Ever since hemp was legalized in the US, the market has been filled with more Cannabidiol (CBD) products than any other herbal extract. Its use has helped many people go through physical pain and mental agony.
Some have even utilized its benefits to quit smoking.
And, all that was possible through different kinds of products, including edibles, vapes, capsules, tinctures, and topical products.
If you’re someone who doesn’t prefer tasting the hemp or other fruity flavors, you’d probably do better with capsules.
This form of CBD delivery does have some downsides, such as slow uptake, reduced potency due to the first-pass effect as it goes through the digestive system, and drug interaction. Nevertheless, many CBD users still favor this option owing to its simplicity of usage.
If you’re among such users, you have probably asked yourself: Which brand of CBD capsules should I trust?
Well, we have the answer for you. But fasten your seat belt, because the answer isn’t a clear-cut thing unless and until you know exactly what you expect from a CBD brand.
Top 5 Brands of CBD Capsules
Here are the market’s 5 best brands of CBD capsules…
- Cheef Botanicals Vegan CBD Capsules – Overall Best CBD Capsules
- CBDPure Softgels 750 – Purest CBD Softgel Capsules
- NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Capsules – Most Potent CBD Capsules
- CBDistillery CBD Softgels – Best Range of Extracts In Capsules
- Joy Organics CBD Softgels – Best Range Of Capsules For Varied Purposes
… and here’s how we chose them…
So, How Did We Select The Best CBD Capsule Brands?
To keep our “Best of” Lists fresh and updated, we regularly test and verify a large number of cannabis brands for their different types of products. It isn’t simply a question of preference, but of quality, safety, potency, and purity. And most of all, the companies’ commitment to meeting all legal and personal expectations of all stakeholders, focused mainly on the consumers.
For that, we conduct regular surveys, inspect thousands of customer reviews left on brand websites, social media, and public forums, analyze the facts and details provided by companies and verify them with third-party sources, including lab results published by independent laboratories, and consult cannabis and health experts for their opinion on the different brands and types of products available in the commercial market.
We collect the reviews for you either directly from the brand’s website or by logging on to the blog pages where CBD-enthusiasts commonly comment and review any new brand or its products. We rely on this data as it comes directly from the first-hand experiences of new and old users alike.
We do not rely on reviews shared by unknown users alone. We test the products ourselves and give you the most honest opinion. We use our professional and scientific gauging criteria that are highly detailed and insightful for our patron readers.
These steps help us understand the brands and their products better. Once we have cleared it with all the usual stakeholders, we test the finalists ourselves.
The bottom line is to check for the quality of products and services, safety profiles, variety, potency, reliability, and price range.
To ensure you get the best product recommendations, we test them for all these parameters. But, to make sure we don’t jeopardize our health in the process, we do the market research before testing them ourselves.
Of course, not all users would have the same experience. The effects of these individual products greatly vary among users. This true to most herbal extracts. Nevertheless, we try to ensure variety in our experiences by using people with different health conditions in our testing phase and consider the most-repeated comments put forth by consumers.
These ensure a more objective conclusion on each and every brand and product.
The products we choose have are generally all-rounders, high in quality, and offer value for money. The systematically tested data speaks for itself.
Below are a few of our main criteria in judging CBD products and brands:
Experience: Our team of experts and testers not only has a good level of experience in CBD strains and products but also has in-depth scientific know-how about everything cannabis. Besides, they understand all the testing criteria of every type of CBD product.
To present our first-hand experiences, we try to make sure we provide you with accurate and scientifically justifiable data. So, you will find our reviews conforming with the majority of average consumers, both regular repeat customers and newbies.
Ingredients: Our list only contains products that are pure, naturally derived, and comprise of organically sourced ingredients, especially the hemp extracts.
Effectiveness: An important criterion for us to decide a brand’s credence is its product’s effectiveness. We made sure that the products are as good as claimed by the companies. This ensures both product quality and brand commitment.
Price point: CBD has found a strong foothold in the cannabis market. It has also transcended from its original purpose of recreational use and entered into a plethora of therapeutic usage. However, it hasn’t been able to lower the prices as much as we normally observe with other consumables.
