CBD Capsules or CBD Oils? A Complete Guide

Two of the most popular ways to consume CBD are in the form of CBD capsules or CBD oils. Each has its own characteristics, pros and cons, and considerations. Whilst both options deliver their active ingredient, cannabidiol (CBD), the way they are formulated, consumed, and experienced can differ significantly.

This article discusses the reasons why someone would choose CBD capsules or CBD oils. Including capsule options, such as soft gels and two-piece vegan friendly hard capsules, oil delivery mechanisms like droppers and sprays, absorption and bio-availability. We will touch on the different types of carrier oils that are commonly added to CBD oils and some CBD capsule products.

We’ll also discuss which are the most popular, and which are more convenient and easy to use, and whether this is significant when deciding whether to choose CBD capsules or CBD oils.

Understanding CBD Capsules

CBD capsules, sometimes referred to as CBD Tablets offer a fixed dosage of cannabidiol enclosed in a capsule shell. For some people, they resemble a more familiar and traditional supplement type product and are designed for straightforward consumption. CBD capsules or CBD oils may be an easy choice for individuals who dislike the taste of CBD oils.

Soft Gel Capsules

Soft gel capsules are generally made from gelatin (animal fat, most commonly from pigs) or less commonly plant-based shell filled with either CBD isolate or a broad-spectrum extract filling. Their smooth texture makes them easy to swallow, and their sealed design prevents them from leaking.

Soft gel capsules are the most commonly available variety of CBD capsules in the UK. The downside with soft gel capsule is that the manufacturing process restricts the manufacturer’s ability to custom formulate with as much creativity as hard-shell capsule varieties.

The machinery used to produce soft gel capsules is expensive and as a result relatively few manufacturers make the majority of the soft gel capsule products found on the UK market. Most UK brands selling this type of product are reselling a standardised and generic product.

Two-Piece Hard Capsules

In contrast, two-piece hard capsules are generally made from vegetable cellulose and are usually vegan friendly. This type of capsule can be filled with CBD isolate but also have the option of having a liquid filled formulation containing a broad or full spectrum extract.

These capsules may appeal to people that would prefer plant-based products or want specific formulations. This type of capsule allows the manufacturers to incorporate additional ingredients, in the case of the Love CBD range of capsules, a full or broad-spectrum extract with extra virgin coconut oil.

Understanding CBD Oils

CBD oils are liquid formulation containing cannabidiol from either an isolated CBD source or from a broad or full spectrum cannabis extract source, combined with a carrier oil. CBD oils come in a variety of concentrations, flavours, sizes and a couple of primary delivery methods.

Dropper-Delivered Oils

The most common format for CBD oil is in a tincture bottle with a dropper delivery method. This format allows users to roughly measure out a number of drops by squeezing a rubber end and drawing up the CBD oil into a clear tube. The dropper system has become the standard in the CBD industry and was the first delivery method adopted by CBD brands and manufacturers.

Spray-Delivered Oils

This type of delivery mechanism provides a convenient and easier dosing method than using a dropper. Sprays are less prone to leaking and making a mess. When Love CBD began trading in 2014, we used droppers for our CBD oils. However, due to customer reports of products leaking, and sprays being both more convenient and easier to accurately dose, we changed all of our CBD oils to a spray format.     

CBD Capsules or CBD oils and Absorption and Bioavailability

One of the most discussed topics around CBD is bio-availability. This refers to how much CBD enters your bloodstream and is usable by the body. While both capsules and oils deliver CBD and other cannabinoids (broad and full spectrum CBD oil products), they are absorbed differently and in differing quantities. 

• CBD Capsules: Capsules are generally swallowed, and go through the digestive system before being absorbed. This typically means a longer time to take effect compared to CBD oils. The bio-availability can be influenced by the presence of fat in the stomach, as well as the type of capsule formulation.
• CBD Oils: The most common way of consuming CBD oil is by placing it under the tongue in a sublingual manner. Some people choose to add CBD oil to their food. Common examples of this are baking, drizzling onto salads, adding into smoothies or drinks. The method of consumption can affect how quickly the oil is absorbed, and how much becomes available to your body.

