The continued rise of the CBD market means more brands and manufacturers are exploring different ways for consumers to supplement with the chemical compound. CBD products can come in various forms, each with different application methods. Finding the ideal form for you will depend on your reasons for using CBD, what you hope to get out of it, and what your preferred method of taking supplements is. So if you’re deciding between CBD oil or capsules, it’s important to take all of this into account in order to make a decision that’s best for you. In this article, we take a look at the benefits, efficacy and ease of use of CBD capsules vs oil. These are two of the most popular ways to take CBD, but they work in varying ways.
A Recap: What Is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of the natural chemical compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants. When ingested, such as in oil or capsule form, it works with your endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors within the body that maintains essential functions such as sleep, appetite, pain and immunity.
CBD has a long list of potential therapeutic health benefits. For people seeking a natural remedy for health problems such as stress management and sleep issues, CBD can function as a great alternative or addition to conventional medicine. At Evn, our high-quality CBD products do not contain THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
CBD Comes In Various Forms
CBD can be taken orally in a number of ways; by adding a oil of a concentrated tincture to your food or drinks, by taking CBD oil sublingually through a dropper, by eating CBD-infused gummies or edibles, or simply by swallowing the supplement in capsule form.
Aside from ingestible CBD, you can also use CBD topically. CBD topicals come in various forms too, from creams and balms to gels, serums, sprays, or oils. For skin and beauty, the CBD is combined with other ingredients to create a nourishing product which when applied directly onto skin, can be used to relax tired, sore or aching muscles or to moisturize and rejuvenate skin for beauty purposes.
When considering how you want to take CBD, it’s important to choose a delivery style that you are most comfortable with. If you have trouble swallowing pills, the CBD capsules may not be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience and discretion of simply popping a capsule as opposed to using oil, then this may be your go-to.
CBD Oil
To make CBD oil, the compound is extracted and combined with a carrier oil, such as coconut, olive, MCT or hemp seed oil. As a fat-soluble molecule, CBD is similar to the lipids inside oils and therefore it dissolves and binds to the oil molecules. This is an easy, versatile and effective way to benefit from CBD.
You can take CBD oil sublingually by placing the oil directly under the tongue. We recommend holding it underneath the tongue for up to 30 seconds before swallowing. When taken in this way, the thin skin under the tongue absorbs the CBD into the bloodstream with ease, without it having to be metabolized or broken down, meaning it gets to work quickly.
If you prefer to combine your CBD oil with food and drink, you can add some oil to coffee, salad dressings and dips or by making your own edibles at home. It’s worth noting that this will ‘diffuse’ the CBD, meaning it will take a little longer to have an effect.
Several laboratory studies have found that regular use of CBD oil can be a helpful remedy when trying to reduce stress. CBD oil is also believed to have neuroprotective properties, due to the way it interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system. It works with CB1 receptors which are concentrated in the nervous system and the brain, and can have an effect on various mental and physiological functions such as memory and emotions.
CBD Capsules
In an easy-to-use capsule form, you can take your daily CBD serving with a glass of water as you would any other pill or tablet. Some consider it an easier and more convenient process as opposed to taking CBD oil from a dropper, as there’s no guesswork for how much to take. This does however mean that you can’t experiment with different dosages, so finding the right strength and dosage which suits your preferences may be a little harder.
CBD capsules are typically made of soft gel capsules filled with CBD oil. The casing is often gelatin-based, however there are vegetarian and vegan versions available. When swallowed, the outer shell is broken down in the digestive tract and the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream where it is metabolized.
Some people prefer taking CBD in capsule form because you don’t taste anything, and it’s far less likely to have an unpleasant taste or odor. Because the CBD is absorbed via the digestive tract, CBD oil capsules can take longer for you to feel the effects.
CBD Oil vs Capsules: The Verdict
Bioavailability
The main differences between CBD oil and CBD capsules is that they have varying bioavailability - meaning your body will absorb different percentages. This is because CBD capsules are ingestible, so they have to go through your digestive tract and be metabolized before entering the bloodstream, whereas oils that are placed directly under your tongue skip digestion altogether and reach your bloodstream much quicker, through the capillaries found here in the mouth. Because of this, many believe that CBD oil is also more cost effective than any other forms.
Dosing
The droppers used when taking CBD oil allow you to decide how much you want to take with every dose, so if you feel you want a little more on one occasion, you can simply increase the amount of your serving. On the other hand, there is also a risk of incorrect dosing if you’re not paying attention when filling or dispensing the dropper.
CBD oil capsules provide a pre-measured, specific and consistent amount of CBD per dose, so you know exactly how much you are taking.
Flavoring and Versatility
With CBD capsules, there’s no flavoring involved, however with CBD tinctures, there are more options for flavoring.
There’s also more versatility in the method of taking it - you can enjoy your CBD oil in a different way each day, such as adding a few drops to your morning latte or evening cup of tea.
Practicality
It may be safer to transport capsules as opposed to oil which runs the risk of spillage. CBD capsules offer a more straightforward and streamlined way of getting CBD into your system and if you’re taking CBD while out and about, you may prefer the discreteness of taking it in capsule form.
CBD Oil vs. Capsules: Final Thoughts
Both CBD oil and CBD capsules have their advantages, but ultimately it is up to you to decide which product is best for you. This could be dependent on your goals, lifestyle, or diet.
At Evn, we offer a wide range of high-quality, organic CBD products to support your unique health and wellness goals.