The reasons for that are the high procurement, refinement, and manufacturing costs, apart from farming regulations and other related expenses. However, bear in mind that the high costs ensure the quality of the products. Apart from meeting the set norms and regulations, a company needs to invest a lot of money in R&D. Besides, different kinds of CBD extracts and products need various levels of processing that raise the costs significantly.
These are some of the reasons why some CBD brands are so high-priced and yet much sought-after. Nevertheless, some brands try to keep out all kinds of frills and provide only those ingredients that are absolutely necessary for optimal health and wellness. These steps help them keep the prices relatively lower than some of the most exorbitantly priced brands in the market. We tried to bear this in mind while selecting the brands.
General Customer Satisfaction: The brands in our list swear by their products’ qualities, thus offering you money-back guarantees. Besides, they also maintain high levels of transparency to ensure reliability. Apart from the products themselves, the companies try to cater to customer satisfaction through their services – both before and after sales. These factors influence consumer loyalty. We respect brands that realize the importance of consumer satisfaction – on all levels.
5 Best CBD Capsule Brands: What Sets Them Apart?
#1. Cheef Botanicals Vegan CBD Capsules – Overall Best CBD Capsules
Cheef Botanicals is among the few amazing brands in the cannabis market that are focused on quality. From its hemp strains, farming practices, and extraction processes to manufacturing of the products and their packaging – Cheef Botanicals is on a mission to provide consumers with the highest quality and the best from the world of cannabis.
Started by a group of cannabis enthusiasts on a health campaign, Cheef Botanicals utilizes the safest process of hemp extraction – the supercritical CO2 method – for obtaining its high-quality hemp extracts.
Its CBD capsules are vegan and cruelty-free (no animal gelatin is used), 100% organic and all-natural, highly potent, and contain broad-spectrum hemp extracts. You won’t find any synthetic colors or flavors in these capsules. These capsules are available in four potency variants – 300mg, 750mg, 1500mg & 3000mg
PROS
- 3rd-party lab-tested natural hemp-based products
- 100% organic; non-GMO products
- Broad-spectrum hemp extracts (zero-THC)
- Vegan capsules (no bovine gelatin was used in these capsules)
- Wide range of CBD concentrations
- Capsules pack long-lasting effects
- Devoid of synthetic additives, fillers, or colors
- A variety of money-saving bundles available
CONS
- No charity or assistance program available
- No mention of the safety profiles in the lab results posted on the website
Customers’ Take
With an average customer rating as high as 4.7/5 and as many as 2093 reviews speaking for the brand, Cheef Botanicals has gained both high traction and popularity as a trusted and well-loved cannabis brand within a very short period.
Most of the comments for its CBD capsules relate to the wide range of CBD strengths and affordable pricing. Besides, customers also appreciated the brand’s fantastic customer service, timely delivery, and product quality.
Customers also loved the online shopping experience, the customer support’s prompt responsiveness, and the brand’s transparency – all of the things that make most potential customers form a long-term relationship with the company.
Our Take
Cheef Botanicals’ CBD capsules are worth investing in for any average CBD consumer. The varying CBD strengths are great for people with different needs, i.e., both occasional and regular users.
The use of non-GMO and vegan ingredients is a plus for this brand, besides its high-quality hemp strains, as well as extraction and manufacturing practices.
#2. CBDPure Softgels 750 – Purest CBD Softgel Capsules
CBDPure is one of the most respected names in the cannabis industry. Its high-quality full-spectrum hemp extracts are sourced from its own licensed farmlands in Colorado and Washington.
All its products are free of harmful pesticides and herbicides. Its hemp strains are carefully selected for their high CBD content and are grown with attention to quality.
Every batch of all its products, including its CBD softgel capsules, are tested, verified, and certified by third-party labs.
The soft gels contain the brand’s typically pure, certified organic-standards, non-GMO, industrial hemp extracts.
Intended to deliver a powerful dose of CBD, each CBDPure softgel capsule is loaded with all the desirable cannabinoids derived from hemp. Each softgel pill packs 25mg of CBD, which is an excellent dosage for most CBD users.
CBDPure utilizes some of the most advanced technologies to deliver among the purest, additive-free CBD through its capsules. The capsules do not contain any synthetic carrier oils or flavorings. The softgel shells contain vegetable glycerin, gelatin, and distilled water. Since these capsules are softgels, it makes swallowing easier.
