Cannabis presents various consumption methods, each with its unique merits and drawbacks. Discover how consuming cannabis orally influences its effects on your body. Not to be confused with ingesting edibles, oral absorption of cannabis involves absorbing cannabinoids through the mucous membranes under your tongue (sublingually) or in your cheek (buccally). This method impacts how your body interacts with cannabis, so continue reading to learn about the recommended dosage, timing of effects, and ways to mitigate risks.

Method Oral absorption of cannabis entails taking it by mouth, such as holding oil under your tongue or using a dissolvable tablet. This differs from ingesting cannabis through baked goods or beverages or swallowing a capsule. When absorbed orally, cannabinoids traverse the mucosal layer under the tongue or in the cheek, entering the bloodstream. Oral absorption is sometimes described as slow and erratic.

Dosage Start low and go slow when determining the dosage. Initiate with a low dose, like approximately 0.2 mL of oil, and wait 30 minutes to two hours to assess the effects before considering more. Record and monitor your reactions to comprehend how much cannabis achieves your desired effect. Opting for an oil with low THC (2.5 mg per dose) is also a prudent choice.

Timing Effects of orally consumed cannabis manifest slowly and irregularly, within 30 minutes to two hours. Peak effects typically occur around two hours after consumption and can last up to 24 hours.

While shopping for cannabis products for oral absorption, watch for terms like “fast-acting” or “quick-onset.” These products, often formulated through nanoemulsification, may induce effects sooner than standard edibles, potentially within 10 minutes. Recognise that different products affect individuals differently, and these are guidelines, not absolutes.

Nanoemulsion A nanoemulsion breaks cannabinoids into microscopic molecules suspended in a lipid, facilitating quicker and more substantial travel to the bloodstream. Rather than gradual metabolism in the liver and stomach, these tiny cannabinoids move directly into the bloodstream, resulting in a faster onset of effects. Ongoing research investigates nanoemulsification and its potential effects.

Reducing Risk Consuming cannabis orally is not risk-free. Avoid combining it with other substances like alcohol and tobacco, as this could lead to undesirable effects, compounding the risk of impairment.

When effects take time to be felt, such as with ingested or orally consumed cannabis, it’s advisable to refrain from driving for at least six hours, given potential residual effects like drowsiness lasting up to 24 hours after consumption.