Are CBD Softgels Effective? – Benefits Compared to CBD Oil

A single softgel being held up by someones thumb and pointer finger.

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As more resources and funding are poured into CBD research and development, there are seemingly endless ways to consume CBD. One of the most popular, and effective, ways to consume CBD is through softgels.

Because softgels are passed through the digestive tract they have a lower bioavailability and a slower onset time. CBD softgels are still effective, but you may need to take higher doses and wait longer for them to take effect compared to other forms of CBD. However, CBD softgels also have the advantages of being incredibly convenient and having longer lasting effects.

This article will outline exactly how CBD softgels work, and why they might be the best choice for you. Learning more about how CBD softgels function can help you utilize them in the best way possible.

Are CBD Capsules as Effective as Drops?

CBD capsules, or any CBD edibles, have a slightly lower bioavailability than CBD oil drops. That means that not as much of the product is absorbed into your system as with other consumption methods such as inhaling CBD, sublingual drops, or water-soluble CBD. Regardless, the overall strength of CBD softgels and CBD oil are very comparable. The biggest difference lies in how quickly you will feel the effects. 

CBD softgel capsules and CBD oil are both incredibly effective at getting CBD into your body. They just do so in different ways.

CBD oil is generally a drop under your tongue. The CBD is then absorbed through the thin mucus membrane in the mouth, then directly into the bloodstream. Because of this quick absorption process, you should be able to feel some effects right away. On the other hand, CBD softgels need to be digested and broken down before the CBD becomes a part of your body. The softgels will not be absorbed into your bloodstream for the most part until they reach your gut. This means that it may take a little while before you start to feel effects.

What are the Benefits of CBD Softgels?

Of all the different ways to consume CBD, softgels have some of the most specific and potentially important benefits. CBD softgels are unique in a few different ways.

There are two main benefits of CBD softgels, although there are of course other ancillary benefits as well. The two main benefits of CBC softgels are: 

  1. CBD softgels are incredibly convenient to take and carry.
  2. CBD softgels tend to lead to deeper and longer lasting benefits due to the process of going through the digestive tract.

The fact that CBD softgels are convenient shouldn’t be a surprise. CBD softgels look like any other pill you may take, from allergy medication to a pain reliever. You can carry around a bottle of CBD softgels and you won’t get a second glance from anybody.

Since CBD softgels are so inconspicuous, it is easier to take them with you to work or other public places. It might be awkward and lead to a potential misunderstanding if somebody sees you using CBD oil as a drop under your tongue, but it is very common to see somebody swallowing pills for medication.

Altogether, this means that CBD softgels are incredibly convenient and easy to use in a variety of circumstances. You can easily throw a few softgel capsules in a bag, making use at airports, movie theaters, and any other public place a very simple and innocuous task.

The other main benefit of CBD softgels is that the effects tend to be deeper and longer lasting. Like mentioned earlier, CBD softgels will take longer to kick in than CBD oil. This makes sense, given that the softgel has to go through your digestive tract and be broken down by stomach acids and intestinal villi before the CBD becomes a part of your system.

However, the flip side to this delay is that the effects tend to be deeper and longer lasting. By having the CBD ingested through your digestive tract, you will be sure to absorb all of the possible CBD into very sensitive areas of the body. This is a big advantage, especially if you feel that you need a larger dose of CBD to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Bottle of CBDistillery softgels laying on its side with a bunch of softgels pouring out.

How Do You Take CBD Softgels?

Taking CBD softgels is easy and simple. CBD softgels are essentially a gelatinous coating to protect the CBD oil that is inside. They are very easy to swallow, and once in your digestive tract, the gelatinous coating will dissolve, releasing the CBD oil inside. That CBD oil will be easily ingested through your digestive tract, leading to the positive benefits of CBD that we all know and love.  

Softgels are one of the most popular types of pills to swallow across all types of medicine, not just CBD. One study found that 52% of people prefer softgels over alternatives such as chewables or tablets. 

The reason softgels are often preferred is that they are much easier to swallow than hard, rigid tablets. Since softgels are flexible, they are easier to swallow and pose less of a choking hazard. This makes CBD softgels a great option for people that may struggle to swallow traditional tablets or capsules. 

CBD softgels can be taken just like any other pill you may need to take for medication. Of course, be sure to follow all the instructions on the bottle, since different companies may have slightly differing directions on how to best consume the CBD softgels. 