PROS
- 5gm of hemp oil & 25mg of CBD in each capsule
- Softgel containers come with 30 capsules – a perfect pack for a month
- Softgel shells are made with vegan gelatin and glycerin.
- No artificial carriers, flavoring, or coloring
- All-natural, organic CBD oil product
- 90-day money-back guarantee
- Full-spectrum hemp extract for impactful effects
CONS
- The dosage may be too high for beginners
- Prices are dearer than most other brands
Customers’ Take
CBDPure softgel capsules have received a high volume of positive reviews from customers, especially from consumers who prefer high dosages in one go. It avoids having to pop more than one capsule at a time or repeating doses throughout the day.
Each of CBDPure’s Softgels 750 capsules allows you to experience all the benefits of full-spectrum CBD in its full strength throughout the day.
The product’s slightly higher price may have been a deterrent for some users. However, those who have tried them out at least once make sure to save money for these capsules. These are so good!
The company doesn’t use any synthetic ingredients for any other purpose, making these capsules the best option for people looking for quality over everything else.
The 3rd-party lab tests confirmed everything the consumers experienced after using this product. Besides, the lab reports also helped encourage consumers of their efficacy and safety.
Our Take
CBDPure’s CBD softgel capsules are undoubtedly one of the best options for people who have been consuming CBD products for various reasons.
Even an occasional user would find all the expected effects from these power-packed CBD caps. Our experience, as expected, was wonderfully therapeutic. We would strongly recommend users remain cautious while starting on these capsules, as they are highly potent.
#3. NuLeaf Naturals Full-Spectrum CBD Capsules – Most Potent CBD Capsules
As one of America’s pioneering cannabis companies, NuLeaf Naturals has been driven by herbal medicine enthusiasts looking for the most natural ways to improve human health and wellness.
Founded in 2014, NuLeaf Naturals is among the few brands that do not care for frills or flavors. They care for the purity of their products and how pure hemp-derived cannabinoids could help people in overcoming their physical issues. The brand’s products contain only full-spectrum extracts, and until recently it sold only Full-Spectrum CBD Tinctures for both humans and pets.
Recently, the brand started selling the same CBD oils packaged as softgel capsules. So, those who are familiar with the brand’s tinctures shouldn’t have any problem transitioning to capsules. And, those who didn’t prefer their tinctures for their hempy flavor won’t have any problem using these softgel capsules.
Each of these hemp softgel capsules packs 15mg of full-spectrum CBD extracts. Apart from CBD, it contains other naturally derived hemp-based cannabinoids and terpenes. To keep the prices as budget-friendly as possible, the brand uses whole-plant extracts but subjects them to several layers of refinement and processing.
PROS
- Organic, non-GMO hemp extracts are used
- Full-spectrum extracts are used, making CBD more potent
- Free from any synthetic chemicals
- CO2 extraction methods used; no residual solvents present
- 15mg/capsule suitable for all users
- Variable-sized containers for people who need higher doses per use to last a month
CONS
- 15mg dose may require repeated use for veteran users
- No range in concentrations per capsule
- Full-spectrum has its downsides, such as potentially failing a drug test
Customers’ Take
Most customers appreciate the company using advanced subcritical and supercritical CO2 extraction methods. This ensures the presence of a whole array of essential oils, terpenes, and cannabinoids from natural hemp – all in their purest forms. This extraction process produces high potency yield without the need to use harsh chemical solvents.
Some of the most common remarks on these capsules are regarding their high efficacy. Besides, customers are pretty satisfied by the company’s sense of responsibility and prompt customer service.
Our Take
These softgel capsules are easy to swallow and highly potent. Besides, the company also provides all-around care for its customers’ needs through its products and services.
One thing is for sure: If you want a frill-free cannabis brand for only the essential qualities of hemp-derived cannabinoids, NuLeaf Natural is your brand.
#4. CBDistillery CBD Softgels – Best Range of Extracts In Capsules
A well-known all-American cannabis brand of the #CBDMOVEMENT fame, CBDistillery is noted for its endeavors to make CBD products accessible to one and all. It is also known for its efforts to spread awareness and bring cannabis research to the general public.
