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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Gel CBD capsules, or softgels, are a popular form of CBD product. They may have some health benefits for various conditions. In this article, we summarize some of the best options to try.
- Best for a full-plant extract: CBDistillery ahhh Distilled Broad-Spectrum CBD Softgels, 30 mg | Skip to review
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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
The following table compares the CBD capsules in this article.
| Price | COA | Potency | Key ingredients | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joy Organics | from $39.95 | available online | 10 mg and 25 mg | CBD, hemp extract, and curcumin |
| CBDistillery | $75 | available online | 30 mg | CBD and hemp extract |
| Medterra | from $49.99 | available online | 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg | CBD, MCT oil, and bovine gelatin |
| Charlotte’s Web | $74.99 | available online | 25 mg | organic hemp extract and virgin olive oil |
| Bluebird Botanicals | from $29.95 | available online | 15 mg | full-spectrum hemp, MCT oil, and bovine gelatin |
Medical News Today chooses CBD capsules that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: We only feature products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. The products should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: The CBD gel capsules we feature 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: We will only include CBD products that undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: We choose CBD retailers that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
Currently, the
When considering CBD products, people should choose products that:
- are not from a company subject to an
FDA warning letter - contain no more than 0.3% THC, as per the
Agriculture Improvement Act - have proof of third-party testing by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory
- are from a company that provides COAs for all of its products
- pass tests for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and microbes
- pass product potency evaluations and safety testing
Additionally, people may also consider:
- retailer and manufacturer reputations
- customer reviews
- CBD potency
- price
Manufacturers can extract CBD from the Cannabis sativa plant using many different methods, including the
The softgel capsule will help protect the CBD oil by hermetically sealing it. This prevents air and light from damaging the CBD oil. Many manufacturers also choose to create softgels because they are often easier for people to swallow.
Pros
- Precise dose: A person may have more confidence that they are receiving an accurate and measured dose of CBD.
- Easy to swallow: People generally find gel capsules easy to swallow because they are soft.
- No taste: There is no taste to a capsule, which individuals may prefer over tinctures or gummies.
- Longer-lasting effects: The capsule contents do not release until they reach the stomach. So, they release more slowly and may therefore have a longer-lasting effect.
Cons
- Dietary suitability: Many gel capsules contain bovine gelatin or other animal products in the capsule casing, making them unsuitable for people following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
- Slow release: Capsules may release slowly and last longer, but this means they are not as fast acting as some other products.
- Does not target specific areas: If a person uses CBD for a specific reason, such as knee inflammation, they may find that a topical ointment, cream, or oil applied to the affected area is more effective.
- Unable to adjust dose: Manufacturers set the dose per capsule, and people cannot adjust it. This dose may initially be higher than a person needs.
When using CBD products, people should follow all instructions on the packaging and not exceed the correct dose indicated on the label. Typically, people will take CBD gel capsules with water, like another pill or capsule.
Starting with the lowest possible dosage is advisable for those new to CBD products. They can slowly increase the dose once they understand how their body reacts to CBD.
Swallowing CBD oil allows it to pass through the digestive system and starts to take effect over
A person should also consider speaking with a healthcare professional before taking CBD softgels. A doctor can make sure the product is safe for a person to use.
While people generally tolerate CBD well, some may experience common side effects, which may depend on the dose. These can include:
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Research also suggests that CBD
Some general side effects of CBD include:
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- changes in appetite and weight
A person may find CBD absorption to be slow if they take a capsule.
The Arthritis Foundation advises that a person can expect to notice effects after 1–2 hours. If they want a faster response, they can try holding drops or a spray under the tongue for around 60 seconds. They should notice effects within 15–45 minutes.
A person should swallow CBD softgels with a glass of water. The recommended daily dose will differ between brands, so a person should ensure they check the packaging before taking CBD softgels. People should take CBD capsules as directed by the manufacturer or their healthcare professional.
The best strength of CBD capsules depends on the person using them. Beginners may find that lower strengths, such as 10 mg per softgel or capsule, may be best. They can then increase the dose gradually until they feel the desired effects.
Those who are more experienced may prefer to use stronger CBD.
The effects of CBD softgels will vary based on the individual and the product they’re taking. According to Joy Organics, the effects of CBD capsules can last between 6–8 hours.
Research suggests CBD may help with several health issues, such as epilepsy, pain, and anxiety.
Evidence suggests that people generally tolerate CBD well. However, further studies are necessary to learn more about the long-term effects of taking CBD.
CBD is available to purchase in various forms, including softgels. These are gel capsules containing CBD oil, and they may be a convenient way for some people to take CBD. Before taking CBD products, people should speak with a doctor.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.