10 Best CBD Capsules for Arthritis


CBD capsules are a great way to manage the pain experienced by arthritis sufferers. In this guide (UPDATED 2022), we handpicked the 10 best CBD capsules for arthritis in the UK based on their quality, effectiveness and value for money.

10 Best CBD Capsules for Arthritis

According to the NHS, arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects more than 10 million people in the UK at any given time.

There are several types of this painful condition – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the main ones – that can affect people of all ages and genders, including children. In addition, people who experience traumatic bone injuries can suffer from arthritis at any point following the incident.

Whilst most of us will experience pain and discomfort occasionally, chronic arthritis is a degenerative disease, meaning that it tends to deteriorate and get more painful over time. As such, it can be quite a debilitating condition which can also lead to a loss of sleep, increased stressed and even depression.

Arthritis can affect any joint in the body. The most common areas affected are the lumbar spine, neck, hip, knees, fingers, and toes.

There are more than 100 arthritic conditions, but two types in particular account for 95% of all cases:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Also known as OA, it occurs from changes in the joints when the cartilage that prevents the bones from connecting begins to wear down. It’s a slow process that starts in the mid-40s and can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced flexibility.

OA often reduces people’s ability to complete everyday tasks, such as buttoning shirts, washing hair, and cooking. In the UK, nearly 9 million people suffer from OA. According to the Bupa, almost 9 million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis, making it the most common type of arthritis by far.

To put this in perspective, Arthritis Research UK published a study highlighting the most common types of OA:

  • Knee Osteoarthritis: Affecting 18.2% of adults over 45 years old (England)
  • Hip Osteoarthritis: Affecting 10.9% of adults over 45 years old (England)

OA is simply the result of normal day-to-day life and wear and tear of protective cartilage in your body. As you use various parts of your body to walk, run, jump, grab things, stand up and so on, your joints are exposed to a constant level of tiny damages. Whilst the body has powerful self-healing properties and can in most cases repair the damage itself, patients who suffer from osteoarthritis do not benefit from the same self-healing process. The protective cartilage at the ends of their bones (fingers, feet, hip etc) start breaking down, resulting in pain, swelling and reduce mobility of the joint. Over time, bone can grow in that area which becomes inflamed and swollen, resulting in more pain and a shorter range of movement.

Despite decades of research, the causes of OA are still unknown for the most part. However, several factors could increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, including:

  • Obesity – The increase in the prevalence of OA in the UK is directly attributable to the rise in obesity. Since being heavier will put additional pressure on your joints (e.g. hip, knees, ankle, feet), this makes obese people more likely to develop OA. People who are overweight or obese are 2.5 to 4.5 times more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than those of normal body weight. For patients who already have OA, carrying extra bodyweight can mean a faster destruction of the remaining cartilage and a more painful condition.
  • Your Gender – Women are more likely to suffer from OA than men, with women accounting for 60% of hip and knee replacement operations in the UK.
  • Pervious Joint Injuries – People who suffered from joint injuries or who have not recovered fully following a joint injury or operation will be at higher risks of developing OA
  • Your Age – your risk of developing osteoarthritis increases as you get older. 30% of women and 25% of men between 45-64 have sought treatment for osteoarthritis, this rises to 50% of people aged 75 and over.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Also known as RA, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It happens when the body’s immune system attacks the joint capsule lining, which causes swelling and pain. An estimated 1% of the population in the UK are diagnosed with RA. That’s almost 500,000 people. It can also cause additional symptoms other than pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of range of motion, such as fever, fatigue, weakness, and tenderness.

Rheumatoid arthritis does not affect everyone the same way.

  • More prevalent in women: According to a UK study from 2013, the population minimum prevalence of RA is 1.16% in women and 0.44% in men, meaning that women are 2 to 4 times more likely to get RA than men.
  • A rare condition: It remains a rare condition in the UK, with around 1.5 men and 3.6 women developing RA per 10,000 people each year.
  • 30-50 years old: Whilst RA can affect people of all ages, it would appear as though the peak age of onset in the UK is between 30-50 years old.

RA is the result of an interaction between both genetic and environmental factors, including high birth weight, smoking, exposure to silica, alcohol abstention (as it has been suggested that alcohol consumption can reduce the severity of the symptoms of RA), obesity, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid factor, and anti-citrullinated protein antibody.

As with everything, prevention is key and studies have suggested that suppression of inflammation in the early stages of the disease can result in substantial improvements in long-term outcomes. In that respect, CBD could prove useful not only to manage the pain once RA is present, but also to reduce the inflammation when RA starts.

