Best CBD Capsules & Pills:
Top 10 Brands of 2024

Paul James Updated on December 5, 2024 Affiliate Disclosure Some links are specifically formatted for which we may receive a commission on resulting sales or clicks from affiliate partners (“Affiliate Links”).

One of the reasons CBD pills have grown so popular among cannabis users is due to their convenience.

As cannabidiol grows in popularity, many are finding relief in capsules (also referred to as soft gels or pills). As capsule competition increases, more brands are finding unique ways to craft these pills for optimum relief.

These capsules are often mixed with a variety of all-natural ingredients that may help with varying ailments. Additionally, capsules provide a familiar and discreet way to consume CBD.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore our summary of the best cannabidiol capsules to help you decide which is right for you.

What Are CBD Capsules / Softgels / Pills?

CBD capsules are all the same as other pills – the only difference is they contain cannabidiol and, potentially, other ingredients. Typically, you’ll find these pills either in a hard capsule or a soft gel.

One of the reasons capsules have grown so popular among frequent users is their convenience. Once you’ve swallowed a capsule, CBD will metabolize in your digestive system and make its way through the body for you to begin to feel the benefits.

Capsules are commonly made using a carrier oil. Carrier oils help with the digestion of the extract as well as enhance its dispersion throughout your body. Carrier oils widely used include MCT coconut oil and hemp seed oil.

Once inside your body, CBD will begin to interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). While the science isn’t 100% clear, it’s believed that this compound can balance out your ECS. In turn, providing you with the numerous benefits it’s known for.

Top 12 CBD Capsules Review

The benefit of purchasing capsules is there are a wide variety on the market with different ingredients and potencies.

How to Take CBD Capsules / Softgels / Pills

Taking CBD capsules simply involves swallowing them as you would any other pill. Preferably, with a full glass of water. However, the time of day you take these capsules will likely play a significant role in the effects they have on you.

As you can see with our cannabidiol capsule list, some are designed for daytime use and others for nighttime. Not to mention, some capsules can be taken any time of the day. Since CBD doesn’t produce psychoactivity, it’s safe to take whenever. Still, you may wish to consider a few things before taking these pills.

The first is the dosage amount. It has been reported that high doses of cannabidiol can cause fatigue. With that said, you may want to keep a low dosage during the day. While you may not feel the effects as intensely, it’s less likely that low amounts will make you feel tired. Furthermore, lower doses in combination with caffeine may have benefits that enhance one’s ability to focus.

How to Figure Out the Right Dosage for CBD Capsules

In order to understand your dosage, you must pay attention to how many milligrams (mg) of CBD are in a single capsule.

Best CBD Capsules Dosage

While the right milligram count will vary from person to person, an extract containing anywhere from 5mg to 20mg is typically good to take during the day. Whereas higher doses (25mg to 50mg) are better taken at night.

 

Of course, this rule doesn’t apply to everyone, as it affects each of us differently. Some people may find it more beneficial to take higher doses during the daytime. If you’re new to dosing with cannabidiol and want to find the right dosage, we advise you to take the suggested dosage on the label. This is especially true for the products we featured as our best CBD capsules as they tend to work for most people.

 

If you don’t experience the effects you’re looking for by starting with a low dose, gradually increase your dose from there.

Luckily, measuring out a dosage with CBD gel capsules is easier than other consumption methods, such as tinctures or smoking hemp flowers.

Keep in mind, if you’re currently on medication, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking CBD. While it is rare, CBD could potentially cause negative interactions with certain medications.

Our Criteria for the Best CBD Capsules

CBD products currently aren’t regulated nor approved for medical use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – with the exception of Epidiolex. As a result, many disreputable brands have entered the marketplace and are selling unsafe and low-quality products.

For this reason, it’s vital to have certain criteria when purchasing cannabis products online. When determining  the best CBD capsules, we’ve examined and evaluated the products through the following lens:

Hemp Source

CBD is a phytocannabinoid extracted from the hemp plant. We leaned towards brands that ensure all their hemp plants are grown organically and locally sourced.

Ingredients

Products can be made with a variety of ingredients. Look at these ingredients and make sure they meet your dietary specifications. Most of the companies we review have high standards for the ingredients they use and tend to only use all-natural elements in their CBD capsules.

Extract Type

As you shop, you’re going to come across 3 different extract types of CBD. It’s important to understand these as they’ll allow you to know what kind of cannabinoid and terpene blend is in the capsule. Extract types include:

  • Full Spectrum – Makes use of all of organic hemp’s cannabinoids. Can also produce the entourage effect.
  • Broad Spectrum – Makes use of all of hemp’s cannabinoids except for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
  • CBD Isolate – Pure CBD and no other cannabinoids.

Potency

On the label of your capsule, you will find a milligram (mg) count. This informs you of the potency of the product. The higher the mg-count, the more potent a product is.

Certificate of Analysis

Since CBD isn’t certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one way companies assure the quality is by sending batches of product through a third-party test. These tests measure the exact makeup of the product, including the amounts of each cannabinoid. You’ll want to make sure the  brand you purchase from offers access to these lab reports.

Pricing

The price shouldn’t be the primary decider of whether you choose to buy a certain product or not. However, it may give you some insight as to the quality of CBD. Admittedly, more expensive products tend to be safer and more potent.

Best CBD Capsules How to Choose

POTENTIAL Side Effects of CBD CAPSULES

While CBD side effects are rare, they can happen. These side effects are typically mild, but may negatively interact with certain medications and cause further adverse effects.

CBD consumption may also cause:

  • Diarrhea
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced Appetite

 

Furthermore, the long-term effects of CBD in pregnant women remain unknown. Until they are better understood, the FDA recommends caution when CBD is used by pregnant or lactating women. In fact, it may be safer to avoid CBD entirely if you happen to be in this category.


Paul James

Paul James is a seasoned cannabis and CBD writer and expert. He is a mental health blogger who advocates CBD as a natural alternative to prescription medications. You can read more about this and other natural alternatives on his blog: https://bedlamite.co/."

CBD CAPSULES FAQ

CBD pills can carry a variety of effects for the user. Many report that CBD capsules have helped them improve sleep, alleviate pain, better control muscle spasticity (related to multiple sclerosis), and helped reduce anxiety levels.