Founded by a group of Colorado natives in 2016, this company is inspired by the idea that all Americans should have access to high-quality, affordable, homegrown, hemp-derived CBD products.
CBDistillery values quality and transparency. That is why it provides clarity in every aspect of its business – from its practices and lab testing to its labeling and consumer awareness programs. That is why its products are reliable – 0n so many levels.
CBDistillery offers a good range of high-quality CBD softgel capsules. These capsules contain non-GMO, organically grown, industrial hemp extracts. The brand focuses on natural farming practices.
The capsules are intended for on-the-go-use and are easy on digestion.
CBDistillery’s CBD softgel capsules are available in both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum extracts. That means people of all kinds can utilize the best of hemp-derived cannabinoids and terpenoids.
These softgels contain the same high-quality hemp extract as its CBD tinctures. And, that includes the extracted and processed natural hemp oil, which is blended in MCT carrier oil to help in the easy absorption of cannabinoids. The capsule shells are made from gelatin.
PROS
- Powerful 30mg CBD content per capsule
- Both broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD extracts available
- Available in two sizes, i.e., 30-count and 60-count containers
- US hemp authority-certified CBD capsules
- Easy to swallow and easy on users’ digestive system
CONS
- 30mg CBD per capsule may be desirable for experienced users but may not be suitable for new users.
- Free shipping only for new customers; for regular customers orders must be over $75 to avail of free shipping option.
Customers’ Take
Both lines of capsules, i.e., the full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD capsules, have good overall ratings. Most positive ratings were influenced by the products’ effectiveness and customer experience. Some customers were, however, disappointed by the slightly higher range of prices.
Our Take
These capsules were fantastic. They are effective, reasonably priced for the quality they provide, and caused no side effects, whatsoever.
Although some customers found the price point a bit higher than most other brands, we would call it reasonably priced, given its awesome quality and quick impact.
Besides, this is one brand that offers the option of both full- and broad-spectrum extracts in its capsules. That is a big plus for a brand operating in a marketplace as competitive as the cannabis industry.
#5. Joy Organics CBD Softgels – Best Range Of Capsules For Varied Purposes
Set in 2018 with an aim to develop innovative and excellent premium-quality CBD products, Joy Organics dedicated to continually improving its quality of products and services.
Like all its other products, it takes care to ensure high quality in its softgel capsules that are made from the same premium-grade broad-spectrum hemp extracts as its other products.
Joy Organics softgel capsules contain no THC. They come in three unique formulas, each designed for everyday health and wellness, muscle and joint support, and better sleep. They are CBD Everyday Formula, CBD with Curcumin For Muscle and Joint Support, and CBD with Melatonin For Sleep. While the Everyday Formula comes in two CBD concentrations – 10mg and 25mg, the sleep variant comes with 25mg CBD + 1mg Melatonin, while the muscle and joint support variant comes with 25mg CBD + 10mg curcumin.
All of these formulas have been put through nano-emulsification to boost their absorption levels and making them more effective than most other CBD softgel capsules available in the market.
PROS
- Zero-THC Products
- Three different formulations for three different occasions
- Nano-emulsion technology increases CBD’s absorption and potency
- Lab-tested, high-quality products
- All-natural and organic ingredients
- Cruelty-free products
CONS
- No Full-Spectrum CBD Capsules available (but the brand is foraying into full-spectrum)
Customers’ Take
Customers are quite satisfied with Joy Organics broad-spectrum softgel capsules. They have given pretty good ratings to each of these products. They also appreciated the overall effects of these capsules as they are quick on the uptake and last for a long time.
The CBD softgels with Melatonin for Sleep formula is particularly the highest selling product. Its sleep-inducing capability is what we love CBD mainly for.
Our Take
Despite having started as a small family business, Joy Organics is one of the biggest names in the cannabis industry today, thanks in most parts to its dedication towards the health and wellness of its customers and quality control standards.
Its softgel capsules contain no THC, which is a good thing for us as most of us have to undergo drug tests on a regular basis. As for its effects, these capsules serve their purpose quite well. Their specially designed formulations help patients overcome their health issues effortlessly.
