9 Best CBD Pills and Capsules You Can Buy Online in 2022

Methdology

The efficacy of CBD oil capsules and softgels vary from one product to the next, depending on the quality. Here are a few factors to keep in mind that we used to select the products on our list.

Type of hemp extract

When shopping for CBD products, it's important to understand the difference between the three types of hemp extract: CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD. Isolate is processed to leave just pure CBD and no other plant compounds, while broad-spectrum CBD extracts contain some additional plant parts but are still THC-free.

Full-spectrum CBD extracts contain a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other hemp plant parts, including trace levels of THC. Each of these extracts has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice is up to your personal preference.

Lab test results

Any time you're looking into CBD products, it's important to verify that the products have been independently tested for their purity, quality, and safety. Look for products that give you access to third-party lab results, also known as a Certificate of Analysis, or COA

Extraction method

Various CBD brands extract oil from the cannabis plant differently. Lipid-based extraction, alcohol extraction, and CO2 extraction are common processes. There are advantages to each type of extraction process, but transparency is most important. A brand should tell you how they go about making a quality full spectrum hemp extract.

Hemp sourcing

It's generally safest to look for a hemp supplement sourced in the U.S., as crops grown in foreign countries lack direct oversight that domestic farming processes have, which leads to less transparent sourcing info. Colorado, Kentucky, and North Carolina are some of the top hemp-producing states.

Price

We looked at the value of each CBD softgel product by calculating the cost per milligram of CBD in each one. To compare these, we divided the total price by the amount of CBD in each container or bottle to find the cost per milligram of CBD. We then labeled each one according to these price ranges:

$ = Under $0.05 per milligram of CBD
$$ = Between $0.06 and $0.09 per milligram of CBD
$$$ = Between $0.10 and $0.12 per milligram of CBD
$$$$ = Over $0.12 per milligram of CBD

CBD pills vs. CBD oil

First, let's discuss the main difference between using CBD pills versus using a CBD oil tincture. Just as CBD oil is non-psychotropic, CBD capsules also won't get you "high" because they are derived from industrial hemp plants. As such, both products contain little to no THC (depending on what product you are using).

The differences actually aren't that pronounced. CBD pills and CBD oil have the same potential benefits, but pills are more convenient. Not only is it easier to manage pills and capsules, but they also make consistent dosing easier. Oil drops can lead to imprecise dosing.

One drawback to ingestible pills is that they don't always work as fast as a CBD tincture. This is thanks to the digestive system, which allows for a slower absorption of CBD into the bloodstream as it breaks down the CBD pill over time.

It should also be said that a dropper of hemp oil has an earthy taste, which isn't to everyone's liking. A CBD tablet or softgel allows you to avoid this bitter flavor with one quick and easy swallow.

How many CBD pills should you take?

There's no one "correct" amount of CBD you should take because it varies from person to person. If you're new to CBD, it's best to start at the lower end of the spectrum (take one capsule at a time) and gradually work your way up to the strongest CBD oil doses as needed.

Be sure to consult your physician, along with product packaging and lab reports, to learn more about potency of a product to ensure appropriate dosing.

CBD capsules make dosing easier than CBD gummies or vapes because you know how much CBD is in each capsule. This is important if you're dosing regularly for chronic pain or anxiety, and want to maintain a consistent level of botanical extract in your body.

Regular dosing may allow you to empower your endocannabinoid system, or take advantage of the "entourage effect" with a full-spectrum CBD oil capsule. This is also why it's very important to research CBD brands. When buying a tablet for its potential health benefits, you want to avoid any harmful pesticides or solvents. A CBD supplement is meant to support wellness.

Are there any side effects from CBD capsules?

It's worth noting that there can be some side effects from taking CBD pills, but most of them are very mild. For example, they may make you drowsy or lethargic. Junella Chin, DO, an osteopathic physician and a medical cannabis expert for cannabisMD, told Health that roughly 5% of people feel something after taking CBD. "Usually they're the same people who have side effects from Advil or Tylenol," she said. However, these side effects can usually be avoided through proper dosing.

One word of caution: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed CBD capsules or any other mainstream high-quality products. Because of this, it is even more imperative that consumers make informed, safe decisions about which CBD pills they use. Additionally, you may want to initiate a discussion with your physician before introducing CBD.

Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, copywriter, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. As a writer for Remedy Review, an independent CBD review site, Josh covers the relationship between cannabis-based products and the human body.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before consuming or using any of the products mentioned on this site. For additional information read Health.com's editorial standards and guidelines.