Best CBD Capsules and Softgels of 2021

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many cannabinoids that are found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD is non-intoxicating — meaning it doesn’t make you feel high — and is instead used for health and wellness reasons.

Although more research is needed before we fully understand the effects of CBD, many people swear by it. Some promising research suggests that CBD can be used for pain, anxiety, and even seizure conditions. With that said, you should consult with a doctor before using any health product, including CBD products.

CBD comes in many different forms, including in the form of CBD oils, edibles, and pre-rolls. One popular delivery system is CBD capsules and softgels. These are used like any other capsule or softgel, which makes it a simple, convenient way to take CBD.

We compared a few CBD capsules and softgels and chose some of the best ones on the market. If you’re not sure which products to try, read on to see our top 10!

How we chose

We chose these products from a list of more than 3000 of different products, spanning over 150 of the most well-known CBD brands. We assessed these products based on price, lab results, hemp quality, transparency, customer service, brand reputation, and other criteria. From here, we chose the top ten CBD capsules and softgels.

For more information on how we choose our products, check out this page. We have also implemented an unbiased ranking system for rating brands and products out of 100 points.

Our articles are written and reviewed by a team of experienced cannabis journalists, doctors, nutritionists, and other health experts.

Our picks

Best Overall — Elixinol

Elixinol is a highly reputable brand. Based in Iowa, Elixnol has registered their products with Iowa’s Consumable Hemp Regulatory Program, a program that allows the state to regulate hemp products. Their products are also certified by the US Hemp Authority. Their Daily Balance Capsules are ideal for anyone who wants a simple CBD product without any added ingredients.

Third party tests confirm that Elixinol’s CBD capsules are free of contaminants and contain the advertised amount of CBD. Their lab reports can be viewed on their website.

Elixinol’s CBD is derived from US-grown hemp, which was grown to comply with the USDA’s organic standards. The company’s products are certified by the US Hemp Authority, and all Elixinol’s products are registered with Iowa’s Consumable Hemp Regulatory Program.

These capsules contain full-spectrum CBD.

Other than hemp extract and MCT oil this product has no added extras – which is ideal if you prefer a simple CBD supplement. These capsules are vegan.

At about $0.07 per miligram of CBD, these capsules are an average price.

Best Everyday Product — CBDistillery

Based in Colorado, CBDistillery is a reputable brand that aims to make high-quality CBD affordable for more people. They have a range of broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD softgels.

Third party tests show that CBDistillery’s CBD capsules and softgels are free of contaminants and contain the advertised amount of CBD. Their lab reports can be viewed on their website.

CBDistillery’s CBD is sourced from organic hemp grown in Colorado. CBDistillery is also certified by the US Hemp Authority certification, which sets strict quality standards for hemp growers.

CBDistillery offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD softgels. Their broad-spectrum CBD products contain no THC at all.

As can be expected from full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, the lab results show that these products also contain small amounts of other cannabinoids. The softgels come in gelatin-based shells.

At only $0.06 – $0.07 per miligram of CBD, these capsules manage to be affordable without compromising on quality. They also have a generous loyalty program and offer discounts for veterans, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, and active-duty military personnel.

Best Potency — Lazarus Naturals 

A reputable brand based in Oregon, Lazarus Naturals offers the “Cycling Frog” range, which includes high-potency full-spectrum CBD softgels. These are ideal for someone who’s used to using CBD. If it’s your first time using CBD, we’d recommend a far lower dose.

Third-party lab reports show that the capsules contain the advertised amount of full-spectrum CBD. The test results are easily available on the website.

Lazarus Naturals uses pesticide-free, non-GMO, Oregon-grown hemp. Part of their farmland earned USDA Organic Certification in 2020, and they’re planning to have all of their products certified as organic in 2021.

This product contains full-spectrum CBD.

The product only contains hemp extract and coconut oil. The softgel is derived from animal gelatin.

At first glance, this product might seem expensive – until you consider how much CBD is in each softgel. You’d be paying just over $0.01 to $0.02 per milligram of CBD, making it incredibly good value for money. Lazarus Naturals also offers an assistance program, giving a 60 percent discount to veterans, people on long-term disability, and low-income families.

Best Value For Money — Lazarus Naturals 

This product is great value for money, and it’s also one of Lazarus Naturals’ plant-based options. Each softgel contains 50mg of CBD, although there is also a 25mg option.

These products are tested by a third-party lab. The certificates of analysis show that this product contains the advertised amount of full-spectrum CBD. Their lab reports can be viewed on their website.

Lazarus Naturals uses pesticide-free, non-GMO, Oregon-grown hemp. Part of their farmland earned USDA Organic Certification in 2020, and they’re planning to have all of their products certified as organic in 2021.

This product contains full-spectrum CBD.

