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CBD pills are one of the many options for adding cannabidiol (CBD) to your health regimen. CBD capsules are highly praised for their ease, but there are a few things to think about before buying in bulk. Learn more about how CBD pills work, as well as the best versions on the market, below.
The Forbes Health editorial staff evaluated data on more than 50 CBD products produced from plants grown in the United States. All have a certificate of analysis (COA), are third-party tested by ISO 17025-compliant laboratories, and contain no more than 0.3% THC. See which CBD capsules standout as our top picks, based on potency, price, and certification.
Best CBD Pills
Best for CBD isolate: Medterra Isolate CBD Gel Pills
The CBD gel capsules from Medterra are ideal for people searching for a more pure CBD product.
The Original Source brand comes in three strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg per bottle with 30 tablets total.
Pros and cons
The capsules are 99.6 percent CBD, with no THC. They also include a combination of coconut medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil and bovine gelatin, which makes them unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Best for vegans: Sunsoil CBD Oil Vegan Pills
Full-spectrum pills are a good vegan option, according to Sunsoil. Each capsule contains 20 mg of CBD. The manufacturer suggests taking this supplement with water. There are 30 capsules in each bottle.
Pros and cons
The manufacturer of these capsules informs consumers that they are vegan-friendly. All of the components in this product, according to the company, are organic. The capsules, however, are larger than many softgels and may be difficult to swallow for individuals with swallowing difficulties. This product also includes organic coconut oil and may cause an allergy to tree nuts.
Best for full-spectrum CBD: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Pills
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules are available in 25 mg doses. The manufacturer explains that this product is made using a unique Charlotte’s Web hemp that is naturally high in CBD, offering a full-spectrum hemp extract. This implies the item includes additional terpenes and cannabinoids present within hemp that cannot be removed through refinement.
Pros and cons
Organic extra-virgin olive oil is the only other component in this blend. The capsule itself is made of vegetable cellulose, making it suitable for vegans. Additionally, if the 25 mg dose is too strong, a 15 mg oil liquid capsule is available. This particular item, on the other hand, includes full-spectrum CBD as well as THC. If you don’t want to take in THC, you may wish to look for another product.
Best for a lower dose of full-spectrum CBD: Bluebird Botanicals Concentrated CBD Softgels
Bluebird Botanicals sells a concentrated full-spectrum hemp CBD softgel, which is made from hemp cultivated in the United States. This is a full-spectrum product, which means it contains compounds other than THC present in the plant, such as terpenes and flavonoids. Trace amounts of THC may also be included.
The only other ingredient in the capsules is organic virgin hemp seed oil, making this one of the purest products on the market that use only hemp-derived ingredients.
Pros and cons
It’s often used to treat anxiety and depression, but it could also help with pain. However, taking too much CBD oil over time may not be good for your health. Each pill has 15 mg of CBD in it, and the product is available in 30-, 60- or 120-capsule bottles.
The capsules are made of bovine gelatin, which is not vegan-friendly or vegetarian.
Methodology
The Forbes Health editorial staff reviewed data on more than 50 CBD capsules to help you pick the best ones.
- Made from plants grown in the U.S.
- Have a certificate of analysis (COA)
- Are third-party tested by ISO 17025-compliant laboratories
- Are made with all natural ingredients
We evaluated CBD capsule products based on price, potency, and dietary acceptance (gluten-free, vegan, organic, and more).
What Are CBD Capsules?
CBD pills are little pill-shaped items that you consume orally. The capsules include a casing (usually made of gelatin, although vegan or vegetarian alternatives may be used), as well as a quantity of CBD within the substance.
CBD capsules are one of the many ways to consume CBD, including oil tinctures, gummies, and other edibles as well as smoking or vapor inhalation.
Why Use CBD Capsules?
CBD pills are appealing for a few distinct reasons, according to Nick Jackowetz and Cam MacNeil, the Cirona Labs chief scientific officer and chief commercial officer.
“Capsules are flavorless, which can be an appealing experience for a first-time CBD user,” Jackowetz adds. “They also come with a specific quantity that does not necessitate any expertise and eliminates the consumer’s uncertainty.”
Taking pills has become routine for many people, and most capsules are tiny, making them easy to incorporate into your everyday routine even when on the go.
How Do CBD Capsules Compare to CBD Oils?
Dosage
CBD pills are convenient in that they allow you to take a particular amount every time. You, however, are restricted to the product’s dosage. If one capsule contains 20 milligrams of CBD, for example, you can’t change your dose by 5 milligrams. You may only increase or decrease by 20 milligrams.
With CBD oil tinctures, which are available in dropper bottles, it’s simple to determine a manageable amount. However, because you use the dropper to measure and ingest more quantity of CBD, there is greater variation in how much CBD you measure and consume.
Time to Take Effect
CBD pills take somewhat longer to work than CBD oil tinctures. “The CBD in capsules has to go through the stomach and into the liver and gut before it can be metabolized,” explains Laura Fuentes, a licensed compounding pharmacist and Green Roads’ senior vice president of science and innovation. “On the other hand, if you hold CBD oil in your mouth for 30 to 40 seconds before swallowing, some of the CBD is absorbed directly via the oral mucosa (the membrane lining of the mouth) into your circulation.”
Pros and Cons of CBD Capsules
Pros:
- Easier to transport than liquid oil
- Clearly marked dose per capsule so dosage can be managed easily
- Flavorless
Cons:
- No wiggle room for adjusting dosage beyond the capsule’s dose
- Longer activation time
Potential Side Effects of CBD Capsules
There are no known CBD capsule-specific adverse effects, when compared to other types of CBD. When taken in high doses, CBD might cause drowsiness. Over many years, CBD has been linked to liver damage in some research, although this is still uncertain.
Because CBD is virtually non-psychoactive, the carrier oil, which is frequently MCT oil (derived from coconuts) or olive oil, may produce adverse effects in certain individuals. You should also look for what components are included in the capsule’s casing. Bao Le, CEO of Hhmp.co, a CBD and CBG products company, advises consumers to study the label of any product they’re thinking about using and contact the manufacturer if they have any questions regarding its content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for CBD capsules to work?
Because the capsules must first go through your digestive system, it might take at least 40 minutes for the CBD to enter your circulation and begin working. The time required will differ from person to person.
According to one small University of Minnesota research, consuming a high-fat meal while taking CBD in capsule form might improve absorption.
How many CBD capsules should I take?
Follow the recommended serving size and dosage on the label of your specific product, according to Encanto. “Wait up to two hours after swallowing the CBD capsule before determining whether another dose is required for optimal effectiveness,” he adds.
Experts advise taking baby steps when trying CBD or a new CBD product for the first time. When using CBD capsules, which have a set dose per capsule, start with a low-dose capsule like 15 milligrams. If you do that, you’ll have more leeway in terms of dosage adjustment.
