Cannabidiol (CBD) capsules are easy to use and can provide more consistent dosing than oils because each dose is premeasured.
However, unlike CBD oils, CBD capsules are subject to the first-pass effect. This means that after you swallow them, they’re partially broken down in your digestive system and liver, and it may take longer for them to have an effect.
If you’re interested in a faster onset, you might want to explore our CBD oil picks. But if you prefer a more reliable, consistent dosing of capsules and don’t enjoy the earthy taste of some CBD oils, we’ve chosen our favorite products below.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the products on this page, we considered all the CBD capsules that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we test CBD products.
Safety and side effects
Studies show that researchers consider CBD to be safe and generally well-tolerated in humans at doses of up to 1,500 mg per day. However, CBD users may still experience some side effects.
These can include:
fatigue
diarrhea
changes in appetite and weight
One randomized clinical trial suggested that consuming CBD products with high fat meals can drastically increase CBD concentrations. This may increase the risk of side effects.
Talk with a doctor before taking CBD, especially if you’re taking any medications or supplements. CBD can have significant drug interactions, especially with medications that carry a grapefruit warning.
Frequently asked questions
People take CBD capsules for a variety of reasons, including:
They’re a good choice if you’re looking for full-body effects. If you’re hoping for improvement in a localized area, you may want to consider a topical.
Some people prefer capsules to oils because they’re pre-dosed and don’t have a taste. CBD oils can be flavored, but if they don’t have any added flavoring, they can have an earthy taste.
CBD capsules typically contain CBD oil. They’re just a different delivery mechanism. Some people also find capsules more convenient and less messy than CBD oils.
Compared with oils placed under your tongue, capsules may take longer to produce an effect. That’s because capsules are subject to the first-pass effect, which means they’re partially broken down in your digestive system and liver.
It can take up to 1 or 2 hours for the effects of a CBD capsule to kick in.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD capsules may be more beneficial than CBD isolate capsules, thanks to the entourage effect. However, CBD isolate may also offer benefits on its own.
Yes, but make sure to pay close attention to the dosage of each product.
The takeaway
CBD capsules are easy to use and offer reliable dosing. However, they may break down in the digestive tract, making them feel less potent.
You’ll need to experiment until you find your “just right” CBD dosage. Be sure to talk with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before trying CBD.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Last medically reviewed on April 16, 2024
How we reviewed this article:
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Bonn-Miller MO, et al. (2023). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37796540/
Crockett J, et al. (2020). A phase 1, randomized, pharmacokinetic trial of the effect of different meal compositions, whole milk, and alcohol on cannabidiol exposure and safety in healthy subjects. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/epi.16419