Overall, these capsules were quite effective and safe. Thanks to its nano-emulsion technology, we got exactly how much CBD the brand claims it offers in these capsules.
Best CBD Capsules: Buying Guide
Whether you are new to CBD or have been using it for some time, navigating the market for a new brand can be difficult.
First, you must decide why you want to try CBD. Secondly, you need to find out the best delivery method for you. Remember, the edible method tends to interfere with the digestive system, as CBD can interact with your liver enzymes – just like any other medications.
If you are not sure, it’s best to consult a doctor.
You should also remember that not everyone experiences the same effects of CBD or to their same extent. The effects of any herbal extract depend on several factors, such as
- Age
- Gender
- Bodyweight and body fat
- Mental health
- Other health conditions
- The chemical balance in your endocannabinoid system
- Type of CBD extract used (isolates, full-spectrum, or board-spectrum)
- Specific formulations used by the brand
Apart from these factors, which aren’t always in your control, there are several other aspects to using CBD products that could be controlled. They are:
Quality of the product
The quality of a product depends a lot on the brand and its practices, apart from the hemp strains used by the brand. Learn as much as possible about the brand’s practices to assess the quality of the products.
Third-party lab results
This is one of the easy ways of determining a brand’s quality. Independent laboratories can verify and testify to a brand’s claims by testing their products in an unbiased manner. Labs test for the products’ safety profiles, apart from their compositions and content. Brands that make their third-party lab results publicly accessible are more reliable and authentic.
Brand reputation
Another important criterion you need to look at is the reputation of the brand. Undeniably, a large number of cannabis and wellness companies are coming up every year. Make sure the brand you choose conducts quality control tests, is consistent with its performance, and maintains high standards when it comes to their farming, extraction, and manufacturing practices.
Other criteria in determining a CBD manufacturer’s credibility are its years of experience and operation, whether its clientele finds it reliable, whether it invests adequately in research, and the number of products, their strengths, and delivery methods.
Hemp source
Hemp is available everywhere in the world. But not all countries have put in place suitable laws to regulate hemp cultivation. That is why it safest to trust companies that source their hemp extracts from American farmers. Their strains contain low levels of Delta-9 THC, negligible to no contaminants, and are safer for human consumption.
Guarantees
An important criterion while choosing CBD capsules is to buy from a brand that is confident about the performance of its products. Brands that are confident about their products’ efficacy will provide you with 100% satisfaction and money-back guarantees.
CBD Capsules: FAQs
Q: Are CBD capsules better than CBD flower?
A: Both CBD capsules and flowers are used for the same purposes. It does not matter how you consume them. The effects are more or less the same. The only difference lies in the experience.
Consuming CBD capsules are like popping any other pill. There is nothing to experience until the effects kick in. A lot of people, who do not like the earthy, bitter, and herbal taste or smell of hemp, prefer capsules over other forms of CBD delivery.
People who choose CBD flowers, however, love smoking them due to their aromatic smoke. Another small difference lies in the route the cannabinoids take to reach your bloodstream.
CBD capsules, like any other edible compound, must undergo the first-pass effect while going through the digestive system. This reduces the overall strength and efficacy of the compounds. However, inhalation makes the process smoother, faster, and easier on the body – as long as you aren’t suffering from pulmonary diseases.
Q: Is CBD a byproduct of marijuana or hemp?
A: CBD or cannabidiol is a derivative of both marijuana and hemp – together known as cannabis plants. While marijuana contains much higher levels of Delta-9 THC, hemp strains are particularly bred to be high on CBD content. So, the next time you purchase any cannabis product, make sure its Delta-9 THC level is below 0.3% by dry weight. That guarantees that you are purchasing hemp, and not marijuana – which is illegal.
Q: What are the advantages of using CBD capsules?
A: Apart from the amazing benefits of consuming CBD, choosing capsules over other forms of CBD delivery has its own advantages. For one, you don’t need to smell or taste the hemp. Two, it is easy to dose and can be consumed discreetly and quickly – without drawing any attention to yourself. Three, capsules can be carried around everywhere quite easily, without any hassle. Storing capsules is simple. They come in the bottle that they are safe to be stored in. All you need to ensure is that they are kept away from direct sunlight or extreme heat.
