The CBD market is absolutely booming, with tons of brands offering a huge variety of CBD products, ranging from gummies and oils to CBD for cats and dogs, and much, much more. There’s no denying that CBD has become an increasingly popular wellness supplement, and among the most popular of all items making use of this fascinating cannabinoid are CBD capsules, softgels, and pills.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at this fascinating hemp compound, including the benefits of CBD and the advantages of taking it in capsule form. And we’ll talk about how to shop for CBD capsules, distinguishing good capsules from bad, and understanding how to find the best CBD pills, softgels, or capsules for your needs.
Just What Is CBD?
So… what is this CBD thing, and why is it so popular, you may very well ask? Well, in short, CBD (cannabidiol) is a chemical compound, called a cannabinoid, that comes from the cannabis plant. Over 100 distinct cannabinoids are produced by the cannabis plant, with CBD being one of the main two (meaning that it occurs in the highest milligrams in hemp, alongside tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC). People all over the globe have been utilizing CBD oil made from hemp for its wellness advantages for thousands of years, taking advantage of the beneficial effects of CBD on the body's endocannabinoid system.
And what is the endocannabinoid system, you may very well ask? Well, the endocannabinoid system is a cell-signaling mechanism that is present in all vertebrate species. Essentially, your own body makes its own cannabinoids. In your body, including the brain and nervous system, these endocannabinoids function as neurotransmitters, sending messages to receptors in different organs and systems. The body uses these signals to maintain homeostasis, or equilibrium. And as a result, your body is better able to regulate a number of vital processes, including sleep, memory, mood, emotion, hunger, stress, immunity, pain, and many more.
Cannabinoids, such as CBD, imitate the body's own endocannabinoids when they are ingested, promoting homeostasis and, thus, improved regulation of the several crucial processes outlined above. The wellness benefits that stem from this interaction are what have made CBD such a popular wellness product, widely available in the form of CBD gummies (such as CBD gummies for pain), CBD capsules, legal delta-9 THC gummies, THC pen and THC oil vape products, CBD for dogs, and more.
Will CBD Capsules Get Me High?
Undoubtedly, the most commonly asked or implied question about CBD is, "Does CBD get you high?" The answer is a resounding "no."
Keep in mind that CBD products are made from hemp. Yes, hemp and marijuana are both considered to be varieties of the cannabis plant. They are physiologically related and share many features and genes. However, the quantities and levels of cannabinoids in hemp and marijuana are very different.
A legitimate, independently tested CBD capsule product actually cannot and will not cause you to feel high. It is only marijuana's high THC content that can get you high, but CBD capsules are only legally allowed to contain trace quantities (less than 0.3 percent THC), making you feel relaxed, at ease, and generally… great. But not high.
Full Spectrum CBD vs. Broad Spectrum CBD vs. CBD Isolate
You'll note that the labels of different CBD capsules sometimes mention different types of CBD oil. It’s worth understanding the different types of CBD before you start shopping for CBD capsules or softgels, because having the right kind of oil in your product can greatly shape your overall experience.
If you choose full-spectrum CBD softgels or some other capsule product containing full spectrum CBD, you will be getting all of the naturally occurring compounds of the hemp plant’s buds, leaves, and stalks. This includes all cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and healthy fatty acids. Hemp seed oil, by the way, is a completely different type of oil, and is not the same thing as hemp oil. As for true hemp oil, those naturally occurring cannabinoids include trace quantities of THC (less than 0.3 percent, by law). As mentioned, this isn’t enough THC to get you high, but it can be a concern for some people.
Broad spectrum CBD oil undergoes an extra filtration procedure that removes any detectable traces of THC from the oil. For those who wish to have a robust oil product that can still deliver a powerful CBD experience, but without the THC, this is the oil you’ll want in your capsules.
CBD isolate undergoes even further filtration procedure that eliminates all substances other than the CBD itself. This odorless and flavorless type of CBD is popular for vape oil and bath products, but for many it falls short on products like CBD capsules, because it doesn’t deliver the Entourage Effect.
CBD & the Entourage Effect?
Recall how we stated that full spectrum CBD includes all the naturally occurring compounds that may be found in the hemp plant? Well, the Entourage Effect occurs when these various compounds, taken together, actually bolster one another’s effects, creating an overall more powerful experience.
With broad spectrum CBD, the Entourage Effect still occurs, just not to the same extent since some of the natural substances originally in the hemp are no longer present. The best thing you can do, if you’re experimenting with different CBD pills, is to try both full spectrum and broad spectrum products (separately, of course) to see if or how they affect you differently. Any CBD journey should include experimentation, especially if you're unfamiliar with the myriad of cannabinoid possibilities.
Whatever capsule you start with, make sure to begin with a very low dose of CBD when you're experimenting, and only slowly increase the dosage when you're ready. Also bear in mind that if you develop a tolerance to CBD, your dosage will fluctuate.
Why Take CBD in Capsule Form?
We should take a minute to talk about some of the advantages of taking CBD as a capsule, as opposed to other types of CBD products.
