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Dr. Cannabis

Glossary

Sublingual

Absorption through the tissue under the tongue, bypassing first-pass liver metabolism and acting faster than swallowing.

Holding a tincture under the tongue for 60 to 90 seconds allows partial sublingual absorption; the remainder is swallowed and behaves like an edible.

This mixed absorption is why tincture onset is less predictable than either pure inhalation or pure oral dosing.

Also written as: under the tongue.

Sources

  1. MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49:12-19.Accessed 2026-08-15.