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Cannabidiol (CBD) capsules are oral capsules that conveniently deliver CBD to the body through the digestive system. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other popular compound in cannabis, cannabidiol is not psychoactive and does not cause the high associated with cannabis use.
A quick look at 11 of the best CBD capsules
- Best for full-spectrum CBD: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules
- Best for better absorption: Joy Organics Broad Spectrum CBD Softgels
- Best for broad-spectrum CBD: CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD Softgels
- Best for a lower dose of full-spectrum CBD: Bluebird Botanicals Concentrated CBD Softgels
- Best for gluten-free CBD isolate: Green Roads CBD Softgels
- Best for CBD isolate: Medterra Isolate CBD Gel Capsules
- Best for vegans: Sunsoil CBD Oil Vegan Capsules
- Best for extended-release: Social CBD Extended Release CBD Gel Capsules
- Best for the entourage effect: NuLeaf Naturals CBD Full Spectrum Capsules
- Best for a higher dose: Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Softgels, 100 mg
- Best for child-safe lids: Absolute Nature CBD Liquid Oil Softgels
Many people use CBD products for various conditions, including stress and anxiety and physical pain and inflammation.
The capsules may contain other ingredients to complement the effects of CBD, while some pills might have specific uses.
Anyone considering using CBD should speak with a doctor or healthcare professional to explore their options and avoid side effects from taking the substance.
As the
All items featured in this article have gone through independent testing and passed Medical News Today’s rigorous selection criteria.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
- Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis (COA): MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s COA after receiving its third-party lab results.
This section reviews CBD capsules.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for full-spectrum CBD:
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules
- Price: from $74.99
- CBD dose: 25 mg per capsule
- Size: 30, 60, or 90 capsules
- Customer rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars, from 495 reviews
- COA: available online
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules come in a dosage of 25 milligrams (mg) of full-spectrum CBD in bottles of various sizes.
The manufacturer notes that it uses Charlotte’s Web hemp that is naturally high in CBD, delivering a full-spectrum hemp extract. This means the product includes other terpenes and cannabinoids found naturally in hemp.
Pros and cons
The only other ingredient in this product is organic extra-virgin olive oil. The capsule itself consists of vegetable cellulose, so it is suitable for vegans.
Additionally, if the 25 mg dosage is too strong, the company also offers a 15 mg oil liquid capsule.
However, this product contains full-spectrum CBD, which means it also has THC. People who do not wish to ingest THC may prefer to purchase another product.
Use code “HEALTH20” for 20% off.
Best for better absorption:
Joy Organics Broad Spectrum CBD Softgels
- Price: from $39.95
- CBD dose: 10 or 25 mg per softgel
- Size: 30 softgels
- Customer rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 176 reviews
- COA: available online
These softgels may be a good option for those looking for better absorption, as Joy Organics states they contain nanoemulsion technology that may help aid this process.
Each softgel contains either 10 or 25 mg per serving, with 30 softgels in each bottle.
Additional ingredients include:
- polysorbate emulsifiers
- medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)
- beta-caryophyllene
- sorbitol
- water
Pros and cons
The manufacturer states that these softgels have better absorption than other products.
However, the capsules contain bovine gelatin, meaning they are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
Best for broad-spectrum CBD:
CBDistillery Relief + Relax Broad-Spectrum CBD Softgels
- Price: $75
- CBD dose: 30 mg per softgel
- Size: 30 capsules
- Customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars, from 65 reviews
- COA: available online
The CBDistillery offers this broad-spectrum CBD product, which may help with pain relief and relaxation. The manufacturer also states that its CBD products contain hemp grown in the United States.
The company recommends taking 1 or 2 softgels daily with water.
Pros and cons
CBDistillery has easily accessible certificates of analysis available on all of its product pages.
However, these softgels contain fractionated coconut oil or MCT and may not be suitable for people with a tree nut allergy.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.
Best for a lower dose of full-spectrum CBD:
Bluebird Botanicals Concentrated CBD Softgels
- Price: from $29.95
- CBD dose: 15 mg per softgel
- Size: 30, 60, or 120 softgels
- Customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, from 220 reviews
- COA: available online
Bluebird Botanicals offers a concentrated full-spectrum hemp CBD softgel, made from hemp grown in the United States.
This is a full-spectrum product, which means the capsule contains other compounds found in the plant, such as terpenes and flavonoids. These pills may also contain trace amounts of THC.
