What Are CBD Edibles Vs. CBD Capsules?

Cannabidiol is a popular chemical compound that can be infused in several products, including capsules and edibles. This article explores the difference between CBD capsules and edibles, their benefits, possible side effects, and frequently asked questions about CBD capsules and edibles.

Recently, cannabidiol has proven to be the epitome of organic chemical products with myriad benefits. Although further research needs to be conducted, scientists suggest that CBD relieves inflammation and pain and reduces high anxiety levels. In addition, CBD can be infused in edibles, capsules, tinctures, and vapes, although these administration methods have varying bioavailabilities. CBD edibles and capsules can be made locally, but one must know their metabolism and tolerance to determine the right CBD dose. Capsules are user-friendly and discreet, while edibles have an amazing taste that disguises the earthy taste of CBD oil.

Understanding CBD

Cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana contain the organic molecule cannabidiol (CBD), a natural chemical compound with several therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief and improving gastrointestinal health. In addition, CBD concentrations are higher in hemp than in marijuana, with a lower concentration of the same. Among the other cannabinoids derived from cannabis are cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabichromene (CBC). THC and CBD, however, are the most widely used cannabinoids. Chemically, THC is a psychotropic substance. It alters one's perception of time and has several other mind-altering effects. CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects like THC does.

What Are CBD Edibles Vs. CBD Capsules?

CBD Edibles

CBD edibles are food-like substances that are ingestible and infused with a precise amount of CBD oil. They include snacks, gummies, brownies, sodas, and chocolates. Moreover, CBD edibles are not limited to premade foods. One can easily add CBD to foods like spaghetti to enhance the flavour of your food. The edibles are made by adding CBD oil to a specific recipe. It's imperative to note that CBD oil does not replace cooking oil since the CBD oil added does not affect the recipe. However, most people prefer adding CBD oil since it enhances the flavour of the snack. Some CBD edibles would indicate the dosage precisely on the product label. The dosage is often labelled in milligrams (mg) per serving. By consulting the doctor, it is important to understand the right dose to consume. In addition, the dosage would depend on one’s metabolism.

The rate of absorption of CBD edibles depends on the metabolism. However, the edibles would require about an hour to digest since they have a lower bioavailability compared to CBD tinctures and vapes, the latter not having to undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver. The effects of CBD edibles can last in the system for up to 6 hours; hence it is effective in relieving inflammation and pain and reducing sleep. The strength of CBD in edibles such as gummies is not entirely regulated. It is necessary to ensure one purchases high-quality edibles from reputable brands to prevent unwarranted side effects.

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are non-food, pill-like substances with a gelatin outer casing. They are infused with an exact amount of CBD oil and have a precise dosage. They are also ingestible, although one may need to take some capsules with water since not all capsules are chewable. Capsules may take slightly longer to absorb in the body since the gelatin cap has to be broken down in the stomach first, while most edibles are initially broken down in the mouth. The capsules do not have a distinct taste but also disguise CBD oil's nutty taste. The strength of the effects of CBD capsules depends on your metabolism and your unique endocannabinoid system.

How Do CBD Capsules and Edibles Work?

Cooray et al. (2020) stated that CBD capsules and edibles interact with the endocannabinoid system, a complex system comprising receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that help maintain a homeostatic state within the body. CBD binds with CB2 receptors indirectly, and this interaction causes the transmission of impulses that alleviate muscle aches and inflammation in target areas. In addition, CBD alleviates stress and anxiety by enhancing the activity of GABA (Gamma AminoButryic Acid) in the brain.

Benefits of CBD Edibles and Capsules

Oláh et al. (2014) stated that CBD edibles and capsules have anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate inflammation and joint pains. Goerl et al. (2021) suggested that CBD edibles and capsules have anticonvulsant properties that relieve epileptic symptoms. Dawidowicz et al. (2021) explained that CBD edibles and capsules have antioxidant properties that relieve oxidative stress in muscles and tissues by removing free radicals formed in tissues. Calapai et al. (2019) suggested that CBD edibles and capsules have anti-anxiety properties that relieve higher anxiety and stress levels. Furthermore, they improve sleep quality by increasing serotonin levels and improving the function of anandamide.

How Long Do CBD Edibles And Capsules Take To Work?

CBD edibles and capsules are ingested orally; thus, they must be gut processed and undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver. The edibles and capsules may take about an hour to kick in, although their effects can last up to 6 hours. Several factors determine how long the edibles and capsules take to work, including your weight, age, tolerance to CBD, and metabolism. For example, if one is active, CBD would take a shorter time since the body easily breaks down substances ingested. On the other hand, people with a higher weight would require more cannabidiol than those with a lower weight since CBD is a fat-soluble compound that can be stored under the fat tissues after absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions about CBD Edibles

How Many CBD Edibles Should I Consume?

There is no "one size fits all" dosage when using CBD edibles and capsules. The dosage for a certain person is determined by factors such as metabolism, weight, age, CBD tolerance, and body chemistry. Ensure to consult a physician for guidance on the ideal CBD dosage since overconsumption of CBD may cause a few side effects, such as fatigue.

How To Purchase CBD Edibles and Capsules

• Make sure the CBD product is made from hemp that was farmed organically.
• Read the customer testimonials to learn more about the quality and effectiveness of the product.
• Verify the extraction technique. Since CO2 extraction keeps the cannabidiol extract's purity and potency at higher levels, it is favoured.
• Make sure the item has undergone extensive testing by an impartial third-party laboratory.

Can CBD Help with Weight Loss?

CBD capsules and edibles ostensibly aid in weight loss. Although CBD edibles alone couldn't help with losing weight, they improve sleep quality and lower levels of tension and anxiety. Stress and poor sleep lead to significant weight gain, which is bad for the body. The edibles and capsules also improve ketosis and increase the effectiveness of your workouts.

Is CBD legal?

Hemp was legalized in 2018 after amendments were made to the Controlled Substances List. Therefore, hemp extracts such as CBD were considered non-psychoactive since they contain lower THC levels. Ensure that CBD products are legal in your jurisdiction before purchasing them. Also, seek medical advice before using CBD edibles and capsules since some are infused with substances you are allergic to.

Conclusion

CBD edibles and capsules are ingested orally and must be gut processed before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. However, they have subtle differences. CBD edibles are a wide range of ingestible CBD products such as soft gels, gummies, snacks, and soft drinks, while CBD capsules refer to pill-like substances with a harder gelatin outer casing. In addition, the capsules are infused with powdered CBD extract, while most CBD edibles are infused with CBD oil. CBD edibles and capsules have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce muscle aches and joint pains. Furthermore, they relieve stress and anxiety, and they improve gastrointestinal health. While purchasing CBD edibles and capsules, ensure you confirm the extraction method and whether the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing.

References

Calapai, G., Mannucci, C., Chinou, I., Cardia, L., Calapai, F., Sorbara, E. E., ... & Firenzuoli, F. (2019). Preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of cannabidiol in psychiatry. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019.

Cooray, R., Gupta, V., & Suphioglu, C. (2020). Current aspects of the endocannabinoid system and targeted THC and CBD phytocannabinoids as potential therapeutics for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases: a review. Molecular Neurobiology, 57(11), 4878-4890.

Dawidowicz, A. L., Olszowy-Tomczyk, M., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA, and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915.

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

Oláh, A., Tóth, B. I., Borbíró, I., Sugawara, K., Szöllõsi, A. G., Czifra, G., ... & Bíró, T. (2014). Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes. The Journal of clinical investigation, 124(9), 3713-3724.