A Beginner's Guide to the Benefits of CBD Capsules

Most consumers prefer CBD capsules because of their sweet taste, which helps them avoid the bitter taste of the hemp plant. This article explores CBD capsules, their benefits, how they work, and how to buy the right ones.

Using CBD capsules can prove to be highly beneficial for several reasons. For example, they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which relieve muscle tension. Furthermore, they improve digestion and relieve stress and anxiety. CBD was legalized in 2018 after the Controlled Substances Act was amended, and hemp was removed due to its non-intoxicating properties. Besides capsules, CBD can also be infused in other substances such as gummies, edibles, tinctures, and vapes. Purchasing the right CBD capsules is important to minimize unwarranted side effects. Furthermore, check the product's legality in your jurisdiction to avoid legal penalties since several states have unique regulations concerning the use of CBD.

What Are CBD Capsules?

CBD capsules are pill-like substances infused with a precise amount of CBD oil. They have an outer gelatin casing and do not exhibit a distinct scent or taste. Although the dosage is directly indicated on the product label, it may be difficult to switch up your dosage if you want to enhance the strength of the cannabidiol in your system.

CBD capsules are ingested orally, taking time before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. They must undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver before being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Understanding CBD

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an organic chemical compound from cannabis plants. It is mostly obtained from hemp since it is more abundant in this plant. CBD does not cause any intoxicating effects due to its indirect interaction with enzymes and endocannabinoid receptors.

CBD can be categorized into several spectra. Full-spectrum CBD is enriched with several chemical compounds and cannabinoids, including THC, CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), flavonoids, and terpenes.

Broad-spectrum CBD capsules contain various cannabinoids and chemical compounds, except THC. CBD isolate is considered the purest form of CBD since it only contains CBD as its primary chemical compound.

A Beginner's Guide to the Benefits of CBD Capsules

Reducing Inflammation

Chye et al. (2019) stated that CBD capsules interact with the endocannabinoid system, a complex system enriched with neurotransmitters, endocannabinoids, enzymes, and receptors that maintain the physiological body functions in a balanced state. Endocannabinoid receptors include CB1 and CB2, which are abundant in the central and peripheral nervous systems. CBD binds indirectly with CB2 receptors, transmitting electric signals to target areas and reducing inflammation.

CBD is also considered a CB1 antagonist since it blocks the activity of CB1 receptors that cause psychoactive effects when directly activated by THC.

Improving Sleep Quality

Shannon et al. (2019) stated that CBD capsules improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia. CBD enhances the activity of various endocannabinoids. For example, it enhances the activity of anandamide, an endocannabinoid that regulates the sleep cycle. Furthermore, it enhances the activity of several hormones, such as melatonin, which alert the brain to fall asleep at night.

Increased levels of anandamide and melatonin induce the brain to fall into a deep sleep, which helps alleviate insomnia, improve heart health and remove toxic substances from the body.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Khalsa et al. (2021) stated that CBD capsules have anti-anxiety properties that relieve high levels of stress and anxiety. Cannabidiol enhances the activity of 5-HTP receptors, which can be converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improves mood and reduces stress by reducing higher cortisol levels.

In addition, Pretzsch et al. (2019) noted that CBD enhances the activity of GABA (Gamma AminoButryic Acid) in the brain, reducing anxiety and stress levels.

Improving Digestion

Taylor et al. (2018) stated that CBD has anti-emetic properties that improve gastrointestinal health. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD relieve Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Relieving Epileptic Symptoms

According to Goerl et al. (2021), CBD has anti-convulsant properties that alleviate epileptic symptoms. In 2018, Epidiolex was approved as the first cannabidiol drug to be administered for medical purposes since it could relieve rare forms of epilepsy in children under 2 years old.

Improving Concentration

According to Iffland & Grotenhermen (2017), CBD improves cognitive function and concentration by interacting with the serotonin hormone. Although CBD does not directly increase serotonin production, it enhances the transmission of serotonin to various nerve endings.

Moreover, Pellati et al. (2018) noted that CBD has antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress in the muscles and tissues. This ensures that neuron function in the central nervous system is properly maintained since neurons are highly sensitive to oxidative stress.

