Everything you need to know about CBD capsules

Everything you need to know about CBD capsules

Smiling young woman, CBD capsules, cannabis leaf, and Hemnia logo in the lower right corner

Cannabidiol is available in various forms. CBD drops are by far the most popular, but CBD gummies (gummy bears or other gelatine sweets) and disposable vape pens are also enjoying their moment in the spotlight. Capsules tend to be somewhat overshadowed by these products. What are their actual advantages and disadvantages?

What are CBD capsules?

CBD capsules are gel or gelatin capsules containing an appropriate dose of CBD oil. Like CBD drops, they are divided according to the type of hemp extract used into capsules:

  • isolate (containing only CBD),
  • broad-spectrum (with flavonoids and terpenes, without THC),
  • full-spectrum (including THC, commonly up to 0.3% content; in the Czech Republic, the legal maximum content is 1% as of January 2022).

The biggest advantage of CBD capsules is that, unlike CBD drops, you avoid the typical (and for many people insurmountable) cannabis taste. It is this taste that is often the biggest obstacle – to some, it resembles burnt leaves and can linger in the mouth for several hours after use. Carrier oils (such as coconut, olive or sunflower oil) can partially soften the aroma, but they usually cannot hide it completely.

Capsules do not have this problem. They are tasteless and easy to swallow thanks to their smooth surface and oval shape.

How do CBD capsules work in the body? 

There is no doubt about the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) today. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated it as a safe substance, and most countries in the world see no problem with it (although each country has set its own rules).

CBD capsules can be taken occasionally for acute problems, but also preventively as part of a routine. Although research into CBD is ongoing, we can already conclude from existing studies that it is one of the most complex substances that can relieve many problems.

 

Man looking at text about what CBD capsules can help with—pain, depression, sleep, digestion, anxiety, skin, infections

The European CBD Report for 2022 shows that 16.4% of people in Europe use CBD products once or more per day, 12.4% once per week, and 12% even several times per week.

How CBD capsules can affect the human body:

For more information on the possible effects of CBD, see the article CBD and its effects: How CBD works and what it can do. You may also be interested in How CBD works inside our body.

CBD capsules and the endocannabinoid system

CBD can bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which influences a number of important processes in the body. With a bit of exaggeration, we could say that these are the "delivery notes" for all organs, informing them that what the body needs has been passed on for processing.

While CB1 receptors focus on mood, emotions, movement, coordination, appetite and pain perception, CB2 receptors are primarily responsible for the proper functioning of the immune system.

How the endocannabinoid system can affect our body:

  • Elimination of sleep disorders
  • Help with intestinal problems
  • Regulating homeostasis
  • Pain relief
  • Regulating emotions and stress perception

Bioavailability of CBD capsules

With regular intake of CBD in capsule form, it is possible to begin enjoying all of its benefits over time.

If your condition is acute and you are expecting relief or alleviation of symptoms as quickly as with CBD drops, capsules may not meet your expectations. This is because they have a different bioavailability and take much longer to absorb than liquid products.

 

A man taking CBD capsules, next to him are CBD capsules and an illustration of CBD capsules, Hemnia logo at the bottom right

While sublingual administration (placement under the tongue) guarantees the onset of CBD effects within a few minutes (almost immediately when vaping), capsules take several hours to take effect. To a large extent, it also depends on sensitivity to new substances, weight, and commonly used medications, which can slow down absorption.

Capsules have the lowest absorption rate of all available products, with bioavailability ranging between 6 and 19%.

Pros and cons of CBD capsules

Capsules (like all cannabis products) have their pros and cons. Just figure out which properties are most important to you and choose capsules or another form of CBD that suits you best.

Advantages of CBD capsules

  • No taste –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠the capsules dissolve after swallowing, so you don't taste the CBD.
  • Precise dosage and reduced risk of overdose –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ each capsule contains the same amount of CBD, making it easy to monitor your daily dose and reducing the risk of accidentally taking more CBD than you want. The final value varies depending on the manufacturer. Some put only about 10 mg in a capsule, while others opt for a larger amount, and you can find more than 30 mg of CBD inside.
  • Discreet use –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the capsule looks like a regular dietary supplement on the outside.
  • Other beneficial substances –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ capsules often contain a whole range of other substances and beneficial ingredients such as ginger, liquorice, cloves, echinacea, sage, vitamins A and D, or piperine, which gives the capsules a peppery taste. The only exception is isolate capsules, which contain only cannabidiol.
  • Easy to digest – it is not only the inner filling (CBD) that is important, but also the "cover". This can have various compositions, but is usually an easily digestible plant or animal gel. The most popular is food-grade gelatine or agar (from seaweed), which is acceptable for vegans.

