Cons
Not a good option for people who can’t tolerate swallowing pills
Why we like Medterra Daily Relief CBD Isolate Capsules as best for joint pain relief
Medterra Daily Relief CBD Isolate Capsules could serve as a
natural supplement for joint pain
related to conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
This product is made with CBD isolate. CBD isolate only contains CBD and is free from other cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive (or intoxicating) component of the cannabis plant responsible for the “high” associated with smoking or ingesting cannabis. (
3
) This makes Medterra CBD Isolate Capsules a safe option for those who want or need to avoid THC.
CBD interacts with a signaling network known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps regulate a number of processes, including sleep, stress, appetite, mood, and pain sensation. (
5
) Some research has shown that CBD may also act on the body’s inflammation pathways. (
6
) While there is some evidence that CBD may help manage pain from certain conditions, more research is needed to confirm this. (
5
,
7)
Currently, there is not enough clinical evidence that shows CBD can help manage pain from conditions like osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis, though some CBD users have reported seeing benefits. (
4,
6
,
8
)
A 2022 study that surveyed 428 self-selected participants with arthritis found that CBD use was associated with significant improvements in joint pain, physical function, and sleep quality. The participants reported a 44% reduction in pain after using CBD, and more than 60% reported reducing or stopping the use of anti-inflammatories and pain medications, like acetaminophen and opioids. However, the survey found that CBD seemed most effective for people who had osteoarthritis compared to people who had rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune arthritis. (
4
) Plus, the study did not test these findings against a control group, and did not account for any particular dose or type of CBD—meaning more research needs to be done.
Doses of CBD used to treat arthritis-related joint pain have varied widely in studies, ranging from less than 25 mg to over 500 mg per day. (
8
) Keep in mind that there’s no general recommendation on using CBD for joint pain yet, so you should always discuss safe and appropriate dosing with a healthcare provider who specializes in herbal and/or cannabis medicine. (
8
)
Medterra CBD Isolate Capsules come in three different strengths, so you can choose the best option for your needs. Depending on the strength, each dose of Medterra CBD Isolate Capsules provides 25, 50, or 100 mg of CBD in the form of CBD isolate.
Medterra CBD Isolate Capsules are made with CBD derived from American-grown hemp plants and organic medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT), a carrier oil that helps your body absorb and utilize CBD, which is a fat-soluble compound. (
9
)
In addition to being completely free from THC, this product is third-party tested for quality, purity, and safety, and a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available on the Medterra website. COAs are documents that verify a supplement has undergone third-party testing and meets specific quality standards.
Medterra CBD Isolate Capsules are gluten-free and GMO-free. Additionally, Medterra uses pectin in their supplements rather than gelatin, so the supplement is also vegan.
The 25 mg product is fairly priced at $1.67 per serving, which is similar to other high-quality CBD products on the market. Keep in mind that the 50 and 100 mg products are more expensive. To save money, customers can sign up for a subscription on the Medterra website for 25% off every order, plus free shipping.
Specs
Serving size
One capsule
Servings per container
30
Price per serving
$1.67
Type of CBD
CBD isolate
Best full spectrum CBD capsules
Charlotte’s Web CBD Soft Gel Capsules contain full-spectrum CBD, which provides additional components of the cannabis plant.
Key product features
CBD dose (mg)
25 or 50 mg
Third-party tested
Yes
Subscription discount:
30%
What you should know
Available in two strengths and packaged into easy-to-swallow capsules, Charlotte’s Web CBD Soft Gel Capsules are a good option for those who want a full-spectrum product.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Capsules are third-party tested and contain less than 0.3% THC, which is the federal legal limit for CBD products.
(
3
)
The 25 mg dose costs $1.17 per serving, making it less expensive than average.
Full-spectrum CBD products may offer additional benefits over CBD isolate products as they contain more cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant.
