CBD gummies have become increasingly popular as an easy and delicious way to enjoy the potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). Whether you’re using CBD for stress relief, pain management, or to help with sleep, gummies offer a convenient and enjoyable option. But as the market for CBD products grows, so do the questions around the best ways to consume them for maximum effectiveness.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind how CBD is absorbed in the body, the potential advantages of letting gummies dissolve in your mouth, and whether this method could offer better results than chewing and swallowing them.
Understanding How CBD Is Absorbed in the Body
Before we dive into whether letting cbd gummies dissolve in your mouth is beneficial, it’s important to understand how CBD is absorbed by the body. CBD can enter the bloodstream through several routes, each with different levels of effectiveness and timing:
- Oral Ingestion: When you chew and swallow CBD gummies, the CBD is absorbed through the digestive system. This means the CBD first travels through your stomach and intestines, and then it must be metabolized by your liver. Only after this process does the CBD enter your bloodstream. This process is slower and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on factors like your metabolism, what you’ve eaten, and the specific product.
- Sublingual Absorption: Another way to consume CBD is through sublingual absorption, which occurs when you place CBD oil or tinctures under your tongue. The tissue in the mouth absorbs the CBD directly into the bloodstream without going through the digestive system. This method is faster and may deliver more immediate effects than oral ingestion.
- Inhalation: Vaping or smoking CBD allows it to enter the bloodstream through the lungs, making it one of the fastest ways to experience the effects of CBD. However, this method is not ideal for everyone due to the potential risks associated with vaping or smoking.
What Happens When You Chew and Swallow CBD Gummies?
When you chew and swallow CBD gummies, you’re taking them in through oral ingestion. As mentioned earlier, this method is slower since the CBD must pass through your digestive system and liver. The liver metabolizes the CBD into compounds, some of which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. This process, known as the first-pass effect, reduces the bioavailability of CBD. This means that not all the CBD consumed will reach your bloodstream.
In terms of timing, the effects of CBD gummies may take a while to kick in. You might have to wait up to two hours to feel the full effects. The duration of the effects may last longer, but the onset is slower compared to other methods of CBD consumption.
Does Letting CBD Gummies Dissolve in Your Mouth Improve Absorption?
Given that sublingual absorption allows CBD to enter the bloodstream more quickly than oral ingestion, some people wonder if letting CBD gummies dissolve in the mouth could provide similar benefits. Let’s break down the potential advantages of letting CBD gummies dissolve versus chewing and swallowing them.
Potential Advantages of Letting CBD Gummies Dissolve in Your Mouth
- Faster Absorption: The main reason people opt to let gummies dissolve in their mouths is to benefit from faster absorption. The soft tissue in your mouth, including under the tongue and along the cheeks, can absorb CBD more directly into your bloodstream. This could result in quicker effects than if you swallow the gummy right away.
- Higher Bioavailability: The bioavailability of CBD (the amount that actually enters your bloodstream) may increase if more of it is absorbed through the mouth. Since some CBD is lost during digestion, allowing some to be absorbed directly in the mouth might mean more CBD reaches your system without being broken down by the liver.
- Targeted Relief: If you’re using CBD for immediate relief—whether for anxiety, stress, or pain—quicker absorption could be a benefit. Instead of waiting an hour or two for effects to kick in, you might feel some relief within 15-30 minutes by allowing the CBD to dissolve in your mouth.
Challenges of Letting CBD Gummies Dissolve in Your Mouth
While the idea of faster absorption is appealing, there are a few potential downsides to this method.
- Taste: While CBD gummies are typically flavored to be pleasant, some people may still detect the earthy undertones of CBD, especially if they hold the gummy in their mouth for an extended period. This could be off-putting for those who prefer a quick chew and swallow.
- Portion Control: Letting a gummy dissolve in your mouth may not provide consistent absorption compared to taking measured CBD oils sublingually. Since gummies are designed for oral ingestion, it’s difficult to determine how much CBD is being absorbed through the tissues in your mouth and how much is swallowed.
- Wasting the Product: If the gummy is not specifically designed for sublingual absorption, it might not be as effective to let it dissolve. This could result in you wasting part of the product, as not all CBD will be absorbed efficiently through the mouth tissues.
What Do Experts Say?
The consensus among CBD experts is that if you want faster and more direct absorption, sublingual products like tinctures or sprays are more effective than gummies. Gummies are designed for convenient, tasty oral ingestion and are ideal for those who want long-lasting, slower-onset effects.
However, if you prefer gummies and want to try dissolving them in your mouth, it could potentially increase the speed of absorption slightly, but it’s not likely to be as effective as a product specifically designed for sublingual use.
Conclusion
While letting a CBD gummy dissolve in your mouth may result in faster absorption and potentially increased bioavailability, it is not the most efficient way to consume CBD if you’re looking for fast results. CBD gummies are designed for slow, steady absorption through digestion, making them great for people who want longer-lasting effects that take a while to kick in.
If you’re seeking rapid relief or higher bioavailability, CBD tinctures or oils taken sublingually may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you love the convenience, taste, and ease of use of CBD gummies, then chewing and swallowing them as directed is perfectly fine—and will still provide you with the benefits of CBD over time.
Ultimately, the best method depends on your personal preferences, your body’s response to CBD, and what you’re using CBD for. Letting gummies dissolve might provide a slightly quicker effect, but for most users, the traditional method of chewing and swallowing offers a reliable, convenient experience.