CBD Capsules: the Discrete and Convenient CBD form

Given how popular CBD has become, chances are you have heard of CBD capsules. Capsules are one of the numerous ways you can leverage the potential benefits of CBD. While they are often simply called pills, capsules is more accurate. But are they worth considering? This read will delve further: 

What is CBD?

CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol, one of the cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not affect the user’s ability to think or function. Also, pure CBD doesn’t show up in drug tests, making it an excellent option for athletes and those in the corporate world.

CBD capsules are similar to other pills. You may come across them in soft gels or hard capsules and find that they are very convenient as you only need to swallow them just like any other pill. Once the digestive system processes the CBD capsule, the contents enter the bloodstream and begin to work. Often, CBD capsules contain a carrier oil like MCT oil to add volume and help with digestion. 

How Do CBD Capsules Work? 

Cannabidiol capsules work by delivering the compound to the endocannabinoid system. This is a biological system responsible for an array of bodily functions such as heart rate, mood, appetite, and inflammation. It contains endocannabinoids (which are cannabinoids the body makes), cannabinoid receptors, and several enzymes. All these work in tandem to ensure your body functions optimally. The state of optimal bodily function is called homeostasis. Taking CBD gives the ECS additional cannabinoids, and thus you may boost its effectiveness, thereby bolstering homeostasis. 

Are There Benefits of CBD Capsules?

There’s a lot of anecdotal and scientific evidence that cannabidiol may help alleviate symptoms of a wide array of conditions. Although research is still in a relatively young stage, many users have attested to its efficacy. Some of CBD’s potential health benefits include: 

Anxiety Relief

Cannabidiol has been shown to help manage anxiety. It seems to change the way the brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, the chemical linked to mental health. Studies on animals showed that CBD can help alleviate anxiety by reducing its physiological effects like increased heart rate, improving PTSD symptoms, and reducing stress. 

Pain Relief

Cannabidiol’s effects on the brain receptors may help with pain management. Research has shown that cannabis can provide various benefits when consumed after chemotherapy sessions. According to other pre-clinical studies by the National Institutes of Health, CBD has the potential to alleviate symptoms caused by chronic pain, muscle pain, arthritis and spinal cord injuries. 

Neuroprotective 

Scientists have also been looking into the CB1 receptor in the brain to learn how CBD can help individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. These are conditions that lead to the deterioration of the brain and nerves over time. According to several studies, CBD has the potential to target symptoms of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Types of CBD Capsules

There are two main categories of capsules- full-spectrum and everything else. The former contains other cannabinoids as well as flavonoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the cannabis plant. Alternatively, CBD isolates only have pure CBD and a carrier oil like coconut oil. Then there are a plethora of other combinations of cannabinoids that fall under the “broad spectrum” category. These do not include THC, as it is widely illegal in the US. To choose between these options, there are a few things to consider: 

The Entourage Effect

This is a term that describes the positive effect of combining cannabinoids. As such, taking full-spectrum CBD capsules is bound to enhance the effects of CBD. This is one of the reasons many people opt for full-spectrum CBD products. Tanasi specializes in full spectrum hemp extracts because of the evidence that shows the cumulative benefits of combining cannabinoids. 

Drug Testing & Psychotropic Effects

Another crucial consideration is if you need to pass a drug test. Most full-spectrum CBD products have trace amounts of THC. Therefore, even though it should not make you high, and is legal at the federal level, it can be enough to make you fail a drug test. So, if you regularly take drug tests in your occupation, go for CBD isolate or board spectrum capsules. 

Other CBD Options

Cannabidiol capsules or pills may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The main reason for opting out of the capsule form is usually the time it takes for them to work. Thankfully, there are many other ways to take CBD. A similar and popular option is CBD gummies. These are similar to normal gummies, only that they contain cannabidiol. There are several other edible options, including cookies and chocolate. 

You can also opt for CBD tinctures or oil. These work by placing them directly under the tongue to absorb quickly. You will also come across CBD vape oils, which offer nearly instant effects. Topical products infused with CBD are also common, with creams, lotions and patches being the most popular. If you reside in a place with legal cannabis, you also have the option of smoking a CBD-rich strain of marijuana.

Features of CBD Capsules

A few things unique to the capsule form of CBD are:

Effects Onset

CBD pills or capsules call for more time to give the desired effects. That’s because they have to go through the digestive system before the body can start processing the compound. CBD capsules’ onset of effects is the same as that of edibles as they go through the same process. So, if you want instant relief, capsules are not for you. Instead, go for tinctures, oral spray, and vaping. On average, CBD pills and capsules take between 30 and 90 minutes to take effect. 

Dosing

When you pick cannabidiol capsules, you won’t have to worry about dosing. There’s no need to measure a precise dose, which you need to do with CBD oil. Instead, every capsule contains a predetermined amount of cannabidiol, making it easy to get precise dosing. 

On the contrary, this means capsules are less flexible when it comes to dosing. For example, if you purchase 15mg pills, you can only consume, 15, 30, 45, or 60 mg of the product. To take a dose like 20mg, you will need to use another method or get creative. 

Fortunately, there are enough CBD capsules for sale that it’s easy to find one that matches your dosing, given you’re comfortable with combining brands and taking multiple 5mg CBD doses. 

Bioavailability

This refers to how much of the compound your body can utilize. Compared to other forms of CBD consumption, pills have lower bioavailability. This is due to the fact that the body needs to digest the compound before using it. This results in some of the cannabidiol being digested as well. This means you may have to consume more than you would with other forms like oils, which have a higher bioavailability. 

Longevity of the Effects

Cannabidiol capsules take longer to start working, but their effects last longer. So, if you are looking for long-lasting effects without having to re-dose throughout the day, then capsules are a perfect solution. 

Taste

Cannabidiol has a distinct natural flavor that is slightly earthy. If you take CBD oil by itself, this is the flavor to expect. You will also come across other flavors and options such as gummies with added flavoring. In some cases, however, the flavoring isn’t all-natural. On the other hand, CBD pills tend to be odorless and tasteless and do not have any artificial flavoring. This makes them appealing to most users. 

Discretion & Convenience

CBD capsules are perhaps the most convenient method of consuming cannabidiol, although gummies and edibles can compete for this title. You can ingest capsules anywhere you wish with discretion, similar to how you would consume any other pill. There’s no learning curve and you can take them anywhere without having to worry about the public judging you.

Choosing the Right CBD Capsules

With all the information above, you’re ready to pick your cannabidiol pills. When it comes to selection, dosing and the source are the most important factors to consider. 

Dosing 

Because you can’t adjust the dosage of a CBD pill unless you get creative, you need to pick the right dose for your needs. For instance, if you want to consume 20 milligrams of cannabidiol, purchase pills with 5, 10, or 20 mg of the compound. If you want to take 30 milligrams, then pick 15mg capsules. Simply put, you just need to do some simple math to ensure you get a product that meets your needs. 

The Source

It is also imperative to look at the origin of the product. You want your CBD capsules to come from organically grown plants cultivated without harsh chemicals, as some of them may end up in the final product. 

The Takeaway

CBD capsules or pills are a great way to leverage the effects that users associate with cannabidiol. They offer discretion, portability and convenient dosing. Also, they are federally legal and do not have intoxicating effects. They almost never have sever side effects, but it’s never a bad idea to discuss it with your doctor regardless. Given the minimal regulation in the CBD industry, it is important to do your homework when looking to buy these products.