CBD capsules may just be the most convenient, precise, and discreet way to your daily CBD dose. There are so many ways to consume CBD, and so many choices of creative and interesting products. So how do you tell if CBD capsules are right for you? And if they are, what questions should you ask before buying CBD capsules?
Firstly, they’re a fantastic option if you don’t like the earthy taste of CBD. Or if you don’t like the texture of CBD oil in your mouth. This goes for edibles such as gummies and cookies, too, if you don’t want to make a meal of it. Simply swallowing a capsule can be a convenient way to include CBD in your daily routine.
Secondly, capsules are good for CBD users who aren’t in a rush for immediate effects. CBD capsules, like edibles, must be digested in your stomach and absorbed via your gut, which isn’t a speedy process.
This means it takes longer for the CBD to enter your bloodstream than methods such as an oral spray, tincture or oil drops. Those are absorbed through your mouth, or smoking or vaping CBD directly into your lungs. The upside of slower absorption, though, is that the effects are believed to last longer.
If you’ve decided to include CBD capsules in your daily health supplements, here is our guide to buying CBD capsules.
1. Are they Isolate, broad-spectrum or full-spectrum?
There are three main types of CBD capsules: CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD and full-spectrum CBD. These each have their advantages and disadvantages. And deciding which is best for your needs is an excellent starting point in your CBD capsule shopping journey.
In CBD isolate, the chemical compound cannabidiol (CBD) has been extracted from the hemp plant. It has been isolated from all the other substances that are naturally found alongside it. This provides you with pure concentrated CBD. This is great if you want to be sure that pure CBD is the only thing you’re consuming in the capsule. The downside to isolate is that they are slightly less effective than broad spectrum or full spectrum products. This is because they don’t have any other helpful cannabinoids to provide the “entourage effect.”
In full-spectrum CBD, you’re getting all the cannabinoids alongside CBD. This includes up to 0.3 percent THC (the type of cannabinoid that gets you high). This is valuable because it feeds into the entourage effect. Which is a theory that CBD works more effectively if it’s absorbed along with an entourage of other cannabinoids. When all these work together, they stimulate the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Broad-spectrum CBD offers nearly the exact same as full-spectrum, except without the THC. This is useful if you want the benefits of other cannabinoids but want to avoid consuming even tiny trace amounts of THC.
2. Which dosage is right for me?
This is the trickiest part of using CBD. Research is still ongoing in the field of CBD as a treatment for various health conditions. So we don’t know exactly how much is the most effective dosage of CBD for particular health benefits.
If you’re new to CBD you’re probably not sure how much to take. It’s always best to follow the old adage of “start low and go slow.”
Start off with a low-dose capsule such as 5mg or 10mg, and start by just taking one per day. This gives you the flexibility of increasing your dose if you’re not feeling any effects after a trial period. And gives you a great starter range when buying CBD capsules.
CBD capsules typically come in 5, 10 and 20 milligram options. The big benefit is that you know precisely how much you’re taking every time.
On the other hand, the dosing of capsules is less flexible. It’s not advised to break any capsules open. Which means you can only take amounts that are multiples of the capsule size you bought. The smaller the capsule size, the more finely you can adjust the amount you’re taking.
The good news is that it’s considered almost impossible to take a lethal overdose of CBD.
It has low toxicity and is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile and low risk of potential abuse or dependency, according to a 2017 report by the World Health Organisation. One 2011 study even found that doses up to 1500 milligrams per day didn’t have adverse effects.
Also Read: Lazarus Naturals vs Pachamama CBD Gel Capsules
3. How can you prioritize quality ingredients?
Don’t compromise on the quality of CBD when buying CBD capsules. It’s important to shop at reputable suppliers who have jumped through all safety testing hoops to ensure their products are of excellent quality.
Good CBD suppliers should have a certificate of analysis (COA) from a third-party lab available on their website. This is evidence that the CBD has been analyzed by an independent laboratory.
This analysis is extremely important for safety purposes. And it also to provides an accurate measurement of how much CBD and other cannabinoids you can expect per capsule.
4. What are the other additives in the capsule?
Many CBD capsules use a carrier liquid such as MCT oil which the CBD is dissolved in. Some capsules may have other additives, such as a preservative or other active ingredients. Always have a close look for any additives, especially if you have known allergies. Keep an eye out to avoid gelatin-based capsules if you’re vegan.
5. How can I shop for the feeling I want?
Some CBD capsules are specifically designed to offer a particular effect. This can range from relaxation, energy and focus. This might be due to the presence of other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids in the case of full-spectrum CBD. Or thanks to the addition of other ingredients, like melatonin for sleep.
When you start shopping around, bear in mind the feeling you want to get out of your CBD capsules. And consider products that are geared towards that effect. For example, the Beam CBD Focus Capsules or Green Roads CBD Sleep Capsules are both geared towards helping you sleep. While Eve Farms Full Spectrum CBD Capsules are formulated for general wellness.
6. How Mush Should I pay when buying CBD capsules?
Price is naturally a consideration when shopping for any product. Before you pop the product in your cart and checkout, you want to feel comfortable with what you’re paying. Of course, your budget is personal and it will differ for every person.
The best strategy here is to shop around online (or check out our reviews.) This will help you get a feel for what price range you can expect for the type of capsule you want. A great way to compare is to work out the price per milligram in the pack of capsules. Bear in mind that if a product stands out for being a lot cheaper than other similar ones, the lower price may come at the cost of quality.
In Conclusion – Buying CBD Capsules
At the end of the day, you may have to explore a few different brands of CBD capsules. And it’s always a good idea to experiment with your dosing to get the desired effect out of CBD capsules.
Lastly, remember to consult your doctor before using new healthcare products. Especially if you take other medications that CBD could potentially interact with.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance writer based in Cape Town, South Africa and she has written for publications such as Healthline, Greatist, and Psych Central to name a few.
