There are several ways to consume cannabidiol (CDB), including through tinctures, oils, topicals, edibles, and by vaping.
One interesting mode of consumption is via sublingual wafers that are applied under the tongue and dissolved, leaving the active CDB to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream without having to go through the digestive process.
You may have seen sublingual wafers in other forms, including for the deliverance of vitamins. The purpose of sublingual wafers is to ensure rapid dissolve, speed up the effect that the active ingredient has on the body, and increase its bioavailability. In these cases, sublingual CBD wafers may be an attractive option for those looking to ensure more rapid effects of CBD, whether to ease pain, alleviate inflammation, or calm anxiety, among other things.
One study recently conducted and published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology looked at the safety and tolerability of CBD wafers and oils compared to cannabinoid-based oromucosal sprays. [1]
Twelve study participants received 4 different single doses of CBD as a sublingual wafer, oil, or oromucosal spray and were assessed based on how well they tolerated the doses. The pharmacokinetics of the CBD intake was also closely followed.
The volunteers also received a CBD sublingual wafer twice a day for 5 days in a multi-dose study.
The researchers found that the CBD was well-tolerated among the participants when the cannabinoid was given in either a wafer or oil format, though some adverse reactions were noted, including sedation and altered mood. The bioavailability of the CBD was comparable among the wafer and oil. The concentration levels of CBD were maximized 4 hours after consumption.
No statistically significant difference was found between the observed exposure to CBD after administration of the wafer or oil solution compared to the oromucosal spray.
Image source: Alissa De Leva from Pixabay
References:
1. Hosseini, A, et al, “A phase I trial of the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol administered as single‐dose oil solution and single and multiple doses of a sublingual wafer in healthy volunteers“, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, October 2020.
