What Are The Best CBD Capsules?
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If you're like most people, you've probably heard about cannabidiol (CBD) and its potential benefits. It's taken the health and wellness industry by storm for a gentle yet effective way to support immune function, muscle recovery, sleep, and mood.
CBD oils or tincture is the most common format, but CBD capsules are a convenient and discreet way to add the compound into your lifestyle.
In this post, we'll talk about some of the best CBD capsules on the market and what to look for when choosing pills, along with tips on making the most of them.
Let's jump straight in.
Key Takeaways:
- CBD capsules are a convenient way to get pre-measured doses of CBD, especially for those who don't enjoy the taste of hemp products.
- CBD capsules typically contain dry ingredients (pure powdered CBD or full spectrum hemp flower), while CBD softgels contain CBD extract suspended in a carrier oil.
- Most people prefer CBD softgels for their fast-acting effects and higher potencies, but CBD capsules made with hemp flower are the most natural option.
What Exactly Is CBD?
CBD is one of many compounds produced naturally in the cannabis Sativa plant. It belongs to a class of chemicals called cannabinoids, which behave very similarly to neurotransmitters in a cell-signaling system present in all mammals called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis (balance) of some of our most vital systems and organs, which is how CBD and other cannabinoids produce a broad range of effects.
While scientists are only beginning to scratch the surface of ECS function and CBD's potential health benefits, it's been very safe and effective for various wellness goals. There are many anecdotal reports of people using CBD for pain relief, stress, focus, concentration, and sleep.
CBD is a versatile compound because endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). It can be formulated as internal supplements or topical products, which yield different effects depending on the individual, dose, and administration method.
What's The Difference Between CBD And THC?
CBD comes from cannabis—a notorious plant with a very complicated history with the law. It's no wonder many people wonder what the difference and similarities are between CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of marijuana.
THC and CBD are both cannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system. The difference is in the shape of these molecules, which gives them a unique set of effects in the body and their content levels in cannabis plants.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn't have psychoactive effects that produce a high associated with marijuana use. THC's molecular shape allows it to interact with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system that signal neurotransmitters' release that influences the perception and a sense of euphoria.
On the other hand, CBD doesn't have an affinity to bind to endocannabinoid receptors. Instead, it exerts its effects more broadly on the ECS by increasing receptor sensitivity to endocannabinoids (internally produced cannabinoids) and slowing down the breakdown of the endocannabinoids.
The next difference is the two compounds' presence in two main categories of cannabis Sativa plants.
THC is found abundantly in marijuana plants, while hemp plants predominantly contain CBD. According to the Controlled Substances Act and The Farm Bill, hemp plants, by definition, cannot have more than 0.3% THC to avoid any psychoactive effects.
While you can find CBD products derived from marijuana in states that have legalized recreational marijuana use, most CBD capsules and oils are made from hemp-derived CBD.
Shopping For The Best CBD Capsules: Hemp Extract Types
CBD comes from hemp plant flowers, but it's one of the hundreds of other compounds produced by the plant. Speckled on the cannabis flowers are tiny, hairlike resin crystals that house cannabinoids and terpenes (aromatic compounds).
While you can directly smoke hemp flower or brew it into teas to enjoy the benefits of CBD, it's not always the most efficient way to use the plant, not to mention that hemp flower has a much shorter shelf-life.
Manufacturers will harvest the resin from the flowers as a concentrate to formulate into other products, resulting in a few CBD extracts on the market.
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract
Full spectrum CBD refers to the wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant esters present in the extract. This is the least processed form of hemp extract, and it takes meticulous processes to preserve the heat and light-sensitive active compounds.
Many cannabis experts agree that full spectrum hemp extract is the most useful for supporting a wide range of health benefits. This is because of a phenomenon in plant medicine called synergy—when natural compounds work together to produce a more balanced and potent set of effects than one could accomplish on its own.
