CBD seems to be on the tip of everyone's tongue. Thanks to its rising popularity, brands are continually coming up with innovative ways to use CBD to stand out from their competitors.
Two of the most common types of CBD you can find are CBD oils and CBD capsules. CBD capsules offer an easier way for senior CBD users to take CBD, whereas CBD oil has a higher bioavailability and a quicker onset effect. Lets take a closer look at which one is best to use, or more importantly, which is best for you.
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the most abundant cannabinoids found in cannabis plant genus. Cannabinoids interact with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) to relay messages to vital processes in our body that maintains homeostasis (balance). [1]
CBD Tincture Oils vs Capsules: Benefits & Difference
Oils: Most Common Way To Take CBD
CBD oils remain the most popular CBD product type on the market, which means you'll have the most selection of brands and flavors to choose from when you shopping.
Capsules: Easier To Use
CBD capsules are arguably the most user-friendly option for getting your daily dose of CBD. Capsules are a familiar form of supplementation. Most health supplements are available in capsule form, making them an easy integration into any health regimen.
Oils: Increased Bioavailability
Bioavailability describes how easy it is for the body to use a compound ingested and how much of that compound makes it into the bloodstream to exert its effects.
When CBD oils are placed under the tongue, the ingredients are absorbed through the mucous membrane, bypassing the digestive system.This prevents most active ingredients from getting broken down by digestive processes before they exert their effects.
Capsules: Taste-Less
One of the most notable cases for using CBD capsules vs. oil is bypassing the bitter hemp flavor. CBD oil's natural flavor is not everyone's cup of tea — even if brands do their best to mask it with natural flavorings.
Oils: Available In Higher Potencies
High potency CBD is considered anything with over 5000MG of CBD Oil per standard 60mL dropper bottle, allowing you to get more bang for your buck in the long run.
With high potency CBD oils, you can take smaller amounts to reach higher CBD doses, which means you can avoid needing to reorder products as frequently.
Capsules: Travel-Friendly
If discretion is one of your concerns for CBD supplementation, then capsules are your best bet, and they make for a more travel-friendly product.
If you find yourself reaching for CBD after the gym to support healthy recovery, or you're someone who is always on the go, you don't need to worry about any liquid spilling in your bag.
Oils: Customized Doses
When it comes to using CBD oils vs. capsules, you have more control over how much CBD you can take drop by drop. You can't get this type of customization with pre-measured capsules or accuracy with smokable CBD products.
Capsules: Pre-Measured Doses
There's no need to fuss with measuring out liquids to prepare your CBD. Capsules deliver precise, pre-measured amounts of CBD, so you don't need to think twice about it.
How Are CBD Oils And Pills Made?
Most CBD products on the market harvest industrial hemp crops because of it's high CBD concentration and low THC content, the prominent psychoactive cannabinoid.
There are several extraction methods for removing cannabinoids from the bigger organic plant materials —the most common practices use solvents or supercritical CO2 extraction.
Extract Types
When you take the whole hemp plant and process it, what you're essentially left with is a sticky residue that contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant esters that work together in herbal synergy.
What we're describing is called a Full Spectrum extract. Full spectrum or whole hemp extracts yield more potent effects compared to what CBD can do on its own, thanks to the various compounds working together to amplify their benefits. The idea here is that the sum is greater than the whole of its parts.
You can take this extract and process it even further into CBD isolate — otherwise known as pure CBD, devoid of all other plant chemicals. This extract looks like a crystal or powder before it's combined with a carrier oil. The benefit of manufacturers using this is that it's cheaper because it doesn't require as careful of a process to maintain sensitive cannabinoids and terpenes that are vulnerable to heat or light.
Broad Spectrum extracts are a hybrid of the two. They contain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, but they undergo processing to target and remove THC. The result is a 100% THC-free product that leverages the benefits of plant synergy.
CBD Oils
To turn these extracts into bottled, ready-to-use oils, they're combined with a carrier oil, which acts as a solvent to dissolve the active ingredients so that they're easier to use.
Rather than dissolving the extracts in water, cannabinoids are combined with oils because they're fat-soluble. The most common carrier oils include hemp oil, MCT oil, olive oil, or glycerine (for its high fat content). Hemp extracts tend to be extremely bitter, even when they're combined with a carrier oil, making them an acquired taste.
To get around this, you'll often find CBD oils combined with natural flavors to improve the taste. For those exploring the most appealing and enjoyable CBD experience, delving into our best flavored CBD oils selections can provide a gateway to high-quality, tastefully crafted oils. Next, the oils are bottled either in a classic dropper vile or in a CBD spray, where you can administer the product directly beneath the tongue for faster absorption.
CBD Capsules
Most adults have taken some sort of capsule supplement or medication before. These capsules are made of either a vegan-friendly or animal-based gelatin that encases the active ingredient and gets broken down in the digestive tract.
Traditional capsules are better suited for dry ingredients such as whole ground hemp or powdered extracts.
Softgels, on the other hand, use a process called rotary die encapsulation to form a complete seal around liquid ingredients. CBD softgels typically contain CBD extract dissolved in a carrier oil. One of the benefits of softgels is that the casing dissolves much faster and you can have higher CBD potencies.
