At Sherpa, it's no secret that we like edibles.

That said, there are definitely some pros and cons to consuming cannabis. Namely the wait time. Whether it's a gummy, chocolate, or cookie, traditional edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in. While that slow onset has its advantages — like longer-lasting effects — it can also be frustrating if you're looking for a more immediate payoff.

Enter the sublingual edibles — these are types of cannabis products designed to provide a quicker onset compared to more traditional edibles. But what exactly are sublingual edibles, how do they work, and why should you consider trying them? Never fear — as always, we have all the answers below.

So let's start with the basics. What exactly are these things?

What Are Sublingual Edibles?

The word "sublingual" comes from Latin, meaning "under the tongue." So, as the name suggests, sublingual edibles are products that are designed to be absorbed through the membranes under your tongue rather than being digested through your stomach. Like we said above, this method of absorption is faster and more direct than traditional edibles, which have to pass through the digestive system before the cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream.

So how much faster are the effects exactly? When you take a sublingual edible, you're probably going to feel something within 15 to 30 minutes. No more sitting around twiddling your thumbs, waiting for something to happen, and no more saying, "I don't think it's working," taking more and being hit by a THC freight train an hour and a half later.

So, really, the key difference between sublingual edibles and traditional cannabis edibles lies in how the cannabinoids are absorbed and how quickly they take effect. Let's take a closer look at that now.

How Do Sublingual Edibles Work?

To understand why sublingual edibles act faster than traditional edibles, it's important to know a little bit about how our bodies process cannabis.

When you consume a regular edible, the product is first absorbed in the stomach, and then the cannabinoids pass through to the liver. The liver metabolizes THC and converts it into a different form called 11-hydroxy-THC, which is significantly more potent and can create more intense, longer-lasting effects. However, this process takes time. When you eat a traditional edible, it's probably going to take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to kick in, depending on factors like your metabolism and what you've had to eat that day.

On the flip side, when you consume a sublingual edible, the cannabinoids bypass the stomach and liver entirely and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the thin membranes under your tongue. This route of absorption is a whole heck of a lot faster and doesn't require the liver to metabolize the cannabinoids before they enter your system. That means you'll feel the effects of sublingual edibles a lot more quickly. Not as quickly as if you've smoked or vaped it, but you're typically going to start feeling something within 15 to 30 minutes.

So now that you have a good idea of what these things are and how they work, let's reframe the conversation and talk about the benefits of taking sublingual edibles over their more traditional counterparts.

The Benefits of Sublingual Edibles

So like we hinted at, sublingual edibles offer quite a few benefits over traditional cannabis edibles, which make them an attractive option for a lot of folks. Here are some of the key advantages:

Faster Onset

Like we said above, probably the biggest draw of sublingual edibles is their rapid onset. As mentioned, traditional edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to produce noticeable effects, whereas sublingual edibles typically begin working within 15 to 30 minutes. This can be a game-changer for people who need fast relief from pain, anxiety, or other symptoms and don't want to wait long for their cannabis product to take effect.

More Control Over Dosage

Because sublingual edibles act quickly, it's easier to control your dosage and avoid accidentally taking too much. Since traditional edibles take longer to kick in, a lot of folks — especially if they're new to edibles — have a tendency to eat more than necessary because they can't immediately feel the initial effects — a mistake that can result in a particularly uncomfortable experience, to put it lightly. With sublingual edibles, you can feel the effects sooner, allowing you to more accurately gauge how much you need.

Avoids the Digestive System

Sublingual edibles bypass the digestive system entirely, which can be a major advantage for people who have digestive issues or want to avoid the potential for gastric upset. Since the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream directly, there's no need to wait for your digestive system to process the edible, leading to a faster, smoother experience. This also means that the effects of sublingual edibles are more consistent because they don't depend on factors like metabolism, stomach contents, or the speed at which the digestive system processes food.

More Discreet and Convenient

Sublingual edibles are often smaller, more discreet, and easier to carry around than traditional cannabis edibles like gummies or chocolates. If you want to consume cannabis on the go, sublingual edibles provide a convenient and portable option that can be taken anywhere. The form factor also makes them ideal for users who may not want to deal with the calories or sugar content of a lot of the edibles on the market today, a lot of which would be at home in the bakery section or candy aisle.

Helps with Microdosing

If you're looking to microdose cannabis — that is, consume small amounts of THC or CBD for subtle effects — sublingual edibles are a great option. Since the onset is quicker and the dosage is more easily controlled, it's easier to take small, incremental doses and adjust as needed. This makes sublingual edibles especially useful for medical cannabis users who need to fine-tune their consumption. If you're looking to tinker, this is the best way to do it.