Other Arthritic Conditions

However, whilst osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of this disease, a number of other conditions fall under this category:

  • Fibromyalgia – also known as FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome), it is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain in the body and which can also be accompanied by other sumptoms such as muscle stiffness, tiredness, increased sensitivity to pain or difficulty sleeping.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis – also known as AS, it is a long-term inflammatory condition that primarily affects the bones, muscles and ligaments the spine, resulting in joints fusing together and overall stifness of the spine. AS tends to affect men more than women and to first develop in teenagers and young adults.
  • Cervical spondylosis – also known as degenerative osteoarthritis, cervical spondylitis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck, leading to pain and stiffness.
  • Lupus – is an autoimmune condition and long term condition that can affect many different organs and the body’s tissues, causing joint pain, skin rashes and tiredness.
  • Gout – is a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid – a waste byproduct formed when your body breaks down purines, which are found in some foods – in the body. This uric acid can be left in joints (usually affecting the big toe but it can develop in any joint) and causes intense pain, redness and swelling.
  • Psoriatic arthritis – an inflammatory joint condition that can affect people with psoriasis
  • Enteropathic arthritis – a form of chronic inflammatory arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the 2 main types being ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. About 1 in 5 people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis will develop enteropathic arthritis. The most common areas affected by inflammation are the peripheral (limb) joints and the spine
  • Reactive arthritis – this can cause inflammation of the joints, eyes and the tube that urine passes through (urethra). It develops shortly after an infection of the bowel, genital tract or, less frequently, after a throat infection.
  • Secondary arthritis – a type of arthritis that can develop after a joint injury and sometimes occurs many years afterwards.
  • Polymyalgia rheumatica – a condition that almost always affects people over 50 years of age, where the immune system causes muscle pain and stiffness, usually across the shoulders and tops of the legs. It can also cause joint inflammation.

Types CBD Capsules for Arthritis

Choosing CBD capsules, is a natural way to manage the pain experienced as well as other symptoms linked to arthritic conditions that may impact your day-to-day life such as lack of sleep, increased stress, anxiety and depression. This is why the CBD Unboxed team has tested over 100 CBD capsules and picked the 10 best CBD capsules for arthritis in the UK.

We’ve selected products across five different categories and at different price points to suit every need and budget:

+ Full Spectrum CBD Capsules: Full-spectrum CBD capsules contain all the natural hemp extracts such as Cannabidiol (CBD), CBG (Cannabigerol), CBC (Cannabichromene) and CBT (Cannabicitran), as well as the naturally-occurring terpenes, flavonoids, and Omega acids. They also contain trace amounts of THC, but under the UK limit of 0.2%, meaning they won’t get you high.

+ THC-Free CBD Capsules: CBD capsules using broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate are 100% THC free and the perfect option for those who would prefer not to consume any THC.

+ CBD Soft Gels: CBD Softgels are similar to CBD capsules, but the material is made of gelatin, and the ingredients are always liquid – never dry. This usually makes for better absorption as the CBD extracts are mixed with an oil carrier. Softgels are antioxidant, which means that the CBD content has a long shelf life and is well protected against UV rays and oxidation.

+ CBD+CBG Capsules (THC Free): CBG (Cannabigerol) is known as “The Mother of all Cannabinoids” and is the parent molecule to almost all cannabinoids found in the body. CBG is one of the most essential cannabinoids contained in the hemp plant and is usually converted into other cannabinoids, but CBD companies have now found a way to extract CBG before it goes through this conversion process. CBG works by binding to both the CB1 & CB2 receptors where it’s thought to strengthen the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in enhancing motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain.

+ High Strength CBD Capsules: If you are looking for CBD capsules containing 30mg or more of CBD per individual capsule, we’ve got you covered with our high-strength CBD capsules! These are perfect for those suffering from the most painful arthritic conditions.


CBD capsules have been proven to have strong analgesic (pain relief) and antiarthritic properties. Due to the fact they are convenient and contain between 10mg and 96mg of CBD per capsule, they are an excellent alternative for people suffering from either rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA) as they can aid with pain, muscle stiffness and insomnia. Best of all, CBD does not have any of the known side effects of traditional antiarthritic medication. 


Our Ranking: Best CBD Capsules for Arthritis

All the CBD capsules in this guide were selected based on 5 factors:

  • Effectiveness: All CBD capsules selected have been tested by the CBD Unboxed team for a period of two weeks and rated for their overall effectiveness.
  • Reputable Brand: CBD capsules tested were selected from the most reputable CBD brands.
  • Customer Reviews: Customer reviews were taken into account to ensure that not only our internal testing was reflected but also the feedback from real world customers.
  • Transparency: Only CBD companies providing proof of third-party testing, disclosing the origin of their hemp and the extraction method used, as well as sharing their certificates of analysis were selected for this guide.
  • Value for Money: Finally, we handpicked what we believe to be the most effective and best value for money CBD capsules for arthritis in the UK.

