What does “Sublingual” mean?

Administered under the tongue, where a drug is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Sublingual in plain English

Administered under the tongue, where a drug is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Sublingual absorption partly bypasses first-pass metabolism in the liver, giving a faster onset than swallowing — typically fifteen to forty-five minutes — and somewhat more predictable absorption.

It requires holding the preparation in place rather than swallowing immediately, which is a technique worth getting right.

Frequently asked questions

What does sublingual mean?

Administered under the tongue, where a drug is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Sources and further reading

Every factual statement on this page is drawn from the following public sources. Links open in a new tab and are not affiliated with Flora House.

  1. NICE guideline NG144: Cannabis-based medicinal products
  2. NHS: Medical cannabis (and cannabis oils)
  3. MHRA: The supply, manufacture, importation and distribution of unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use

Patient guide · Written by the Flora House editorial team · Last reviewed: 8 September 2026