Your Guide to CBD Capsules: What You Need to Know About This Form of CBD

CBD has become insanely popular in recent years. This natural, non-psychoactive compound is making big headlines in the online press for a few reasons.

For one, CBD has no intoxicating effects on users — it doesn’t make you feel high like THC does.

On another note, this compound appears to have a wide range of health benefits, often succeeding where conventional treatment methods fail.

The list of benefits CBD provides is continuously growing, as more research is conducted in this subject.

People take CBD for a variety of reasons. Some use it as a preventative supplement while others use it for specific conditions like anxiety, sleep problems, pain, and more.

CBD itself has several forms, from oil drops to vapes, gummies, and topical creams. CBD capsules are another popular format. They have no odor, no taste, and are very easy to take — but are CBD capsules right for you?

Let’s find out.

What Are CBD Capsules?

CBD capsules are pills or softgels that contain CBD oil. The CBD is suspended in MCT oil to increase the capsule’s volume and improve absorption.

Usually, CBD capsules are made out of a full-spectrum CBD extract. This means that other cannabinoids besides CBD appear in the capsule. These cannabinoids include CBC, CBG, CBDA, CBDV, as well as trace amounts of THC — below 0.3%.

Experts argue that full-spectrum CBD is more effective than its isolated form because they offer the synergy from other cannabinoids that amplifies the effects of the extract. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “entourage effect” and also gains in popularity among regular consumers.

Even though full-spectrum CBD capsules carry some THC, its concentrations are insufficient to get you high, so taking a CBD capsule allows you to benefit from cannabis while staying completely sober.

However, this only applies to CBD capsules derived from hemp. Encapsulated cannabidiol sourced from marijuana contains significantly higher levels of THC — between 5–20% — and thus can produce psychoactive effects. Marijuana-derived products are only permitted in states with a legal medical or recreational cannabis market.

If you want a federally legal product, look for CBD capsules made from hemp.

How Do CBD Capsules Work?

Like all CBD formats, CBD capsules work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a primary neurochemical network responsible for maintaining the chemical balance in your body. 

It’s comprised of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids which are very similar to cannabinoids like CBD in their chemical structure but are naturally produced by your body.

When you’re experiencing anxiety, chronic pain, or inflammation, this means that something is out of balance and your endocannabinoid system uses the cannabinoid receptors to send signals to your brain or the problematic area of the body. 

Endocannabinoids, as well as their plant-based counterparts, bind to these receptors to bring the body back to equilibrium.

When you take a CBD capsule, you support your endocannabinoid system with an extra boost of cannabinoids, making the whole network more effective at alleviating the symptoms and bringing you back on track.

For example, if you’re experiencing pain, the CBD will bind to pain receptors in your brain, altering your pain perception and lifting your mood, while also interacting with inflamed areas of the body — reducing the physical discomfort.

Since the endocannabinoid system controls a range of essential functions in the body, CBD capsules can also relieve:

• Anxiety
• Inflammation
• Skin conditions
• Addiction withdrawals
• Nausea
• Sleep disorders
• Metabolic issues

The Benefits of CBD Capsules

CBD is effective regardless of the consumpton form. So, why would you choose CBD capsules over other methods?

Below we show you a couple of reasons why people prefer CBD capsules.

1. They Have no Odor and Taste

CBD oil has a distinct flavor. It tastes a bit earthy, leaving a sharp aftertaste on the tongue. Full-spectrum CBD extracts also tend to be slightly bitter, so for many users, it can be difficult to get used to using CBD in its sublingual form.

Some CBD products, such as E-liquids, tinctures, or gummies are made more palatable with added flavorings, which aren’t always organic.

With CBD capsules, ingestion is very easy because they are odorless and tasteless while giving you all the CBD you need.

2. No Measurements Required

Each capsule comes with a fixed dose of CBD, which makes dosing much easier than other forms.

For example, if you have a 25mg capsule and you need 50mg of CBD daily, simply take 2 capsules and you’re good to go.

You don’t have to measure the oil out, as you might do with a tincture. On top of that, CBD capsules are now available in an easy-to-swallow softgel form, so you don’t need to gulp them down with loads of water.

3. They’re Discreet

Because CBD capsules look like traditional pills, you can stay low-profile without worrying about being suspiciously looked at for adding a drop beneath your tongue, unlike with oil drops.

Moreover, because of their size, they’re much easier to travel with than tinctures or vapes — you also avoid the risk of spilling the product.

Where do CBD Capsules Fall Short?

As with anything in life, CBD capsules also have their downsides.

Before you buy a jar of CBD capsules, you need to be aware of the following disadvantages.

1. Low Bioavailability

Bioavailability is measured by the percentage of CBD that gets absorbed into the bloodstream. The bioavailability of CBD capsules is estimated at 5–20%, so in the best case scenario, you’re getting only ⅕ of the ingested CBD content.

2. Delayed Onset

Since CBD capsules are taken orally, they need to pass through your digestive system in order to take effect. Given this, the ad hoc effects of CBD may need anywhere between 30–90 minutes to kick in.

How to Take CBD Capsules

You take a CBD capsule just as you would use any other dietary supplement. You then swallow it with a glass of water.

For new users, the suggested dose for CBD is 1 to 6mg for every 10 pounds of your body weight. For the optimal effects, it’s best to start at the lowest dose and slowly work your way up to the dose that works. 

Then, you just stick with the dose — CBD doesn’t cause users to develop a substance tolerance.

Where to Buy CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are available for sale both locally and online. Since the majority of CBD products are sold online nowadays, you have access to a broader range of sizes, strengths, and formulas.

Buying CBD capsules online is fast, easy, and safe. Here at MyGreenSolutions, all our products are tested in 3rd-party laboratories for CBD potency and purity levels. We make sure that what you buy is exactly what you get — right at your doorstep.

Do you take CBD capsules? What do you like the most about this form of cannabidiol?