This product also contains d-Limonene, Myrcene, and β-Caryophyllene – all terpenes that are naturally found in hemp plants. It also contains flaxseed oil and coconut oil.

This product works out to between $0.02 and just over $0.03 per miligram of CBD, making it excellent value for money. Lazarus Naturals also offers an assistance program, giving a 60 percent discount to veterans, people on long-term disability, and low-income families.

Best Plant-Based Softgels — Reakiro 

Reakiro is a reputable European CBD brand that offers a wide range of products. These vegan vegan full-spectrum CBD softgels are encased in a plant-based shell, making them ideal for vegans and vegetarians. The softgels contain added piperine.

These softgels have been tested by a third-party lab. The lab reports confirm that their products contain the advertised amount of CBD – however, they don’t test for the presence of harmful contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides. Their lab reports can be viewed on their website.

Reakiro’s hemp is grown in Europe from EU-certified seeds.

This product contains full-spectrum CBD.

In addition to full-spectrum CBD, these softgels contain piperine, a terpene that is found in hemp plants as well as black pepper. One study compared a CBD supplement with piperine to a CBD supplement without piperine. The subjects who took the piperine supplement seemed to absorb CBD better: with the piperine supplement, the maximum concentration of CBD in the blood was six times higher than with the normal CBD supplement. However, this higher absorbancy can lead to more side effects, so keep this in mind when using a CBD product with piperine.

Because they’re based in Europe, their prices are in euros. For this product, it works out to about $0.05 per miligram of CBD, making it cheaper than most brands.

Best Product With Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients — Elixinol

These vegan supplements contain turmeric and omega 3 fatty acids. Research suggests that both these ingredients have anti-inflammatory effects, making them great for anyone who wants to boost their overall health.

Third party tests confirm that these capsules are free of harmful contaminants and contain the advertised amount of full-spectrum CBD. Their lab reports can be viewed on their website.

Elixinol’s CBD is derived from US-grown hemp, which was grown to comply with the USDA’s organic standards. The company’s products are certified by the US Hemp Authority, and all Elixinol’s products are registered with Iowa’s Consumable Hemp Regulatory Program.

These capsules contain full-spectrum CBD.

This product contains DHA, an omega 3 fat, as well as turmeric. Both omega 3 and turmeric are used to reduce inflammation. The DHA is derived from algae, making it a plant-based alternative to fish oil omega 3 supplements.

The price rounds out to nearly $0.08 per capsule, which is a fair price when you consider the added DHA and turmeric extract.

Best Product With Anti-Pain Ingredients — Joy Organics

Joy Organics has a range of CBD softgels, including this product, which combines CBD with curcumin. Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, is associated with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

This product has been tested by an independent lab. The reports show that they contain the advertised amount of broad-spectrum CBD. Their lab reports can be viewed on their website. Joy Organics is a member of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable.

Joy Organics uses US-grown hemp.

This product contains broad-spectrum, THC-free CBD.

In addition to CBD and other cannabinoids, this product contains curcumin. The shells are gelatin-based.

This product works out to just over $0.09 per miligram of CBD, which is not bad considering the added curcumin. Joy Organics also offers subscriptions, in which case you’ll get 20 percent off.

Best Product With Energy-Boosting Ingredients — Lazarus Naturals

Lazarus Naturals is a reputable brand that offers a wide range of CBD products. Their energy formula combines CBD with caffeine as well as vitamin B12, a vitamin often used to reduce fatigue. It also contains L-Theanine and rhodiola. This capsule is vegan.

Third-party lab reports show that the capsules contain the right amount of CBD, and that it is indeed CBD isolate. These test results are easily available on the website.

Their pesticide-free, non-GMO hemp is grown in Oregon. Part of their farmland earned USDA Organic Certification in 2020, and they’re planning to have all of their products certified as organic in 2021.

This product includes CBD isolate.

In addition to CBD isolate, these capsules contain caffeine, vitamin B12, and rhodiola. Rhodiola is an adaptogen, which means that it’s a herb used to help the body adapt to stress (and some research suggests it could indeed reduce the symptoms of fatigue and stress). The capsules also contain L-Theanine, which is associated with reduced stress and improved focus. The capsule shell is made from vegetable cellulose, and it’s vegan-friendly.

The price works out to $0.03 – $0.04 per milligram of CBD. CBD isolate tends to be cheaper than full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. This price is very fair, especially when you consider the added ingredients. Lazarus Naturals also offers an assistance program, giving a 60 percent discount to veterans, people on long-term disability, and low-income families.

Best Product With Sleep-Promoting Ingredients — Smilyn Wellness

Our own bodies produce melatonin at night to help us fall asleep. When we need an extra push, melatonin supplements can help us relax and get some shut-eye. Smilyn Wellness, a California-based brand, offers CBD softgels with added melatonin, which are ideal for taking before bedtime.

