Cannabis Tinctures & Sublingual Oils
Place the oil under your tongue, hold for 60 seconds, and swallow. It sounds simple — but this route bypasses first-pass metabolism and delivers up to 4× more active ingredient than swallowing.
TL;DR: Sublingual = absorption through the oral mucosa. Onset of action: 15–30 min, duration: 4–6 h, bioavailability: ~20% (vs. 4–20% oral). Dosage calculation: % × 10 = mg per ml. A 10% oil = 100 mg/ml = ~3 mg/drop. Standard CBD starting dose: 10–20 mg/day. MCT oil is the superior carrier oil (clear, tasteless, better cannabinoid solubility).
How Sublingual Absorption Works
The oral mucosa is thin and highly vascularised. Fat-soluble cannabinoids diffuse directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the detour through the stomach and liver.
This is why you feel the effects within 15–30 minutes (vs. 30–120 minutes when swallowed) and significantly more of the active ingredient reaches your system. Crucial: hold it under your tongue for at least 60 seconds, otherwise you swallow half the dose into your stomach — where it is processed much less efficiently.
Dosage Calculation
Percentage × 10 = mg per ml. A 5% oil contains 50 mg CBD/ml, a 10% oil contains 100 mg/ml, and a 20% oil contains 200 mg/ml.
A standard dropper delivers ~0.05 ml per drop (30 drops/ml). Therefore: 10% oil → ~3.3 mg per drop.
CBD starter dose: 10–20 mg/day, split into 2–3 portions. After 1 week, gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved.
Carrier Oils Compared
MCT Oil (fractionated coconut oil): neutral taste, thin consistency, high cannabinoid solubility, fastest sublingual absorption. The standard for premium products.
Hemp Seed Oil: nutty-green flavor, thicker consistency, classic full-spectrum oil. Contains additional Omega-3/6 fatty acids.
Olive Oil: less common, strong taste, inexpensive. Bioavailability is comparable to hemp seed oil.
Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, Isolate
Full-Spectrum: contains all plant cannabinoids including trace THC (< 0.2%). Entourage effect.
Broad-Spectrum: same as full-spectrum, but THC-free. Ideal for sensitive users.
Isolate: pure CBD (99%+), tasteless, no entourage effect. Allows precise dosing for medical applications.
FAQ
How long should the oil remain under the tongue?
At least 60 seconds, ideally 90. Swallowing too quickly means half the dose is lost through the stomach and liver.
How many drops are needed for 20 mg of CBD?
With a 10% oil (100 mg/ml, ~3.3 mg/drop) → 6 drops. With a 5% oil → 12 drops. With a 20% oil → 3 drops.
Can I also swallow sublingual oil?
Yes, but then it acts like an edible (slower onset, longer duration, higher first-pass loss).
Full-spectrum or isolate?
For wellness and relaxation: full-spectrum (entourage effect). For medical precision or if drug tests are a concern: broad-spectrum or isolate.
Is THC oil legal in Switzerland?
Only with a medical prescription (Dronabinol or full-spectrum cannabis oil from a pharmacy). See Cannabis Prescription Switzerland.