(
3
)
Cons
Not a good option for people who can’t tolerate swallowing pills
Why we like Charlotte’s Web CBD Soft Gel Capsules as best full-spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD products, like Charlotte’s Web CBD Soft Gel Capsules, contain all extracts of the cannabis plant, including CBD and other beneficial substances like terpenes, flavonoids, other cannabinoids, and essential oils. Unlike CBD isolates, full-spectrum CBD products contain very low levels of THC. To comply with federal limits, full-spectrum CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC. (
3
)
Because full-spectrum CBD contains additional cannabis components, it impacts health differently than other CBD products, such as CBD isolate. The term “entourage effect” is used to describe the synergistic effects of plant substances, including cannabinoids like CBD and antioxidants like terpenes, found in full-spectrum CBD products. Due to these synergistic effects, full-spectrum CBD may be more effective than isolate products for treating certain conditions, like anxiety. (
3
)
A 2022 study that included 14 participants with moderate-to-severe anxiety found that treatment with 30 mg of full-spectrum CBD containing less than 1 mg THC per day for four weeks significantly reduced anxiety symptoms by week four compared to baseline. Most patients achieved a 15% symptom reduction as early as one week into treatment. (
10
)
The researchers noted that anxiety reduction was observed at a much lower dosage compared to studies using CBD isolate. Compared to the 30 mg per day dose of full-spectrum CBD used in their study, studies using CBD isolate reported anxiety reductions at much higher doses of around 300 mg per day. (
10
)
Full-spectrum CBD may be more effective for reducing anxiety symptoms due to the multiple components found in full-spectrum CBD and how they interact with receptors in the nervous system that are responsible for regulating anxiety. (
11
)
In addition to improving anxiety symptoms at lower doses, some evidence suggests that full-spectrum CBD products may have fewer side effects than isolate products, which is another plus. However, studies comparing full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate are limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the differences in effectiveness between these two types of products. (
10
)
Charlotte’s Web CBD Capsules contain 25 or 50 mg of full-spectrum CBD derived from American-grown hemp per serving. The dose for both products is one softgel, which is a major plus for people who don’t like swallowing multiple pills per day. Also, being that you don’t need as much per effective dose, you may only need to consume 1-2 a day.
The CBD is packed into vegan softgels that have been redesigned to support easier swallowing and better digestion.
Like all Charlotte’s Web products, their full-spectrum CBD Capsules are third-party tested, and a COA is available on the company’s website. These capsules are free from major allergens like gluten, are kosher, and vegan, making them a smart choice for those with food allergies and certain dietary restrictions. That said, full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC and aren’t a good choice for people who want a THC-free product especially when it comes to workplace rules.
The price per serving varies from $1 to $2, depending on the strength, which is more expensive than the other full-spectrum CBD product on our list, but similar in price to other full-spectrum products on the market. To save money, customers can sign up for a subscription on the Charlotte’s Web website for 30% off their purchase.
Specs
Serving size
One softgel
Servings per container
60 or 120
Price per serving
$1-$2
Type of CBD
Full-spectrum CBD
Best CBD capsules for sleep
Medterra Good Night Capsules contains CBD and other sleep-enhancing ingredients, including melatonin.
Key product features
CBD dose (mg)
50 mg
Third-party tested
Yes
Subscription discount:
25%
What you should know
Medterra Good Night Capsules contain 50 mg of third-party tested, broad-spectrum CBD, which may help you get a better night’s sleep.
We love that Medterra Good Night Capsules are certified by
T
he U.S. Hemp Authority® and contain evidence-based, natural sleep aids, including melatonin.
(
12
)
At $2.17 per serving, this product is the most expensive product in our roundup.
Some preliminary research shows that supplementing with CBD may support overall sleep quality and improve sleep disturbances related to conditions like insomnia, though more research is needed.
(
13
,
14
)
Pros
Contains other natural sleep aids
Cons
Contains low levels of THC
Not a good option for people who can’t tolerate swallowing multiple pills
Why we like Medterra Good Night Capsules as best for sleep
If you’re one of the many Americans who struggle with sleep issues, finding ways to improve your sleep quality is essential. Fortunately, there are several natural sleep aids that can be effective for supporting restful sleep and improving symptoms of sleep conditions like insomnia.
Though more research is needed, CBD and other cannabinoids, like cannabinol (CBN), may improve certain aspects of sleep.
