Pros and Cons of CBD Capsules

By Johnny Pitt

As is the case with any expanding industry, the CBD sector is packed with hundreds of brands, and dozens of consumption methods. There are a multitude of ways to take cannabidiol, including oils & tinctures, edibles, topicals, and drinks. We have also seen a spike in the number of ‘new’ ways to use the cannabinoid.

However, for millions of users, the original ways remain the best. CBD capsules are a form of cannabidiol likely to stand the test of time. In this quick guide, we outline the pros and cons of this form of CBD consumption.

What Are CBD Capsules?

The term ‘capsule’ can mean a variety of things, depending on the discipline. In the field of pharmacology, for instance, a capsule is a solid dosage form where the drug is contained in a hard or soft soluble container. Usually, manufacturers choose a gelatin form for the coating.

CBD pills, while not classified as a medicine, rely on the same principle. Most brands use CBD isolate in their capsules, which also come in softgel form. Therefore, when looking to buy CBD capsules, try to find out if they are full-spectrum or isolate. Now, let’s check out their pros and cons.

CBD Capsules Pros

Ease of Consumption

In 2009, a pharmaceutical company conducted a consumer survey to discover the public’s preferences for solid oral dosage forms. According to its data, ease of swallowing was the primary attribute, with a preference for softgel capsules. There was also a perception that capsules worked faster and were gentler on the stomach. The same holds with CBD capsules. You can consume one in a matter of moments, and know you have consumed your daily amount of cannabidiol.

Precision Dosing

Every CBD pill contains a pre-measured amount of the cannabinoid. Usually, brands sell them in 10mg and 25mg versions, but there are 100mg CBD capsules on the market. Unlike CBD oil, there is no need to measure the amount you take. However, make sure the brand you choose can back their claims with third-party lab reports.

Convenience

You can carry around a packet of CBD capsules, and no one will bat an eyelid. It is possible to take one discreetly, whether you are in the office, on public transport, or in a café. That is, of course, if private consumption is important to you. The vast majority of states, but not all, permit the use of CBD.

No Mess, No Taste

As some consumers will attest, using CBD tinctures is occasionally a messy affair. It is all too easy to spill a few drops, and have to clean up an oily mess. It is also irritating since CBD isn’t cheap, so wasting even 1ml is costly. You have no such problems with CBD pills.

Also, not everyone likes the bitter taste of hemp. Many brands now offer flavored CBD tinctures, but some have a sickly-sweet taste. CBD capsules have no taste, nor do you feel an unpleasant sensation when consuming them.

Slower Metabolization

CBD pills don’t release their contents until they reach your stomach. At that stage, they mix with the rest of the stomach’s contents before they are absorbed. As a result, the effects of CBD capsules may last longer than CBD oil tinctures consumed sublingually.

CBD Capsules Cons

Not Targeted

Unlike CBD topicals, which deliver the cannabinoids to specific parts of the body, CBD pills are untargeted. As a result, the CBD is spread throughout the body, whether you like it or not.

Lower Bioavailability Rate Than Most Other Delivery Methods

The bioavailability rate is an indication of the percentage of a substance that is absorbed into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, the absorption rate of CBD capsules is among the lowest of any consumption method.

Estimates vary, but you can expect 4-20% of the CBD you consume to reach the bloodstream. Therefore, if you use a 10mg CBD pill, your body will benefit from a maximum of 2mg of CBD. In contrast, vaporized cannabidiol has a bioavailability rate of between 34% and 56%,

Slow Acting

While slower metabolization is great for longer-lasting effects, it is a drawback if you want faster action. It can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes for a CBD capsule to affect.

Other Ingredients

Ideally, a CBD product will contain nothing but hemp-derived cannabidiol and a carrier oil like MCT. However, some CBD pills might include other ingredients to help material flow better in the encapsulation machine. In general, brands include natural materials, but this isn’t always the case.

Final Thoughts on CBD Capsules

If you want a fast-acting form of consumption, you may prefer vape products. However, CBD capsules are affordable, convenient, and easy to measure and consume. If this sounds appealing, check out the range of CBD pills available on Premium Jane.

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