 

A young woman thinking about the pros and cons of CBD capsules, Hemnia logo at bottom right

Disadvantages of CBD capsules

  • Slower onset of effects
  • It is not possible to take smaller doses of CBD

You may also be interested in the article 10 useful facts about CBD.

TOP 5 CBD capsules

We have selected the most popular CBD capsules for you and compared their composition. We have included weaker and stronger variants, hard and gel capsules with various carrier oils, making it easy for both beginners and more experienced users to choose.

In the table, you will find CBD capsules from proven brands such as Euphoria, Cannaline, Cibdol, and CBDex.

TOP CBD capsules Composition Number of capsules Mg CBD/ capsule Carrier oil
Euphoria CBD capsules 900 mg CBD 30 capsules 30 mg Coconut
Cannaline CBD capsules 1,500 mg CBD 30 capsules 50 mg MCT coconut
Cannaline CBD softgel capsules 750 mg CBD 30 capsules 25 mg MCT coconut
Cibdol softgel capsules 40% CBD 4,000 mg CBD 60 capsules approx. 66 mg Olive
CBDex CBD Immunit Capsules 300 mg CBD 60 capsules 5 mg inulin (fibre)

Tip: When choosing, look at the quantity of mg CBD in one capsule. If you are new to CBD, it is often more practical to start with a lower mg dose and gradually adjust the dose according to your needs.

Summary

Although CBD capsules are not as popular as CBD oils and drops, they still have a lot to offer. They are discreet, and you will always know exactly how much CBD you have taken. Capsules are also ideal for you if you don't like the typical taste of cannabis.

Even the lower CBD content in a single capsule (often around 10 mg) may not be a disadvantage – for many users, it is, on the contrary, the ideal way to adjust the dose gradually according to their own needs. Just keep in mind that, compared to CBD oils, the effects usually take longer to kick in.

 

FAQ

1. What are the effects of CBD capsules?

Studies to date suggest that CBD in general, and therefore CBD capsules, can have a positive effect on overall mental well-being, promote better sleep, and relieve pain and inflammation.

At the same time, they can contribute to maintaining healthy bones, joints and skin and support proper digestion. They can also be helpful in treating Parkinson's disease, autism and epilepsy.

2. How do CBD capsules differ from CBD oils?

The main difference between CBD capsules and CBD oils is not only in their form, but mainly in the speed at which they take effect. Capsules are taken orally, so CBD must first pass through the digestive tract, which is why the effect is usually slower than with oil.

CBD oil is often taken sublingually (dropped under the tongue) and is absorbed directly through the mucous membrane, which is why it can take effect more quickly. However, it always depends on the specific product, dosage and method of use.

3. How to take CBD capsules?

In practice, it is often recommended to start with a lower dose, monitor your body's response and adjust it gradually if necessary. The packaging usually recommends 1-2 capsules per day, but it always depends on how many milligrams of CBD each capsule contains and what the manufacturer states.

Some products also list the maximum daily dose on the packaging, which should not be exceeded.

4. Do CBD capsules help you sleep?

Current research suggests that CBD could improve sleep quality and help with insomnia or sleep disorders.

It could also be useful for inducing night-time calm and regulating the sleep cycle.

5. What are the side effects of CBD capsules?

The most commonly reported side effects of CBD capsules include drowsiness, diarrhoea, dry mouth, and nausea. However, for many people, the significant reasons for taking CBD outweigh these side effects.

6. What does full spectrum mean in CBD capsules?

Full spectrum CBD capsules contain not only CBD, but also other cannabinoids – such as CBG or CBN, terpenes and flavonoids – as well as trace amounts of THC within the legal limit.

Broad spectrum CBD capsules also contain other cannabinoids, but no THC, and CBD isolate is the purest form, containing only CBD itself.

7. Who should not take CBD capsules?

CBD capsules are generally well tolerated by most people, but there are groups for whom their use is not recommended or who should consult a doctor.

This applies in particular to pregnant and breastfeeding women, people taking other medications, children and adolescents, and people with allergies or hypersensitivity to the ingredients in the capsules.

8. How can you recognise high-quality CBD capsules?

You can recognise high-quality CBD capsules by the fact that the manufacturer provides all the necessary information about the product and transparently documents its composition.

An important sign of quality is also testing in an independent laboratory, which ensures that the capsules do not contain synthetic cannabinoids and actually correspond to the declared composition.

9. How should CBD capsules be stored?

Store CBD capsules in a cool, dark and dry place – ideally in their original, well-sealed packaging. Also avoid heat and direct light so that the capsules retain their quality for as long as possible.

  

Author: Matthias Roth

 

Photo: AI

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