CBD Capsules vs. Oil: Which One Is Right for You?

It’s estimated that 1 in 7 Americans use CBD products. From gummies, tea, and coffee to rubs, capsules, tinctures, and beyond, there are now dozens of different ways to use CBD. As you first try CBD, it can be challenging figuring out the best type for your lifestyle.

While we won't be tackling all the ways you can take CBD in this article (you can peruse our blog for that), we’ll explore CBD capsules and how they compare to CBD oils and tinctures.

Use this guide to learn all about CBD capsules, their potential benefits, how to shop for them, and what makes them different from CBD oils. You'll feel confident knowing the difference between CBD capsules vs. oils so you can choose the best option for you and your wellness plan.

What Are CBD Capsules?

CBD capsules are exactly what they sound like — small capsules filled with CBD oil. They’re a fantastic way of getting the benefits of CBD in capsule form.

Full spectrum CBD oil comes from the hemp plant, including the flowers and leaves. Once hemp plants are harvested and processed, they're ready for the extraction process, which can be accomplished in a few different ways. Ethanol, oil, and CO2 extraction are all ways to extract CBD from hemp plants.

You might see CBD capsules labeled a few different ways. For instance, if you find CBD isolate capsules, you're getting a single cannabinoid — namely, CBD. On the flip side, capsules labeled as "full spectrum" or "broad-spectrum" include several different cannabinoids such as CBN or CBG. (We'll talk more about full spectrum blends in a moment.)

CBD capsules are typically packaged as a soft gel made with gelatin, not unlike typical vitamins or supplements you have sitting in your bathroom or kitchen cabinet. Keep your eyes open for capsules made without gelatin if that's important to you. (Hint: Populum's 25mg serving of CBD capsules are vegan!)

Just as with CBD oil, your CBD capsules usually include a carrier oil. A carrier oil can enhance bioavailability and absorption. Don't be surprised if you see any of these carrier oils on the ingredient list: olive oil, coconut oil, or hemp seed oil.

In particular, hemp seed oil comes with a host of potential health benefits, so you're getting a nutrient-rich bonus when you see this oil in your CBD capsules or tinctures.

CBD Capsules vs. CBD Oils

CBD oil and CBD capsules are different forms and methods of taking CBD. Although they may look very different, they both share many of the same benefits.

Both CBD soft gels and CBD oil tinctures include CBD (cannabidiol), which interacts with your endocannabinoid system. Researchers are still learning more about the endocannabinoid system and how it works in our bodies. But we do know it's a complex system that plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, memory, appetite, and more.

Per the 2018 Farm Bill, all CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which means you can experience CBD's benefits without any psychoactive effects.

The main difference between CBD capsules and oils is the delivery system and absorption. Many people enjoy capsules because they're convenient and simple to take. It's easy tucking a few capsules in your pocket for later if you’re on the go rather than fussing with a dropper of CBD oil in a rush.

When you weigh the option of CBD capsules vs. oil, remember that they do absorb differently in the body. CBD capsules enter your digestive system, which means you could be waiting a little longer to feel the effects than you would with CBD tinctures.

Researchers note that taking CBD with a high-fat meal can increase its bioavailability four-fold instead of taking it on an empty stomach. It’s something to keep mind if you'd like to maximize the absorption of your CBD capsules.

Tinctures, on the other hand, can be taken sublingually (under your tongue). Taking a vitamin or supplement under your tongue allows it to enter your bloodstream and bypass the digestive system. In short, CBD tinctures can help your body find balance a little sooner than capsule form.

CBD tinctures are also far more versatile than CBD capsules. Do you look forward to your morning mug of coffee or count the minutes until you can wind down your day with a hot cup of tea? If so, a full spectrum CBD tincture may be a better fit for you. It's easy to add a full dropper to any beverage and use it in your cooking. Try adding it to a cozy spice cake or cocktail.

Lastly, flavor matters more for CBD oil than it does for capsules. Populum’s CBD tincture features an award-winning orange flavor, but we understand you might prefer an unflavored way of getting your CBD.

With full spectrum CBD capsules, you can get all the benefits of CBD without the flavor of hemp. They’re a perfect, tasteless option that gives you a high concentration of CBD when you need it.

Tips for Choosing CBD Capsules

If you decide CBD capsules are right for you, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as you shop:

• Choose Full Spectrum CBD Products: We suggest looking for a full spectrum blend over a CBD isolate. There are over 100 cannabinoids found in hemp plants, and CBD is just one of many.

• Harness the Power of Terpenes: Full spectrum blends include terpenes, which are what give plants their scent and coloring. Terpenes and cannabinoids work together to create what's known as the entourage effect. This theory proposes that cannabinoids and terpenes enhance each other and benefit the body more than isolated cannabinoids.

• Verify Quality With Lab Results: Always look for high-quality CBD products and choose companies that value transparency. Every Populum product comes with third-party lab results. These lab results verify the amount of CBD in your tincture, rub, or capsules since you can't always be sure what's on the label and in your product match up. You'll also get cannabinoid and terpene profiles and a guarantee that your pure CBD is precisely that — free from mycotoxins, microbes, and solvents.

Populum's Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Capsules are made from hemp grown right here in the United States. They also come in two different concentrations, making it easier for you to customize the amount of CBD you take and find your ideal dosage.

These gel capsules don't have any flavoring and are easy to take with a glass of water. Even better, Populum's CBD capsules use full spectrum hemp extract and MCT oil derived from coconuts. Studies have shown MCT oil comes with its own benefits, like improving cognitive performance.

Be mindful of dosage and start low and slow. Side effects are rare, but it’s a good idea to give your body time to adjust before changing your dosage.

Determine Whether CBD Capsules Are Right For You

Choosing CBD capsules vs. oils comes down to personal preference. They both have their advantages, and it's up to you to decide whether the benefits of CBD capsules outweigh those of oils for your lifestyle. CBD taken in any form can help you experience a sense of mental and physical balance.

CBD capsules are easy to incorporate into your daily vitamin or supplement routine. Unlike CBD tinctures you have to hold under your tongue, you can take CBD capsules with a glass of water, which means no waiting if you're in a hurry.

But you really don't have to choose between the two. Consider keeping a tincture or oil at home while taking capsules on the go so you'll have CBD whenever you need it. Topical rubs, CBD honey, capsules, and tinctures can all have a place in your wellness routine.