being absorbed through the blood vessels in your mouth. The rest is being digested with the food, so you won’t experience the effects of the CBD as quickly.
Many people who put CBD oil on food find that the benefits are less noticeable, and you might not be able to tell when they kick in. When taken sublingually, the effects of the CBD will be faster, stronger, and last longer.
CBD Oil Benefits
As research into CBD continues, the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids grow clearer. Depending on your needs, you might find that CBD oil is the perfect supplement for overall wellness.
Rest and Relaxation
A growing number of people are ending each day tense and exhausted. This stress not only makes it difficult to relax and enjoy free-time, but it can creep into your dreams and disturb your rest, making it difficult to catch any Z’s. Stress feeds stress, and you might find yourself trapped in a cycle of fatigue.
By relaxing the body and mind, CBD makes it easier to unwind. This is one of its biggest benefits, and why Yummy CBD offers an oil specifically for nighttime. Combined with melatonin, a natural sleep aid, CBD can be the key to more restful sleep.
Anxiety and Mood
In a study involving public speakers, CBD was shown to soothe the nerves before a speech, and there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence from people who use CBD to manage anxiety. CBD may help you keep a level head throughout the day, reducing mood swings and feelings of anxiety, irritability, and depression.
Chronic pain
One of the benefits that brought CBD into the limelight was its anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties. CBD works through the ECS to affect the peripheral nerves, dampening pain signals and reducing inflammation. This works on all kinds of pain, including pain caused by nerve damage, arthritis, and cancer.
Appetite
You’ve likely heard about THC causing the “munchies”, but CBD has a more subtle, helpful effect on appetite. Instead of inducing feelings of euphoria or hunger, CBD balances bodily functions and may help keep food down. This is invaluable for those struggling with loss of appetite and nausea caused by chemotherapy, travel sickness, and more.
Addiction Recovery
Preclinical trials have suggested that CBD might be helpful for people recovering from addiction. Taking CBD oil under the tongue may help manage cravings, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and reduce stress and sleeplessness. While CBD oil isn’t a replacement for proper rehabilitation, for many it can help pave the way for a smoother recovery.
Yummy CBD Oil
Yummy CBD oils are designed to be easy, effective, and enjoyable. All of the CBD in our oils and gummies is fully legal, sourced from organic, industrial hemp.
It is full-spectrum, meaning it contains CBD, as well as additional cannabinoid, flavonoids, terpenes, and a trace amount of THC. While not enough to intoxicate you, the THC works with the other compounds to enhance the experience.
To ensure the quality and safety of our products, Yummy CBD has each batch tested by a third party lab. This guarantees that you’re getting nothing but legal CBD, and that THC levels are within trace limits.
Oil is a popular medium for THC, since it is easily infused and flavored. However, the quality of the oil is just as important as the CBD. Many people find it difficult to take CBD oil under the tongue when the oil is unpleasantly flavored or leaves a bad aftertaste.
Yummy CBD uses MCT coconut oil in our tinctures to ensure a smooth, pleasant experience. The coconut oil provides a small amount of fat, which helps the body process the CBD more effectively. However, medium-chain triglycerides break down into energy quickly, so they won’t be in your body for long.
We also lightly flavor the coconut oil, so it tastes good while you hold it under your tongue. Yummy CBD currently offers two types of CBD oil: one for daytime and one for bedtime.
- Orange Zest Organic CBD Oil contains 33mg of CBD per mL, which is around 1,000 mg of CBD total.
- Mellow Mint Sleep CBD Oil contains 67mg of CBD per mL, plus 1mg of Melatonin per mL, totalling 2,000 mg of CBD.
Each 30mL is and comes with a measured dropper. If taken a drop at a time, there are about 30 doses in each bottle, though you can experiment and find a dosage that works for you.
Want to learn more about CBD oil before buying a bottle? Check out the Buyer’s Guide for more information, and then stop by the SHOP page to make your investment.