CBD Capsules

As the CBD market continues to expand to the entire world, new stories will be developing daily about it. Every positive story will likely meet negative feedback from those who still believe that taking any CBD-infused product will make them high. CBD and other phytocannabinoids from the hemp plant are slowly getting their way into the health and wellness mainstream. However, like any other supplement, they are likely to face opposition, especially considering that they come from the Cannabis Sativa family.

Talking about the positive side of CBD, this phytoactive compound has grown to offer incredible therapeutic potential, ranging from pain and anxiety relief to mental clarity and sleep support. We have also seen manufacturers selling CBD-infused products in different formulations, including CBD capsules, topicals, edibles, and vape oils. While these formulations offer a wide range of options for consumers, they may not be suitable for everyone. Hence, for your first time, you may find oils or edibles the best way to turn this hemp-derived compound into your self-care supplement.

Choosing CBD edibles is the easiest way to incorporate cannabinoids into a daily routine. They are easy to use, discreet, portable, and offer almost the right dosage. When searching online, you will find CBD edibles in various formulas. The options may be overwhelming, especially if you are entirely new to the market. However, before buying more edible options to add to an already established self-care calendar, you can start with one. Therefore, to make the right choice regarding CBD consumption, there is a brief rundown of CBD capsules for you to know what they are, their benefits, types, and even a few questions about them.

What Are CBD Capsules?

Before jumping to CBD pills or capsules, we may need to understand what CBD is and the difference between hemp CBD and marijuana. First, the industrial hemp plant is among the cannabis family, though it produces purified oil with the highest CBD concentration and other phytoactive chemicals. Unlike the marijuana plant, which produces high THC and low CBD, hemp is considered federally legal in many states. It has been welcomed in the health and wellness sector due to its therapeutical potential.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are among hundreds of cannabinoids in industrial hemp. However, THC is considered a psychoactive substance that causes the 'high' effect when consumed or inhaled. Hence, to limit the symptoms of the 'high' effect caused by THC, most states recommend manufacturers to use only industrial hemp and not marijuana. Manufacturers are also called out to maintain the THC levels in their hemp-derived products below 0.3%. This reduces the psycho effects while allowing users to benefit from the vast cannabinoids' potential.

CBD capsules are made when CBD-rich hemp oil is mixed with active ingredients and then encapsulated in digestible casings. These active ingredients include coconut or olive oil, while the digestible casing can easily dissolve in the stomach to release the cannabinoids into the system. CBD capsules resemble the standard pills bought from a local pharmacy. However, unlike supplements with a long list of ingredients, CBD pills may have only three ingredients; CBD oil, coconut oil, and HPMC coating.

CBD Capsules Classification Based on Extract Types

Chandra et al. (2017) noted that CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant before being taken to the manufacturing facilities for formulation. Manufacturers use different extraction methods, including steam distillation, carbon dioxide, ethanol, solvent, and lipid distillation. After extraction, the company employs other methods such as nanotechnology to purify the oil and formulate its products. The company categorizes its CBD capsules into three broad categories; full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD capsule isolates. Therefore, when buying your CBD edibles, you need to understand these categories as discussed below:

Full-Spectrum CBD Capsules

Full-spectrum CBD pills contain all the active cannabinoids in the hemp plant, including CBD, THC, CBG, CBDa, and many more. They also contain potentially beneficial hemp substances such as terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and other compounds. The hemp plant produces about 150 terpenes, 20 flavonoids, and over a hundred cannabinoids. When these phytoactive compounds are mixed, they produce a synergistic reaction that delivers all-around and more robust potentials to the body. Their benefits are also more potent than when consuming only one compound.

Full-spectrum CBD capsules contain a substantial amount of CBD and THC and come in dosages of between 500 to 1000 mg. The presence of THC also maximizes their capabilities. However, it produces an intoxicating effect when used at high levels. Hence, it should remain below the 0.3% legal limit. These capsules are best for folks who already understand how CBD and THC work and want something that offers higher therapeutic effects.

Broad-Spectrum CBD Capsules

Broad-spectrum or THC-free CBD edibles contain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, fatty acids, flavonoids, and other compounds present in the hemp plant, except THC. They are the best version for people who want to benefit from the phytoactive compounds while avoiding THC's intoxicating effects. Companies make broad-spectrum CBD capsules by only removing the psychoactive THC compound from the hemp oil and mixing the oil with active ingredients and suspender oils. This retains the original phytochemical composition of the oil, leading to higher therapeutic capability.

