Most people who use CBD do so in the form of CBD oil or CBD capsules. At Dutch Balance we sometimes have quite the discussion about which form is superior. The undersigned swears by capsules, but plenty of people here always choose CBD oil. On one thing we have agreed: which form of CBD you choose is mainly a matter of personal preference. Which preferences matter, and how you can make a good choice yourself between CBD in oil and capsule form, you can read here.
Oil vs capsules: in brief
- In both the oil and the capsules, CBD is the main constituent.
- At an equal dose you therefore take in the same amount of CBD.
- Under the tongue, CBD oil is absorbed faster than a capsule.
- CBD capsules are tasteless, while CBD oil has a strong taste, often nutty.
- Capsules always contain a fixed amount of CBD, so you know exactly what you are taking.
- Oil is slightly less practical to dose, but can be dosed very freely.
- If you like, you can perfectly well use CBD oil and capsules together.
Both oil and capsules contain CBD
To begin with, and perhaps stating the obvious, both CBD oil and CBD in capsule form contain cannabidiol (CBD) as the main constituent. Usually this is full spectrum CBD, so with a very small amount of THC, but you can also come to us for CBD without THC.
And since the CBD in both variants is the same, it is mainly about what you find pleasant. If you take 30 mg of CBD in capsule form, you take in the same amount as with 30 mg in oil form. So for the amount, the form makes no difference.
What exactly is CBD oil and how do I take it?
CBD oil consists of pure CBD extract obtained from the hemp plant, and a carrier oil. The most common carrier oil is hemp seed oil, but olive oil is sometimes used too. You take CBD oil by placing drops of it under your tongue. The bottle of oil comes with a handy pipette cap, which lets you use drops very precisely. After that you let the oil sit for about a minute, and then you swallow it. This way the CBD is absorbed directly through the mucous membranes in your mouth.
What exactly are CBD capsules?
CBD capsules consist of a degradable shell containing a fixed amount of CBD extract. So they are a kind of gel-like capsule that is very easy to swallow. Like vitamins or a paracetamol, you simply take CBD capsules with some water or fruit juice. The CBD is then absorbed through the stomach and digestive tract.
What are the differences between CBD oil and CBD capsules?
Because of the different way of taking them, there are a few important differences between CBD oil on the one hand and CBD capsules on the other. We set out the three most important ones for you.
Fast or gradual absorption
Because CBD oil is absorbed directly through the mucous membranes in the mouth, the CBD reaches your blood sooner. A capsule first passes through your stomach and intestines: allow about an hour for that, depending on what you have eaten.
Taste vs no taste
CBD capsules are tasteless, while CBD oil always has a fairly strong taste. Hemp seed oil always tastes a little nutty, while olive oil, unsurprisingly, tastes of olives.
Freely dosed vs exactly dosed
CBD oil is a liquid in which the CBD is dissolved. So if you want to, you can measure out the amount of CBD to the milligram. In practice, dosing very precisely is difficult, because you need special measuring equipment for it. We state the average number of mg per drop for each bottle, but of course no drop is exactly the same size, so you may take in slightly more or slightly less CBD per drop than intended.
With capsules it is exactly the other way round. Every capsule contains exactly the same amount of CBD, so you know to the milligram how much CBD you are taking in. Against that, you can only take whole capsules, so you always have to increase your dose in steps.
Taking CBD oil and capsules together
We regularly get questions, incidentally, about whether it is possible to use CBD in capsule form and in oil form alongside each other. The short answer is yes, because that is no problem at all. Many people take CBD oil at home and take the capsules to work, because that is more practical. We only recommend paying attention to the moment of intake. Because the CBD from capsules needs an hour to reach your bloodstream, you are better off taking it an hour earlier than you would with CBD oil. Try to spread the moments of intake well too, so the CBD is absorbed gradually.
Frequently asked questions about CBD oil and CBD capsules
What are CBD capsules good for?
We do not say what CBD does for you: no health claims for CBD have been approved in the European Union. The difference from oil is mainly practical. Capsules are tasteless, you swallow them with some water and every capsule contains exactly the same amount of CBD. At the same dose you take in the same amount of CBD with oil and with capsules.
What are the side effects of CBD capsules?
A capsule contains the same CBD as oil, so the same points apply. CBD can cause side effects, such as drowsiness or a dry mouth; if you notice you are getting drowsy, do not drive. CBD can also interact with medicines. If you take medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
What is the best time to take CBD?
Choose set moments that suit your day, so you do not forget. If you take capsules, bear in mind that the CBD first passes through your stomach and intestines and reaches your blood later than oil under the tongue. If you use both, take the capsule a little earlier and spread the moments over the day.
Which form suits me?
We hope we have been able to help you work out the most important differences and similarities between CBD oil and CBD capsules. Which form suits you really depends on your own preferences. Do you like things easy and do you not mind that absorption takes a little longer? Or do you not like the taste of oil in your mouth? Then choose capsules. Do you like the taste and would you like the CBD to be absorbed as quickly as possible? Then we would go for CBD in oil form.