While there is no better option, understanding these differences should help you to decide the best option for you, whether you prioritise convenience, taste or ease of dosage etc.

CBD Capsule or CBD Oils and Carrier oils

CBD oils are never made from pure CBD. Instead, a CBD extract or cheaper CBD isolate powder is combined with a carrier oil.  The carrier oil acts as the base, and helps dilute the extract or isolate powder into a consumable format. Carrier oils play a significant role role in the overall characteristic of the product and a high-quality carrier oil is always going to deliver a better experience.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a less commonly used carrier oil in CBD products. It has a rich and sometime peppery flavour which for flavoured CBD oils can be conflicting. CBD oils containing an olive oil carrier may appeal to consumers who like a natural flavour and appreciate the health properties found in a good quality extra virgin olive oil.

MCT Oil

Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, usually derived from coconuts and is the most popular carrier oil used in CBD products. It is lighter than olive oil in colour, nearly flavourless, and is known for its smooth texture.

MCT is popular in part because it allows the manufacturer the option to add their own flavourings. CBD isolate powder has very little taste, due to it not containing terpenes and other cannabis plant compounds that produce the smell and flavour that cannabis is known for. Therefore, in order to make a more interesting flavour, the manufacturer has to add it in after.

Some broad and full spectrum CBD products also use MCT oil as carrier oil, though they have their own unique flavour imparted from the extract and do not need to add flavourings. Not all broad-spectrum extracts are created equally, and a flavoured broad spectrum CBD oil is probably going to be of a low quality, as it will be highly processed with little of its natural terpene profile left.

MCT oil is also a popular choice due to its ability to boost the bio availability and increase the amount of cannabinoids that the body is able to absorb.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil is another common carrier oil, valued for its omega essential fatty acids. While hemp seed oil does not contain any significant level of cannabinoids including CBD, it is a very healthy option with a distinctive nutty flavour. Love CBD briefly had a hemp seed oil range, but our customers overwhelmingly preferred an olive oil carrier oil. 

What’s more popular, CBD Capsules or CBD Oils?

CBD oils are a clear leader in the market with online search volumes for CBD oil being far higher than for CBD capsules. However, their individual appeal depends on consumer priorities.

• CBD Capsules: Capsules offer a more familiar approach to supplements, but the dropper delivery method is the most ubiquitous. Capsules are more discrete, and no one would question someone popping a pill in public in the way that tipping your head back and putting a few drops under your tongue might.  Capsules also offer an easier and more a consistent approach to dosage.
• CBD Oils: Oils remain the most widely purchased type of CBD product and dominate online and retail sales. This is predominantly as a result of their long-standing association with CBD and public awareness of CBD oil.

CBD Capsules or CBD Oils and Convenience

Convenience is an important consideration for many when choosing whether to buy CBD capsules or CBD oils.

• Capsules: Capsules are more portable, more discreet, and easier to dose. There is no need to count the drops, spray servings, or worry about the taste. Capsules can be transported without worrying that the liquid may leak, which is particular problem with droppers.
• Oils: Using a dropper involves carefully measuring, which can be tricky especially if on the move or if you are in a hurry. Sprays with fixed dosage generally provide a faster and simpler option than droppers. As already mentioned, oils using the dropper method require more careful handling, as spills and leaks can be a problem if the bottle is not properly closed.

CBD Extract Types: Isolate, Broad Spectrum, and Full Spectrum

CBD oils and capsules can differ not only by their format, but also by the extracts that they contain. The three most common are CBD isolate, broad spectrum, and full spectrum extracts. Each one offers a different composition of plant compound and cannabinoid content.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is heavily extracted and processed, leaving a powder which contains upwards of 98% CBD. All the other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds are removed during processing.