Handelsman (2020) claimed that broad-spectrum capsules might have similar effects to their cousins' full-spectrum formulas. This is due to the synergistic reaction between the vast cannabinoids in the products, which can give a slight 'high' feeling when overdosed. However, there is limited evidence to prove this since the possible side effects may be due to the body's response to cannabinoids or manufacturing mistakes. For instance, some manufacturers purchase isolate cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, and CBG and recombine them to make their proprietary blends of broad-spectrum CBD edibles.

Isolate CBD Capsules

CBD isolate contains only one cannabinoid- CBD. In this case, pure CBD oil is mixed with carrier oil and other active ingredients to make capsules. The capsules are completely THC-free, making them ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the edibles without worrying about the composition. However, the absence of other phytochemical compounds in the capsules makes them less effective; hence, one should take them in higher doses to reap the same effects as those using full- or broad-spectrum CBD edibles.

CBD isolate compounds are also expensive and time-consuming to make. The company must invest in the latest extraction and manufacturing technologies to get the purest oil. The oil also undergoes a stringent purification process to remove all the cannabinoids and leave them with the highest CBD concentration. Therefore, they sell their CBD isolates at higher prices to balance the production cost. However, they are worth every coin since it is easier to tell their CBD concentration, making their dosage straightforward.

CBD Capsules Classification Based on Their Purposes

Besides formulating their CBD capsules based on full- and broad-spectrum or CBD isolates, manufacturers also add different ingredients to make their pills ideal for specific purposes. For instance, since CBD is slowly gaining momentum as an alternative health and wellness supplement, consumers now use it as a stress reliever, a mental calming agent, or a sleep aid. For this reason, companies are now making their CBD capsules in different formulations; including:

CBD Focus Capsules

Daily activities, upcoming events, and unbalanced social life can push you into temporary stress. This can impact your normal functioning negatively, lowering your daily performance. While some people settle for a cup of coffee to stay focused, studies suggest that overreliance on caffeine can cause substance use disorder, worsening the condition. Therefore, CBD focus capsules may be the right alternative to avoid such since they offer a caffeine-free dosage.

These capsules blend CBD oil with active ingredients. They are also suspended in coconut oil extract for enhanced bioavailability. Anyone looking for a natural focus remedy should try these CB focus capsules for a caffeine-free experience.

CBD Sleep Capsules

Most people suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia, often caused by a dysfunctional circadian rhythm. Insomnia is often characterized by a lack of sleep or feeling uneasy even after sleeping for eight hours. It is caused by high-stress levels and other factors that attack the circadian rhythm, making a patient struggle to maintain a peaceful sleep. To curb the situation, patients can use sleeping pills, which can cause substance use disorder and more stress.

The sleep capsules release the cannabidiols into the endocannabinoid system, which alters the receptors to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. The receptors also regulate blood pressure, nerve pain, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The cannabinoids in the capsules also enhance GABA production in the brain, delivering a sense of calmness and enhancing sleep.

CBD Calm Capsules

CBD calm capsules are formulated to give the body more chill when relaxing or continuing a daily schedule. Mental restlessness can result from various factors, including stress, upcoming deadlines, and relationships. Traditionally, stress relievers and sleep-enhancing pills were the only options to treat mental restlessness. However, after the emergence of CBD, people can now relax their minds and face their tight schedules after taking organic and effective CBD calm capsules.

Clear capsules are made by mixing CBD oil with patented ingredients such as Sensoril from ashwagandha, SaffSerene from saffron, and herbal soothers like chamomile and lemon balm. Combined with the CBD relaxing effect, these ingredients interact with your stress receptors to give a calm feeling. They also boost your overall mood, making you happier and optimally productive.

Why Choose CBD Capsules Over Other Consumption Methods?

Companies offer CBD-infused products in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, topical oils, and vape oils. Some methods are large and take more storage space, making them unsuitable for walking. Others are small enough to fit in your pocket when traveling; hence, you can enjoy their therapeutic potential on the go. Manufacturers also make these revolutionary CBD-based supplements using different ingredients. Therefore, though how you use your CBD products determines how quick their effects kick in, here are reasons why CBD pills may be the right choice over other methods:

CBD Capsules Are Portable and Convenient

Capsules are mostly small-sized, making them easy to carry and take anywhere. Unlike topicals and oils, you can travel with your CBD pills since they are discreet enough for you to hide in your pocket without anyone noticing. They also come pre-dosed, and you don't need to struggle to determine the right dose to take. For instance, each capsule has a pre-indicated CBD amount (ranging from 15 mg); hence, you can swallow your pill immediately after you receive it without using droppers, as is the case with oils.