Full spectrum hemp extract may contain up to 0.3% THC, which isn't enough to produce any noticeable effects from THC in most people, but sometimes it's best avoided. If you live in a geographical area that doesn't allow for any traces of THC, you have sensitivities to the compound or are advised by your doctor to avoid THC.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD is the next best option to full spectrum hemp extract if you're looking for THC-free CBD products.
This hemp extract starts as a full spectrum, but it undergoes an extra process to isolate and remove all traces of THC. Because of this step, it's not always available with CBD brands, but if you have to forgo THC from full spectrum, broad spectrum CBD capsules are the best way to take the most advantage from the hemp plant.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the most common extract you'll come across in CBD products because it's the cheapest to produce. It doesn't require as much careful preservation of other compounds as the extraction process is only looking to retrieve CBD.
CBD isolate isn't a bad thing—and it's an acceptable option for those who may have sensitivities to terpenes (aromatic compounds in hemp) or are on certain medications. However, it may not feel as potent as broad spectrum or full spectrum hemp extract.
You may find that you require a higher dose of CBD isolate to reach the same level of effects.
What Are CBD Capsules?
There are many different variations of CBD capsules on the market. They're essentially CBD in a hard capsule pill or sometimes a gel base.
They're designed for people who want to use CBD daily in a convenient format without the fuss of measuring out doses like CBD oil. They also tend to be more affordable than CBD gummies, making them excellent for people looking to reach higher amounts of CBD without breaking the bank.
Let's look at some of the most popular CBD pills to help you decide which sounds like they'd be a better fit for your lifestyle.
CBD Capsules
Learn MoreCBD Capsules
Capsules are the most familiar form of taking medication and health supplements to help avoid the naturally unpleasant taste of most compounds. They're typically made with gelling agents such as gelatin, but we're starting to see much more plant-based derivates on the market made from vegetable cellulose.
Hard CBD capsules typically contain dry ingredients.
When shopping for CBD capsules, check the ingredient list to see what's inside the capsules.
The most natural form of CBD capsules will contain finely ground hemp flowers. These will naturally be full spectrum, as they're not concentrated resin. Many people enjoy hemp flower capsules as they're much more gentle on the body. But the downside is that to reach higher doses of CBD. You may need larger pill sizes or take multiple capsules at once.
Some CBD capsules will contain CBD isolate power. These products are sometimes called CBD pure capsules. This allows for the user to reach higher doses of CBD extract, but you're also missing out on a range of phytochemicals from the hemp plant.
CBD Gel Capsules
CBD softgels contain liquid ingredients, and it's advantageous for enhancing the bioavailability of cannabinoids.
CBD and other cannabinoids are fat-soluble compounds and hydrophobic. Since the body is made up of over 70% water, CBD isn't easily absorbed when digested. Combining CBD with fat helps with increasing the bioavailability to help the body make use of most of it.
CBD softgels combine a CBD extract with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil before it's encapsulated in gelatin or plant-based capsule. These capsules are designed to disintegrate quickly, making for much faster onset of effects than traditional hard capsules.
CBD Softgels
Learn MoreMost people find that softgels are much easier to swallow than hard capsules, and you have the added benefit of tamper-proofing the CBD pills. This gel encasing also protects the CBD extract's integrity from oxidation and light, making them much more shelf-stable.
CBD softgels can be found in full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum, and isolate, so read what's indicated on the label and third-party lab test before purchasing the product.
How Do CBD Capsules Dissolve In The Body
Capsules are engineered to dissolve rapidly when they're wet, releasing the active ingredients in the digestive system in around 15–20 minutes.
The first-pass metabolism is the only issue with taking CBD capsules, whether they're hard gels or softgels. The first-pass metabolism refers to the digestive system and liver breaking down the cannabinoids and terpenes before it has a chance to enter the bloodstream to exert their effects throughout the body.
Compared to smoking CBD which has a nearly immediate set of effects, you may find that it can take up to an hour to start to feel the CBD, but eating CBD products makes for a much longer experience, 4-6 hours, depending on the dose taken.
Why Are People Taking CBD?
