By now, you’ve no doubt seen a wide range of CBD products on the shelves of many of your favorite stores. Following the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation of hemp, countless CBD brands have popped up around the country. More and more people are trying CBD to help manage a variety of ailments. CBD usage has become more and more mainstream over the past few years.
The uptick in CBD’s popularity and the vast array of CBD products available has made it easier for people to find what works best for them. But the plethora of choices has also led to a bit of confusion. With so many options for CBD products, differentiating between them all can be a challenge. Here, we’re going to explore the attributes of CBD tablets vs. drops to help you figure out which one is right for you.
What Is CBD?
CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol. It’s one of the most well-known and abundant cannabinoids in cannabis plants. Scientists are currently studying it (along with various other cannabinoids found in cannabis) to learn more about it and uncover its potential benefits. There’s only one medication containing CBD that’s FDA-approved: Epidolex. Doctors sometimes prescribe it to treat two rare forms of drug-resistant epilepsy.
Common Uses for CBD
While CBD isn’t FDA-approved and scientists are still researching it, there are plenty of stories from users touting its benefits. People use CBD products for a wide range of reasons, some of the most common including:
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Epilepsy
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
Unfortunately, current research-based evidence for CBD’s efficacy is limited. But the evidence that is available, including anecdotal evidence, does seem promising.
CBD Tablets and Drops: What They Are
CBD tablets and CBD drops are two ways to ingest CBD. Other types of CBD products include edibles, smokable CBD flower, and topicals which go on the skin. CBD tablets, also called capsules, are gel caps filled with CBD oil. You can swallow them the same way you would take any other type of oral medication.
CBD drops, on the other hand, are a liquid product, also often called a tincture. The liquid generally comes in opaque glass bottles. The bottles have lids equipped with droppers, which allow you to dose your CBD accurately.
Similarities Between CBD Tablets and Drops
There are some similarities between CBD tablets and drops, as well as some differences. Let’s start with the similarities.
Tablets and Drops Contain Liquid CBD
Both CBD tablets and drops contain liquid CBD. With the drops, the liquid is loose in the bottle. Tablets, on the other hand, have the liquid encased in a gel capsule.
They Come in Full-Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate
Full-spectrum CBD products are those that contain all of the cannabinoids and terpenes as the original plant. For hemp-derived products, that means they may even contain the 0.3% or less THC they’re legally allowed to have. Broad-spectrum products are similar, with the exception that they contain zero THC. Isolates are CBD-only products. They contain no other cannabinoids or terpenes.
You Can Find Various Potencies
You may find tablets that have 25mg of CBD each and tablets that have 50mg each. Drops are typically labeled with the total amount of CBD they contain. For instance, you may come across bottles with 500mg, 1,000mg, 3,000mg, or more of CBD in each glass container.
They Both Allow Accurate Dosing
Tablets contain a pre-measured dose of CBD. With drops, the dropper lid has marks on it that tell you how much liquid you’re getting. Based on the amount of CBD per bottle (and the number of servings), you can quickly determine how much liquid you need to get the desired dose of CBD.
Differences Between CBD Tablets and Drops
There are also a few distinct differences when it comes to CBD tablets vs. drops.
Drops Have More Methods of Consumption
With tablets, there’s only one way to take them. You swallow tablets as you would any other oral medication. With drops, the most popular method of consumption is sublingual. In other words, you apply your dose under your tongue. Alternatively, you can drop your dose into your mouth and swallow it, or mix it into your food.
Drops May Be Faster-Acting (Depending on How You Take Them)
Tablets travel through your digestive system before entering your bloodstream. As such, it can take an hour or more before you feel the effects. If you take your drops sublingually, you’ll feel the effects in as little as 15 minutes.
Tablets Are More Discreet
Both tablets and drops are discreet methods of CBD consumption. Tablets, however, are more discreet. To an onlooker, it appears as though you’re taking a supplement or other medication.
Tablets Have a More Neutral Flavor
Since the CBD oil in tablets is inside of a capsule, they don’t taste like anything. Drops, on the other hand, can have a distinct flavor that some may find unpleasant. However, you may find drops available in different flavors, which can make them more palatable.
FAQs
Is CBD legal?
Hemp-derived CBD is legal in all 50 states, so long as it contains no more than 0.3% THC. Cannabis-derived CBD, on the other hand, is only legal in certain states.
Is CBD the same as THC?
CBD and THC are the two most well-known cannabinoids in the cannabis and hemp plants. While they share the same chemical formula, they produce different effects. THC is the cannabinoid known for producing a high, while CBD has no psychoactive effects.
Does CBD have any side effects?
CBD is generally well-tolerated, but it may have some side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- A reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
Are CBD tablets and drops safe?
CBD tablets and drops are safe. The critical thing to keep in mind, however, is that not all companies are equal when it comes to the quality of their products. Make sure that you purchase from a reputable company that has their products third-party tested. A quality company will be more than happy to share the test results with you.
Do CBD tablets and drops contain THC?
That depends. If you buy full-spectrum CBD tablets or drops, they will contain small amounts of THC. They cannot legally have more than 0.3%, though.
CBD Tablets vs. Drops: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to CBD tablets vs. drops, there is no single answer as to which is the best for everyone. It’s a personal choice based on many factors. Understanding the differences between the two and considering your own needs and goals will help you determine which one is right for you.
Are you interested in CBD tablets, drops, or other CBD products? CBD Direct Club has a broad selection of products, allowing you to choose what best suits your needs. Visit CBD Direct Club today to get started.