The only other ingredient in the capsules is organic virgin hempseed oil, making this one of the purest products on the market that use only hemp-derived ingredients.
Pros and cons
This may be a good option for people who need a slightly lower dosage to avoid possible side effects. Each pill contains 15 mg of CBD, and the product is available in 30-, 60-, or 120-capsule bottles.
The capsules contain bovine gelatin and are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Best for gluten-free CBD isolate:
Green Roads CBD Softgels
- Price: $49.99
- CBD dose: 25 mg per softgel
- Size: 30 softgels
- Customer rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 569 reviews
- COA: available online
Green Roads offer CBD isolate softgels containing 25 mg of CBD, made from hemp farmed in the United States. This product is designed for everyday wellness, but Green Roads also make CBD capsules for relaxation and sleep.
The company recommends taking 1 capsule daily with water, or as instructed by a doctor.
Pros and cons
This product is gluten-free, which means that it is suitable for those with a gluten allergy or sensitivity.
However, the softgels also contain coconut-derived MCT oil. People who are allergic to tree nuts may wish to purchase another product.
Use code MNT20 for 20% off your order.
Best for CBD isolate:
Medterra Isolate CBD Gel Capsules
- Price: from $49.99
- CBD dose: 25, 50, or 100 mg per capsule
- Size: 30 capsules
- Customer rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars, from 1,058 reviews
- COA: available online
Medterra CBD Gel Capsules are suitable for people looking for a purer CBD product.
They come in three strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg, with 30 pills in each bottle.
Pros and cons
These capsules contain 99.6% CBD and no THC.
However, they also contain MCT oil derived from coconut, as well as bovine gelatin. This means they are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Best for vegans:
Sunsoil CBD Oil Vegan Capsules
- Price: $30
- CBD dose: 20 mg per capsule
- Size: 30 capsules
- Customer rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 615 reviews
- COA: available online
Sunsoil states that these full-spectrum capsules are a suitable vegan alternative to softgels.
Each capsule contains 20 mg of CBD. The company recommends people take this product with water. Each bottle contains 30 capsules.
Pros and cons
These capsules are vegan-friendly. Additionally, the company states that all of the ingredients in this product are organic.
However, the capsules are a larger size than many softgels, and may not be suitable for those who have difficulty swallowing. This product also contains organic coconut oil, and may not be suitable for those with a tree nut allergy.
Best for extended-release:
Social CBD Extended Release CBD Gel Capsules
- Price: $99.99
- CBD dose: 50 mg per capsule
- Size: 30 capsules
- Customer rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 8 reviews
- COA: available online
Social CBD states it formulates these capsules with a 12-hour targeted release technology to support users throughout the day and night.
The company claims that these broad-spectrum capsules do not contain THC.
Social CBD says that it uses hemp grown in the United States and tests each batch in a third-party lab. Each capsule contains 50 mg of CBD, and the company recommends taking 1 capsule per day.
The capsules are made with hemp grown in the United States and tested by a third-party .lab. The product is gluten-, dairy-, and cruelty-free, but it does contain coconut.
Pros and cons
This product is gluten-, dairy-, and cruelty-free. Additionally, the company states that these capsules may better help support sleep, mood, energy, and recovery due to the extended release nature of the product.
However, the capsules do contain MCT oil from coconut, so they are not suitable for people with a tree nut allergy.
Best for the entourage effect:
NuLeaf Naturals CBD Full-Spectrum Capsules
- Price: from $19
- CBD dose: 30 mg per serving
- Size: 20, 60, or 120 capsules
- Customer rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars, from 747 reviews
- COA: available online
NuLeaf uses a full-spectrum CBD oil from whole-plant extract. The capsules contain additional cannabinoids, including cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN), which the company claims can enhance and amplify the benefits of CBD through an entourage effect.
The company uses the carbon dioxide (CO2) process to extract the CBD from organic hemp grown from company-owned farms. Other ingredients include organic virgin hempseed oil, cassava root extract, purified water, and vegetable glycerin.
NuLeaf works with independent levels to check levels of cannabinoids and terpenes and make sure its products do not contain contaminants. A 30 mg dose consists of 2 capsules.
Pros and cons
These capsules are a plant-based soft gel, making them safe for vegans and vegetarians.
However, full-spectrum CBD does contain THC, so this product might not be a good choice for those who wish to avoid this compound.