Availability of Both Products
No matter which side you fall on for the argument of CBD Capsules vs. CBD Oils, you want to make sure you're purchasing a high-quality product to yield the best results. Here are some considerations you should look into, regardless of the product type.
Hemp Source
A quality CBD product starts with healthy hemp crops. Hemp is a bioaccumulator, which means it's good at absorbing the contents of its environment. If the hemp is grown in contaminated soil with radioactive waste, heavy metals, or pesticides, it can end up in the final product.
The USA and parts of Europe have incredibly high standards when it comes to agricultural practices. Look to see where your hemp comes from before making a purchase.
Extract Type
Getting the best results from your CBD can depend on the extract type of your product. To gain the most holistic benefits from using CBD, full spectrum extracts are the way to go. Cannabinoids perform better when they're combined to produce a harmonious effect on the ECS.
If you want a product that's guaranteed THC-free, Broad Spectrum products are your next best bet because they still contain various cannabinoids.
CBD Potency
Potency refers to CBD concentration inside the product, and it's labeled in milligrams (MG). Because everyone reacts differently to CBD, how much CBD you need is a personal affair and can depend on many factors including, your age, metabolism, experience with CBD, and more.
Selecting a potency that most closely matches your desired CBD dosing can help you get your product's desired results. If you get an oil or capsule that's too weak, you may not feel it. On the other side, if you get one that's too strong, you run the risk of feeling adverse side effects.
Third-Party Lab Tests
To avoid spending your hard-earned cash on ineffective or even potentially dangerous products, only shop with brands that conduct third-party lab tests. Reputable brands will send a sample of their product to non-biased, third-party labs for quality assurance.
The test results are shared publically on the brand's website to show their product contain the advertised cannabinoid profile and potency and to ensure it's free from harmful contaminants.
Different Product Options
1. CBD Oils
CBD oil is a staple in any respectable CBD brand's catalog. We take the production of all our products very seriously, starting with the hemp source. Our products use outdoor, non-GMO, California-grown hemp processed in a certified GMP facility.
We're proud to offer an extensive range of potencies starting from 0.50 mg all the way up to 100MG of CBD for a starting dose to cater to a wide range of users. Not only can you select between our signature full spectrum or THC-free broad spectrum extracts, but we have three flavors (Citrus, Cinnamon, Natural) to make taking your CBD oil a more pleasant experience.
To make the most out of your first CBD experience, opt for 1000mg CBD Tinctures or lower.
2. CBD Oral Spray 3000mg
People wanted a classic CBD oil that was easier to use, so we delivered. CBD Spray give you all the benefits of the classic CBD oil in a convenient spray bottle applicator — simply point and spray the product beneath the tongue to take advantage of the benefits.
This product features our slow-grown American hemp, and it's available in either our full spectrum or THC-Free broad spectrum extract.
3. CBD Capsules
For the most natural and minimally processed form of CBD supplementation, our CBD capsules are a go-to. These CBD capsules contain our premium, CBD-rich full spectrum industrial hemp flower, handcrafted into vegan-friendly capsules. Our CBD capsules come in either 10MG or 30MG per capsule in a 100 count bottle.
4. CBD Softgels
If you're after a potent dose of CBD in a convenient, easy-to-swallow, vegan-friendly capsule, our CBD softgels may be your answer. One bottle contains up to a two-month supply (if taking one daily) containing either 25MG or 40MG of CBD per gel.
You can decide between full spectrum or THC-free broad spectrum extracts encapsulated with hemp extract for better gut absorption.
To Wrap Up the Debate: CBD Pills vs. CBD Oil
The two most popular products in the CBD space are oils and capsules, and as we've laid out in this article, each product type has its benefits. It all comes down to your personal preference for taste, convenience, and lifestyle.
Whether you choose oils or capsules, there are several important considerations to make when shopping, including potency, extract type, and third-party lab testing.
FAQS:
CBD Capsules vs. CBD Oil: What is the Difference?
CBD capsules and CBD oil are two popular forms of consuming CBD. CBD capsules contain a pre-measured dose of CBD, similar to the CBD found in oil preparations. CBD capsules contain the same CBD found in oil preparations but work slower due to passing through the stomach and liver, while CBD oil, taken sublingually, provides faster relief by bypassing the digestive system.
Is CBD Oil or Capsules more effective?
CBD oil is administered sublingually for faster absorption, and often considered the most effective method due to quick relief and dosage flexibility. While CBD capsules provide convenient options with consistent dosages, offering a discreet and enjoyable way to consume CBD.
Do CBD Oil or Capsules Work for Anxiety?
CBD oil and capsules have shown promising benefits in managing anxiety symptoms. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, potentially leading to anxiolytic effects and a reduction in feelings of anxiety. CBD also shows promise in alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, promoting better sleep, and enhancing overall well-being.
CBD Capsules vs. Oil: Which Is Better for a Good Night's Sleep?
Both CBD capsules and oil can potentially aid in achieving a good night's sleep by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates sleep. CBD oil offers flexibility in dosage and customization, while CBD capsules provide convenience and precise dosing. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and lifestyle.
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Disclaimer
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.