Best Full-Spectrum CBD Capsules for Arthritis

1. Canna Union CBD Capsules 25mg (Cheapest)

Canna Union CBD Oil Softgel Pills 25mg are made of full spectrum CBD and contain all the natural hemp extracts such as Cannabidiol (CBD), CBDv (Cannabidivarin), CBG (Cannabigerol), CBC (Cannabichromene) and CBT (Cannabicitran), as well as the naturally-occurring terpenes, flavonoids, and Omega acids. They also contain trace amounts of THC, but below the UK limit of 0.2%.

Their capsules are derived from organic hemp plants that are grown under the highest agricultural directives in Europe and CBD extracts are produced using CO2 extraction, one of the cleanest extraction methods, resulting in high-quality CBD capsules.

Canna Union CBD capsules are gluten-free, organic, GMO free and lab tested for purity and potency.

Price wise, you can get their 25mg capsules (30 capsules per bottle) for £24.26 which works out at £0.032 per mg of CBD – very competitively priced indeed!

+ Size: 750mg Bottle
+ CBD: 25mg per Capsule
+ Type: Full-Spectrum
+ THC: Less than 0.2%
+ Vegans: Suitable for Vegans
+ Great For: Arthritis (RA or OA)
+ Price: £24.26

2. Hempura CBD Capsules 10mg (Best for Beginners)

Hempura CBD capsules are made of full-spectrum CBD and focus on maximising the entourage effect – a physiological phenomenon wherein the properties of active hemp compounds appear to be more powerful when consumed together rather than by themselves individually – through the preservation of synergy between the plants cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids.

Their Hemp is grown in Europe and they are one of the only companies in our Top 10 CBD brands to use ethanol extraction process to produce their CBD oils and CBD capsules.

Hempura is registered with The Vegan Society since July 2019 and is committed to securing the safety of animals and the preservation of the environment by not testing their products on animals and using recyclable materials.

Price wise, you can get their 10mg capsules (30 capsules per box) for £19.99 which works out at £0.066 per mg of CBD.

+ Size: 300mg Bottle
+ CBD: 10mg per Capsule
+ Type: Full-Spectrum
+ THC: Less than 0.2%
+ Vegans: Suitable for Vegans
+ Great For: Arthritis & Pain Relief
+ Price: £19.99

Best THC-Free CBD Capsules for Arthritis

3. VAAY CBD Capsules 10mg (Our Top Pick 10mg)

VAAY 10mg CBD capsules are made of broad-spectrum CBD and as such do not contain any THC.

As with their CBD oils, their CBD capsules are derived from organic hemp plants that are grown under the highest agricultural directives in Europe and CBD extracts are produced using CO2 extraction, one of the cleanest extraction methods, resulting in a high-quality CBD capsules. All their products are made in the Germany.

VAAY CBD capsules are vegan friendly, gluten-free, organic, GMO free and lab tested for purity and potency.

Price wise, you can get their 10mg capsules (30 capsules per bottle) for £34.90 which works out at £0.12 per mg of CBD.

+ Size: 300mg Bottle
+ CBD: 10mg per Capsule
+ Type: Broad-Spectrum
+ THC: THC-Free
+ Vegans: Suitable for Vegans
+ Great For: Pain Relief & Sleep
+ Price: £34.90

4. Medterra CBD Capsules 25mg (Our Top Pick 25mg)

Medterra CBD capsules are made of CBD isolate, a crystalline powder that contains 99%+ pure CBD, which is suspended in fractionated coconut oil and then encapsulated for easy consumption. As Medterra goes through a rigorous extraction and refinement process that strips away all other cannabinoids and non-cannabinoid compounds, their CBD capsules do not contain any of the other all-natural hemp extracts such as CBDv (Cannabidivarin), CBG (Cannabigerol), CBC (Cannabichromene) and CBT (Cannabicitran), or any of the naturally-occurring terpenes, flavonoids, and Omega acids. Medterra CBD capsules are also THC-free, ensuring you get a product that is pure CBD.

They premium CBD isolate is organically grown and extracted from hemp plants in Kentucky (USA), they use CO2 as an extraction method  and as a CBD isolate product, Medterra CBD capsules do not benefit from the entourage effect.

Medterra CBD capsules are vegan friendly, gluten-free, organic, GMO free, lab tested and contain no THC, CBN & THCV, ensuring you get the purest CBD possible.

