A Closer Look at Cannabis Oral Products
By Danyal Swan March 25, 2023
Smoking isn’t for everyone.
In fact, many people who use medicinal cannabis may not be able to rely on the classic consumption method, whether due to the inconvenience of the smell, or its potential as an aggregator to other medical conditions. Fortunately, advances in cannabis science have enabled cannabis brands to produce a range of different applications for patients who are prescribed medical cannabis.
Each of these may provide a different avenue for the varying amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CDB) to enter the patient’s system.
There is a common misconception that cannabis is cannabis, and no matter how you take your medicinal cannabis product, you will experience similar effects. In reality, the various forms of cannabis and the effects they induce are much more nuanced.
What Are Cannabis Oral Products?
Cannabis oral products cover a wide range of products that can either be taken into the mouth and ingested or dissolved under the tongue (sublingually). While cannabis inhalation and edible consumption also occur orally, when dispensaries describe cannabis oral products, they are typically referring to products like oils, capsules, tinctures, and sprays designed to be taken by mouth. It’s important to note that swallowing cannabis products directly, like eating edibles, has a longer onset of effects..
Another way to consume cannabis orally is via sublingual consumption. For example, tinctures are alcohol- or oil-based extracts that can be placed under the tongue. Similarly, cannabis oral sprays can be sprayed under the tongue. There, they are exposed to an extremely thin mucus membrane and its underlying network of capillaries and absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Cannabis Oral Products vs. Other Cannabis Products
The varying types of consumption impact the cannabinoids that are absorbed into the body, the time they take to set in, and even the duration of the effects. When consuming THC, CBD, or a combination of the two, both the potency and the method of delivery will affect the benefits you experience.
Cannabis Bioavailability
How much of the cannabinoid content your body is able to utilize is known as bioavailability. Bioavailability is the absorption rate of a substance into the body and the amount that is then made available for use within the body. This means that products with a higher bioavailability are more likely to have a noticeable impact on a given condition than those with a lower bioavailability. This rate is not necessarily determined by a product itself but by how the product is consumed and how the body responds to it through varying metabolisms and a person's enzyme levels.
For example, oral cannabis products taken sublingually have been estimated to produce a bioavailability of 92-98%. Because these products are intended to be used in the mouth and absorbed through mucous membranes, some will end up in the digestive tract. This means the body is experiencing the product in different ways. This causes the impacts to set in quickly and last a bit longer and usually results in higher concentrations than oral intake only.
By contrast, oral cannabis products that are ingested tend to have a lower bioavailability, even though they may produce longer-lasting effects. The average bioavailability rate of 4-20% is the result of impacting metabolism processes that breaks down the THC prior to it entering the bloodstream, though the metabolism process also creates 11-hydroxy THC, a derivative that can cause more intense effects.
So, Are Cannabis Oral Products Edibles?
Swallowing oral products like oils and non-encapsulated tinctures can cause similar effects to cannabis edibles. For example, both product types are ingested and must travel through the digestive system before interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This means both types of ingested products will have a delayed onset time of 60 minutes or more.
Other products like tinctures and oils can be administered sublingually, as mentioned. Doing so can significantly shorten the onset time and increase the product’s bioavailability. The thin mucus membranes and direct access to the bloodstream can mean onset times as low as 20 minutes.
Despite the similarities between some oral products and edibles, the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Program – as well as all reputable dispensaries – distinguish between the two. Edible products must be labeled and dispensed as edible cannabis products and not as oral cannabis products. Similarly, oral or sublingual cannabis products cannot be labeled or dispensed as edibles.
What Are the Benefits of Using Cannabis Oral Products?
More and more cannabis users are taking advantage of cannabis oral products because they recognize the benefits of oral consumption over traditional inhalation. Many of the oral cannabis intake benefits include:
Lasting Effects
Oral products, whether taken sublingually or ingested, have longer-lasting effects than inhaled or topical cannabis. Ingested products, especially, are metabolized by the liver, which means THC and its derivatives remain in the body for a longer period.
Potent Effects
Many oral products are known for their increased intensity of effects. This may be because some oral products are more potent, but it is often because of the digestive chemical reactions the cannabinoids undergo through the oral consumption process. Many patients find the properties produced by 11-hydroxy THC to be enjoyable and therapeutic, with the potential to aid in a variety of symptom management.
Discreet
When compared to inhalation methods like smoking or vaping, most cannabis oral products are extremely discreet. There is no scent, no smoke, and no cloud of vapor. Instead, one must only place a few drops of tincture or oil in the mouth, swallow a capsule, or allow a dissolvable product to rest in the mouth. As a result, you can use cannabis oral products anywhere without disturbing others or broadcasting your use.
Portability
Unlike other methods of cannabis consumption, there are no accessories necessary to consume cannabis orally. You don’t need to carry a lighter, smoking apparatus, grinder, or rolling papers. The product in its original packaging, which will include a spray nozzle or dropper if necessary, is all you need. In fact, most cannabis oral products fit easily in a pocket or purse.