Reducing Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders

De Gregorio et al. (2019) noted that CBD has analgesic properties that alleviate neuropathic pain. Furthermore, the study suggested that CBD has neuroprotective properties that reduce the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Improving Cardiovascular Health

Jadoon, Tan & O'Sullivan (2017) suggested that CBD capsules can improve heart health by reducing blood pressure, which would otherwise cause heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, CBD improves artery function and prevents the clogging of blood vessels.

Possible Side Effects of CBD Capsules

Although CBD capsules are generally tolerable, Iffland & Grotenhermen (2017) noted that the cannabinoid might cause diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite and weight. These side effects are often caused by inorganic substances infused in the capsules, such as molds and pesticides.

Frequently Asked Questions about CBD Capsules

What Is the Right CBD Dosage?

There is no 'one size fits all' dosage regarding CBD capsules. An individual's dosage depends on the person's body chemistry, metabolism, age, weight, and tolerance to CBD. People with a higher weight would need more CBD capsules since CBD is a fat-soluble compound and can be stored under the fat tissues. Ensure you seek medical advice concerning the right CBD dosage to consume.

Can I Mix CBD Capsules with Other Compounds?

CBD can be used with other organic health supplements, such as magnesium. However, you should not use CBD with alcohol or other intoxicating drugs. You should also avoid consuming CBD if you use heart rhythm medications or blood thinners.

How Long Does CBD Take to Work?

The effects of CBD capsules may take about an hour to kick in since they must be digested before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. The capsules must undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver. The time the CBD capsules kick in depends on the user's metabolism and the dosage consumed.

Although CBD capsules take extended periods to undergo digestion, they can last in the body for about 6 hours, making them more effective in relieving pain and inflammation.

Is It Possible to Overdose on CBD?

Scientists suggest that the maximum dosage that can be consumed is 1500mg of cannabidiol. CBD is tolerable and non-lethal, but you should regulate your dosage to minimize possible side effects. Consuming excess CBD capsules may cause fatigue and drowsiness.

Conclusion

CBD capsules are pill-like substances with a gelatin outer casing. They contain a precise amount of CBD oil and are ingested orally. These capsules take about an hour to dispense their effects since they must be gut processed before being absorbed into the bloodstream.

CBD capsules have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that alleviate muscle aches, inflammation, and joint pain. In addition, they relieve oxidation and improve gastrointestinal health due to their anti-emetic properties. Scientists have also suggested that CBD capsules have the potential to relieve rare forms of epilepsy in children under 2 years of age.

While purchasing CBD gummies, read the customer reviews and confirm whether the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing.

References

Chye, Y., Christensen, E., Solowij, N., & Yücel, M. (2019). The endocannabinoid system and cannabidiol's promise for the treatment of substance use disorder. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 63.

Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23.

Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139-154.

Jadoon, K. A., Tan, G. D., & O'Sullivan, S. E. (2017). A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI insight, 2(12).

De Gregorio, D., McLaughlin, R. J., Posa, L., Ochoa-Sanchez, R., Enns, J., Lopez-Canul, M., ... & Gobbi, G. (2019). Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. Pain, 160(1), 136.

Khalsa, J. H., Bunt, G., Maggirwar, S. B., & Kottilil, S. (2021). COVID-19 and cannabidiol (CBD). Journal of Addiction Medicine, 15(5), 355.

Pretzsch, C. M., Freyberg, J., Voinescu, B., Lythgoe, D., Horder, J., Mendez, M. A., ... & McAlonan, G. M. (2019). Effects of cannabidiol on brain excitation and inhibition systems; a randomised placebo-controlled single dose trial during magnetic resonance spectroscopy in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology, 44(8), 1398-1405.

Pellati, F., Borgonetti, V., Brighenti, V., Biagi, M., Benvenuti, S., & Corsi, L. (2018). Cannabis sativa L. and nonpsychoactive cannabinoids: their chemistry and role against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer. BioMed research international, 2018.

Taylor, B. N., Mueller, M., & Sauls, R. S. (2018). Cannaboinoid anti-emetic therapy.

Goerl, B., Watkins, S., Metcalf, C., Smith, M., & Beenhakker, M. (2021). Cannabidiolic acid exhibits entourage-like improvements of anti-convulsant activity in an acute rat model of seizures. Epilepsy research, 169, 106525.