Best CBD Capsules and Pills: Top 5 Brands of 2021

CBD for pain

* If you’re unsure if CBD oil is right for you, consult your healthcare provider.

(Ad) Cannabidiol, also referred to as CBD oil, is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. People often take CBD oil out of the belief that it helps reduce anxiety, promote better sleep, and relieve pain.

Although CBD oil tinctures have been around for quite some time, manufacturers have started producing CBD products in the form of CBD capsules and pills that can be taken orally. Oral CBD supplements are an attractive option if you don't like the taste of CBD oil tinctures or if you enjoy the convenience that swallowing a CBD pill provides.

However, not all CBD products are created equal. To help you find the best CBD pills, we’ve reviewed the top CBD oils on the market and evaluated on a variety of factors including:

  • Type of hemp extract
  • Potency
  • Number of servings per bottle
  • Additional ingredients included (such as MCT oil)
  • Price

Here are our top picks for the best CBD oil capsules of 2021.

Top 5 Best CBD Capsules and Pills

#1 CBDistillery: Best CBD Brand Overall

CBDistillery

CBDistillery carries high-quality CBD pills and CBD capsules derived from non-GMO industrial hemp organically grown in the United States. Each flavorless and vegan-friendly gelatin softgel potentially produces a calming, relaxing effect, dissolves within 30 minutes, and contains a pre-measured and concentrated serving of hemp-derived CBD. 

The U.S. Hemp Authority, an organization that issues stringent self-regulatory standards and third-party auditing, certifies this company’s products. In addition, CBDistillery offers full-spectrum CBD capsules and THC-free softgels, as well as a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

CBDistillery Relief + Relax Full Spectrum CBD Softgels

Type of CBD: Full-spectrum hemp extract, meaning that it contains multiple cannabinoid extracts from the hemp plant, including up to 0.3% THC. (Note: We'll explain more about the distinctions between different spectrums of hemp extract below.)

Number of servings per bottle: 30 or 60, depending on size

Potency: 30 mg of CBD per serving (1 softgel)

Ingredients: Full-spectrum hemp extract, fractionated coconut oil (MCT, or medium-chain triglyceride), and gelatin (capsule)

Click Here for the Lowest Price on CBDistillery Full-Spectrum Softgels

CBDistillery Relief + Relax Broad Spectrum CBD Softgels

Type of CBD: Broad-spectrum, meaning that it contains multiple cannabinoid compounds but no significant THC (trace levels are less than .05%)

Number of servings per bottle: 30 or 60, depending on size

Potency: 30 mg of CBD per serving (1 softgel)

Ingredients: Broad-spectrum hemp extract, fractionated coconut oil (MCT), and gelatin, glycerin, and water (capsule)

Click Here for the Lowest Price on CBDistillery Broad-Spectrum Softgels

#2: Cheef Botanicals: Most Potent CBD Tablets

cheef botanicals

Cheef Botanicals ranks among the top CBD manufacturers, with a reputation for super-strong vegan CBD capsules with pure full-spectrum organic CBD from Colorado-grown hemp. These capsules are non-GMO, organic, non-dairy, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, meaning they contain no animal gelatin. They also contain no artificial colors or flavors. 

The company uses coconut powder as an additive for maximum absorption, to boost potassium, and to naturally balance the user’s pH level. It also has a 30-day return policy.

Type of CBD: Full-spectrum hemp extract (containing multiple cannabinoid extracts from the hemp plant, including up to 0.3% THC)

Number of servings per bottle: 30 capsules per bottle.

Potency: Available in strengths of 10 mg of CBD per capsule, 25 mg of CBD per capsule, 50 mg of CBD per capsule, and 100 mg of CBD per capsule

Ingredients: Full-spectrum hemp extract, coconut powder, and non-animal gelatin

Click Here for the Lowest Price on Cheef Botanicals Softgels

#3 Royal CBD: Best Full-Spectrum Capsules

royal cbd

Royal CBD manufactures full-spectrum CBD capsules that contain the total range of compounds found in hemp, including CBC, CBG, CBN, and up to 0.3% of THC. Because hemp plants tend to absorb elements from the soil, including heavy metals, the company says it uses only organic hemp from farms that regularly test air and soil quality.

Type of CBD: Full-spectrum hemp extract

Number of servings per bottle: 30 capsules per bottle; the company recommends taking one to two daily

Potency: 25 mg CBD per capsule

Ingredients: Full-spectrum hemp oil extract, MCT oil, sunflower lecithin, sorbic acid, beta-caryophyllene, gelatin, vegetable glycerine, and water

Click Here for the Lowest Price on Royal CBD Capsules

#4 Joy Organics: High-Quality CBD Supplements for Sleep

joy organics

Joy Organics CBD softgels are a different type of CBD product from those we've already described. They combine THC-free CBD with melatonin to promote relaxation and support a healthy sleep cycle. Melatonin is a hormone in the brain that regulates when we sleep and tends to decline with age. 

