Best CBD Capsules 2020

cannabidiol pills

Simple and convenient, precisely dosed, and easy to travel with, CBD capsules have a lot of advantages. But, you need to be sure you are dealing with a reputable company that is giving you what they say they are. 

The last thing you want is a bunch of pesticides or solvents that can be left over as residues from cheap manufacturing. 

That is where I come in! 

I have fully vetted the below brands to bring you my top CBD capsules on the market right now. 

Product

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Product

Details

Price

Best Overall

Sensei CBD

Best Overall

Sensei Cbd Capsules

Sensei CBD

  • 25mg CBD per capsule
  • Premium Quality CBD
  • Organically Grown, USA Grown Hemp

Coupon: GEEK

Every Day Optimal

Every Day Optimal

Every Day Optimal

  • 3rd party lab tested
  • Made from USA grown Hemp
  • Organic / GMO Free
  • Strengths Range from 15mg - 200mg

Coupon code: cbdoilgeek10

Charlotte's Web

CW Capsules

Charlotte's Web

  • Comes in 2 dosages - 8mg & 18mg of CBD
  • Made from USA grown Hemp
  • Organic / GMO Free
  • Very Strong reputation among customers

Coupon code: CBDGEEK

CBDMD

CBDMD

  • 3rd party lab tested for quality
  • Zero THC
  • Strong reputation and trusted by athletes
  • Organically grown US hemp
  • Free shipping

Use coupon code OILGEEK for 15% off your order

CBDPure

CBDPure

  • Easy to swallow soft CBD gel capsules
  • Trusted company with reliable third party testing available
  • All-natural ingredients
  • 90-day money back guarantee
  • Reasonably priced

Coupon code: Geek10

Cannabidiol Life

Cannabidiol Life

  • Excellent price point
  • 100% organic hemp oil soft gel capsules
  • Based on their ethanol extracted full spectrum hemp oil
  • Strong reputation in the industry

Hemp Bombs

Hemp Bombs CAPSULES

Hemp Bombs

  • Strong reputation in the industry
  • THC Free formula
  • Strong commitment to customer satisfaction
  • Organic, European sourced hemp
  • Made in the USA

Use code Geek15 for 15% off your order

Highland Pharms

Highland Pharms

  • Robust full spectrum hemp oil
  • Made in the USA
  • All-natural ingredients
  • 100mg capsules are vegan friendly
  • Eco-friendly packaging
  • Accepts bitcoin payments

CBDistillery

CBDistillery

  • Extremely reasonable pricing for those on a budget
  • Free shipping on orders over $75
  • Full spectrum or CBD isolate (THC free) options
  • The regular capsules are vegan friendly
  • All-natural ingredients

This review of the best CBD capsules starts with some information, designed to be especially helpful to those new to taking this supplement, followed by my honest reviews developed from extensive research in the industry. If you want to learn more about any of the companies themselves, I have provided a link to the full review of each company.  

Let’s get started with some FAQs about CBD oil capsules.

Can you use CBD capsules for pain?

I am not a doctor, so I can’t make medical claims about cannabinoids from industrial hemp and specific medical conditions. However, there is plenty of research that has independently verified the important connection between the endocannabinoid system and pain.  

Still, the FDA has not yet approved any prescription medicine using non-synthetic cannabinoids for pain treatment. However, drugs such as Sativex®, based on a balance of CBD and THC, have been approved and used to treat pain and muscle tightness in MS patients for years in European countries.   

Many people are taking advantage of this health supplement because they do experience relief from symptoms such as pain, anxiety and sleeplessness. However, it is important to treat CBD as a supplement, not a cure for disease. If you have a serious medical condition, you should talk to your doctor.

Are CBD capsules safe?

One thing that we do know about cannabidiol is that it is safe, with low toxicity and few side effects. In fact, many researchers believe it is much safer than many current narcotics which have well known side effects, negative long-term health consequences, and strong addictive properties.  

That being said, there are still some potential side effects that users should be aware of, including: 

  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Psychosis (extremely rare)
  • Changes in appetite
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea

If you are pregnant or nursing, please note that there is not enough research to know if CBD is safe as it may have some effects on brain development in the fetus and/or baby.

What are the effects of CBD hemp oil capsules?

CBD capsules effects can vary from person to person. While some will experience what might be described as a calming effect, others feel more focused and invigorated.  

Body size is one major factor determining how strongly you will feel the effects. The larger you are, the less potent the effects of the same dosage are likely to be. 

Your experience level with CBD can also have a significant impact on how intensely you experience the effects. While it is not entirely understood why, the long and short of it is probably related to the amount of CBD receptors you have active in your system.  

More experienced users have more receptors ready to make use of the cannabinoids, although they may need larger doses to feel the effects. Many new users of CBD products can take a week or more before they feel the full effect of the supplement.

What dose of CBD capsule should I use?

Again, I am not a doctor. However, reputable manufacturers provide dosing instructions for their products, and you should use those as a guide. 15-20mg, once or twice a day is a very common starting point suggested by many manufacturers.  


The general rule of thumb is to start at a smaller dose, increasing over time until you experience the effects (such as a calmer mood or pain relief) that you are looking for.  


