Capsules … What Are They Exactly? See Here

Capsules

Capsule

ˈkap-səl | Noun

Hemp cannabidiol is an oral capsule meant for ingestion. Capsules typically contain one of the main types of CBD extract, either isolate, broad spectrum, or full spectrum. The market offers other forms of CBD in a capsule, including decarboxylated CBD flower. This product provides a myriad of health benefits to consumers, it’s easy to use and easy to dose. Also, it presents a far safer alternative than vaping or smoking CBD flower.        

“I tried decarboxylated CBD flower capsules today; they are easy to consume, and the effect lasts for a long time.”

“If you don’t like smoking or vaping your CBD, capsules are the next best thing.”

More About CBD Capsules

Cannabidiol capsules are the go-to choice for people looking to replace combustible CBD flower. Capsules are one of the most convenient methods of ingesting hemp-derived cannabidiol, especially when compared to combustion, which requires equipment and preparation. They contain naturally-occurring CBD, alongside other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Some products are formulated with complementary oils and extracts. 

Dosing is of the essence to people who need to maintain the consistent effects of cannabidiol. And that’s what this product provides exact pre-measured dose. To create CBD oil, manufacturers infuse the cannabidiol extract into a carrier oil like coconut or hempseed oil. With capsules and pills, the extract is added directly into a tablet or capsule. Hemp flower capsules are typically non-strain-specific products that contain powdered flowers with less than 0.3% THC. 

How It Works in the Body

Capsules work identically to cannabidiol-infused edibles and are known to have the lowest bioavailability of all delivery forms. Why is bioavailability important? Because it indicates the amount of cannabidiol that’s absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the endocannabinoid system. The average bioavailability rate of oral cannabidiol ranges between 6-12%. 

CBD is fat-soluble, aka it dissolves in fat, making it a challenge for the body to absorb it (as opposed to water-soluble molecules that absorb immediately because our body is 70% water). This means that cannabidiol is not readily absorbed when ingested, so most of the formula is excreted without showing any effects.

After ingestion, capsules are also subject to additional breakdown in the digestive tract, also known as the first-pass effect. Digestive acids and enzymes destroy a large percentage of this component before getting a chance to be absorbed. The tiny amount of CBD that gets through the intestinal wall is metabolized by the liver. 

This means that when you are taking a 50 mg cannabidiol capsule, you can expect less than 20% of it to be absorbed in the bloodstream. But, on the bright side, the effects of oral CBD last longer both in the body and the brain.   

After being broken down and absorbed into the systemic circulation, cannabidiol influences the endocannabinoid system in several ways. The exact pathways it uses are not fully known, but it has an affinity towards several receptors.   

Benefits of Capsules

If you’re looking for an easy, convenient way to consume CBD, give capsules a try. Here are some benefits:

Discreet Packaging 

Cannabidiol capsules are the most discreet way of taking your medication. It doesn’t stand out like smokeables or tinctures do, as everyone’s taking pills. Simply pop the pill in your mouth, have some water, and you’re done. You can carry them in a small, tightly sealed bottle and take them everywhere you go. 

Longer-Lasting Effects

A study performed in mice found that the average amount of time an orally consumed cannabidiol molecule lingers in the body was 4.2 hours. This is longer even than injected CBD (used in hospital settings only) that the study found to stay in the body for 3.3 hours.    

Types of CBD Capsules

If you’re ready to try CBD capsules, the options are the following:

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol. It comes as a powder with a greater than 99% concentration of pure cannabidiol. This type of CBD doesn’t contain any other hemp cannabinoids and terpenes. The lack of many beneficial compounds means taking cannabidiol in a purified form won’t deliver the entourage effect. The entourage effect maximizes the benefits delivered by the hemp plant and occurs when cannabinoids and terpenes work in synergy. 

Broad Spectrum CBD

Unlike isolate, broad spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids and terpenes, except for tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the intoxicating cannabinoid in hemp that creates the “mind altering” effect in the user, which is associated with marijuana. 

Broad spectrum CBD capsules deliver the entourage effect because several hemp cannabinoids and terpenes work together to boost each other’s benefits. This type of cannabidiol is more effective than isolate. 

Full Spectrum CBD

As the name suggests, full spectrum CBD capsules contain the entire hemp plant profile cannabinoids, terpenes, and other naturally-occurring molecules. This means that THC is present typically in trace amounts or levels lower than 0.3% creating the entourage effect with terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and other organic compounds. 

Ground Decarboxylated CBD Flower

Some capsules are made of ground-up decarboxylated hemp flower meant for oral ingestion. CBD flower requires decarboxylation for the cannabidiolic acid or CBDA (the acidic precursor of CBD) to become active cannabidiol, which allows patients to tap into the benefits of hemp flower without combustion. 

Side Effects 

According to studies, cannabidiol is safe and generally well-tolerated in humans, even at large doses of up to 1,500 mg per day. But, some CBD users may experience side-effects, including: 

  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in appetite
  • Changes in weight

When it comes to pills, capsules, softgels, make sure to discuss taking them with your physician, especially if you are on some liver and heart medications. Cannabidiol can have significant drug interactions. Taking your CBD with high fat meals can drastically increase the concentrations of this remedy. This could also increase the risk of side effects. 

Final Thoughts

An easy-to-use form of hemp-derived cannabidiol that offers reliable dosing, but breaks down easily in the digestive tract. It’s available as CBD isolate, broad spectrum, full spectrum, and hemp flower form.