Cannabinoids bind to fat in your body, so it may be useful to take your CBD in conjunction with healthy fats, such as avocados, seeds, soymilk, or fish.

Since CBD softgels are so convenient and easy to consume, they can be used in a variety of circumstances. For example, it is easy to bring to an airport and use before a flight to calm any nerves or anxiety you may have about flying. Similarly, they can easily be consumed before going out on the town, or before a night relaxing by the TV.

CBD softgels are incredibly versatile and easy to use in countless different situations. Their ease of use and inconspicuous nature make them a great option for people that require CBD in lots of different circumstances.

Dosage

As for dosing, there is no official guide for how much CBD you should take and how often because there are many factors at play and it depends significantly on the condition you are treating. However, you cannot overdose on CBD, and it is nearly impossible to reach toxicity levels, so we recommend starting with a small dose and simply working your way up as needed. 

Most CBD softgels typically contain 25-50 mg of CBD per pill. If you are treating a chronic condition like an anxiety disorder or pain, you will probably take 50 mg per day. But if you are treating a condition like inflammation or situational anxiety, then you may be able to take smaller doses.

Do You Chew CBD Softgels?

No, you do not need to chew CBD softgels, and instead take them like any other pill: by placing them in the back of your throat and swallowing with water.

CBD Softgels vs. Gummies

CBD softgels are very often compared to CBD gummies, for obvious reasons. Although both have their advantages and disadvantages, we recommend softgels as a very good alternative to gummies for multiple reasons.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, CBD softgels are generally less expensive than CBD gummies. For many people, cost is not necessarily a huge consideration. However, since softgels and gummies are pretty similar, the cost can be a good tiebreaker when choosing which to consume.

Secondly, CBD softgels more reliably and consistently deliver the correct dosage of CBD. CBD gummies are tethered to more factors that could change depending on the day, such as what other foods you consumed, or how active your stomach enzymes are at the moment. CBD softgels, on the other hand, will always deliver the exact same dosage, leading to greater reliability.

However, it should be noted that there are advantages to gummies as well. Most obviously, if you enjoy the taste of gummies, CBD gummies may simply be more enjoyable for you to take. There’s nothing wrong with this, just be cognizant of the fact that the dosage may be variable and you may be paying more for less CBD.

Metal bowl overflowing with bright multicolored gummy bears.

Takeaway: CBD Softgels are an Excellent Option

CBD softgels are an excellent option for people looking to consume CBD. Not only are softgels very cost effective, but they deliver the same, reliable dosage each time you take them. Furthermore, they are incredibly easy to take and convenient to carry around. Finally, CBD softgels lead to longer lasting effects due to their absorption through the digestive tract.

There are plenty of good ways to consume CBD. Softgels are just one of many options that consumers have. Consider trying softgels if you haven’t already– the benefits will speak for themselves. Ultimately, the most important thing is getting the relaxation and healing that your body needs, regardless of the method by which you consume CBD.

We know how important it is to always buy your CBD from reliable, trustworthy sources. That’s why we’ve assembled a list of the best CBD brands available for online delivery. You can access our database for free here. More specifically, here is our recommendation for CBD softgels.

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Josh Murdoch

I was born with Cystic Fibrosis, and although it is incurable, CBD and THC have been allowing me to live my life as a healthy adult now for years. For that reason, I’ve dedicated my career to spreading the good news about cannabinoids. Currently, I work for a cannabis distribution company called Humble & Fume which operates in California. Previously, I worked on two cannabis farms in northern California, one of which was located in the famous Humboldt County. I’ve also managed a medical cannabis delivery service in Marin County, California. I created CBD Facilitator to share what I’ve learned, and to recommend the best products that I have found in this chaotic market.

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Our Mission

Our goal is to educate you on all things CBD, enabling you to navigate this vast unregulated industry like a pro. We know all too well how overwhelming it can be to find trustworthy brands in this crowded market, so we’re here to help!

Shop CBD Products

Our Favorite Brands

FACILITATOR25
(25% Off)

CBDFACILITATOR
(15% Off)

CBDFACILITATOR
(15% Off)

FACILITATOR
(10% Off)

Topical Cream

Perfect for Localized Pain and Inflammation Relief!