For one thing, CBD oil capsules, softgels, and pills allow you to maintain a consistent CBD intake throughout your busy daily routine. Also, unlike some other edibles, capsules do not melt. And unlike sublingual oils, you don't need to be concerned about the bottle breaking if you throw it in a bag or backpack. CBD capsules are conveniently portable, and can be added alongside any additional vitamins or medications that are already a part of your wellness routine.
Capsules, softgels, and pills also share one major advantage with other edibles: their effects last longer than other CBD products. It’s true that it takes a while for the effects of capsules and other edibles to kick in (30 minutes to two hours, depending on bioavailability issues), but once they do, those effects can last up to six or even eight hours. Neither sublingual oil nor vape oil products can match that.
Shopping for CBD Oil Capsules & Other CBD Products
When shopping for CBD capsules and CBD softgels, you should always look for a brand you can rely on and a product that is both safe and effective. The following are three key things to bear in mind as you shop for CBD capsules.
Organic CBD
Cannabis (including the hemp plants that are used to produce CBD oil products) is classified as a bioaccumulator, meaning that it absorbs everything in the soil around it. That’s excellent for nutrient absorption, but if the soil contains pesticides, heavy metals, or other potentially dangerous compounds… that’s bad. These compounds will be absorbed by the hemp plant, and then get transferred directly into the CBD capsules that you eat. Always make sure to choose pure, organic, and safe CBD oil made from organic hemp.
CBD Extracted With Clean CO2
It’s not unheard of for less ethical businesses to try to cut costs by extracting the CBD oil from the hemp plant using cheaper techniques, like solvent extraction. Unfortunately, solvent extraction uses chemicals like butane, which might leave harmful residues in your end product. Carbon dioxide extraction is safe and effective, and it doesn't leave any chemical traces in your CBD. Look for brands that produce all of their CBD products solely via CO2 extraction.
Third-Party Lab Reports
So, you’ve determined you want organic CBD softgels or capsules that were made using CO2 extraction. That’s excellent, but how can you determine whether what the label says is actually true or not? The industry’s most-trusted CBD suppliers will always give you a lab report produced by an independent, third-party laboratory. This lab report will inform you of the concentrations of CBD and other cannabinoids in your product (including THC), as well as any potentially dangerous substances that may have crept in through unsafe farming or manufacturing processes. Never buy a CBD product unless it comes with a third-party lab report to verify its purity, potency, and safety.
Types of CBD Capsules
People take CBD gel capsules and other types of capsules for many different reasons, which makes sense given the many wellness benefits of CBD. For many of these needs, the same capsules can apply — such as a good full spectrum CBD capsule. But for issues such as sleep support or focused energy to start the day, customers can select capsules specifically formulated for that purpose. Here are a few common reasons people reach for CBD softgels and capsules.
CBD Sleep Capsules
Sleep is among the most common reasons people turn to CBD softgels, pills, and capsules. CBD has naturally calming properties, and when it’s combined with other restful ingredients, such as CBN (cannabinol), passion flower, chamomile, and melatonin, CBD can make for a powerful (and safe) natural sleep aid.
CBD Capsules for Pain Relief
In the treatment of pain and inflammation, the interaction of CBD with CB2 receptors has shown some promise. CBD has been used all over the world for many years to alleviate mild joint and muscle pain, as well as inflammation. While it is illegal at this time to make medical recommendations for the use of CBD, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD capsules can help with minor pain relief.
CBD Capsules for Stress & Anxiety
Since ancient times, cannabidiol has been utilized for its relaxing properties to assist people with managing stress, which of course, if left unchecked, can lead to long-term anxiety. Users of CBD, in capsule form and other forms, have reported a relaxing feeling from everyday stressors and an overall calming effect. However, as we just explained, this is not medical advice regarding the treatment of anxiety.
CBD Wellness Capsules
There are many CBD capsules that are designed to be taken with morning health supplements. As you may have noted as we discussed sleep and stress relief, CBD has a calming effect on the mind and body. So, you may wonder, “is taking a CBD capsule in the morning going to zonk me out?” Not necessarily. When combined with energizing ingredients, those relaxing effects can calm the mind and improve focus — all the while delivering the wellness benefits stemming from CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system. As a result, many prefer to take a CBD morning capsule to start their day.
Possible CBD Capsule Side Effects
As with any new vitamin, supplement, or medication, negative side effects from using CBD capsules (or any such hemp product) are conceivable, though extremely unlikely. Egregiously exceeding the advised dosage is generally the primary cause of the vast majority of negative effects that have been reported. Those side effects can include drowsiness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Before beginning any CBD regimen, speak with your doctor and always follow your doctor’s advice, as CBD softgels, capsules, and tablets can interact with some prescription drugs.
Final Thoughts on CBD Pills & Capsules
CBD is a fantastic supplement for improving mental clarity and overall wellness. CBD capsules, softgels, and pills work especially well for those looking for a quick, on-the-go product, and they also allow you to dial in the precise dosage you want. Always keep in mind the key three criteria while looking for CBD softgels, capsules and pills: organic hemp, CO2 oil extraction, and a third-party lab report.
We hope this article has helped you understand exactly what CBD is, as well as the effects and benefits cannabidiol users have reported, and how to shop for quality CBD softgels and capsules. We hope your road to wellness is an enjoyable and successful one!
This article was written in cooperation with CBDfx