The CBD capsules from Joy Organics also contain cannabinol (CBN), a nonintoxicating compound that THC creates when it ages. CBN reportedly has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also might protect against neurodegenerative conditions and stimulate the appetite.

Type of CBD: Broad-spectrum CBD

Number of servings per bottle: 30 softgels per bottle; the company recommends taking one to two daily

Potency: 25 mg CBD, plus 3 mg of CBN and 3 mg of melatonin per capsule

Ingredients: Phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract, melatonin, MCT from coconut, polysorbate emulsifiers, beta-caryophyllene, Roman chamomile, glycerine, bovine-derived gelatin, sorbitol, sulphur dioxide, and water.

Click Here for the Lowest Price on Joy Organics CBD Capsules

#5 Charlotte’s Web: Top Vegan-Friendly CBD Softgels for Sale

Among CBD brands, Charlotte’s Web makes high-quality CBD capsules that contain just two ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, as a carrier oil, and the company’s proprietary hemp mixture of CBD, terpenes, phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids.

The company uses only U.S.-grown hemp and a CO2 extraction process to avoid unnecessary contaminants. In addition, the capsules are gluten-free, allergen-free, 100% vegan, and kosher.

Type of CBD: Broad-spectrum CBD

Number of servings per bottle: 30 softgels per bottle; the company recommends a daily dose of one to two capsules

Potency: 25 mg CBD per pill. (The company also sells a lower potency of 15 mg CBD per pill.)

Ingredients: Phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract, organic extra-virgin olive oil, and vegetable cellulose (for the capsule)

CBD Oil Tinctures vs. CBD Capsules – Which Is Better?

Regardless of their composition, CBD oil and capsules are non-psychotropic, which means they won’t get you high even if they contain trace amounts of THC. Both formats also have the same potential benefits of CBD oil, which may include helping reduce stress, providing relief from pain and inflammation, and promoting healthy sleep.

However, CBD pills, CBD oil capsules, and CBD gel capsules are more convenient and easier to manage than CBD oil tinctures. They require no mixing or measuring. Because CBD oil drops can be imprecise, the best CBD capsules allow for more consistent doses.

CBD gel capsules also are easier to swallow. Some consumers don’t like the bitter, earthy taste of CBD oil. In addition, unlike CBD gummies, CBD oil capsules tend to be gluten-free and sugar-free.

That said, CBD oil and tinctures work faster simply because capsules take a while to dissolve in the body’s digestive system and absorb into the bloodstream. For manufacturers such as CBDistillery, this isn’t much of a drawback, though. The company notes that its softgels dissolve within 30 minutes.

How We Ranked the Best CBD Pills

With so many CBD capsules, softgels, and pills on the market, the quality and efficacy can vary widely. That’s why we looked at several factors when compiling this list, such as:

Third-Party Testing

Because the FDA and other main regulatory agencies don’t endorse CBD products, we think it’s important to verify their purity, safety, and quality through an independent laboratory. So when shopping for CBD capsules, look for companies that post their third-party lab results, also called a Certificate of Analysis (COA), so that you’re assured the hemp oil in these capsules is pure.

Type of Hemp Extract

Hemp seed oil, or hemp extract, includes various compounds from the hemp plant, including CBD and trace amounts of THC. Full-spectrum CBD oils or hemp-derived CBD extracts by law contain less than 0.3% THC, which shouldn’t get you high, but we find that some people like to avoid any amount of THC so that any contamination or accumulation of THC doesn’t show up on a drug test.

Extraction Method

CBD brands that manufacture CBD capsules have different methods of extracting hemp oil from cannabis. These include CO2 extraction, alcohol extraction, and lipid-based extraction, each of which avoids using solvents.

For instance, lipid-based extraction uses fatty acids that occur naturally to separate compounds with minimal processing and no toxins. Alcohol extraction uses ethanol to strip CBD from hemp plants, while CO2 extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide.

Some people might say that CO2 extraction is the safest and cleanest method, although the other methods also have their benefits and are generally regarded as safe. The important thing for consumers is to know which method a company uses since that method contributes to the overall quality and efficacy of its products.

Hemp Source

Even without a main regulatory agency overseeing its quality, organic hemp grown in the United States is generally safer in comparison to hemp grown in foreign countries, which might have less transparency and less domestic farming supervision. In addition, companies that manufacture CBD recognize Colorado, North Carolina, and Kentucky as great hemp-supplying states with farms that monitor soil and air quality, reducing contamination from heavy metals.

