CBD Capsules 101: Comparing Capsules vs Oil
CBD capsules are great if you want a convenient product you can use without having to measure out your dose of CBD time and again. Can’t decide which one to choose: CBD capsules vs oil? Let us help you out!
CBD has gained global acceptance in recent years as a natural, non-psychoactive compound with a plethora of health benefits.
CBD has no intoxicating effects on consumers; it won’t make you feel high or alter your state of consciousness.
Instead, CBD allows you to experience the health benefits of the plant without its psychoactive side.
People take CBD in different forms, but capsules and oil are the two most common products as of right now.
In this guide, we compare CBD capsules vs oil, with an honest list of the pros and cons of both.
But first, let’s have a primer on CBD capsules
What Are CBD Capsules?
CBD capsules are softgels (or pills) that contain CBD oil. The CBD is often infused into MCT oil to increase its volume and improve absorption.
After all, CBD dissolves in fat.
Usually, CBD capsules offer full-spectrum CBD, meaning that other cannabinoids besides CBD appear in the capsule. These are cannabinoids such as CBFA, CBC, CBG, and CBDV.
You can also find broad-spectrum CBD capsules; they contain the entire range of non-psychoactive cannabinoids, without traces of THC.
How do CBD Capsules Work?
Similar to all forms of CBD, capsules engage with your endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is the prime network in our bodies that controls other vital systems and maintains homeostasis — chemical balance — in the body.
The endocannabinoid system has a few types of cannabis receptors and its own neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids send signals to cannabinoid receptors in the body and brain, producing their effects.
When you take a CBD capsule, you improve your endocannabinoid system’s performance on two levels.
First, CBD signals the ECS to produce more of its endocannabinoids.
Second, CBD extends the longevity of endocannabinoids by blocking an enzyme responsible for breaking them down.
For example, if you’re in pain or the stress becomes too intense to handle, the CBD will attach to specific receptors in your brain, altering pain transmission and improving the mood.
People take CBD to:
- Reduce anxiety
- Cope with stress
- Improve sleep
- Support the immune system
- Speed up metabolism
- Prevent and reduce nausea
- Deal with substance use disorders
- Achieve an overall sense of wellness
CBD Capsules vs Oil: Which One is Better?
Choosing your go-to form of CBD depends on how you prefer to take it.
Do you want precise dosing or a fixed dose per serving?
Are you looking for a more discreet way of taking your CBD?
Is the onset of effects important to you?
Do you like the taste of CBD oil or does the idea of flavorless CBD sounds more appealing?
Let’s cover the differences between CBD capsules vs oil in detail.
The Advantages of CBD Capsules vs CBD Oil
CBD is effective no matter how you take it, but there’s a reason why people prefer one form to another.
Here’s a quick list of the benefits that oral CBD offers:
1. CBD Capsules Are Odorless & Flavorless
CBD oil has a very strong flavor. It tastes a bit earthy, leaving a harsh botanical aftertaste on the tongue. Some CBD products, such as E-liquids, dummies, or tinctures have extra flavorings to mask this taste.
However, CBD capsules are the best if you want a full-spectrum product but without the distinct flavor of hemp on your palate. CBD capsules are odorless and flavorless, which makes ingestion very easy.
2. You Don’t Need to Measure Out Your Doses with CBD Capsules
Each capsule has a fixed dose of CBD, so if you know the amount of CBD that works for you, capsules make dosing much easier.
For example, let’s say your daily dose is 50 mg of CBD. You can split it into several servings. With 25 mg capsules, you only need to take 2 pieces throughout the day to meet your dosage.
You don’t have to measure the oil out, as you might do with oil drops. On top of that, many CBD capsules come in a soft gel form, so you don’t need to gulp them down with a few glasses of water.
CBD Capsules Are Discreet
CBD capsules look like traditional pills, so you can stay low-profile without being judged for placing a viscous liquid under your tongue, unlike with CBD oil.
And because of their size, it’s easier to travel with CBD capsules than with oil drops. You can take them on a plane without worrying about your airport’s limits for liquids.
Where do CBD Capsules Fall Short vs CBD Oil?
We can’t be one-sided when it comes to the “CBD capsules vs oil” debate, so let’s discuss the potential downsides of taking oral forms of CBD.
They have Lower Bioavailability
It’s no secret that CBD capsules offer the lowest bioavailability of all consumption methods. The bioavailability is measured by the percentage of CBD that reaches the bloodstream. For CBD capsules, this figure reaches 20% at best. It’s a bit low if you compare it to the bioavailability of CBD oil (35%) or vapes (56%). So in the best scenario, your body can use 1/5th of the ingested dosage.
You’ll Need to Wait Longer for the Effects
Since you take CBD capsules orally, your digestive system needs to process it before passing it into the bloodstream. Therefore, the effects of oral CBD may need up to 90 minutes to kick in.
How to Take CBD Capsules
Taking CBD capsules is very easy because you just take them as any other dietary supplement in this form. You simply take as many capsules as you need to meet your daily dosage, then you swallow them with water.
How Much CBD Should I Take?
There aren’t any official dosage guidelines for CBD. Even the FDA doesn’t have a recommended single dose for CBD extracts.
That’s because hemp-derived CBD is a food supplement, not a medicine under the federal law.
Everybody is different, so the dosage that works for your friend may not work for you. There are many factors that can influence your effective dose, such as:
- Age
- Weight
- Metabolism
- Diet
- Lifestyle choices
- Drug interactions
- Desired effects
- Severity of symptoms
Experts recommend starting out with 1 to 6 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of weight. Start with the lowest dose possible and slowly work your way up to the dose that gives you the best results.
Once there, you can stick to the dose — a substance tolerance is not a problem with CBD.
It’s also important to know what you expect from CBD oil. CBD can significantly improve your quality of life, but it’s not a panaceum by any means. Some people claim they got healed with CBD, but we’re all aware of how strong the CBD placebo effect is when we want to recuperate. On the other hand, believing that something won’t help you can actually prevent you from experiencing its health benefits.
CBD Capsules vs Oil: Bottom Line
Choosing between CBD capsules vs CBD oil heavily depends on your lifestyle. If you want a convenient, discreet way to take CBD with consistent doses, capsules are a great option to consider.
If, however, you use different doses of CBD throughout the day and you favor precision over ease of use, you may want to try the traditional oil drops.
Do you take CBD capsules? How do they compare to CBD oil in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!