Types of Sublingual Edibles

Just like their more traditional cousins, sublingual edibles come in a variety of forms, each offering its own advantages depending on your preferences. Let's take a look at the most common types.

Sublingual Strips

Sublingual strips are ultra-thin, dissolvable cannabis strips that you place under your tongue. These strips are discreet, easy-to-use, and quickly absorb into the bloodstream. They typically offer precise dosing, making them an excellent choice for those who are new to cannabis or want to control their intake really carefully.

Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that can be administered sublingually by placing a few drops under your tongue. Tinctures are one of the most versatile sublingual options because they come in a wide range of strengths and can even be mixed with beverages or food if you want. They also provide fast-acting effects and are often used by medical cannabis patients for precise dosing and immediate results.

Tablets and Lozenges

Tablets and lozenges also dissolve quickly under the tongue, delivering a shot of cannabis right when you need it. These products are easy to dose and can provide a steady, fast-acting effect. A lot of these tablets or lozenges are flavored, making them really pleasant options for sublingual use. Hey, they might even help you take care of that halitosis. Look at that, another benefit of cannabis!

Gum or Mints

Cannabis-infused gum and mints are a discreet and refreshing way to consume sublingual edibles. These products combine the convenience of a traditional mint or gum with the fast-acting effects of cannabis. They're portable, low-calorie, and great for on-the-go users.

How to Get the Most out of Sublingual Edibles

Sublingual edibles offer a fast and effective way to experience the benefits of cannabis, but following a few simple tips can help you maximize their effects:

Place Directly Under the Tongue

To ensure the quickest absorption possible, place the edible directly under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. The sublingual area has a rich network of blood vessels, allowing cannabinoids to bypass digestion and enter your bloodstream directly. Avoid chewing or swallowing it immediately, as doing so will send the cannabinoids through the digestive system, delaying its effects.

Hold Up, Slow Down

As with any cannabis product, it's important to begin with a low dose to gauge how your body reacts. Sublingual edibles are fast-acting, so even though they work more quickly than traditional edibles, you should still wait before increasing your dosage. Starting with 2mg to 5mg of THC is a good rule of thumb for beginners, and you can gradually increase the dose in the future if you want.

Wait for the Full Effects

Sublingual edibles typically take about 15 to 30 minutes to take effect, which is significantly faster than traditional edibles that can take up to two hours. You still need to be patient, though,  and give the cannabinoids time to work before deciding if you need more. This shorter onset time makes sublingual edibles a good choice for those looking for quicker relief from symptoms like anxiety, pain, or stress, but keep in mind that the effects aren't immediate. Don't wait a minute and a half and start downing more mints.

Keep Track of Your Dosage

If you're using pre-measured products like tinctures or dissolvable strips, keep a record of your intake to avoid overconsumption. Since sublingual edibles are fast-acting, it's easy to misjudge the dosage, especially if you're new to cannabis. Tracking your consumption not only helps you stay within your tolerance limits but also ensures a consistent and safe experience each time.

So now that we know how they work and how you should take them, let's answer another big question. Should you look into sublingual edibles for yourself?

Are Sublingual Edibles Right for You?

Sublingual edibles can be an excellent option for a variety of cannabis users, particularly those looking for a faster onset of effects, more control over their dosage, or a discreet, convenient way to consume cannabis. They're especially useful for people who need quick relief from pain, anxiety, or insomnia or those who want a more predictable cannabis experience.

That said, cannabis consumption is highly individual, and what works well for one person may not be ideal for another. While sublingual edibles are great for those seeking a more predictable and fast-acting experience, some users may prefer the slower onset and longer-lasting effects of traditional edibles. Similarly, people who enjoy the ritual of smoking or vaping might find sublinguals less satisfying in terms of the overall sensory experience. It really is a person-by-person thing. As with any cannabis product, it's important to experiment and find what works best for your body and lifestyle.

So What's the Deal? Should You Try Sublingual Edibles?

Sublingual edibles are just one more addition to the mile-long list of ways to consume cannabis. They provide a faster, more direct route to the bloodstream, offering a more predictable and consistent experience that comes on a lot faster. Whether you're looking to focus up, relax, improve your mood, or if you just want to not have to sit around waiting for something to happen, sublingual edibles offer a great alternative to traditional edibles.

So, if you're looking for a quicker, more controlled cannabis experience, consider giving sublingual edibles a try. That faster onset and super-simple dosing might just be what you've been looking for.