Price wise, you can get their 25mg capsules (30 capsules per bottle) for £40.99 which works out at £0.055 per mg of CBD.

+ Size: 750mg Bottle
+ CBD: 25mg per Capsule
+ Type: 99% Pure CBD Isolate
+ THC: THC-Free
+ Vegans: Suitable for Vegans
+ Great For: Pain Relief, Inflammation & Sleep
+ Price: £40.99

5. CBD Armour CBD Capsules 25mg

CBD Armour capsules are made of broad-spectrum CBD and contain no artificial preservatives, no GMOs and no pesticides. They’re also 100% THC-free.

Their capsules are derived from organic hemp plants that are grown under the highest agricultural directives in Europe and CBD extracts are produced using CO2 extraction. All their products are made in the Estonia.

CBD Armour capsules are gluten-free, organic, GMO free and lab tested for purity and potency. However they are not vegan-friendly as the capsule itself is made of bovine bone gelatin.

Price wise, you can get their 25mg capsules (30 capsules per bottle) for £30.00 which works out at £0.04 per mg of CBD.

+ Size: 750mg Bottle
+ CBD: 25mg per Capsule
+ Type: Broad-Spectrum
+ THC: THC-Free
+ Vegans: Not Suitable for Vegans
+ Great For: Pain Relief & Sleep
+ Price: £30.00

Best CBD Soft Gels for Arthritis

6. Provacan Gold CBD Soft Gels 20mg (Our Top Pick)

Provacan CBD soft gels are made of CBD distillate and contains no artificial preservatives, no GMOs and no pesticides. As a CBD distillate product, it has gone through an additional filtration process to remove the unwanted THC, to make these soft gels 100% THC free.

These gold CBD soft gels are derived from organic hemp plants that are grown under the highest agricultural directives in Europe and CBD extracts are produced using CO2 extraction, one of the cleanest extraction methods, resulting in a high-quality CBD capsules.

Provacan CBD soft gels are gluten-free, organic, lab tested ensuring you get the purest CBD possible.

When buying their CBD capsules, you will have the choice between their standard capsules or their gold soft gels. Standard capsules come with 30 capsules per bottle whilst a bottle of their gold soft gels contains 60 capsules per bottle:

CBD (mg) CBD / Capsule
180mg (Standard) 6mg
1200mg (Gold Soft Gels) 20mg
720mg (Standard) 24mg
2880mg (Standard) 96mg

Price wise, you can get their Gold Soft Gels 20mg for £59.99. When comparing the price of their Gold Soft Gels to the traditional 24mg CBD capsules, their soft gels cost £0.050 per mg of CBD whilst their 24mg capsules are substantially more expensive at £0.069 per mg.

+ Size: 1200mg Bottle
+ CBD: 20mg per Capsule
+ Type: CBD Isolate
+ THC: THC-Free
+ Vegans: Not Suitable for Vegans (fish gelatin)
+ Great For: Arthritis, Pain Relief & Sleep
+ Price: £59.99

7. Honest Hemp CBD Soft Gels 25mg

Honest Hemp 25mg CBD soft gels are made using broad-spectrum CBD and they have all the natural hemp extracts such as Cannabidiol (CBD), CBN (Cannabinol), CBDv (Cannabidivarin), CBG (Cannabigerol), CBC (Cannabichromene) and CBT (Cannabitriol), but they are 100% THC free.

Honest Hemp products are all derived from organic hemp plants that are grown under the highest agricultural directives in the US (Colorado) and the company use an CO2 extraction process to produce their broad-spectrum CBD oils.

Honest Hemp CBD capsules are vegan friendly, gluten-free, organic, GMO free and lab tested for potency and purity, ensuring you get the purest CBD possible.

Price wise, you can get their 25mg Soft Gels for £31.99, which works out at £0.043 per mg of CBD.

+ Size: 750mg Bottle
+ CBD: 25mg per Capsule
+ Type: Broad-Spectrum CBD
+ THC: THC-Free
+ Vegans: Not Suitable for Vegans (bovine gelatin)
+ Great For: Pain Relief & Inflammation
+ Price: £31.99

Best CBD+CBG Capsules for Arthritis

8. CBDfx CBD+CBG Capsules 15mg (Our Top Pick)

CBG (Cannabigerol) is known as “The Mother of all Cannabinoids” and is the parent molecule to almost all cannabinoids found in the body. CBG is one of the most essential cannabinoids contained in the hemp plant and works by binding to both the CB1 & CB2 receptors where it’s thought to strengthen the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in enhancing regulating sleep and alleviating pain.

