The Breakdown
CBD Oil and CBD Capsules are both products made from CBD, the non-psychoactive component of the marijuana plant that many people believe has multiple health benefits. Both products can be used to help with various ailments but are made using different extraction methods and come in different forms (for example, CBD oils vs. CBD capsules). Let's examine the differences between CBD capsules and oils to decide which works best for your needs.
What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. These chemical compounds are known as cannabinoids, which means they engage with cannabinoid receptors in cells in the body. Binding to these receptors, CBD can help with various problems like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. There are over 100 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, which have various effects on the body.
One type of cannabinoid found in cannabis is phytocannabinoids, which are derived from plants. Many confuse phytocannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC and CBD come from cannabis, but their chemical structures differ.
THC and CBD have different effects. THC causes psychoactive effects like being high or happy, while products containing CBD that are THC free do not cause you to feel high.
Why Are People Turning To CBD Supplements?
CBD or cannabidiol (the non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) is gaining popularity because it offers the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the high. People can use CBD for many conditions, including anxiety, depression, epilepsy, chronic pain, PTSD, and more. You may be surprised that only about 40% of patients who use medical marijuana use THC products for medicinal purposes.
What Are CBD Oil Tinctures?
CBD oil tinctures are created by soaking raw cannabis flowers or extracts in high-proof alcohol, leaving the mixture to evaporate. The product is then mixed with either glycerin or propylene glycol before bottling. When using a water-based tincture, it will be mixed with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
It's important to note that these oils can also contain different concentrations, so it's important to check their labels before use. One of the benefits of CBD oil is that they're portable, so you are free to put them in your purse or pocket and use on-the-go if needed.
Another benefit of using a tincture is its longer shelf life. While most oils will become ineffective after about two years, a well-made tincture can retain its effectiveness for more than four years. We recommend checking the 'use by or sale' date just to be sure.
What Are Hemp Oil Capsules?
CBD capsules are made by combining hemp extract into a gel-based shell which is made to be taken orally. These will come in various sizes and dosage amounts.
Taking CBD capsules is as easy as taking a conventional supplement. Take them with a glass of water. It's just that simple! The best part about CBD capsules is how easy they are to travel with since they don't have any liquid components.
How Do They Work In The Body?
CBD capsules and CBD oils boost the body's natural endocannabinoid system (ECS), which includes a combination of brain chemicals that regulate the system. The ECS has two main receptors, CB1 and CB2. These receptors are found throughout your body but are often densest in the spine, nervous system, liver, intestines, heart tissue, and joints.
When ingested (capsules or tinctures), cannabinoids mimic an endogenous neurotransmitter called anandamide (the bliss molecule), most commonly thought to regulate mood.
When you ingest CBD capsules or oils, they travel throughout your bloodstream, where cells are absorbed by cells in different tissues. Some tissues contain high levels of CB1 receptors, including the brain, adrenal glands, heart, liver, and lungs. Other tissues have lower levels of these receptors, which is why cannabinoids act more strongly on certain areas of your body than others.
Can CBD Capsules Get You High?
CBD capsules can be THC free, so they will not get you high. If taken on an empty stomach, it can take up to two hours for the capsule to take effect and can last up to 6 hours. This is why many people prefer taking them before bed or a nap, as it will help you sleep deeply and make waking up easier in the morning.
What Is The Difference Between CBD Full Spectrum and CBD Broad Spectrum?
Full Spectrum CBD has significantly higher CBD potency yet, at the same time, has a broader range of cannabinoids, including CBN (Cannabinol) and CBC (Cannabichromene). Broad Spectrum CBD oil can have as little as 0.5% CBD on a per-product basis, so you will want to consider if this is a suitable option for you if it will be used as an ingredient in baking or food preparation.
These percentages are pure CBD, with no additives such as terpenes or flavonoids. This isn't to say that they don't also play important roles in supporting the overall effects. In terms of medicinal usage, Full Spectrum CBD is recommended by doctors when it comes to dealing with pain relief.
