So you tried a CBD tincture and you found the taste repulsive and now you’re in a bit of a hitch. You love CBD for its amazing therapeutic benefits but want the compound in a form you can digest without vomiting. Enter the CBD softgel.
CBD softgels are one of the best ways to get cannabidiol’s mood and relief benefits. In the article, we’ll cover everything there is to know about CBD softgels from a consumer standpoint.
What Are CBD Softgels?
Today, CBD softgels are the easiest and most palatable way of meeting your daily CBD dosage. Most softgels are small, round pills filled with high-quality CBD oil. Many people are using these products because they are extremely easy to swallow and have an excellent safety profile, with little to no side effects.
Besides CBD, CBD softgels contain other cannabinoids in small concentrations, carrier oils (MCT), and terpenes, and sometimes potentially therapeutic ingredients, such as turmeric. Most softgel casings are made from bovine gelatin, but if you are a hardcore vegan, there are vegan-friendly options available. It will require a bit of searching around, but it’s worth the time and effort.
The CBD softgels is that they are extracted from full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil. What makes broad and full-spectrum CBD oils superior to CBD isolates, which are 99.5% pure CBD, is the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is a synergetic relationship between different cannabinoids and chemicals found in the cannabis plant that enhances and refines the therapeutic effects of the cannabis plant. For instance, CBD counteracts the negative psychoactive effects of THC in synergistic harmony.
Full Spectrum CBD softgels contain a healthy blend of almost all therapeutic compounds present in the cannabis plant. These include THC, CBG, CBN, and flavonoids, among others. If you’re worried about THC content in your softgel, it’s understandable. However, softgels made from hemp contain the intoxicating compound only in trace amounts, making sure you can get CBD’s benefits without worrying about getting high.
Broad Spectrum softgels contain every compound found in full-spectrum varieties, except THC. People who have to regularly test for THC or have underlying mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, prefer this option.
What is the Difference between CBD Softgels and CBD Capsules?
Although softgels and capsules fall in the same category, there are some basic differences:
- CBD softgels are smoother than capsules.
- Capsules are cheaper.
- Softgels are super easy to swallow.
- They have a longer shelf life because of their airtight casings.
- Also, they preserve vitamins a lot better than capsules.
- Softgels don’t leave an odor.
How Do CBD Softgels Work?
When you take CBD softgels, your endocannabinoid system is activated. The softgels influence the activity of cannabinoid receptors of the ECS and help regulate many important functions, such as mood, appetite, and inflammation.
The two most prevalent receptors of the human body are CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB 1 receptors are associated with learning, memory, and other cognitive functions. On the other hand, CB2 receptors oversee the immune system, lymphatic system, and peripheral nervous system.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD softgels have a calming effect on the mind, and promote sleep and relaxation. People who have a history of insomnia have especially found softgels to be extremely helpful.
The great thing about CBD softgels is that they provide a body high that is starkly different from THC’s psychoactive high. You retain your senses while feeling euphoric and free from the physical symptoms of pain and stress. This mental state is not impairing, yet noticeable enough to moderate improvement.
A 2017 study found oral CBD to be a viable treatment for chronic pain in chemotherapy patients. Another 2011 study revealed that cannabidiol decreased anxiety in patients living with social anxiety disorder or SAD.
Most CBD users only need to take a few CBD softgels to meet their daily CBD quota and enjoy the compound’s many benefits. Taking CBD softgels is super easy. You just have to swallow them like you would a regular pill.
If you are still new in the world of CBD softgels, it’s best to start low. We recommend initial doses of 10 to 15mg twice a day. For more experienced users, a starting dose of 25 mg would work better. In the end, it depends on your needs, preferences, and intended use.
Most CBD softgels take up to 60 minutes to kick in and the effects last for up to 4 hours.
Why People Use CBD Softgels
There are so many reasons why people prefer softgels over other delivery systems. Some of the most common include:
No Horrible Taste
This is a huge deal maker. CBD softgels have no bad taste, no artificial flavors. It’s just plain and simple CBD!
No Measuring
Dosage is a piece of cake with softgels. You don’t need to second guess dosage. And you can rest assured that you’re always on a consistent dose — which is normally 20 30 or 50mg CBD.
Portable and Discreet
CBD softgels are easy to store. They come in small packets like most supplements. You can tuck them into your pocket or purse, and easily travel around with them, and consume them on the go. They also leave no smell, which is great for consumers who don’t like to be asked unnecessary questions.
Plus, everyone who’s traveled with a CBD tincture knows how hard it is to avert disaster. No matter how safely you store oil, there’s no saying that your luggage is 100% safe. With CBD softgels, these problems are resolved.
No Sugar
While CBD gummies require a bit of sugar, CBD softgels don’t. There’s also no gelatin, and most casings are composed of gluten-free material.
Drawbacks
No product is perfect. While there are a lot of benefits to using CBD softgels, there are also some drawbacks. First is bioavailability. Softgels don’t enter your bloodstream directly. First, they go to your digestive system for processing, where some of their potency is lost.
Another small problem with CBD softgels is that they take longer to take in than, say, CBD vapes. That said, the effects of CBD softgels linger on for a lot longer than other options.