CBD Pills Are Tasteless and Odorless

Most hemp-derived products have a characteristic hemp taste, making them unsuitable for everyone. Others have nutty and grassy tastes, even if they are masked with natural flavorings. Hence, for people who dislike the earthy flavor resulting from organic hemp, CBD capsules may be the right choice. Most capsules are only made with pure CBD oil and a few active ingredients, allowing consumers to swallow them without leaving a grassy taste.

CBD Pills Support the Digestive System

Since CBD capsules travel further down the digestive system before the casings dissolve, they release the cannabinoids faster into the body while maintaining normal digestive functioning. Capsules also support a faster absorption rate than other methods, such as topicals that depend on skin absorption. Taking capsules gives faster results than oils or balms.

They Do Not Need Refrigeration

CBD capsules do not need refrigeration like any other pill since they are shelf-stable. One can carry capsules anywhere without worrying about them getting spoiled. Although they have a longer life span, taking them within their recommended time is advisable to reap all the hidden benefits.

How To Choose the Best CBD Capsules

CBD capsules or, say, hemp-derived products are everywhere today. Whenever you search online, you will likely find thousands of results about CBD products, their uses, and their benefits. While this reliefs folk who want to get started with hemp, it is also overwhelming, especially when looking for the right option that fits a specific lifestyle or health condition. Therefore, anytime you want to purchase your first CBD capsules, you should consider the following buying tips:

The Extract Type

CBD edibles are available in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate versions. CBD isolate capsules are considered the purest form since they only have CBD oil as the main ingredients. They are less effective due to the lack of other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, natural fatty acids, and flavonoids. On the other hand, full-spectrum capsules have all the naturally occurring cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other beneficial substances in the hemp plant. They have higher therapeutic capabilities, though the THC compound present can cause the 'high' effect.

The Hemp Source

Although all hemp-based products are considered safe, it is still vital to know where the hemp plant is grown. According to the Hemp Industry Association, Colorado, Oregon, and Kentucky are the main regions that grow natural and CBD-rich hemp. That is because the regions have fertile soils that support hemp cultivation.

State's agricultural program also performs spot-checks on hemp plants in Colorado to ensure they have the lowest THC levels. It also ensures farmers use only organic farming practices following the FDA's standards to give the safest hemp. Therefore, always check the package or manufacturer's website to ensure their products are made using hemp from these certified regions.

Third-Party Laboratory Test Results

Before buying CBD pills, always ask for the Certificate of Analysis (COA), preferably from a third-party independent laboratory. The certificate is a quality control form indicating the CBD and THC concentrations. It also shows test results for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbes. Other companies also provide QR codes that allow buyers to download the COAs for their batches and read them before buying. Avoid buying from manufacturers that do not provide the COAs from independent laboratories.

Check The CBD Concentration

Buy CBD capsules that indicate the amount of CBD they carry for easy dosage. These amounts are indicated in milligrams and vary among bottle sizes. Some capsules have higher CBD amounts, while others have low concentrations. If it is your first time, always start with a low concentration and increase gradually to get your desired effects. Since capsules come pre-dosed, you can start with one or half a pill before increasing to two, based on your adaption rate.

Read The Ingredient List

Always look at the ingredients to buy the right capsules that meet your desire. If you want better sleep, you should buy capsules with sleep-enhancing ingredients. On the other hand, if you want to stay alert, you should look for focus ingredients like Magtein and Huperzine. Moreover, check the THC amount, especially when buying full-spectrum capsules, to ensure it is below the legal 0.3% limit. You should also understand other terms indicated on the bottle for convenient usage.