If you do not get relief from a CBD capsule, you may want to try the sublingual tinctures for reasons I will explain below.

What are the benefits and downsides of taking CBD in capsule form?

There are two main factors that impact how you take CBD and the types and intensity of effects that you may feel from taking this supplement.  

The first is rate of absorption, that is how fast your body can get CBD into the bloodstream, and the second is bioavailability, which is the percentage of the CBD that actually makes it into your system.  

Capsules are neither the fastest nor the most efficient way to take CBD. Sublingual tinctures, vaping, dabbing, and suppositories are all faster acting in most cases. Likewise, because it uses the entire digestive system, oral methods such as capsules tend to result in a lower percentage of the CBD hitting the blood stream in the end.  

However, for some users this doesn’t matter because the benefits of taking capsules may outweigh the disadvantages.  

For example, some folks appreciate the precise dosing that few other methods of taking CBD afford. In addition, it’s dang convenient. Once you have your dose dialed in, it is a matter of adding your pill to your morning and evening regimen. They are also more convenient to travel with, and more accessible to people that may be put off by other ways of taking CBD because of their connotations with marijuana culture, such as dabbing.  

Another reason some people prefer the pill form of this supplement is that they prefer the specific effects it has when taken this way. Some people just seem to get more relief of the specific type they are looking for when taking the supplement orally.  

In-Depth Product Reviews


CBDMD – Top Rated


If you’re looking for the best CBD experience but without the fear of THC contamination, a CBDMD Premium CBD capsule is as close to it as you can come. Using broad spectrum CBD oil means you get the natural complement of supporting cannabinoids, terpenes and associated compounds to achieve maximal effect without needing THC.

With strengths ranging from 15mg to 50mg CBD per easy to swallow, vegan friendly and of curse non-GMO soft gel, all you need is a glass of water to help it get to work. No frills, no contaminants, just the relief that you need.

Available Strengths: 15mg to 50mg

Available Counts: 30 and 60 

Additional ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin

PROS

  • Vegan friendly capsules
  • 30 and 60 count bottles available
  • Broad spectrum CBD oil
  • THC free products
  • Only USA grown, organic hemp used

CONS

  • Not a full-spectrum CBD extract
  • Lab results not available

CBDPure – All-Natural Ingredients


CBDPure sources some of the best organic hemp in the world, grown right in Colorado, utilizing special high CBD strains of hemp. They use a CO2 extraction process to make their CBD hemp oil capsules, considered both clean and environmentally friendly.  

Although many of their products are based on their full spectrum hemp oil, the capsules only contain .5g per CBD pill of the full spectrum oil, and 25mg of cannabidiol from a CBD isolate. I would not call this a “robust” full spectrum CBD capsule. Check out my next pick is that is your goal.  

Since they are so well trusted in the industry, and a “go-to” for a quality and consistent product, they are able to charge a bit more, however, the prices are well within reason striking in at about the middle of the range.  

With one of the best return policies in the CBD industry, this is an excellent choice if you are not yet sure if you will respond to taking CBD capsules for pain, anxiety or other ailments.

Available Strengths: 25 mg 

Available Counts: 30 

Additional ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin

PROS

  • Easy to swallow soft CBD gel capsules.
  • Trusted company with reliable third party testing available.
  • All-natural ingredients.
  • Accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating.
  • 90-day money back guarantee.
  • Organic, Colorado based, high CBD hemp strains.
  • Reasonably priced.

CONS

  • Limited selection of dosages available.
  • Not the best choice if a full spectrum CBD oil is what you are looking for.
  • Not vegan friendly.
  • Mostly based on CBD isolate, so not the most full spectrum offering.

Cannabidiol Life – Full Spectrum


Have you heard of the “Entourage Effect”? This is a catch phrase in the CBD world that is meant to capture the fact that the various cannabinoids available in cannabis in it’s natural state actually work to support each other for the overall beneficial effects of hemp oil, including potential health benefits.   

It is an idea that has some support from the ongoing research, a result of which has many people on the lookout for products that contain a rich blend of the natural compounds found in hemp, so-called full spectrum hemp oil.  

One of the best ways to extract a rich full spectrum hemp oil is ethanol extraction. The flowers and stalks of the hemp are gently rocked in an ethanol solution at low temperatures, and then the ethanol evaporates away leaving no residue behind.  

Cannabidiol Life has been a leader in the technique. Although they also offer a variety of tinctures for sublingual use, the capsules ensure a precise dose every time, and many people find them more convenient.

Available Strengths: 25 mg  

Available Counts: 3, 14, 30, 60

PROS

  • Excellent price point.
  • Domestically manufactured in a Denver Health Department Inspected facility.
  • 3 pill sample pack available for those that want to try the product at low cost.
  • 100% organic hemp oil soft gel capsules.
  • Based on their ethanol extracted full spectrum hemp oil.
  • Strong reputation in the industry.

CONS

  • Only 25mg dosage available.
  • Not vegan friendly.