There's one thing people aren't taking CBD for—and it's to get high. CBD doesn't produce psychoactive effects, which means many people can enjoy the potential health benefits the cannabis plant has to offer without intoxication.
While there's still a lot to learn about the full extent of CBD's effects and its use in medicine, many people are turning to the compound for various wellness goals.
Let's look at some of the evidence of CBD's health benefits and why people are choosing CBD capsules to supplement their health regimen.
Support Healthy Stress Levels & Sleep
Many people turn to cannabis products to help them unwind and de-stress from a long day. Given that THC from marijuana remains a Schedule I substance and the psychoactive effects sometimes can produce the opposite results for relaxation, CBD makes for a more desirable option.
High-stress levels and poor sleep quality are inextricably linked and are correlated with low levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
One of the observed actions of CBD is its potential to increase GABA levels, which may help to calm down excitatory pathways that induce the stress response that may be keeping people up at night [1]
Related Article:Can You Use CBD For Stress?
Support Healthy Immune Function
The immune system is our body's defense against infection and disease. It is a complex system that constantly changes and adapts to the threats around us. Still, this system can work against us, leading to very complex and difficult to treat conditions such as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and allergies.
Research suggests that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in supporting immune function. And in preclinical studies, CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory potential to reduce signs of inflammation such as pain, redness, and swelling by inhibiting the release of cytokines that trigger the inflammatory response when it's not needed [2].
Support Muscle And Joint Discomfort
High doses of CBD have been found to block pain signaling pathways that may help with soreness and pain at the TR1PV vanilloid receptor [3].
The vanilloid receptor is responsible for sending signals to the brain from heat stimuli or pain from inflammation. While there are no FDA-approved nonprescription CBD products for addressing acute or chronic pain, there are many anecdotal reports of its use for these situations with very gentle and effective results. Given the mounting evidence of its effectiveness and safety, Canada and some countries in Europe have approved pharmaceuticals to support pain and discomfort from cancer treatments.
Do You Need A Prescription For CBD?
Nonprescription CBD products are legal in all 50 states.
There's only one Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved CBD drug on the market, prescribed for rare forms of epilepsy. However, you don't need a prescription for hemp-derived CBD products, and it's very accessible both online and in-stores.
How Long Does It Take To Feel The Effects Of CBD Capsules?
The onset of effect will depend on various factors, including the type of CBD capsule, potency, genetics, and whether or not you take it with food. Most CBD users can expect to feel the effects of CBD capsules within 30–60 minutes after consuming them.
A recent study found that taking oral CBD oil or capsules with food increased the absorption rate into the bloodstream compared to a fasted state [4]. This is likely because cannabinoids are lipophilic and hitch a ride into the system with the fats in food. It's why some medications and supplements are instructed to be taken with a meal.
How To Choose High-Quality CBD Capsules On The Market
There are a lot of brands out there claiming to offer the best CBD capsules. In reality, most of these CBD products don't provide significant value or can contain harmful ingredients that cancel out any potential benefits of CBD oil.
Here are our tips for shopping for the best CBD capsules.
CBD Extra Strength Softgels
Learn MoreShop Online For Competitive Prices
You can find CBD products virtually everywhere from gas stations, health food stores, dispensaries, and online.
The best place to purchase CBD products at a value is online because you have access to competitive prices and don't have to pay the overhead costs a brick and mortar store would have to charge.
You'll find that CBD product prices are all over the map. We've found that the most efficient way to compare the prices is to calculate the cost per MG of CBD. Of course, this isn't an accurate representation of the value, but it gives you a good starting point to compare prices on the market.
The price per mg of CBD for capsules ranges from $0.5–0.10. You should also factor in whether or not made with organic hemp and if the extract is CBD isolate or full spectrum CBD—as full spectrum and broad spectrum tends to cost more overall.
Shop With Reputable Brands With Customer Reviews
Look beyond the company website and social media presence to see what other customers say about the brand and its products.
Third-party review sites and Reddit forums offer a lot of insight into what you can expect from a brand, such as their responsiveness to customer concerns, shipping times, and the experiences with the product.
