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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.
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.
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 FDA does not regulate CBD products. This makes it difficult to know what various CBD products contain. Additionally, the FDA reports that some companies make misleading, unproven, or false claims about their CBD products and may provide inaccurate labeling.
When considering CBD products, people should choose products that:
Manufacturers can extract CBD from the Cannabis sativa plant using many different methods, including the supercritical carbon dioxide method. They can then dilute this substance with a carrier oil to produce CBD oil. Manufacturers can then put the CBD oil in a gelatin-based shell to create a CBD gel capsule.
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.
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.
Research indicates that how effective one form of CBD is over another depends on how the product dissolves and how quickly the body absorbs it.
Swallowing CBD oil allows it to pass through the digestive system and starts to take effect over 1–4 hours. People usually ingest CBD oil through drops, gummies, softgels, and tinctures. A person can easily add CBD oil to foods and beverages.
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.
A 2020 study notes few side effects of the short-term use of CBD, whereas long-term use may have mild adverse effects.
A 2018 overview also raises concern about the potential side effects of long-term CBD use. It adds that further research and product regulation is necessary.
Research also suggests that CBD may interact with certain medications. Therefore, people should speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD products.
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.
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