Simple Dosing
Cannabis oral products typically list THC:CBD ratios, potency, and dosing right on the package. Doses of sprays are metered by the spray nozzle itself, while droppers will typically mark out graduated dosing; capsules are even easier to dose. No more taking a puff and attempting to gauge its size, simply spritz and go.
Easy on the Respiratory System
While many people enjoy smoking or vaping cannabis, cannabis smoke and vapor can be respiratory irritants. Particularly for people with existing respiratory and other health issues, it may not be ideal to inhale cannabis products. Unlike smoking or vaping, cannabis oral products do not irritate the lungs and respiratory tract.
These benefits enable more patients than ever before to experience the therapeutic effects of cannabis. Oral products can be used to treat many different types of health problems, including inflammation, pain, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, seizures, insomnia, PTSD, nausea, and some appetite issues.
Cannabis Oral Products at MÜV Dispensaries
There are many different types of cannabis oral products available, capable of providing THC, CBD, or a combination of both. The following cannabis oral products can be found at your nearest MÜV Dispensary:
Live Resin Dablicator
Cannabis live resin concentrates are oils that preserve the full spectrum of cannabis compounds for therapeutic use, without plant lipids and chlorophyll. The Dablicator is an oil applicator that is designed to give you an accurate dose of cannabis each time without the use of a traditional syringe. With precise measurements each time, you will always get the dose you need.
RSO Dablicator
Full spectrum RSO utilizes the entirety of the cannabis plant to create an oil rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, lipids, and even chlorophyll. The RSO Dablicator utilizes an easy twist-and-click method to dispense a measured dose of RSO each time without the hassle of a dropper or syringe. You can add RSO to food or beverages, or dispense it right into the mouth.
THC Tinctures
Tinctures are cannabis extracts typically created by extracting cannabiniods from the plant using a solvent, refining the extract, then infusing it into a carrier oil or alcohol.. They are a versatile way to consume cannabis orally. Tinctures can be ideal for pain management, muscle spasticity, and nausea treatment; and MÜV Encapsulated Tinctures have the added benefit of being water-soluble, meaning you can add it to any beverage or food. Tinctures can also be swallowed or held under the tongue.
THC Oral Spray
Designed to be used as a microdosing option, THC Oral Spray is a sublingual product designed to be sprayed under the tongue, held for a moment, then swallowed. This design means that it will produce a quick onset of effects for quick relief, but its low THC content means it will not produce overwhelming psychoactive effects.
THC EnCaps
Capsules are a great alternative for those who wish to have the benefits of medical cannabis in a supremely portable, discreet product. These capsules are patent-pending but provide a water-soluble option that helps increase their absorbability and bioavailability. Increased onset time is another benefit of THC EnCaps.
CBD Tinctures
CBD is a cannabis compound capable of providing inflammation and anxiety relief without the psychoactive effects of THC. This tincture utilizes EnCaps technology to create a water-soluble CBD tincture that can mix easily with your favorite beverage. Alternatively, you can dose sublingually or even swallow this effective extract product.
THC/CBD 1:1 EnCaps
These capsules have a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD. With the same quick onset and increased bioavailability as the THC-only version. With CBD to modulate the effects of THC, this product is great at helping with sleep and chronic pain. The effects are long-lasting, and the capsule helps provide a consistent dose.
RSO
Rick Simpson Oil is a whole-plant extract that contains all the natural compounds found within the cannabis plant. Because of this, patients can benefit from a full range of cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, chlorophyll, and lipids. Whether you prefer to take RSO on its own, mix it with food, or use it topically, RSO has been used to treat an array of maladies.
RSO Tinctures
These capsules have a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD. With the same quick onset and increased bioavailability as the THC-only version. With CBD to modulate the effects of THC, this product is great at helping with sleep and chronic pain. The effects are long-lasting, and the capsule helps provide a consistent dose.
RSO Capsules
Like RSO in its original form, this product contains all the components of a cannabis flower, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, chlorophyll, and lipids. The capsule provides a quicker onset time and higher bioavailability for patients with EnCaps technology, along with the potent effects of RSO at 25 mg per cap. Patients have used RSO capsules to treat chronic pain, insomnia and even to potentially address symptoms related to cancer treatment, like nausea.
Plus Distillate
Plus Distillate is a highly concentrated oil. The oil is developed to contain fully active cannabis distillate and terpenes that help provide patients with the benefits of our most therapeutic strains. Doses are measured through a simple syringe and produce edible-like effects.
Distillate Oil
Much like the Plus Distillate, our Distillate Oil is highly potent and is an isolated oil that is extremely pure. As a result, distillate is a fairly powerful method of delivery. Distillate oil can be taken orally, vaporized, or even used for cooking.
Virtual Consultation with the MÜV Patient Care Team
Traditional cannabis inhalation isn't for everyone, especially when there are health-related issues involved. Fortunately, with the abundance of cannabis oral products available, you can receive your much-needed dose in ways that are more convenient for you. Cannabis oral products are widely available at all MÜV Dispensaries throughout Florida. Our certified staff is available to answer questions and make recommendations based on your unique medical needs.
Visit one of our dozens of MÜV locations or request a virtual consultation today.
Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Contributor for Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.
