Everything you need to know about CBD capsules
Cannabidiol is available in various forms. CBD drops are overwhelmingly the most popular, but CBD gummies (gummy bears or other gelatinous candies) or disposable vaping pens are also having their moment of glory. Capsules kind of stand in their shadow. What are really their advantages and disadvantages?
What are capsules?
CBD capsules are gel or gelatin capsules with a reasonable dose of CBD oil. Like CBD drops, they are divided according to the type of hemp extract used into isolate capsules (containing only CBD), broad-spectrum capsules (with flavonoids and terpenes, without THC) and full-spectrum capsules (including THC, normally up to 0.3% content, in the Czech Republic from January 2022 a maximum of 1% is legal).
Our Hemnia CBD capsules exploit the potential of the broad spectrum extract, are enriched with tocopherols (E306 - a substance that extends the shelf life of fatty foods) and represent an interesting and above all convenient alternative to the consumption of CBD drops. They are soft, tasteless and made from organically grown hemp. One capsule contains 33.3 mg of cannabidiol and only trace amounts of THC (0.02%).
The biggest plus of CBD capsules is that, unlike CBD drops made from hemp oil, you don't have to endure the specific (and for many people, overpowering) hemp taste. For some people, it reminds them of burnt leaves and they can smell it for hours after taking it. Carrier oils such as coconut, olive, salmon, sunflower, arnica or grapeseed may diminish the "smell" but the core remains. With capsules, this problem is eliminated. They are tasteless and easy to swallow due to their slippery surface and oval shape.</p
How do they work in the body?
There is no doubt about the effects of cannabidiol today. The WHO has declared it a safe substance, and most countries in the world do not see CBD as a problem (but each has set its own rules and you need to check the actual conditions when transporting the products).
CBD can be used acutely for acute problems and as a preventative measure. While research is ongoing, we can conclude from what we know that it is one of the most complex substances that can relieve many health complications. Users in the US, where roughly 25% take more than two products on a daily basis, are proof that CBD's popularity is on the rise.
How CBD affects the human body:
- Chronic pain relief
- Reduction of inflammation and infection
- Alleviation of anxiety, depression and mood changes
- Increased resistance to stress
- Relief from injuries and burns
- Affecting circadian rhythms
- Relief from reflux and indigestion
- Sleep support
- Improvement of skin problems such as eczema, acne, rosacea or hyperpigmentation
- Maintaining hormonal balance
CBD can bind to the receptors of the endocannabinoid syst , which affects a number of important processes in the body. With exaggeration, one could say that these are the "delivery men" of all organs and the information that what the body needs has been passed on for processing. While CB1 receptors focus on moods, emotions, movement, coordination, appetite and pain perception, CB2 receptors are primarily responsible for the proper functioning of the immune system.</p
How the endocannabinoid system affects the body:
- Elimination of sleep disorders
- Help with intestinal problems
- Setting homeostasis
- Pain relief
- Regulation of emotions and stress perception
Bioavailability
Thanks to regular intake of CBD in capsule form, it is possible to start reaping all the benefits it brings with it over time. If the condition is acute and you are expecting relief or alleviation of the ailment as quickly as with CBD drops, disappointment will come. Capsules have a different bioavailability and take much longer to absorb compared to liquid products. While sublingual administration guarantees the onset of CBD effects within minutes (and almost immediately for vaping), tubes take several hours to take effect. It also depends largely on sensitivity to new substances, weight, and commonly taken medications that may slow absorption. Capsules have the lowest absorption of all available products, with bioavailability between 6 and 19%.
Pro and con
Capsules (like all cannabis products) have their undeniable pros and cons. You just have to decide which properties are essential to you.
Benefits of CBD capsules
- Absence of taste (capsule dissolves after swallowing)
- Precise dose and reduced risk of overdose (a person can ingest up to 1500 mg of CBD without side effects)
- Discreet use
Each capsule contains a precise amount of CBD. The resulting value varies by manufacturer. Some put only around 10 mg in the capsule, others rely on a larger amount and there is even more than 30 mg of CBD inside the capsule. Of course, you have to adjust your daily dose accordingly.
Besides this, capsules often contain a variety of other substances and beneficial ingredients such as ginger, liquorice, cloves, echinacea, sage, vitamin A and D or piperine giving the capsules a peppery taste. The only exception is the isolate capsules, which contain only cannabidiol.
It is not only the inner filling (CBD) that is important, but also the "packaging". This can have different compositions. Usually it is an easily digestible plant or animal gel. The most popular is food-grade gelatin or vegan-friendly agar (from seaweed). Unfortunately, both substances are common targets for bacteria, yeast or fungi.
Disadvantages of CBD capsules
- Slower onset of effects (this may not be a disadvantage when used prophylactically)
- Cannot take smaller doses of CBD (one drop of 5% CBD oil contains about 2 mg of cannabidiol, with capsules the minimum is 10 mg)
Summary
CBD capsules are not as popular as drops, but they have a lot to offer. From discreet use to the absence of an unpleasant taste for many people. You may not even be put off by the minimal amount of CBD in one capsule, which is around 10mg.
Handily and simply:
- Hemnia does not want to, nor can it, replace the expert care of your doctor.
- Hemnia products are not drugs (aka medicines), so please do not treat them as such.
- Hemnia offers cannabis products, but do not look for any narcotic or psychotropic substances. We do not offer or recommend them.
Read the full text of the statement of liability here.