Administration

Your Releaf prescribing specialist will work with you, assisting you in finding the most suitable cannabis-based medicine for your specific health concern and advising on both dosage and the optimal route of administration. Medical cannabis flower is prescribed to be taken using a dry herb vaporiser. It is important to note that smoking medical cannabis is illegal in the UK due to the significant health risks associated with smoking. Medical cannabis oil can taken sublingually (under the tongue), or ingested orally. The onset and duration of effects vary depending on the method of administration. It is crucial to adhere to your specialist's instructions regarding dosage and administration.

The terms medical cannabis oil and tincture are sometimes (confusingly) used interchangeably, even though they are slightly different products. A tincture is an alcohol-based extract, whereas an oil is usually a carrier oil infused with cannabis compounds. Medical cannabis tinctures and oils are usually prescribed to be taken sublingually, which means placing the prescribed dose under the tongue and holding it there for 60 seconds before swallowing. This method allows for faster absorption into the bloodstream and more immediate effects. When taken sublingually, the effects are felt in 15 to 20 minutes and last 3 to 3.5 hours.

Most patients take their prescribed medical cannabis oil sublingually (under the tongue). The desired dose is measured using a 'dropper' and then placed under the tongue and held in the mouth for 60 seconds before swallowing. This allows the oil to enter the bloodstream quickly while also bypassing the digestive system. When taken sublingually, the effects will be felt within 15 to 20 minutes and last 3 to 3.5 hours. Medical cannabis oil can also be taken with food or drink. When taken orally and swallowed, the oil will pass through the digestive tract, slowing the onset of effects to about 90 minutes, but lasting up to 6 hours. Some types of medical cannabis oil can be vaporised, and it can be applied directly onto the skin as a topical ointment for localised relief. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and method of administration given by your prescribing specialist.

Medical cannabis tinctures are usually prescribed to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). To take your medical cannabis tincture, measure the prescribed dose in the dropper, and then squeeze the liquid under your tongue. Hold it there for about 1 minute before swallowing. Sublingual application comes with a few key advantages over swallowing the tincture directly. It allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream, leading to a faster onset of effects. Sublingual application also allows the medication to bypass the digestive system and first-pass metabolism in the liver, meaning a larger percentage of the medication reaches the bloodstream and is not filtered out. This can result in a more potent and effective dose.