What Are CBD Edibles Vs. CBD Capsules?

Cannabidiol (CBD) edibles are palatable formulations such as beverages, sugars, gummies, brownies, gums, and snacks. This article discusses CBD edibles vs. capsules, including; what they are,how they taste, and their bioavailability.

Cannabidiol (CBD) edibles are palatable cannabidiol formulations such as beverages, sugars, gummies, brownies, gums, and snacks. Cannabidiol capsules are encapsulated into a non-gelatinous casing. The capsules exist in a solid softer form. They are among the most loved cannabis products in the marketplace. Although capsules and edibles and capsules provide significant health benefits, they have distinguishing differences.

CBD edibles are sweet, while capsules are tasteless. CBD capsules have higher bioavailability than its counterpart. The products have similar characteristics; they share the same cannabidiol source and consumption method. Use this article to know more about CBD edibles and capsules.

What Are CBD Edibles?

CBD edibles as palatable cannabidiol formulations such as beverages, sugars, gummies, brownies, gums, and snacks. Although some cannabis lovers still take CBD oil, many have discovered that edibles provide the most convenient and enjoyable cannabidiol consumption technique. For example, they are discreet, accessible, affordable, and sweet. The product is appropriate for those who dislike the bitter taste of CBD oil because of its sweet taste. Also, they don’t require heating to enable their chemical compounds to work. Most edibles like gummies are pre-dosed; thus, you know the exact dosage. This prevents overdosing since the products are infused with varying amounts of cannabidiol oil. Most users love incorporating cannabidiol into coffee drinks to counter morning jitteriness. Manufacturers prefer using quality broad-spectrum cannabidiol extract to make CBD edibles, increasing health benefits. This option is best when administered before bedtime.

What Are CBD Capsules?

Iftikhar et al. (2021) defined cannabidiol capsules are encapsulated into a digestible casing. These capsules exist in a solid softer form. They are enriched with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) and cannabidiol oil. They contain terpenes, particular polyphenols, flavonoids, and sterols. Medical professionals recommend users administer them morning and evening one piece per each consumption time. You cannot categorize cannabidiol capsule contents due to quality, capsule formulation strength, and base oil bioavailability.

Users swallow them with water like other over-the-counter tablets and capsules. This causes the digestible casing to dissolve, thus releasing contents into the digestive system. CBD capsules are tasteless in the casing and suitable for consumers repelled by hemp’s bitter taste. These products are pre-dosed and come with fixed dosages. Therefore, it becomes convenient for newcomers or inexperienced customers to partake in their daily dosage. Most CBD capsules are gelatin-based,although some manufacturers produce vegetarian and vegan options. While this is so, particular oil-related capsules contain phytocannabinoids such as CBD isolate.

For example, some trademarks produce capsules with 15mg CBD from broad-spectrum options, enhanced clove bud curcumin oil, and bio-terpene complex. Such combinations are designed to increase CBD absorption and optimize its benefits for the body and mind.

Taste

CBD Edibles

Cannabidiol edibles are sweetened foods, drinks, gummies, snacks, and gums enriched with CBD oil. Therefore, they have a sweet taste that depends on the sweetening product that the manufacturer has used. This sweet taste masks the bitter, earthy, and herby hemp taste making the product better for consumption.

CBD Capsules

Cannabidiol capsules are formed when manufacturers enclose essential nutrients in a non-gelatinous, digestible casing. The product is tasteless in capsule form, but the casing dissolves in the stomach after being swallowed with water. This releases the capsule contents into the body. Some of these product formulas are powders encapsulated in a digestible casing. Certain softgels constitute powdered CBD blended with CBD base oils like hemp seed oil, coconut, and olive oil.

Bioavailability

CBD Edibles

González-Sarrías et al. (2015) defined bioavailability as the amount of a product that reaches the bloodstream after consumption.  Cannabidiol edibles are taken orally by chewing them if they are in solid form. Foods like gummies, snacks, and brownies enter the digestive system from the mouth for further digestion. They are broken down into smaller pieces which then move into the liver. This organ contains different enzymes that metabolize the product into fine bits. It then conveys the product into the bloodstream. As the products circulate in the blood vessels, results start manifesting. During these processes, a portion of the consumed product is lost. The amount enteringthe bloodstream is little; hence low bioavailability.

CBD Capsules

According to Sholler et al. (2022),CBD capsules are administered with a glass of water. Since the casing is digestible, it dissolves in the digestive system. As it dissolves, the contents encapsulated inside the casing are released, and digestion begins immediately. The product undergoes a similar digestion process as cannabidiol edibles before results are noticed. Some amount of the consumed product is lost during this process.  CBD capsules have a higher bioavailability than its counterpart. This is because edibles have a higher mass than capsules. Therefore, more edibles remain in the digestive system, and a small quantity reaches the bloodstream, thus lowering bioavailability.

Do CBD Edibles and CBD Capsules Have Any Similarities?

The cannabidiol used to manufacture edibles and capsules are sourced from reputable hemp farms. These farms use 100% farming practices. The products have no GMOs, pesticides, fertilizers, and heavy metals. Also, cannabidiol is extracted from hemp materials through the same process. CBD edibles and capsules are consumed orally and undergo the same digestion process. You can get broad-spectrum, isolates, and full-spectrum types of both products.

Conclusion

CBD edibles and CBD capsules have differences and similarities. The former include beverages, snacks, gummies, and gums infused with cannabidiol compound. These foods are sweetened to mask the taste of cannabidiol oil. Consumers take them by chewing, which then proceeds to the digestive system for more digestion. The latter comprises powder encapsulated into a digestible casing. Like other over-the-counter pills, users swallow this product with water. This causes the digestible shell to dissolve in the digestive system, releasing its contents. Although different, they use the same consumption method and cannabidiol source.

References

Barry & Glantz (2017). Lessons From Tobacco For Developing Marijuana Legalization Policy.

González-Sarrías, García-Villalba, Núñez-Sánchez, Tomé-Carneiro, J., Zafrilla, Mulero, &Espín (2015). Identifying The Limits For Ellagic Acid Bioavailability: A Crossover Pharmacokinetic Study In Healthy Volunteers After Consumption Of Pomegranate Extracts. Journal Of Functional Foods, 19, 225-235.

Iftikhar, Zafar, Ahmed, Shabbir, Sameen, Sahar, &Aadil (2021). Applications Of Cannabis Sativa L. In Food And Its Therapeutic Potential: From A Prohibited Drug To A Nutritional Supplement. Molecules, 26(24), 7699.