Potency

The potency of the capsules among our picks ranges from 10 mg CBD per capsule to 100 mg CBD per capsule. Manufacturers recommend that newcomers start at the lowest possible potency to gauge CBD's effects and then increase the dosage as necessary. A range of potency allows for more flexibility in your personal care. If you’re unsure of the correct dosage you should take, consult with your primary care physician.

Price

The best CBD capsules that we've chosen range in price from about $24 per bottle for Cheef Botanicals to more than $80 for Royal CBD. Some companies, such as Cheef Botanicals, outline the recommended dosage based on a user’s weight, so although each bottle contains 30 capsules, one serving might be two, three, or five capsules daily, depending upon your size. 

When shopping for CBD supplements, check the dosage size, just as you would with other supplements. On the plus side, premium CBD manufacturers offer:

  • coupons
  • monthly savings for regular buyers
  • buy-one-get-one deals
  • money-back guarantees

How to Use CBD Pills

The cannabinoids in CBD pills impact the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating our mood, sleep cycle, appetite, memory, and fertility. So even if you don’t use cannabis or CBD, your body’s endocannabinoid system remains active.

People who have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, heart disease, severe acne, and other health issues have tried pure CBD oil to help relieve their symptoms and pain.  Studies of patients with cancer report that CBD provides natural pain relief

Because CBD might address an array of conditions, taking CBD capsules varies from one person to another. If you’re new to CBD supplements, manufacturers recommend starting at the lowest end of a dosage (such as a 10 mg capsule once a day), then gradually increasing your dosage as needed. Remember, always consult a doctor about your specific medical conditions and dosing guidelines.

CBD pills may allow people who use CBD for anxiety or chronic pain to help maintain a consistent level of the extract in their system.

However, CBD products might interact with some prescription medications and other supplements. For instance, full-spectrum CBD oil might interfere with enzymes crucial for drug metabolism, similar to the way grapefruit reacts with certain enzymes, Healthline reports.

CBD also has potential side effects, including changes in weight and appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. Talk with your physician, as well as consulting the product packaging and any lab reports, to learn more about a CBD product’s potency and appropriate dose.

The Different Types of CBD in Softgels and Tablets

Manufacturers use different types of CBD oil in their softgels and tablets. Let’s look at the distinctions between these spectrum extracts:

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

Full-spectrum hemp extract contains all the compounds of the cannabis plant, including THC, although at a trace level (less than 0.3%). Because of its composition, full-spectrum CBD oil can be more potent, similar to “extra-strength” over-the-counter medication.

Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil

In addition to CBD, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains several additional hemp plant compounds such as CBC, CBG, and CBN, which might have additional wellness benefits. However, this form of CBD does not contain THC.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is pure CBD. It contains no additional compounds such as THC or CBN. So, while it might not have the “extra strength” quality that full-spectrum hemp extract does after one dose, you can adjust your intake as needed, with caution.

Some state laws allow the sale of only the latter two types, broad-spectrum and isolate CBD. In addition, some consumers prefer to experiment only with CBD, not other hemp compounds. Theoretically, the purest hemp compounds, such as CBD isolate, should not show up on a drug test, medical professionals say.

However, because of the lack of universal regulation, some contamination between CBD and THC is a possibility and might register on a drug test, depending on the cutoff level and other factors. In addition, ingesting regular trace doses of THC also might cause THC to accumulate in the bloodstream. If you’re concerned about a drug test, look for CBD capsules or a CBD pill that's THC-free.

Lastly, given the unclear product labeling regulations in the United States, experts suggest that consumers check whether the labels on these supplements list the potency. A reputable manufacturer should also note whether it used solvents during extraction, whether the product underwent testing for herbicides and pesticides, and whether it's USDA organic.

Final Thoughts on CBD Capsules

As research into CBD extract and its potential health benefits continues, you might notice new therapeutic possibilities for this natural remedy. The top CBD capsules provide a precise and convenient yet powerful way to work this supplement into your daily routine without any measuring or mess.

Before purchasing any CBD oil capsules, we recommend checking with your doctor or another medical professional to discuss any possible interactions with your current medication. Then, once you have the all-clear, you can take these capsules at a certain time each day, as you would any other supplement.

The best CBD capsules offer a range of potencies and formulations so that people can take a low dose occasionally or maintain a certain amount of these compounds in their system. Many people say that regular doses over time might be an effective way to manage diagnosed depression, anxiety, and pain. In addition, some CBD pills contain additional compounds, such as melatonin, to improve sleep.

While we've chosen our picks for the best CBD capsules based on ingredients, extraction, pricing, and other factors, you'll find that the best CBD capsules for you are the ones that meet your individual needs. You might prefer capsules that use full-spectrum CBD oil or ones with non-GMO organic ingredients, for instance.

Whatever your preference, we hope that this guide has offered some insights into this increasingly popular pain reliever and calming supplement.

 

This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.