High, it’s your sublingual cheerleader over here. As you may have noted, the sublingual method is one of my favorite ways to consume cannabis. There’s no smoking involved: instead, cannabis enters your bloodstream through the membranes under your tongue, so not only do you experience a quick onset, but the product isn’t distorted via being processed by your liver (which is the case with edibles, sometimes making them even stronger); with a sublingual product, it doesn’t really matter how much or little food you have in your stomach, and you don’t have to wait around 45 minutes or more to feel something.

Meet OLO sublingual strips. One of the main things I enjoy about OLO strips is the predictability and consistency of the experience with them. They aren’t just about getting high—they’re actually formulated and engineered for four different experiential states: Social, Active, Focus, and Chill. Founder and CEO Andrew Mack explained how they use a combination of cannabinoids (including THC, CBD, and CBN) and varying blends of 15 botanical terpenes for the four strips (cannabis-derived terpenes are more desirable for inhalables, FYI).

OLO conducted substantial research and random, controlled trials of the different cannabinoid and terpene ratios and their effects. (They use liquid chromatography to formulate the blends to their own specs.) The strips were in development for over two and a half years, undergoing intense Q&A and quality control (they’re made at their state-of-the-art licensed facility in Richmond)—they were originally told what they were trying to do was impossible, especially from a consistency standpoint, but thankfully they prevailed. The name “OLO” comes from “-ology,” a scientific discipline or study, and pays homage to all the different “ologys” that went into making the strips, from biology to neuropsychology.

Open wide. Photo: Marcia Gagliardi. © mymilligram. Styling: Christian Jusinski/Surfacehaus.

So, how do these work? You peel apart the foil packet from the top and you’ll find a single strip inside. Place it under your tongue and let it dissolve completely before eating or drinking anything. All four strips have a natural minty flavor—there’s nothing harsh-tasting and they don’t tickle my throat either. The strips come in 5mg or 10mg—if you’re new to cannabis, you can always cut the 5mg strip in half and take it slow.

An advantage to smoking/vaping cannabis is the quick onset, but in the case of OLO sublingual strips, you can start to feel effects within 10–15 minutes after dissolving a strip under your tongue, maybe sooner for some people. It’s fast. (Much, much faster than an edible.) For me, effects tend to last a couple hours, sometimes a few. Mack said they call it a “high-def high.”

Let’s take a look at the four experiences:

Social

This is the strip I find myself using often—it’s perfect for parties, brunch (and dinner parties), nights out, music festivals, and lively conversations. Try some for a brainstorming session, or a fun chat on your front porch. The 5mg strips make me feel bubbly and playful and engaged. Best when shared with friends and lovers.

Focus

This strip is built for procrastinators. You know, like writers. Or how about right now, when you need to get your taxes done. (UGH.) Focus helps me push through those annoying tasks I don’t want to do (i.e. anything with spreadsheets), and enjoy those creative projects I just need a little nudge to get started (like write these features). CEO Andrew Mack explains that Focus has the most amount of CBD, because it helps lessen anxiety about tasks you are resisting for some reason, and can get you centered and inspired. Thanks for the boost, science! Time to do some housework!

If I’m working during the day but need a push, sometimes I cut a 5mg Focus in half, and take the second half 45 minutes later—it can help me from feeling TOO FOCUSED all at once. But overall, the 5mg strips are mild and manageable—they’re not like a 5mg edible, which I feel the effects of much more.

Active

Want a little pep in your step? Active will give you runners a nice boost, and as someone who goes on power walks all the time, this one gives me a little wind in my hair. Whooosh. Try it with your exercise regimen, and it’s also fun at da club. I tend to notice details more on Active, from the smell of the fresh air in Golden Gate Park, to the light through the trees.

Chill

This strip is an interesting one for me: it’s formulated to be mellow, but for some reason, I find it activates my thinking sometimes—I’ll suddenly be writing down ideas and making new connections in my head. It’s better if I have something to occupy my attention while on Chill, like a movie. So much for thinking Chill was going to relax me and get me to sleep, I’m bizzee coming up with new business ideas! (But this is likely my own physiology—you’ll need to try it for yourself.) My friend likes taking it before attending work functions (it keeps him chilled out), and I like the idea of trying it on a long flight. Or at a listening party!

Try all four experiences with the OLO Quartet. Photo: Marcia Gagliardi. © mymilligram. Styling: Christian Jusinski/Surfacehaus.

OLO comes in either 5mg 12-strip packs or 10mg 8-strip packs. Can’t decide which one to try? Get the Quartet pack, which includes all four OLO experiences (either 5mg or 10mg).

A few more things to note:

The individual strips are super-portable, so you can stash them in your wallet, notebook, or pocket. (Since they don’t smell, they’d also be good for travel, but it’s pretty obvious on the packaging that they contain THC, so it’s up to you to do your own risk assessment.)

OLO strips are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and use all-natural coloring and flavors.

I’d like to give them a shout-out for the sustainable packaging: the clever paper box was designed by Sungrown in Oakland, and it’s childproof! (It also uses 33 percent recycled/post-consumer content.) So good to see a break from all the plastic.

Visit getolo.com for more info and the mymilligram page at getsava.com/mymilligram to purchase OLO strips.

SHOP on Sava

Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.

OLO Sublingual Strips