Sublingual CBD oil is taken by placing drops under the tongue, typically holding them there briefly before swallowing. This method is intended to allow some CBD to be absorbed through the tissues of the mouth while the remainder is swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system. How quickly you notice an effect can vary considerably. Research examining sublingual and other oromucosal CBD products has found that CBD typically reaches its highest concentration in the bloodstream within about 1–5 hours, depending on the formulation and individual. However, peak blood concentration is not the same as the moment you begin to notice an effect. Interestingly, sublingual CBD oil may not always be absorbed as differently from swallowed CBD as commonly assumed. One study comparing CBD oil taken as sublingual drops with the same oil taken in capsules found that both produced similar blood concentrations and reached their peak at approximately four hours. The researchers suggested that much of the CBD placed under the tongue may ultimately be swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system. Several factors can influence how quickly and strongly CBD affects you, including the amount taken, formulation, whether you’ve eaten, your metabolism, and individual response. Food can substantially change CBD absorption, which is another reason two people taking the same amount may experience different results. The bottom line: there isn’t a scientifically established number of minutes in which sublingual CBD will “kick in.” Some effects may be noticed before CBD reaches its peak blood concentration, but timing varies considerably between individuals and products.