Third-party lab reports confirm that this product contains the advertised amount of CBD. They also confirm that they contain broad-spectrum extract that is free of THC. Their lab reports can be viewed on their website.

Their hemp is grown in California.

These capsules contain broad-spectrum THC-free CBD.

The softgels contain melatonin, a research-backed sleep supplement. Because they’re broad-spectrum CBD products, they also contain a range of other cannabinoids, as well as beta-caryophyllene, a terpene that’s associated with relaxation and sleep. The shells are gelatin-based.

The price works out to $0.10 per miligram of CBD, which would be on the pricey side if it weren’t for the added melatonin. Since melatonin supplements are often a bit costly on their own, this price is quite fair. Smilyn also has a referral program.

Best Product With Anti-Anxiety Ingredients — Receptra Naturals

Receptra Naturals is a well-known Colorado-based brand. They offer two kinds of CBD softgels: “Serious Rest” and “Seriously Relax”. While the “Relax” capsules are meant to be geared towards calming the mind, the “Rest” capsules contain more soothing additional ingredients. Namely, it contains chamomile, valerian, and linalool – three natural substances that are known to induce sleep and relaxation.

Their third-party lab reports show that their products contain the advertised amount of CBD. It also confirms that this is full-spectrum CBD and that the products are free from contaminants. Their lab reports can be viewed on their website.

Receptra Naturals sources their CBD from Colorado-grown hemp.

These capsules contain full-spectrum CBD.

Receptra Natural’s Serious Rest CBD Capsules also contain chamomile, valerian root, and linalool, all of which are typically used to promote relaxation and sleep. The softgels come in gelatin-based shells.

At 0.09 per miligram, these are not the cheapest. But considering that the capsules contain additional ingredients, the price is decent. Receptra offers a generous discount to veterans and active duty members.

How to choose the best CBD capsules and softgels

Before purchasing CBD capsules and softgels, there are a few things you should consider. This includes:

• Third-party testing: Only purchase CBD products that have been tested by an independent lab. The lab report, also known as a certificate of analysis (COA), should be accessible on their website. The COA should confirm the amount of CBD in each product, and it should verify that the product contains no harmful contaminants such as molds, pesticides, or heavy metals.
• Type of CBD: There are three kinds of CBD: isolate, broad spectrum, and full spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes that are found in the plant, and it’s considered more effective. However, if you want to avoid THC, opt for CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD capsules.
• Added ingredients: Sometimes, you just want a simple CBD product with no bells and whistles. At other times, added ingredients like melatonin (for sleep) or curcumin (for inflammation) might be a bonus.
• Plant-based: Many CBD capsules and softgels are not vegan or vegetarian as they contain animal-derived gelatin. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, please be aware of this and look specifically for plant-based capsules.
• Price: Last but not least, it’s important to consider price. Bear in mind that CBD is usually taken as a daily supplement. It’s a good idea to look at the price in relation to the miligrams of CBD in the product – this helps you figure out whether you’re getting value for money.
• Dosage: The amount of CBD you take may depend on factors like your weight and metabolism. We recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increasing it until you find your ideal dosage. Your dosage will also depend on the severity of your symptoms – so for example, you’ll need more CBD to deal with severe pain than a mild headache.

If you’d like more information on choosing the best CBD products, our detailed guide explains how to find high-quality CBD products from reputable brands.

Safety and side effects

At the moment, research tells us that CBD is safe for human consumption. It’s also not an addictive substance. With that said, some people experience side effects, such as:

• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea

CBD may interact with certain medications, especially those with a “grapefruit warning.” This is because CBD and grapefruit both affect the liver in such a way that it changes the way your body processes some medications.

Before using CBD, it’s a great idea to talk to a CBD-friendly clinician. Be sure to tell them about your medical history and the medication you’re currently using. They can advise you on using CBD safely and effectively.

Legality

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived CBD products are legal to buy and use throughout the United States. This is defined as a product with 0.3% or less THC.

It’s legal to use CBD while driving. However, if you use a full-spectrum product, you may have a detectable amount of THC in your body, which means that you could test positive for cannabis use if you’re pulled over. This is especially important to keep in mind if you’re tested for THC at work and if you live in a state with restrictive cannabis laws.

What the experts say

“While CBD may help address a multitude of symptoms, there are two things to look out for when obtaining a CBD product: It is critical to utilize a reputable brand and identify correct dosing.” says Rebecca Abraham, RN BSN, a Certified Cannabis Nurse and the founder of Acute on Chronic.

Abraham notes that many companies claim that their products contain CBD when they do not. “Only purchase products that provide third-party lab testing results in batches on their final products and are open and transparent about both their ingredients and extraction methods.”

“Those especially new to CBD should consider a cannabis nurse or cannabis support clinician to help determine the right dose and check for drug interactions,” Abrahams adds.