Users researching about the various types of CBD products will come across a wide variety – creams, lotions, edibles, smokables, drops, etc. Two of these are by far more common than the other variants – CBD capsules and oils.
Which of these two are more effective? Which one would be more suitable for your lifestyle? What is the amount of CBD consumed for each? This article explains all of these and lists out some of the key differences between CBD capsules and oils.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is perhaps the most commonly used form of CBD and is widely available through e-commerce and traditional stores. A full dropper of CBD oil provides users with a complete spectrum of cannabinoids and their healing properties.
As with all CBD-based products, the processing of CBD oil starts with the harvesting of the hemp plants. Industrial hemp plants, like those grown at AnytimeFarma’s family-owned plantation, is known for its especially high level of cannabinoid concentration. After harvesting, the plants are sent to a CBD lab for extraction and processing. This results in CBD oil replete with cannabinoids.
Given that plants are grown and their products harvested for a wide range of CBD-based products, the makeup of CBD oils in each bottle can be different. Typically, full-spectrum CBD oils come with multiple cannabinoids with just a trace of THC.
Pros and Cons of CBD Oil
The main benefit of CBD oil is the speed at which it is absorbed into the body. CBD oil applied under the tongue via a dropper ensures speedy delivery of cannabinoids and a quick observation of effects. Especially when compared to a CBD capsule.
Additionally, using a dropper allows users to decide the amount of product they wish to consume per dose. Users are free to alter the dosage amount depending on the effect that it produces. This gives users the freedom to experiment until they find the dosage unique to themselves.
A disadvantage of CBD oil is that it comes with its natural taste. Despite opting for flavored versions of the oil, a number of users complain about the ‘earthy’ or ‘wooden’ natural flavor. Users that do not find this flavor palatable will have a problem with CBD oil.
Also, users that tend to be on the move will find CBD oil not so easy to pack in their travel bag. Including CBD oil in carry-on language can lead to awkward questions. In this case, CBD capsules may be a better bet, especially when you’re getting on a plane.
What is a CBD Capsule?
CBD capsules are the result of trying to make CBD oil convenient and easy to consume. However, the production process for CBD capsules is completely different from oils. CBD capsules come in two forms:
i) a powder-filled soft gel (CBD isolate)
ii) CBD oil-filled soft gel
Each of these requires different production processes.
For both forms of CBD capsules, the cannabinoids are extracted from industrial hemp plants in a similar manner. However, for the CBD oil soft gel capsules, the oils are placed within the capsules. Here, the CBD oil can be combined with other carrier oils like oil or hemp seed oil. This aids in the better absorption of CBD.
For the CBD isolate capsules, the process is similar. However, during the harvesting process, instead of ending up with oil, CBD isolate is produced in the form of fine powder. Here too the CBD isolate powder is mixed with carrier agents like MCT or coconut oil for better absorption.
Why CBD Capsules?
The one thing going for CBD capsules is its ease of use and discretion. Day-time users of CBD find capsules to an easy, simple, and quiet way to consume CBD without too much fuss. Given that capsules are a known form of medication or supplements, they do not raise a lot of suspicions. CBD capsules can be consumed with water and also provide a viable alternative for those who find it tough to stomach CBD’s natural flavor.
With this form of ingesting CBD, the body needs to breakdown the capsule containing CBD in the stomach before the CBD can enter the bloodstream. As a result, there can be a relative delay in noticing the effects of the product.
Given that the capsules also contain a carrier agent like coconut oil, olive oil, etc, there is a possibility of a side-effect.
Are CBD Oils a Better Solution Than CBD Capsules?
Both CBD oils and CBD capsules have their own set of pros and cons and you are not the only one debating which is the better option of the two. In the end, it boils down to each user’s individual user’s preference and lifestyle.
Given that CBD oil can be applied directly under the tongue using a dropper, the effects will be noticeable far quicker compared to the capsule form. With the advent of different flavoring agents that can be mixed with the oil, the sometimes unpleasant taste can be overcome.
Users that are after the portability and convenience of using CBD will find capsules to be their preferred form.
However, whatever your choice may be, as with any product, it is always best to know and understand all of the ingredients that go into making a CBD oil or capsule. It is also a good idea to review and understand the lab findings of a product and also make a note of the amount of CBD you want to consume with each dose.
Disclaimer
CBD products that are derived from Hemp and contain less than the prescribed .3 percent of THC are legal per federal law. However, certain state laws may still deem it illegal.
CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are illegal per federal law but remain legal under laws of certain states.
It is advisable to check the appropriate state laws in case of travel. It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not approved by the FDA.