Hemp Bombs – THC Free CBD Capsules


There are some advantages to going with a pure CBD capsule made from a CBD isolate. The main reason people seek this kind of cannabidiol is that it is THC free. Not only does this ensure that the psychoactive properties of THC won’t affect the user, it also makes it a safer choice for those periodically drug tested for their work.  

Hemp Bombs is my recommendation if you are looking for an isolate based CBD product from a trusted manufacturer. Their products are guaranteed to be THC free and contain supportive ingredients such as tea tree and passion flower to enhance the relaxing effect of these CBD pills.  

They also come in two strengths, 15mg and 25mg which makes them a good choice for both beginners and more experienced users alike. The price is about middle of the road, but the quality is definitely there.  

If you are interested in other product lines, Hemp Bombs offers a huge selection including tinctures, gummies, syrups, pet products and more. Also, they have one of the largest vape product lines out there.  

Everything at Hemp Bombs is made from organic hemp sourced from Europe and is manufactured domestically. They do not use third party manufacturing for any of their products. A little on the pricier side, this popular brand has been a hit on the CBD scene and is definitely worth checking out.

Available Strengths: 15mg, 25mg 

Available Counts: 5, 15, 30, 60 

Additional ingredients: L-Theanine, GABA, Magnolia Bark, Scutellaria, Passiflora

PROS

  • Two available strengths, suitable for beginners or those more experience with CBD.
  • Strong reputation in the industry.
  • THC Free formula.
  • Third party testing available on their website.
  • Strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
  • Organic, European sourced hemp.
  • Made in the USA

CONS

  • Not a full spectrum hemp product.
  • Somewhat pricey

Highland Pharms – Best High Potency CBD Capsules


As you might be able to tell from my 5 star review of Highland Pharms, this is one of the stand-out companies in the CBD world that I believe is helping to set a very high standard. They are not just using any old hemp, in fact, they start with pharmaceutical strength hemp developed for its high CBD content. Organic and grown in Colorado, of course.  

They have one of the most full spectrum hemp oils on the market, and you can verify this with a look at the third party labs they offer on their site.  

Their extensive range of CBD hemp oil pills includes a large range of doses, topping out at a full 100mg per capsule. They use all-natural ingredients for their products, including a little hemp seed oil, high in Omega 3& 6 fatty acids, to round out these soft gels.  

Although their tinctures are a little bit on the pricey side, their line of CBD gel caps is extremely affordable per mg of CBD and is an excellent way to give their full spectrum hemp oil a try.

Available Strengths: 15mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg 

Available Counts: 30 

Additional ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Hemp Seed Oil. (Note: 100mg caps are vegan friendly)

PROS

  • Large selection of doses available, including high potency CBD capsules at 100mg.
  • Robust full spectrum hemp oil.
  • Excellent pricing, with significant discounts on large orders.
  • Domestically grown pharmaceutical hemp.
  • Made in the USA
  • All-natural ingredients.
  • 100mg capsules are vegan friendly.
  • Eco-friendly packaging.
  • Accepts bitcoin payments.

CONS

  • Full spectrum CBD can contain trace amounts of THC.

CBDistillery – Budget CBD Capsules


If you are operating on a tight budget and want to find capsules that won’t break the bank, then CBDistillery is my recommendation. Whether you are looking for a full spectrum hemp oil, or would prefer a THC free formula based on an isolate, this company has you covered.  

If you are concerned about quality, it will give you peace of mind that this company, founded by Colorado natives, offers up to date third party testing right on their product pages. Their full spectrum oil is extracted with CO2 extraction methods, which doesn’t introduce any nasty chemicals from solvents. 

They also use MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) made from fractured coconut oil for their carrier oil in the capsules and soft gel caps that they offer. MCT is known to have its own health benefits and is considered a high-end ingredient and sign of quality.  

The main downside of going with CBDistillery is their limited dosage selection, offering only 25mg or 30mg doses which may not work for everyone. On the other hand, they do offer vegan friendly CBD capsules for those that are looking to avoid gelatin, a common ingredient in many CBD gel capsules.

Available Strengths: 25mg, 30mg 

Available Counts: 30, 60 

Additional ingredients:  

Capsules: MCT from fractionated coconut oil, vegetable cellulose.

Soft Gel Caps: MCT from fractionated coconut oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Gelatin.

PROS

  • Extremely reasonable pricing for those on a budget.
  • Free shipping on orders over $75.
  • Full spectrum or CBD isolate (THC free) options.
  • The regular capsules are vegan friendly.
  • All-natural ingredients.
  • Third party testing available right on the product page.

CONS

  • Only two dosages available.
  • Unclear if they source organic, domestic hemp although lab results look good.

Conclusion

I hope this guide helped you discover where to buy CBD capsules, whether they are to find the best full spectrum product or you are operating on slim funds.  

If you decide to make a purchase today, please be sure to check back and leave a comment about your experience to help my readers make good choices about cannabidiol supplements.  

Also, consider bookmarking this page as I plan on adding more great picks as I discover them in my ongoing research in this growing health supplement industry.

Will is the editor here at CBD Oil Geek. He is passionate about CBD and other natural alternatives to dangerous prescription medicines. He lives with his wife in Brooklyn, New York.