Benefits Of CBD Tinctures
CBD oil is extracted from the marijuana plant using alcohol, most often with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. The advantage of alcohol extraction is that it preserves the plant's terpenes (aromatic molecules) in addition to cannabidiol. Terpenes give marijuana plants distinctive scents, flavors, and healing properties, so preserving them during processing is important. Carrier oils make the extract water-soluble.
Alcohol solvates THC so that it can be more easily absorbed by fatty tissue in your body if you consume it orally or through your mouth, unlike a vape pen that burns the plant matter on contact creating smoke that makes inhalation tricky for newbies.
In contrast, CBD capsules contain CBD mixed with vegetable oils derived from palm trees. Palm oil does not have anti-inflammatory properties because it lacks essential omega-3s like gamma-linolenic acid found in hemp seed, evening primrose, and black currant seed oils.
Benefits Of Capsules
CBD capsules are the perfect choice for people who want a quick, convenient way to get all the advantages of CBD. Instead of getting to work with messy oils or trying to figure out how to use an oil dropper, swallow one or two capsules each day, preferably with a meal. The amount is adjustable depending on your body reacts. The good news is that there are CBD capsules for all scenarios, whether you want help fighting anxiety daily or relief from inflammation.
Plus, many people find that their body absorbs medicinal hemp in capsule form more easily because it has no taste. This can be great for individuals who have sensitivities to taste and might otherwise avoid CBD because they don't want to ingest anything that's flavored.
How Long Does It Take For Them To Take Effect?
Both products can take up to an hour to start taking effect. The difference between CBD capsules vs. CBD oil is that the CBD oils dissolve under your tongue and enter your bloodstream quickly. With capsules, you can just swallow with some water and food. Both are felt 15-20 minutes after ingestion, and the liver must process both products before entering the bloodstream.
How To Choose Between CBD Oil Tinctures And CBD Capsules?
CBD capsules vs. oil are more of choice than a debate. In today's marketplace, you can find all sorts of CBD products that vary not only in the amount of CBD but also in flavor, size of CBD capsules, and types of edibles. The choices are endless.
The main difference between CBD capsules vs. oil is that capsules are easier to swallow than CBD oil. They have no taste, making them perfect for people who don't like the taste of hemp or cannabis. If you're concerned about the smell, capsules are a better option because they have no odor. Additionally, capsules are more expensive since they are less versatile than tinctures.
Which One Is Better – CBD Oils Or Capsules?
A few differences between CBD capsules vs. oil is that CBD oils are the most potent because they offer a concentrated dose of CBD by placing it in an oil base. CBD oils are also easy to take since the dropper is placed under your tongue.
On the other hand, CBD capsules allow you to take CBD without tasting it, making it easy if you don't like the flavor. So if you're looking for more convenience, then capsules might be for you. The important thing to note is that all CBD products should be evaluated with caution, and you choose the right CBD products that work best with your body and digestive system and aligns with your wellness routine.
Do Flavors Matter?
Since CBD oils are taken sublingually, the flavor does matter. So adding flavor to the product is a good way to mix things up if you get bored with the taste. And since the dropper is placed under your tongue, oils will have the most potent flavor. However, if you do not like the flavor of CBD oils, then CBD capsules would probably be more beneficial. Because they are in capsule form, they can practically be flavor free.
Safety Guidelines
If you have to choose between CBD oil vs. capsules regarding safety, you are in luck. Both are considered safe options. However, most are not evaluated by the FDA. CBD oil and capsules also have different safety guidelines, which you should take notice of.
The capsules offer an easy way to monitor dosage, whereas the tincture requires you to administer a different dose based on body weight. If you have a medical condition, you must consult your physician before taking CBD, ensure they've been used as directed on the label, and always use the proper dosage.
Other Concerns
Always consult with a physician before use, whether taking CBD oil or capsule, especially if you have a medical condition or use prescription medications. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any serious medical condition, and the product should be used only as directed and not be used by or sold to persons under the age of 21.