jason-crawford

Medically Reviewed by
Jason Crawford

Article Last Updated on December 30, 2022

As CBD products grow in popularity, more and more online vendors are popping up, offering a wide array of selections. CBD pills, which have emerged on the market a while ago, seem to be causing a lot of curiosity not only because of their health benefits, but also their format of consumption.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing some CBD capsules but need some more information about how to choose them and whether you can get them online, keep reading for more details.

CBD Pills 101

Simply said, CBD pills are gel capsules (softgels) infused with CBD (cannabidiol) extract. The CBD is usually derived from the industrial hemp variety of the Cannabis sativa plant because this variety has a very high content of CBD. This variety is also used to produce hemp oils and topicals.

How Do They Work

In terms of how they work, CBD capsules are very similar to cannabis edibles. Unlike CBD oil, which is taken sublingually, CBD pills need to go through your digestive system, just like edibles. Therefore, it will take a while to feel the effects as the gelatine pill will need to be processed in the body and metabolized in the liver. Even though the relief isn’t instant, it lasts longer than when you use a vape pen or a bong, for example, and gives you the advantage to plan your next dose.

What Are the Health Benefits of CBD Pills?

CBD pills are easy to consume because there’s no fuss with them – they are just like your daily vitamins and need to be swallowed with water. You can consume them anytime, anywhere, while being discreet, and unlike a THC pill, they don’t provide psychotropic effects.

They offer the same health benefits as other CBD products, like CBD gummies. Just like some people use CBD gummies to ease anxiety symptoms or for pain relief, others use CBD capsules. However, if you have a serious medical condition, it’s recommended that you get a doctor’s advice before taking CBD capsules.

How to Use CBD Pills

Unlike CBD tinctures and oils, where you have to measure the serving size, dosing is much easier with CBD pills as the amount of CBD per pill is indicated on the package. Most pills come in 25 mg, so starting with one pill will suffice in the beginning, and if you feel like you need more, then you can slowly increase the dose.

Efficacy and Safety of CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are usually very well-tolerated and usually don’t cause any side effects. That being said, side effects can happen if you take large doses or if your metabolism is sensitive to CBD. If you’re on any prescription medication you should be aware that there may be some contraindications, so make sure to consult with a professional first.

CBD softgels have not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, there has been one CBD-derived medication approved by the FDA as of 2018.

Can You Buy CBD Pills Online?

CBD maintains a good status when it comes to legality – it’s currently legal in all 50 states and in 40 countries worldwide, which is why CBD capsules are not at all difficult to obtain. You can buy them at cannabis dispensaries and online shops that offer a wide selection of CBD pills and other CBD products from different manufacturers. So, finding where to buy CBD pills is easy.

However, you need to know what to look for when buying CBD capsules as the quality may vary from shop to shop. So, how do you know if the CBD pills from a brand you’re considering are any good?

How to Choose High-Quality CBD Capsules Online

Now, let’s see what you should know to make an informed purchase.

Production Process

First and foremost, the manufacturer needs to be transparent about their production process and where and how they source the hemp. Ideally, the manufacturer should cultivate the hemp plant in pH balanced, non-GMO soil, without the use of pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, or any other harmful solvents as they may impact the chemical composition of the plant. Reputable CBD brands will usually have this information disclosed on their website.

Purity, Quality, & Safety

You also need to look out for verification of the purity, quality, and safety of the capsules. The CBD capsules you’re considering buying need to be verified with a Certificate of Analysis, meaning that lab test results from a third-party lab guarantee that these products are approved by the set standards. One of them is using the CO2 extraction method, which ensures that all compounds in the plant are preserved making the final CBD product pure.

Customers Reviews

Looking through the customer reviews is also important, as they are often the most helpful in helping you choose not only the right product for your specific wellness needs but also the right manufacturer. Customer reviews are usually transparent and are a great way to learn something about the type of CBD capsules you want to purchase. Most companies also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you find the pills don’t work for you, you can always return them.

Types of Hemp Extract

Finally, you need to be informed about the different types of hemp extract used for the production of CBD capsules, so you know what would work best for you. There are three types of CBD extracts:

  • CBD isolate, which is just 99% pure CBD extract infused in a carrier oil and no other compounds;
  • Broad-spectrum CBD that includes other compounds, like terpenes and cannabinoids, but it’s THC free;
  • Full-spectrum CBD that by composition is the closest to the full-spectrum hemp plant and it contains the full spectrum of the compounds in the organic hemp plant, including THC at a concentration of 0.3%. Some users like the full-spectrum products because of the entourage effect that the cannabinoids provide by working together.

FAQs

Are CBD Pills Taken With or Without Food?

CBD pills are better taken with food, ideally with healthy fats as cannabinoids are fat-soluble and will absorb better in your body if they’re in the presence of fats. You don’t have to take them immediately after a meal, but don’t wait for too long, and definitely don’t take them in the morning on an empty stomach as it may upset your digestive system and cause nausea.

Should I Take Them Daily?

For you to get the full benefits of CBD capsules, it’s recommended that you take them daily so that your body can maintain a certain level of CBD that will engage with your endocannabinoid system.

Do CBD Capsules React With Other Medications?

If you’re on any kind of medication that you’ve been taking for a while, it’s best to consult with your doctor, just in case. Even though CBD is a generally safe ingredient, when interacting with certain medications (eg. antidepressants, heart medications, etc.), it can cause some contraindications, so make sure you carefully consider this before you buy CBD capsules.

Will I Fail a Drug Test If I Take CBD Pills?

It’s very unlikely to fail a drug test when you’re taking any CBD product because most types of drug tests, urine tests included, are designed to look for THC metabolites in the body, rather than CBD. Even though full-spectrum CBD pills have trace amounts of THC, you’d have to take a very large amount for the THC to become detectable.

Conclusion

CBD capsules are a great way to introduce CBD into your body because they are easy to dose and have little side-effects. They are also convenient for consumption as you can take them with you anywhere and discreetly take your next dose.

Nowadays, CBD capsules can be easily bought online as many states have now legalized the use of CBD for medical purposes. You just have to pay attention to the certifications of the manufacturer and lab report guarantees, and read the customers’ reviews in order to find a high-quality product suited to your needs.

A passionate advocate for the benefits of cannabis. Fraser Horton, who has a background in botany and a strong love of nature, has spent years researching how cannabis affects the body and mind. He established Leaf Nation in 2020, where he has devoted himself to educating people about the legalisation of marijuana and its safe and responsible use. Fraser is committed to highlighting cannabis’ potential for improving wellness and working to dispel the stigma associated with its use.

Disclaimer

The information presented on this page is provided as a public service to aid in education and is derived from sources believed to be reliable. Readers are responsible for making their own assessment of the topics discussed here. In no event shall Leaf Nation be held reliable for any injury, loss or damage that could happen if using or abusing drugs.