Medterra Goodnight Capsules contain 50 mg of broad-spectrum CBD, which is similar to full-spectrum CBD but is almost completely free of THC. (
3
) CBD acts on receptors in the ECS that regulate the sleep-wake cycle. (
14
) Though there’s limited clinical evidence that CBD improves sleep quality, some people report experiencing benefits. (
14
,
15
)
This product also contains 1.5 mg of the cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN), which has been shown to improve overall sleep disturbances, including nighttime awakenings, when taken on its own. However, the doses of CBN used in research studies are higher than the 1.5 mg dose found in Medterra Good Night Capsules. For example, a 2023 study found that a daily dose of 20 mg of CBN was effective for reducing sleep disturbances in people with self-reported poor sleep quality. (
15
) It’s unclear if the small dose of CBN in Medterra Goodnight Capsules would have the same effects on sleep.
In addition to CBD and CBN, Medterra Goodnight Capsules provide melatonin, magnesium, ashwagandha, and kava kava, all of which have been shown to benefit sleep when taken in supplement form, making this a solid blend for sleep support. (
16
,
17
,
18
,
19
)
For example, a 2020 study that included 97 people with insomnia found that treatment with 3 mg of melatonin—the same dose in Medterra Good Night Capsules—improved some aspects of sleep quality, including total sleep time, deep sleep, and early morning wake time over a four-week period compared to a placebo treatment. (
18
)
The ashwagandha in this product may also help you get a better night’s rest. A 2021 review of five studies found that
ashwagandha root supplements
in doses ranging from 250-600 mg per day had a small but significant effect on improving sleep outcomes compared with placebo treatments. However, the researchers noted that supplements that provided at least 600 mg of ashwagandha were most effective for improving sleep, meaning that the 200 mg dose of ashwagandha in Medterra Good Night Capsules may not be high enough to improve sleep. (
16
) Testing out doses and increasing slowly to find what works best is a good option for the new user.
Kava kava is an herbal remedy extracted from the roots of the
Piper methysticum
shrub. When taken as a supplement, it has sedative effects that may decrease the time it takes to fall asleep and may improve sleep patterns, including deep sleep. (
17
)
Magnesium, another ingredient in Medterra Good Night Capsules, has been shown to promote more restful sleep. However, magnesium oxide, which is the
type of magnesium
used in the formula, is much less bioavailable to your body than other forms such as magnesium citrate and glycinate, and is associated with more side effects, like digestive distress. (
19
)
Though research is limited on CBD improving sleep quality, the powerful combination of natural sleep aids may make Medterra Good Night Capsules a solid option for those who’d like to try a CBD sleep supplement.
Medterra Good Night Capsules are also gelatin-free and vegan, making them an appropriate supplement for people following plant-based diets. This product is also third-party tested, certified by The U.S. Hemp Authority®, free from major allergens like gluten, and non-GMO.
Medterra Good Night Capsules is the most expensive product in our roundup, costing $2.16 per serving. Customers can save 25% by signing up for a subscription.
Specs
Serving size
Two capsules
Servings per container
30
Price per serving
$2.17
Type of CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD
Sunsoil Organic CBD Capsules provide high-quality, full-spectrum CBD at an affordable price.
Key product features
CBD dose (mg)
20 mg
Third-party tested
Yes
Subscription discount:
20%
What you should know
Though Sunsoil Organic CBD Capsules are more affordable than many CBD products on the market, they’re made with high-quality CBD and are third-party tested for quality and purity.
We like that Sunsoil Organic CBD Capsules are made with organically-farmed hemp grown in Vermont.
This product costs $1 per serving, which makes it the most affordable product in our roundup.
Sunsoil Organic CBD Capsules may offer the benefits of full-spectrum CBD without the higher price point of most full-spectrum products.
(
3
)
Pros
Made with organic hemp grown in the U.S.
Cons
Pills are large in size and may not be a good choice for people who can’t tolerate swallowing larger supplements
Why we like Sunsoil Organic CBD Capsules as best budget
Sunsoil keeps the prices of their CBD products, including their Organic CBD Capsules, low without sacrificing quality, making it our top pick for best budget CBD capsules.
To do this, Sunsoil breeds their own fast-growing hemp seeds and extracts the CBD themselves at their Vermont-based facility using a method called lipid infusion, in which organic coconut oil, pressure, and heat are used to extract CBD from hemp plants. This keeps their products low in cost and free from solvents that are sometimes used to extract CBD, such as alcohol and hexane, which some people may prefer to avoid. (
20
) For example, hexane has been shown to have neurotoxic properties. (
21
) “Lipid infusions have been shown to increase the bioavailability of CBD,” adds Victoria Burgess, PhD, CSCS, CISSN.