Choose Full Spectrum CBD Or Broad Spectrum CBD Extracts Over CBD Isolate
Most experts and CBD users agree that full spectrum CBD or a broad spectrum CBD extract are typically higher quality CBD products because they offer more powerful effects and are much less likely to lead to side effects.
If you want to leverage the most benefits from the hemp plant, look for CBD capsules that can produce the entourage effect.
Read Third-Party Lab Tests
You can always take CBD products for face value, so you should reference a third-party lab test to ensure you're getting exactly what's advertised.
Third-party lab testing isn't a mandatory practice. Still, many reputable CBD brands will send a sample of their extract to an accredited independent lab to test for cannabinoid profile, potency, and the presence of contaminants.
This is how you can also tell whether or not they will produce the entourage effect and if it was made with organic hemp. Full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD should also contain terpenes and other cannabinoids, and all reports for contaminants should read "ND" or "Not detected."
Find Your Ideal Potency For Capsules
CBD capsules come in all sorts of strengths and sizes, depending on your needs.
Since capsules come in pre-measured doses, it may take some experimentation to find a potency that's right for you. An excellent place to start is 20 mg of CBD if you require a mid-range to a higher dose.
You can start with one capsule and take two if you find you need a little more support from your CBD. As a general rule, you never want to take high doses of CBD without first allowing your endocannabinoid system to adjust to the supplements, as it can put you at risk for a negative experience.
The Takeaway: The Best CBD Capsules Offered By Neurogan
All Neurogan CBD products are made from organic hemp grown on the sunny West Coast. We then use CO2 critical extraction to produce full spectrum and broad spectrum extracts, as the research points to more profound effects when CBD is taken alongside other hemp-based cannabinoids.
We offer CBD capsules with 20 MG of CBD or 60 made with whole ground hemp or easy-to-swallow softgels containing 40 MG of CBD per capsule.
We're not in the business of tricking anyone into purchasing a product that doesn't offer them any benefits, which is why if you shop with us, you can enjoy a 30-day moneyback guarantee. We know that CBD isn't cheap—so if it doesn't work for you, let us know, and we'll do what we can to make it right.
Shop our top-selling CBD capsules online, and sign-up for our Insider Scoop newsletter for exclusive offers for high-quality CBD products and industry news.
FAQ
What are CBD capsules?
CBD capsules are intended for people who want to use CBD on a regular basis but don't want to deal with the hassle of calculating out doses like CBD oil. They are also less expensive than CBD gummies, making them ideal for consumers who want to get more CBD without breaking the budget.
Can CBD capsules help you sleep?
CBD helps the system tone down the stress reaction so that the body can sleep naturally. CBD has also been demonstrated to lower inflammation and pain, which may help it improve sleep.
Which is better? CBD Capsules vs oil?
While CBD oils and capsules are the two most popular CBD products, each has its unique set of benefits. It all comes down to personal preference, convenience, and lifestyle.
What are full spectrum CBD capsules?
Full spectrum CBD refers to the extract's wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant esters, and it contains up to 0.3% THC. Many cannabis specialists think that full spectrum hemp extract is the most beneficial for a variety of health advantages.
Resources:
- Hasler, G., van der Veen, J. W., Grillon, C., Drevets, W. C., & Shen, J. (2010). Effect of acute psychological stress on prefrontal GABA concentration determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(10), 1226-1231.
- Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S. A., Hegde, V. L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future medicinal chemistry, 1(7), 1333-1349.
- Costa, B., Giagnoni, G., Franke, C., Trovato, A. E., & Colleoni, M. (2004). Vanilloid TRPV1 receptor mediates the antihyperalgesic effect of the nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol, in a rat model of acute inflammation. British journal of pharmacology, 143(2), 247-250.
- Lunn, S., Diaz, P., O'Hearn, S., Cahill, S. P., Blake, A., Narine, K., & Dyck, J. R. (2019). Human Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Orally Administered Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Capsules Are Altered by Fed Versus Fasted Conditions and Sex Differences. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 4(4), 255-264.
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