• Cannabinoid Content: Pure CBD should contain 0% THC, or other cannabinoids such as CBN or CBG.
• Flavors:  Neutral or tasteless when mixed with carrier oils or put into capsules.
• Common Formats: Widely used in both CBD oil and CBD capsules. Mainly because it is a far cheaper ingredient than either broad or full spectrum extracts. Another application is for individuals that undertake drugs tests either for a job or due to sporting pursuits.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum extracts retain more plant compounds, including minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids while removing the THC.

• Cannabinoid Content: CBD plus other cannabinoids including CBG, CBC etc, but undetectable levels of THC.
• Flavours: Because it contains many plant compounds including terpenes, a good quality broad spectrum extract will produce an aroma and have a taste associated with the plant.
• Common Formats: Found in both oils (dropper and spray) and capsules and often mixed with MCT. Olive oil or hemp seed oil as a carrier.

Full Spectrum CBD

Full spectrum extracts have the widest range of plant compounds of any type of extract, including trace levels of THC. The used to be referred to as whole plant extracts, though that description is less commonly used in the industry.

• Cannabinoid Content: CBD plus minor cannabinoids. Including CBN, CBG, CBC and naturally occurring trace levels of THC.
• Flavours: Their flavour is usually the strongest and most earthy of the three extract types and is definitely an acquired taste that for many is never acquired. This type of extract may also contain chlorophyll which is the compound that makes plants green. Chlorophyll has many healthy properties of its own.

CBD Capsules or CBD Oils and the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network or group of pathways found in both humans and animals that helps regulate a variety of bodily functions. It is made up of the following:

• Endocannabinoids: Natural compounds produced by the body.
• Receptors: Found throughout the body, including CB1 and CB2 receptors.
• Enzymes: That help break down endocannabinoids once they’ve done their work.

While CBD and other plant-derived cannabinoids (phyto-cannabinoids) don’t bind to these receptors in the same way as the body’s own compounds (endo-cannabinoids), they interact with the system in ways that science doesn’t yet fully understand.

The Entourage Effect

The Entourage Effect is a concept that suggests that CBD may work differently when combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes compared to when it is isolated. We like to think of it like an orchestra that is far greater than the sum of its parts.

• Isolate: Contains only CBD, and therefore, there is no Entourage Effect.
• Broad Spectrum: Offers some of the benefits of the Entourage Effect, because CBD is combined with other cannabinoids (like CBN and CBG) and terpenes, but without any THC.
• Full Spectrum: Provides the most powerful version of the Entourage Effect, as it includes CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and traces of THC.

If you are interested in learning more about the Entourage Effect, please click to the link to our blog titled ‘The Science behind the Entourage Effect’.

Conclusion on CBD Capsules or CBD Oils

When choosing between CBD capsules or CBD oils, the main considerations are a based on personal preference. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, though more significantly, in my opinion, is selecting the right brand that manufacture high quality products.

Since we began trading in 2014, we have seen a decline in quality of the CBD products available on the UK market. This is partly due to ineffective and heavy-handed regulations, which has consolidated a lot of the market share with companies that are only concerned with revenue and sales, whilst at the same time not enforcing any bad actors.

The other factor has been the drive to lower prices, and the consequence has been that many CBD products are now commodities with nothing to separate them other than their marketing and label. The CBD industry used to be a cottage industry, with CBD products offering real choice and made from different strains that had unique cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Sadly now, in a large part, this is no longer true.

Therefore, when choosing between CBD capsules or CBD oils, always do research into the brand, independent reviews are a great place to start. Ensure that they have up to date lab reports from a UKAS accredited facility like Eurofins, and probably best to avoid any brands that rely on celebrities to sell their products. What do they know!

To read more content similar to our CBD Capsules or CBD Oils blog, please click and follow this link to a blog page.

First published https://www.lovecbd.org/cbd-capsules-or-cbd-oils-a-complete-guide/