Sunsoil hemp is grown in Vermont on farms that are certified organic by the USDA, and every batch of Sunsoil Organic CBD Capsules are tested by independent ISO laboratories, so you can rest assured that you’re purchasing a safe, high-quality product. To learn more about your Sunsoil product, you can enter the supplement lot number
on the Sunsoil website
to receive a full laboratory report covering ingredients and amounts of potential contaminants like pesticides and mycotoxins.
Like Charlotte’s Web CBD Capsules, Sunsoil Organic CBD Capsules are made with full-spectrum CBD, which may be a better choice than CBD isolate for certain symptoms and conditions, like anxiety. (
10
)
However, just keep in mind that this product provides a lower dose than the other full-spectrum CBD product in our roundup and is only available in one strength, which provides 20 mg of CBD per serving. However, you can take multiple doses of this product if you require a larger amount of CBD per day.
Sunsoil Organic CBD Capsules are vegan, making them a safe choice for vegans and people who do not consume animal products. This product is also free from some major allergens, like gluten.
It’s important to note that the capsules are quite large and may not be the best choice for people who can’t tolerate swallowing larger supplements. Additionally, because it’s made with full-spectrum CBD, this product contains trace amounts of THC and isn’t a good choice for people who want or need to avoid THC.
While the $1 per serving price point makes it a good choice for people on a budget, those who require a larger dose of CBD per day may find that this product is too expensive when multiple doses are taken per day. Customers can sign up for a subscription to save 20% off their purchase.
Specs
Serving size
One capsule
Servings per container
30
Price per serving
$1
Type of CBD
Full-spectrum CBD
How we test supplements
With so many CBD products and supplements to choose from, narrowing down the best product for your budget, dietary preferences, health needs, and goals can be challenging. To make shopping for a CBD capsule supplement easier for you, our team of healthcare providers and industry experts analyzed dozens of CBD products, using criteria like type of CBD, dose, additional ingredients, quality, potential effectiveness, and price to find the best supplements on the market.
You can read our full supplement testing methodology here.
Here’s how we evaluated the CBD capsules in this piece.
Efficacy—40%
Our team analyzes each CBD supplement, considering the form of CBD used, the clinical evidence backing its potential health benefits, synergistic ingredients, and more. Here’s what we look at to find the most effective CBD capsule supplements:
CBD form
Clinical evidence
Dose efficacy
Synergistic effects
Proprietary blends
Safety and side effects—35%
We ensure that all of the dietary supplements we recommend are generally considered safe for healthy people to take and are not associated with serious adverse side effects or long-term health concerns.
To recommend the safest supplements on the market, we evaluate:
Reported side effects
Third-party testing
Manufacturer accreditation
Medication interactions
Dangerous or inappropriate label claims
Potentially harmful ingredients
Value—20%
Everyone’s working with a different budget, which is why we aim to include CBD supplements that are both effective and affordable.
The factors we look at for this area of testing include:
Customer experience—5%
A customer’s experience with a company directly impacts satisfaction, loyalty, and the likelihood of repeat purchases. We include it in our testing process because the consumer experience guides purchasing decisions.
Our factors in this rating include:
Ease of purchase
Shipping and returns
Customer support
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in the
Cannabis sativa
, or hemp, plant. The hemp plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids and has been used for medicinal purposes, including pain management and anxiety, for thousands of years. (
6
,
7
)
CBD was first isolated in 1940 and is one of the two most abundant cannabinoids in hemp with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid responsible for the “high” associated with smoking or ingesting cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive or intoxicating effects, meaning it doesn’t impair your judgment, memory, or coordination in the same way as THC may. (
22
)
Though certain types of CBD products, like full-spectrum CBD, contain very small amounts of THC, it’s generally not enough to get you high. In fact, in order to be sold as a hemp product for mass distribution in the U.S., CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. (
23
)
There are three types of CBD: broad spectrum, full spectrum, and isolate:
Full-spectrum CBD
contains all extracts of the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids like CBD and THC (up to 0.3% of dry weight only), plus, terpenes and other compounds.
Broad-spectrum CBD
is basically the same as full-spectrum, but contains 0% THC by dry weight.