CBD Capsules Dosage

As with any drug, the desired therapeutic effects are acquired based on the right dosage you take. The body must also adapt to the cannabinoids and their concentration to yield the required benefits. According to Khan et al. (2020), people with psychosis can improve after taking 1,200 mg of CBD daily for a few weeks. Moreover, Batalla et al. (2019) wrote that people with schizophrenia report an improvement after taking between 40 mg to 1,280 mg of CBD daily for four weeks. Therefore, while CBD dosage has many theories, you can determine your appropriate CBD capsule intake. The steps of doing so include:

Check Your Body Mass

Most CBD experts recommend dosing any health and wellness substance based on your body mass. People with a higher body mass may need a higher CBD dosage to maximize their full potential. On the other hand, people with low body mass need less CBD concentration to get the same benefits. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, every 10 pounds of body weight will need between 1 and 6 milligrams of CBD. 15 to 25 milligrams of CBD would be ideal for people with 150 lbs. of body weight, while 20 to 33 milligrams of CBD would be best for people with 200 lbs. of body weight.

Choose The Right Potency

After determining your body mass, choose the right potency based on your cannabinoid tolerance. Potency is the amount of CBD in one milliliter of the product. Fasinu et al. (2016) commented that most CBD capsules have a potency of between 10 and 25 mg/ml. That means for every 1 ml of the capsules; you get 10 mg of CBD. When taking CBD edibles, you need to understand the following potencies:

Low Potency

Low potency has about 10% of CBD or less. Most low potency capsules are packed in 30 ml bottles. They are suitable for people with low CBD tolerance since they only support the endocannabinoid system to fight minor conditions such as mild headaches, temporary insomnia, anxiety, and body aches and pains.

Medium Potency

Medium dosage CBD edibles have about 15-3% of CBD and are good for people who want to elevate their CBD experience. They are ideal for mild conditions like insomnia, moderate headaches, anxiety, chronic inflammation, and mild digestive issues.

High Potency

High CBD potency is mainly used to alleviate specific conditions, making it unsuitable for everyone. Baron (2018) noted that these capsules have between 30 and 60% CBD and can help with chronic inflammation, cancer symptoms, severe pain, anxiety, frequent migraines, sclerosis, and epilepsy. People with such conditions can also try ultra-high potency CBD pills with over 60% of CBD. However, they should consult their doctors before upgrading.

Potential Side Effects of CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are always considered the safest way to take cannabinoids since they are pre-dosed and convenient. However, since they are made from the hemp plant, which may have other compounds, they can cause other side effects, as outlined below. Notably, there is limited evidence about the effects of CBD pills, and most studies suggest that the conditions may result from overdosing or the presence of other substances. They include:

• Drowsiness or changes in alertness.
• Diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive issues.
• Mood changes such as agitation and irritability.
• Interactions with other medications.
• Liver failure.

CBD Capsules Frequently Asked Questions

Are CBD Capsules Safe?

Sholler et al. (2020) suggested that CBD is safe and has many therapeutic benefits for various health and wellness conditions such as inflammation, pain, anxiety, and stress. People getting started with CBD can benefit from low doses since the cannabinoids only need to interact with the body's endocannabinoid receptors.

On the other hand, people with higher CBD tolerance can use CBD capsules as the best alternative to alleviate chronic conditions such as cancer, sclerosis, and epilepsy. However, the evidence to support these claims is still limited; hence, experts recommend consulting your doctor before adding CBD to your supplementary plan.

Are CBD Capsules Legal in My State?

After passing the 2018 Farm Bill, industrial hemp was removed from the Drug Enforcement Act (DEA) definition. The law now allows farmers to grow hemp freely under federal law, which is then used to make CBD products such as capsules. However, while this may sound federally legal, it is up to each state to form rules to regulate the farming and manufacturing of hemp-based products. For instance, marijuana and CBD-based products are completely legal in some states, while others only recognize industrial hemp as legal since it contains less than 0.3% of THC.

Will CBD Capsules Make You Fail a Drug Test?

CBD edibles cannot appear in a drug test as long as they have no traces of THC. According to most studies, CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are considered safe; hence, they cannot appear in a drug test. However, this depends on how often you use CBD products and their potencies. For instance, athletes who take CBD regularly are likely to fail sensitive drug tests due to accumulated THC traces in their blood. Therefore, if you travel or perform blood screening more often, stick to CBD isolates to avoid accumulating THC compounds in your body.

What Is the Right Dose for CBD Capsules?

CBD capsule dosage varies from one person to another. Generally, the right dosage is determined by an individual's body mass, CBD tolerance, and lifestyle. While those taking CBD capsules to alleviate certain conditions may need a higher dosage to reap maximum benefits, those taking them for overall relaxation may only benefit from a low or medium dosage. However, as a rule of thumb, starting low and increasing your intake gradually as your body adapts to the cannabinoids is advisable.