Best for a higher dose:
Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Softgels, 100 mg
- Price: from $80
- CBD dose: 25 mg per capsule
- Size: 10, 40, or 200
- Customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars, from 14 reviews
- COA: available online
These full-spectrum softgels have some of the highest dose of CBD per serving, with each softgel containing 100 mg of CBD.
This product contains additionally compounds from the cannabis plant, such as other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Lazarus Naturals recommends people start with a 100-mg dose. People should wait 2 hours and adjust the dose as necessary. The company also states that this product is best suited for people who are already familiar with CBD.
Pros and cons
These softgels are a good choice for people who are already familiar with CBD and require a higher dose to reach their desired effects.
However, this product contains coconut oil, making it unsuitable for people with a tree nut allergy. Additionally, Lazarus Naturals warns people to talk with a healthcare professional before using its products if a person cannot eat grapefruit.
Best for child-safe lids:
Absolute Nature CBD Liquid Oil Softgels
- Price: $89.99
- CBD dose: 30 mg per softgel
- Size: 30 softgels
- Customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars, from 13 reviews
- COA: available online
These softgel capsules feature full-spectrum CBD extract from the whole leaf. This means that, in addition to 30 mg of CBD in each softgel, a person may benefit from additional cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, plant proteins, and essential fatty acids.
Aside from the plant-based soft gel itself, this product contains only one other ingredient: MCT oil, from fractionated coconut oil.
Additionally, this product now features a child-safe lid. This may be beneficial for people who cannot easily keep CBD out of reach of children.
Made from non-GMO ingredients, this product is safe for vegans and gluten-free. Absolute Nature uses third-party testing to verify product safety and quality.
Pros and cons
This product has a short ingredient list, only containing CBD extract and MCT oil. This may appeal to people who prefer to use products with limited ingredients.
The softgels are also non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free.
However, the product contains coconut oil, which makes it unsuitable for people who have a tree nut allergy.
The following table compares the softgels and capsules in this article on price, dosage, and more.
| Price | CBD dose | Size | Customer rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte’s Web | from $74.99 | 25 mg per capsule | 30 capsules, 60 capsules, 90 capsules | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Joy Organics | from $39.95 | 10 mg per softgel, 25 mg per softgel | 30 softgels | 4.8 out of 5 stars |
| CBDistillery | $75 | 30 mg per softgel | 30 softgels | 5 out of 5 stars |
| Bluebird Botanicals | from $29.95 | 15 mg per softgel | 30 softgels, 60 softgels, 120 softgels | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Green Roads | $49.99 | 25 mg per softgel | 30 softgels | 4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Medterra | from $49.99 | 25 mg per capsule, 50 mg per capsule, 100 mg per capsule | 30 capsules | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Sunsoil | $30 | 20 mg per capsule | 30 capsules | 4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Social CBD | $99.99 | 50 mg per capsule | 30 capsules | 4.8 out of 5 stars |
| NuLeaf | from $19 | 30 mg per serving | 20 capsules, 60 capsules, 120 capsules | 4.9 out of 5 stars |
| Lazarus Naturals | from $80 | 100 mg per softgel | 40 softgels, 100 softgels | 5 out of 5 stars |
| Absolute Nature CBD | $89.99 | 30 mg per softgel | 30 softgels | 5 out of 5 stars |
Before purchasing CBD pills, a person may wish to consider:
- the reason for using CBD
- types of CBD: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate
- access to the COA for the product
- the amount of CBD the pills contain
The following table defines the most common CBD terms.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CBD | A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use. |
| THC | A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use. |
| Full-spectrum | A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products. |
| Broad-spectrum | Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts. |
| CBD isolate | This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC. |
| Cannabinoids | The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are |
| Terpenes | Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits. |
| Certificate of analysis (COA) | Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products will have a scannable smartphone code that directs people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
Capsules and softgels are pills that people take in supplement or medication form. Capsules can contain either dry or liquid ingredients, whereas softgels only contain liquid.
Capsules can be
Softgels are more flexible than capsules, which may make them easier for some people to swallow.
Both CBD capsules and CBD oils have their benefits and drawbacks, so which one a person chooses depends on their personal preferences and priorities.
CBD capsules can provide a person with a more precise dose of CBD. They are also more convenient to use when on the go.
However, taking CBD in this form means it will pass through the digestive tract. This will lengthen the time it takes a person to feel the effects of CBD, and it may dilute its potency.