CBD isolate
is pure CBD and doesn’t contain the additional compounds found in full- and broad-spectrum products. CBD isolates are completely free from THC. (
3
)
By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD may benefit health in several ways, including reducing pain and anxiety and improving sleep quality. (
3
)
What form of CBD is most effective?
All three forms of CBD may potentially improve certain aspects of health, though some evidence suggests that full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products may be more effective for improving certain symptoms compared to CBD isolate products. (
3
) This is likely due to the various hemp-derived compounds found in broad- and full-spectrum CBD products, which work synergistically in the body.
For example, a 2023 study that included 374 participants found that supplementation with 1,000 mg of broad-spectrum CBD for 15-30 days was more effective for reducing stress levels than the same regimen of CBD isolate. (
24
)
Some studies also show that compared to CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD may be more effective for treating anxiety at lower doses and may lead to fewer negative side effects. (
9
) Although full-spectrum and broad-spectrum are often shown to be more effective, isolate still yields great results for those who need to stay away from a THC component.
While these findings are promising, studies on the effects of different forms of CBD are limited, and more research is needed to determine the best forms of CBD for different health conditions and symptoms.
Side effects of CBD capsules
While CBD may work as a
natural remedy for symptoms associated with anxiety
, stress, pain, and sleep disturbances, it’s important to note that it’s not the right choice for everyone. Though CBD is generally considered safe when used at certain doses, it can interact with certain medications and may cause unwanted side effects. (
1
,
6
)
Some of the most common side effects associated with CBD supplements include:
Mood changes
Dry mouth
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Appetite changes
Sleepiness
Drowsiness (
1
,
6
)
CBD may also interact with commonly prescribed drugs, such as pain medications, antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, transplant medications, blood thinners, and diabetes medications. In high doses, CBD may also impact certain laboratory tests, such as liver function tests. (
25
)
How to choose the right CBD capsules for you
In addition to being aware of potential side effects and possible medication interactions, you should always choose a high-quality CBD supplement from a trusted brand. Here’s what to look for.
Third-party testing
Opt for a third-party tested CBD product to ensure you’re ingesting a safe, pure, and contaminant-free product. Unfortunately, studies show that many CBD products are inappropriately labeled and may contain unsafe contaminants, such as heavy metals and pesticides.Third-party testing ensures that CBD products contain what’s stated on the label, including safe levels of THC, and are free from potentially harmful contaminants. (
6
)
Type of CBD
CBD isolate only contains CBD and is free from other cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive, or intoxicating, component of the cannabis plant responsible for the “high” associated with smoking or ingesting cannabis. (
3
) Full-spectrum CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC, which is the federal legal limit for CBD products, while broad spectrum CBD contains 0% of THC. (
3
)
People who want to completely avoid THC should choose a CBD isolate product. Full- and broad-spectrum CBD products may be a better choice for certain health conditions, like anxiety, due to the array of cannabis components they contain. (
3
)
CBD dose
Keep in mind that dosing for CBD varies widely and depends on what you’re hoping to treat or health goals you want to achieve. If you’re unsure of what dose of CBD you should be taking, talk to a healthcare provider with specialized knowledge of herbal and/or cannabis medicine for advice. Many healthcare providers recommend starting with a low dose of CBD, such as 5 mg once a day, then increasing it by 10 mg every two to three days and assessing with each increase. This can help your body get used to CBD and may reduce the risk of potential side effects. (
7
)
Price
Lastly, you should consider the price of CBD supplements and pick one that works with your budget.
FAQs
Are CBD capsules worth it?
Yes, CBD capsules can be beneficial for a number of symptoms and health conditions, such as insomnia, anxiety, stress, and joint pain. However, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider with specialized knowledge of herbal and/or cannabis medicine to formulate a safe and appropriate dosing schedule for your health needs. (
1
)
How to use CBD capsules
Depending on your dosing needs, CBD capsules can be taken once or multiple times per day. Dosing varies depending on health needs and symptoms, so it’s best to speak with a specialized healthcare provider regarding supplement recommendations. You can take CBD capsules at any time of day, including before bed to help with sleep.
Is it safe to take CBD capsules every day?
Yes, CBD capsules are generally safe to take daily. However, you should always consult with a healthcare provider with specialized knowledge of herbal and/or cannabis medicine regarding safe dosing schedules for your specific health needs. CBD may interact with certain prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements and may cause unwanted side effects for some people.
