Living with pain caused by activity, inactivity, chronic illness, or just the onset of age can be frustrating. Many times it’s not quite severe enough to feel it merits prescription painkillers, and taking over the counter analgesics like Tylenol or Motrin is dangerous long term.
Many people have solved this dilemma by turning to CBD. It has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and with few side effects. CBD business has boomed on the merit of anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies, but these are so promising that scientists are scrambling to catch up.
Benefits of taking a CBD softgel
One of the most convenient ways to take CBD is in a softgel capsule. These are discreet, can be carried anywhere, and don’t make a mess (like some CBD oils can). What’s more, they don’t need to be measured, but contain specific doses per capsule.
Many of the best CBD companies also use nanoemulsion to make their product. This is a process by which the molecules of CBD are broken down into smaller pieces, so they can more easily pass mucosal barriers in the body. This makes them more bioavailable. Put simply, it means that your body gets more bang for the buck, and very little of the properties are wasted in the body.
How to choose the best CBD softgel
There are a few major points that should be examined when looking for the best CBD products. CBD is an unregulated supplement, so vigilance is key if you want to take a product that is pure and the advertised potency.
Look for clearly labelled third-party lab testing
Anyone can say that they make a CBD product that offers 25 mg of broad spectrum CBD. Sure, if they’re lying they’ll eventually get caught and may be yanked off the market. But in the meantime you’ve wasted your money.
The only way to ensure that the product you get is the product advertised is if the company offers third party lab tests for potency and purity. These tests will show how much CBD is present in the product, whether it is a broad spectrum or isolate, and if there is any trace THC present. It can also show that a product is free from toxins or impurities.
Find your personal potency
Everyone is different, and will react differently to CBD. Smaller folks and children will require smaller doses of CBD, while some larger people or those with strong pain may prefer a larger dose. That’s why CBD softgels come in a variety of strengths–so you can choose the dose that’s right for you.
Look for loyalty deals
Don’t get us wrong, you do not want to buy a cheap product. High quality CBD should be CO2 extracted, third party batch tested, and made from organic, sustainably farmed hemp. These things cost money, and if you find something cheap then it probably isn’t a good product.
However, many companies offer loyalty programmes or discounts for subscription buying. They may also allow you to bundle products for a better price. It sometimes pays to shop around.
Top 5 CBD softgels for pain
Using aforementioned parameters, we’ve researched dozens of CBD brands to find the very best picks based on quality, potency, and affordability. Save some time and read through this list to find your ideal CBD softgel. We’ll start with our top pick and then list the runners-up.
Top choice: Joy Organics CBD softgel
What we liked best about Joy Organics was both their level of quality and variety. Their CBD softgels (like all of their products) are third party batch tested for potency and purity. The results are right there on their site.
They also offer several kinds of softgel. Their original broad spectrum CBD option comes in both a 10 mg and 25 mg strength. Or you can opt for the added anti-inflammatory punch of CBD softgels with curcumin. If you have difficulty sleeping because of pain, try the CBD softgel with melatonin for added sleep support.
Their softgels are highly rated, with 4.9 out of 5 stars, and several mentions in ‘best of’ lists. What’s more, they have an excellent return policy, because they’re sure that you’re going to love these softgels too. If for any reason you’re not completely satisfied, you can return the unused product for a refund. You can also sign up for a subscription that saves you 25%.
CBDistillery Relief and Relax CBD softgels
Another excellent option, these softgels are made from broad spectrum CBD. They are also third party tested for potency and purity. Their hemp is sourced from Colorado farms that follow sustainable organic farming practices. These softgels offer 30 mg of CBD per serving, and they offer a loyalty discount programme.
Lazarus Naturals Cycling Frog Full Spectrum CBD softgels
This Oregon-based company offers a full spectrum CBD softgel with 30 mg per serving. This is a lot. If you’re someone who has some experience using CBD, and require a higher dose this may be ideal. Like the other picks on this list, they offer third party lab testing that you can access on their website. Finally, they are committed to accessibility; offering a discount programme for low-income individuals, veterans, and people on long term disability.
Receptra Naturals Serious Rest Gel capsules
Receptra Naturals is based in Colorado and sources their CBD from Colorado grown hemp. Each soft gel offers 25 mg of full spectrum CBD, as well as chamomile, valerian, and linalool – all well known sleep and relaxation aids. Third party tested free from contaminants. Receptra also offers discounts to active military and veterans.
Elixinol Omega Turmeric CBD capsules
For the vegans out there, this brand skips on the gelatin casing and offers a vegan-friendly option. Each capsule contains 15 mg of full spectrum CBD as well as anti-inflammatory supportive turmeric and omega 3 fatty acids. Extracted from USDA organic hemp sources, these are third party tested for purity and potency.
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health and well-being.