How Often Should I Take CBD Capsules?

Some people take CBD pills three times a day; in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the evening. Others take them only in the morning when going to work and evening when going to bed. While this schedule works for some people, it may not suit everyone. Therefore, how often you take CBD edibles depends on the condition you want to alleviate.

For instance, if you take them to help with arthritis or chronic stress, you may need to take them severally in a single day to get their full potential. Contrary, if you take them to help with insomnia, you only need to take them at night when going to bed.

How Long Does CBD Effect Take to Kick In?

It can take between 30 and 60 minutes to start feeling the effect of CBD when taking capsules. That is because the capsules have to dissolve in the stomach first to release CBD, which is absorbed into the lymph fluid before reaching the heart. After reaching the heart, the cannabinoids then enter the bloodstream and bind to the endocannabinoid receptors for you to feel their strength.

How Long Does CBD Effect Last?

The time CBD effects disappear depends on your dosage and CBD tolerance. Generally, CBD effects can take between 4 and 6 hours to last from a single dose. Contrary, regular CBD users and those taking higher doses can feel the effect for about 12 hours.

Where Can I Buy CBD Capsules?

CBD pills are available everywhere, including on manufacturer's websites, shopping malls, convenience stores, and verified medical pharmacies. However, the wide availability of the products is risky since buyers are likely to buy low-quality CBD products or those with higher THC levels. It is recommended to buy CBD capsules or any hemp-derived product from the manufacturer's website and verified resellers. That is because these locations allow buyers to access third-party lab tests and Certificate of Analysis before buying any product.

When Should I Avoid Taking CBD Pills?

Most manufacturers claim their CBD pills are safe to take with any health and wellness condition. That is because CBD rarely interferes with other medications. Instead, it is believed to have the highest therapeutic capabilities to alleviate certain conditions. While this may relieve people who want to substitute their defective prescriptions, it also has potential risks to other people. For instance, people with low blood pressure, heart disease, severe depression, schizophrenia, and those who have had major surgery or done an organ transplant should avoid using CBD products.

Can I Be Allergic To CBD?

There are only a few allergy cases related to CBD so far. However, Brown & Winterstein (2019) established that allergic reactions result from different ingredients used to make CBD edibles, not CBD itself. Common allergy symptoms include breathing difficulties, severe dizziness or fatigue, skin and mouth swelling, coughing, and headache. Therefore, when using CBD capsules for the first time, you can start with one capsule daily to check for allergies before increasing your dose.

References

Baron, E. P. (2018). Medicinal Properties Of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, And Flavonoids In Cannabis, And Benefits In Migraine, Headache, And Pain: An Update On Current Evidence And Cannabis Science. Headache: The Journal Of Head And Face Pain, 58(7), 1139-1186.

Batalla, A., Janssen, H., Gangadin, S. S., & Bossong, M. G. (2019). The Potential Of Cannabidiol As A Treatment For Psychosis And Addiction: Who Benefits Most? A Systematic Review. Journal Of Clinical Medicine, 8(7), 1058.

Brown, J. D., & Winterstein, A. G. (2019). Potential Adverse Drug Events And Drug-Drug Interactions With Medical And Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use. Journal Of Clinical Medicine, 8(7), 989.

Chandra, S., Lata, H., Elsohly, M. A., Walker, L. A., & Potter, D. (2017). Cannabis Cultivation: Methodological Issues For Obtaining Medical-Grade Product. Epilepsy & Behavior, 70, 302-312.

Fasinu, P. S., Phillips, S., Elsohly, M. A., & Walker, L. A. (2016). Current Status And Prospects For Cannabidiol Preparations As New Therapeutic Agents. Pharmacotherapy: The Journal Of Human Pharmacology And Drug Therapy, 36(7), 781-796.

Handelsman, D. J. (2020). Androgen Physiology, Pharmacology, Use, And Misuse. Endotext [Internet].

Khan, R., Naveed, S., Mian, N., Fida, A., Raafey, M. A., & Aedma, K. K. (2020). The Therapeutic Role Of Cannabidiol In Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Journal Of Cannabis Research, 2(1), 1-21.

Sholler, D. J., Schoene, L., & Spindle, T. R. (2020). Therapeutic Efficacy Of Cannabidiol (CBD): A Review Of The Evidence From Clinical Trials And Human Laboratory Studies. Current Addiction Reports, 7(3), 405-412.