Bioavailability
Category: Medical · Level: Expert
Bioavailability is the proportion of a consumed dose of a cannabinoid that reaches systemic circulation and is available to exert its effects.
Bioavailability describes the extent to which an administered substance is absorbed and available to produce pharmacological effects. Cannabinoid bioavailability varies substantially by administration route: inhalation (smoking/vaping) produces the highest and fastest bioavailability (25–56% for THC), while oral consumption (edibles, capsules) has lower and more variable bioavailability (6–20% for THC) due to first-pass hepatic metabolism. Sublingual tinctures offer intermediate bioavailability. Topicals have negligible systemic bioavailability unless transdermal formulations are used. Bioavailability is a critical parameter in medical cannabis dosing and pharmaceutical formulation, influencing onset, duration, and dose titration.
Also known as
Absorption rate, Drug availability
Usage
- Medical
- Scientific
Related terms
- THC — Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, responsible for the 'high' associated with its use.
- Tincture — A cannabis tincture is a liquid extract typically made with alcohol or glycerin, administered orally or sublingually (under the tongue) for precise dosing.
- Vaporization — Vaporization is a method of cannabis consumption that heats cannabis to temperatures that release cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor without combustion.
- Edibles — Cannabis edibles are food and beverage products infused with cannabinoids (primarily THC or CBD) designed for oral consumption.