People place CBD oil under the tongue or add it to food and drink. Placing the oil underneath the tongue may result in a more rapid and less diluted dose of CBD.
However, some people find it difficult to get an accurate dose of CBD with this method. Other people do not like the taste of CBD oil.
People can consume CBD in many ways, including:
- applying it to the skin
- eating CBD gummies
- dropping a CBD tincture under the tongue
- taking CBD pills or capsules
Some methods, such as placing a tincture under the tongue, may deliver CBD to the brain more rapidly than CBD pills. However, the amount of CBD an individual consumes can vary using all methods.
Some people may find CBD capsules more convenient to use than other methods. However, there is no particular advantage to using CBD pills over CBD in other forms.
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
The majority of CBD products are
To make sure that CBD products contain the amount of CBD the manufacturers claim they do, a person can look for a COA.
A COA should:
- come from an independent, accredited lab
- detail the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids the product contains
- reveal the product’s levels of pesticides or microbes
- list any chemicals and heavy metals the product may contain
CBD may not be suitable for some people. It is important to be aware of the risks before using any CBD products.
Side effects
Side effects may occur with CBD use, particularly in higher doses. They include:
- sleepiness and oversleeping
- general fatigue and drowsiness
- diarrhea
- appetite changes
- weight loss or gain
These side effects may vary in people and resolve with continued use. Those who are sensitive to these effects should not drive or operate machinery when taking CBD.
Interactions
CBD may also
Drug testing
Other potential ingredients in CBD products, such as THC, may show up in drug tests. While a pure CBD isolate should not contain THC, full-spectrum products may contain enough to register in a drug screening.
Learn more about CBD and drug testing here.
Contamination
Because the FDA does not regulate CBD products, there is a risk they may contain contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, or other compounds. A certified independent lab test can help ensure the product is pure and safe to use.
All CBD products featured in this article have undergone third-party tests and a strict vetting process.
Research into helping people get the most out of their CBD pills is ongoing.
It is important to note that CBD dosages can differ depending on which manufacturer and products a person chooses. Some manufacturers sell capsules containing 25–50 mg of CBD each, while others sell capsules containing 100–200 mg each.
One 2020 study found that taking CBD with food significantly increased its bioavailability, the body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients, compared with taking CBD on an empty stomach. The researchers concluded that further research into taking CBD with food is necessary.
There is a risk of drug interactions with CBD and some medications. To avoid adverse effects, people should speak with a healthcare professional before using any products containing CBD.
People should contact a doctor before purchasing and using CBD products. There is a risk of CBD interacting with some medications that may cause adverse effects.
Additionally, CBD is not a substitute for medical care. A person should contact a doctor for advice on whether CBD is the right product for them to use.
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about CBD:
Is CBD legal?
To a certain extent. Under federal law, CBD products made from hemp that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal.
State laws vary considerably, from legalized medical and recreational cannabis in Oregon to strictly controlled products made from hemp only and that meet federal guidelines in Nebraska.
A person should check with the relevant regulations where they live before purchasing CBD pills.
Do CBD products do what their manufacturers claim?
According to the claims made by some CBD manufacturers, CBD can do everything from treating diabetes to helping pets with behavioral issues.
However, it is illegal for companies selling CBD products to claim they can treat, diagnose, or cure health conditions such as diabetes.
There are studies providing some support for CBD’s ability to help ease anxiety, sleep difficulties, and pain.
However, according to the
Does CBD make people ‘high’?
No. THC is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis that causes a “high” feeling.
Some CBD products do not contain any THC, and they must contain less than 0.3% THC to be legal under federal law.
Are CBD oil or CBD capsules more effective?
A person takes CBD oil sublingually, or under the tongue, while they swallow capsules.
CBD oil enters the bloodstream faster than capsules, so people may find that oil provides quicker results. However, those who do not have difficulty swallowing tablets may find capsules more convenient to take.
How long does it take CBD capsules to work?
While there are many anecdotal accounts and manufacturer estimates of how long it takes for CBD capsules to work, there is limited scientific data to support these claims.
Researchers have found CBD in a person’s bloodstream roughly 1–2 hours after oral administration.
Capsules offer a simple and convenient way to take CBD. However, there are a few things to consider before a person chooses a product, such as dosage, any additional ingredients, and the reason for use.
It is important to choose quality CBD products, as not all manufacturers follow best practices.
Anyone who wishes to use CBD should talk with a doctor or healthcare professional to check for any possible drug interactions and adverse effects.