Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with a wide scope of medical applications. Of the 85 known cannabinoids, CBD and THC are usually present in the highest concentrations and are therefore the most widely studied. The medicinal properties of CBD can be strong even in small doses.
CBD Oil is the most notable method of consumption, but CBD pills, capsules, and softgels are an excellent alternative for several reasons. Pills and capsules typically use an organic medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) coconut oil carrier along with a CBD extract. The MCT oil allows cannabinoids to more easily and quickly interact with the body. Like a tincture, CBD capsules are ingested orally – however, gel caps can be considered simpler to take, similar to taking a multivitamin every day.
The benefits of CBD capsules can last for several hours and can be felt throughout the day. However, it should be noted that relief is not usually felt for at least an hour. While relief is long-lasting, it is certainly not immediate.
Brands Selected
How We Choose the Best CBD Capsules To Review:
As a company, we believe that while cannabidiol has demonstrable health benefits for many, not all CBD products carry equal therapeutic potential. Through the use of different extraction methods, varying soil conditions, and certain corporate values, cannabidiol comes in all sorts of qualities. How do you discern the best from the rest? Here, we examine the best CBD capsules available on the market.
Because there’s very little federal regulation for CBD companies, we have made it our mission to make brand accountability a priority for this industry. We independently test all types of products from a consumer’s perspective, using a strict vetting process that brands are required to pass before we recommend them to consumers. By following these guidelines, we ensure that CBD is not only safe but of top-notch quality:
Brand Reputation
It’s clear that some brands have made a name for themselves within the industry. Many of the brands we feature are leading the industry in quality and innovation. Of course, many smaller brands make the cut based on the quality factors below. If you’re unsure, looking at other user reviews is sometimes an excellent way to find safe, effective formulas.
Third-Party Lab Testing
Checking the third-party lab test results, or the Certificate of Analysis, for a product before you buy is the one most important step you can take towards ensuring quality and safety. These tests should come from a third-party (not in-house) laboratory, and they should detail cannabinoid potency and product purity, like the absence of heavy metals, pesticides, microbials, and other harsh chemicals.
Hemp Source
We prefer brands that use pesticide-free (or organic) U.S. grown hemp that is tested for quality before manufacturing.
Extraction Method
A safe extraction process is required to produce a safe CBD product. The most popular is supercritical CO2 extraction because it requires no solvent. Food-grade ethanol extractions also produce high-quality formulas as long as the final product is tested to ensure that it is solvent-free.
Ingredients
A safe CBD product must also contain only safe ingredients. In the case of CBD creams, all ingredients must be skin-safe. You should also check the ingredient label for potential allergens that may affect you.
Potency
Product potency varies from product to product, but sometimes product labels can be misleading. Check to see if the total potency refers to the total amount of hemp extract or specifically to the CBD content of the product.
Using the above criteria, as well as testing every product individually, we have created a list of the best CBD softgels of 2022. We’ll talk about what makes them special, where to find them, and how they can help you achieve your wellness goals.
CBD Glossary
- CBD Tincture: A CBD tincture is a liquid CBD concentrate that is taken orally with an under-the-tongue application. CBD tinctures use an alcohol (ethanol) base.
- CBD Oil: CBD Oils are products that use a coconut or MCT oil base that allows for easy and quick absorption of CBD into the body. Both of the above take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes to fully kick in – and they can last anywhere from four to eight hours.
- Full-Spectrum: Refers to a CBD product made with “whole-plant” hemp extract, or the “full-spectrum” of cannabinoids. In other words, full-spectrum hemp formulas will contain predominantly CBD, but also trace amounts of other cannabinoids found in the original hemp material, including THC.
- Broad-Spectrum: Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum products in that it utilizes a “whole-plant” extract that is full of CBD and other minor cannabinoids, with one important difference—no THC.
- CBD Isolate: CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like—isolated CBD molecules. CBD isolate products are free of all other cannabinoids, including THC and minor cannabinoids, like CBG or CBN.
- COA: A commonly used acronym for Certificate of Analysis, or, in other terms – third-party lab test results.
The 5 Best CBD Softgels, Capsules, & Pills (2022)
1. Best Full-Spectrum CBD Softgels
Joy Organics Premium Full-Spectrum CBD Softgels
As a brand, we proudly support Joy Organics for its organic, sustainable CBD growing techniques. Their domestic, locally-grown hemp is extracted using an organic, food-grade ethanol wash for safety, purity, and potency before being lovingly formulated into therapeutic products like these.
The Joy Organics Full-Spectrum CBD SoftGel capsules are available in both 15mg and 25mg strengths. Effects can be felt after about 45 minutes and last a bit longer than the other two CBD capsules we’ve mentioned – up to eight hours, depending on your metabolism.
