You’ve probably heard of CBD oil by now. It’s everywhere! Social media, the news, and I’m sure some of your favourite celebrities are using it. But what about CBD capsules?

What are CBD oils?

CBD oils (or ‘tinctures’) are probably the most commonly used CBD infused product. Two simple ingredients are usually used to produce these: hemp extracted cannabidiol (CBD); and a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or MCT oil. Some CBD oils may also contain flavouring ingredients to provide them with a more pleasant taste, such as peppermint, orange, or lemon. You use CBD oils by firstly dropping the oil under the tongue using a pipette, holding the oil in the mouth for 1-2 minutes, and lastly, swallowing. The daily CBD dosage varies from person to person, but it tends to average between 30mg-100mg per day. Different CBD products contain different milligrams (mg) of cannabidiol, and will therefore provide different directions for use. It is recommended that you start low, and slowly increase your dosage every couple of days until you reach a desired amount that works for you. 

 Image Infographic CBD vs CBD Capsules

What are CBD capsules?

CBD capsules are very similar to CBD oils in the sense that their benefit comes from their containment of CBD extracted from hemp. However, the difference is that the CBD is suspended into a gel capsule. They can contain more ingredients and have a slightly more complex production process. This factor may allow for there to be more variation between different brands. Honest Hemp make their CBD capsules using phytocannabinoid-rich oil; this is essentially an oil that is abundant in cannabidiol (CBD) and other naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes. Terpenes are compounds found in the essential oils of plants. They provide the plant with scents and flavours, and most importantly, they can potentially provide us with various health benefits.

Terpenes

One of these terpenes found in the Honest Hemp CBD capsules is Caryophyllene. Caryophyllene has gained the attention of scientists due to being discovered as one of the first non-cannabinoids to directly activate cannabinoid receptors in the human body. So, not only does the CBD interact with our endocannabinoid system, but so does this terpene. It activates CB2 receptors which, when activated, can reduce inflammation which can, in turn, lessen pain and reduce the damaging consequences of inflammation on brain functioning. Additionally, Honest Hemp makes their soft gel CBD capsules with MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil, which goes further to boost your metabolism and aid in muscle recovery. 

Bioavailability

Usually, one of the main disadvantages of most CBD capsules is that the bioavailability tends to be much lower than that of CBD oils. However, Honest Hemp’s CBD capsules have been uniquely designed to avoid this disadvantage. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a drug or substance which enters the circulation when introduced to the body. This means that, when using a substance with higher bioavailability, a higher percentage of the substance will actually have an effect. Honest Hemp’s soft gel CBD capsules are unique due to the fact that they have been designed for optimum bioavailability. This is because Honest Hemp soft gel capsules use a unique CBD extract with smaller particles with the ability to break the blood brain barrier. These tight junctions between the astrocytic foot processes are usually too small for a standard sized particles to pass through. In simple terms, the CBD can pass through smaller barriers which standard CBD extract would not be able to.  When a compound passes through this blood brain barrier, it stays in the system for much longer. This means that when you take an Honest Hemp CBD capsule, the CBD actually stays in your system for longer than a CBD oil, which can increase the potency of the benefits that you may experience. Additionally, they are made with water-soluble formulation used inside the capsule. This essentially combines the blend of ingredients more thoroughly, which creates a larger surface area on each individual drop of cannabidiol (CBD). This maximises the level of absorption that the cannabidiol can have, which therefore increases bioavailability. 

 Image of CBD Capsules and Tinctures

Which one should I choose for me?

When trying to decide whether you should use CBD oils or CBD capsules, consider which benefits are most important to you. Both products will have similar uses and effects, due to the fact that they are CBD products, and their purpose is to simply provide your body with CBD. However, there are definitely some important differences that you should take into account. 

 

The case for CBD oils

  • CBD oils can offer an extremely wide horizon in your choice of CBD strength, and also a variation in flavours. 
  • The bioavailability tends to be higher than that of other forms of CBD products. 
  • You have a much more accurate and precise control over your dosage. You can take as much or as little oil as you like, down to the drop. However, this can be more difficult.  

The case for CBD capsules

  • Honest Hemp’s CBD capsules have been uniquely designed to provide optimum bioavailability. 
  • CBD capsules are much easier to use. The dosage is premeasured, so you simply swallow the capsule with water. It is no different to taking a regular pharmaceutical pill. 
  • They can be much more discreet and convenient to carry around. Using an oil in public can be fairly noticeable, whereas swallowing a pill is quick and easy. 
  • Capsules are tasteless which can be a benefit if you do not enjoy the taste of CBD oils.

If you think CBD oil is the right thing for you due to its high bioavailability, but you are unsure about the flavour or the convenience of using an oil, then go to www.honesthemp.co.uk. There you can find flavoured CBD sprays which offer an easier dosing method, and flavoured CBD oils which taste great. If you are leaning towards CBD capsules, then choose Honest Hemp’s Soft Gel Capsules. They offer all the benefits of a CBD capsule, but with maximised bioavailability.