For anyone seeking a holistic, natural path to improved health and wellness, CBD is well worth considering. CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients in cannabis; derived from a hemp plant, CBD products boast a number of therapeutic effects, available without the intoxicating effects of THC.
There are a number of delivery methods for CBD, ranging from edibles (like CBD gummies) to topicals (CBD creams and ointments) to CBD oil tinctures. For many, however, the ideal way to get CBD into their system is through a capsule, pill, or softgel. The question is, which of these products is most readily recommended?
Take a look at the following recommendations to discover the best CBD capsules, softgels, and pills of 2020. We'll do a deep dive into our top capsule picks:
- CBDistillery Capsules
- NuLeaf Naturals Capsules
- Medterra Capsules
- Prima CBD Softgels
- Plus CBD Softgels
How Do CBD Capsules Work?
First things first: It's worth noting that, for all intents and purposes, CBD pills, capsules, and softgels are the same thing. Basically, we're talking about CBD powder or oil that's condensed into a small, solid consumable.
Once CBD is consumed, it begins to interact with the endocannabinoid system. This is the body's internal framework for regulating key functions that relate to your mood. Some examples include drowsiness and sleep; stress and anxiety; even the sensation of pain.
It's through CBD's binding with the endocannabinoid system that it can potentially help enhance sleep or heighten alertness; regulate mood and mediate stress, and; minimize aches and inflammation. CBD has been connected with chronic pain management, treatment of seizures, and more.
Benefits and Risks of CBD Capsules
Essentially, CBD capsules offer the same health and wellness benefits as other CBD delivery methods, including the standard CBD tincture and edibles, to name a few. The reason why many people prefer CBD gel capsules is simply that they provide greater convenience; you can take a pill quickly or when you're on the go.
Also, pills make dosing easy. With oils, the harder part is ensuring the proper amount of CBD to get the intended effect. With CBD pills and capsules, the dosing is done for you, and you can always know for certain exactly what quantity of CBD you're getting.
Finally, CBD oil capsules eliminate any worries about flavor. Some people simply don't care for the earthy hemp taste that full spectrum CBD oils have. Capsules make this issue a thing of the past.
It's important to recognize that there can be some minor side effects associated with any CBD product, including capsules. However, these side effects are almost always associated either with incorrect dosing, or with the selection of an inferior product.
So what are the best products? We've compiled a list of five recommendations, based on personal testing as well as a careful review of customer testimonials, third party lab tests, and more. As you prepare to buy CBD capsules, the following five options are the ones we most highly recommend.
5 Best CBD Capsules and Pills
NuLeaf Naturals Capsules
NuLeaf Naturals offers full spectrum hemp CBD in a softgel capsule; you'll get 15mg of CBD per capsule, and a bottle of 20 softgels runs just shy of $40. There's a lot to love about NuLeaf, including their fast, free shipping; their avoidance of unnecessary additives and chemicals; and the fact that they use organic hemp, collected with CO2 extraction techniques. A great product, a great value, and a great chance to support an eco-friendly company.
CBDistillery Capsules
These full spectrum CBD softgels are available in 30mg potencies, and come in a 30-pack that will cost around $70 at checkout. These softgels are aimed at promoting personal well-being, and the company claims that its customers experience relief from anxiety while also getting deeper, more restful sleep at night. CBDistillery capsules include only coconut oil, full spectrum CBD, and the gelatin casing. All industrial hemp is sourced with natural farming practices, and the product itself is non-GMO and rigorously third party tested.
MedTerra Capsules
MedTerra offers the convenience of CBD gel capsules in two potencies: 25mg and 50mg. A 30-pack costs under $45. Some things we love about MedTerra: Their CBD extract is made in the U.S. and comes from organically grown hemp. These capsules are also fully THC-free. MedTerra vets all of its products with third party labs, and you can find plenty of information about lab testing by visiting their website.
Charlotte's Web Capsules
Charlotte's Web makes full spectrum capsules from American-grown hemp plants. These products contain a full range of plant material, including flavonoids and terpenes. We trust this brand for it's oils, CBD gummies, and capsule products because of their commitment to testing, sustainable farming, and sustainable business. They recently became a Certified B Corp.
Plus CBD Softgels
At Plus CBD, you can get 15mg potencies in either a 30-count or a 60-count; the former is the cheapest option, running just shy of $40. These full spectrum hemp capsules make it easy to always get the serving size you need, and because these capsules are completely vegetarian, they also provide a good option for anyone with a sensitive palette or an easily-troubled tummy.
What to Look for in a Quality CBD Capsule
As you look for the best CBD capsules, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. You'll certainly want to pay attention to the type of CBD you're getting, though we'll note that we've listed all broad spectrum CBD extracts here. Also pay attention to any added ingredients; for example, what's the carrier oil? (Seek products that use either natural hemp seed or coconut oil.) And are additional substances, like melatonin, used to enhance the CBD's effect? It's certainly not a bad thing to get these extras, but it's something you'll want to know before you buy.
Most of all, make certain you choose a product that's sourced from a high-quality hemp farm in the United States, with a product that is carefully tested for quality and purity by a third party lab. We highly recommend ensuring the company you choose to buy from makes all lab test results easily accessible on their website.
Are CBD capsules right for you?
One final note: The FDA has not evaluated these products, so if you have any concerns, it may be worth chatting with your doctor. For anyone who's curious about the pain relief or calming effects that CBD claims, and who wishes to try properly-dosed, natural hemp over prescription medications, these capsules may represent a good point of entry.
Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, copywriter, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. As a writer an independent reviewer of CBD products, Josh covers the relationship between cannabis-based products and the human body. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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