We found that these are the Best CBD Softgels for mood enhancement and relaxation – while you may feel the tension release from your body, they are not quite strong enough to make you feel sleepy or sedated. Because effects last so long, we suggest taking one in the morning and re-dosing only if necessary throughout the day.
Brand: Joy Organics | CBD Type: Full-Spectrum | Price: $39.95 – 69.95 | Potency: 250-750mg per Bottle | Size: 30 Count | COA: On-Site
2. Best Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil Capsules
cbdMD Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil Capsules
cbdMD’s Broad-Spectrum Capsules contain an effective dose of organic, non-GMO, full-spectrum CBD, they can be used to treat a variety of symptoms and conditions ranging from chronic pain, autoimmune disease, neurological conditions, and mood disorders. Essentially, if your symptoms arise from an underlying inflammatory condition (and there’s evidence to suggest that this is the case for most illnesses), a CBD oil capsule like this one can provide effective, lasting relief from a diverse array of symptoms.
Brand: cbdMD | CBD Type: Broad-Spectrum | Price: $35.95 – 89.99 | Potency: 450-1500mg per Bottle | Size: 30-60 Count | COA: On-Site
3. Best CBD Pills For Productivity
FOCL Broad-Spectrum Day Capsules with Adaptogens
FOCL Day Capsules corner the market with an industry-leading adaptogenic CBD blend that claims to enhance focus and productivity. The bottle holds a total of 300mg of broad-spectrum hemp extract—60 capsules, which is 30 doses. A single dose of the Day capsules boasts 10 mg of hemp extract from organic hemp. FOCL combines this with a hand-selected array of herbal powerhouses thought to synergistically benefit the brain and body. Aside from CBD, the key players include Lion’s Mane mushroom, thought to improve cognitive function, and Rhodiola Rosea, chosen for its ability to stave off stress, fatigue.
Brand: FOCL | CBD Type: Broad-Spectrum | Price: $49.00 | Potency: 10mg CBD per capsule | Size: 60 Count | COA: On-Site
4. Best CBD Softgels with Added Terpenes
Lazarus Naturals Full-Spectrum CBD Softgels with Added Terpenes
Brand: Lazarus Naturals | CBD Type: Full-Spectrum | Price: $18-200.00 | Potency: 50mg CBD per capsule | Size: 10-200 Count | COA: On-Site
5. Best CBD for Sleep
Just Live CBD Deep Sleep Softgels
Athletes make most of their recovery while asleep. Sleep controls everything from mental sharpness to ridding the body of inflammation. Just Live’s Deep Sleep Softgels with Melatonin focus on regulating cortisol, the body’s stress hormone that negatively impacts sleep, with a combination of melatonin and CBD isolate. with natural ingredients, transparent manufacturing, and a fantastic reputation Just Live is the top choice for Best CBD Softgel for Sleep.
Brand: Just Live | CBD Type: Isolate | Price: $55.99 | Potency: 25mg CBD per Softgel | Size: 10-200 Count | COA: On-Site
Bonus: Best Delta-8 Softgels
Binoid Premium Vegan Delta 8 Softgels
The Delta 8 THC Softgels from Binoid arrive in a small bottle that packs quite the punch. With the option of 10mg or 25mg per capsule, I, and two others, tested out the 750mg. Binoid is a premier brand when it comes to premium quality and purity, and their new Delta 8 capsules do not disappoint. 10MG and 25MG options in a vegan capsule allow you to get the perfect dose of pure Delta 8 THC that suits your needs — whether you want to relax or be motivated.
Brand: Binoid | Price: $74.99 | Potency: 750mg Delta-8 Per Bottle| Size: 30 Count | COA: On-Site
How much CBD should I take?
For orally ingested products like tinctures and gel caps, we suggest starting with 15 mg per day of CBD and upping the dosage until relief is felt. These ingestible products provide sustained relief for several hours—many people find they provide relief for the whole day! The one thing to keep in mind with ingestible CBD products is the delayed onset time—it can take up to 90 minutes for the full effects of the tinctures or capsules to be felt.
What is a CBD Softgel?
Gelcaps contain a CBD extract in an organic MCT coconut oil carrier. They are a form of ingestible CBD – very similar to tinctures – the primary difference is the form factor. Gelcaps provide sustained, systemic relief for several hours. The downside to gel caps is the hour-plus onset time – certainly the longest of any of the consumption options (because the CBD is not immediately absorbed under the tongue like a tincture). Many people like the gel caps because it feels like they are taking a normal pill, which they are already comfortable doing. The gel caps and tinctures are generally interchangeable – just be mindful of the slight difference in onset time.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