CBDfx CBD capsules are made of broad-spectrum CBD and contain both CBD and CBG in a 1:6 ratio (15mg of CBD and 2.5mg of CBG per capsule). These capsules have been designed to be taken first thing in the morning to help you get on with your day.

Price wise, you can get their 15mg capsules (60 capsules per bottle) for £49.99 which works out at £0.055 per mg of CBD.

+ Size: 900mg Bottle
+ CBD: 15mg per Capsule
+ Type: Broad-Spectrum CBD
+ THC: THC-Free
+ Vegans: Suitable for Vegans
+ Great For: Pain Relief & Inflammation
+ Price: £49.99

High-Strength CBD Capsules for Arthritis

9. Medterra CBD Capsules 50mg (High Strength)

If you are looking for a THC-free high-strength CBD capsule, then Medterra CBD capsules 50mg is your best bet. These capsules are made of 99%+ pure CBD (CBD isolate) which is suspended in fractionated coconut oil and then encapsulated for easy consumption.

These capsules are packed with 50mg of CBD and are perfect for more severe or painful conditions. They are vegan friendly, gluten-free, organic, GMO free and lab tested for potency and purity.

Price wise, you can get their 50mg capsules (30 capsules per bottle) for £62.99 which works out at £0.42 per mg of CBD.

+ Size: 1500mg Bottle
+ CBD: 50mg per Capsule
+ Type: CBD Isolate
+ THC: THC-Free
+ Vegans: Suitable for Vegans
+ Great For: Severe Arthritis
+ Price: £62.99

10. Provacan CBD Capsules 96mg (Highest Strength)

Provacan CBD capsules 96mg are made of full-spectrum CBD and are the strongest CBD capsules we have tried and tested on CBD Unboxed as they are packed with a whopping 96mg of CBD per capsule! That’s 5 to 10 times of the amount of CBD compared to other capsules on the market.

As a full-spectrum capsule, they contain trace amounts of THC, benefit from the entourage effect and have been designed to help those with severe and incredibly painful conditions.

Provacan CBD capsules are vegan friendly, gluten-free, organic, and lab tested, ensuring you get the purest CBD possible.

Price wise, you can get these 96mg capsules for £149.99 (£0.052 per mg of CBD), which means that choosing higher strength capsules works out cheaper in the long run when compared to their 6mg of 24mg capsules.

+ Size: 2880mg Bottle
+ CBD: 96mg per Capsule
+ Type: Full-Spectrum CBD
+ THC: Less than 0.2%
+ Vegans: Suitable for Vegans
+ Great For: Severe Arthritis
+ Price: £149.99

How Are CBD Capsules for Arthritis Made?

CBD capsules are made using a similar process to CBD oil as the CBD extracts inside the capsule or soft gel are derived from the hemp plant. Although some CBD capsules use extracts from marijuana plants (leaves, flowers and viable seeds of cannabis sativa), most brands use extracts from hemp plants to keep the THC level below 0.2 percent and make their products legal for the UK market.

To extract the CBD from the Cannabis Sativa plant, a complex process involving either CO2 extraction or solvent distillation (natural solvents like ethanol and olive oils or hydrocarbon solvents like butane or propane) is used, resulting in clean CBD extracts.

CBD capsules are made in the same way as CBD oil, as the CBD oil produced by the manufacturer is simply then put in a gelatin-based shell to create a CBD gel capsule – the quantity of CBD in each capsule varying depending on the strength of the bottle, usually from 10mg to 50mg+ of CBD per individual capsule.

It’s important to note than some shells use animal-based products and are therefore not suitable for vegans.

Full-spectrum extracts contain a range of other helpful cannabinoids and terpenes as well as Cannabidiol. Below are some of the cannabinoids you may find in full-spectrum capsules, in various concentrations:

  • Cannabidiol (CBD)
  • Cannabinol (CBN)
  • Cannabichromene (CBC)
  • Cannabigerol (CBG)
  • Cannabinodivarin (CBV)
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol, (THC)
  • Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
  • Cannabidiolic acid synthase (CBDA)
  • Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

If using full-spectrum CBD capsules, be sure to check that it contains less than 0.2% THC to comply with the UK legislation. This is especially important if you need to take regular drug tests for your profession or if you are an athlete, as trace amounts of THC may show up on your drug report.

To be on the safe-side, we’d always recommend to use CBD capsules made from broad-spectrum CBD, CBD distillate or CBD isolate as these will be 100% THC-free.

Health Benefits of CBD Capsules

Other than helping with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, what are the other health benefits of CBD capsules and how do they interact with your body?

The human body contains a specialized system called the ECS (the endocannabinoid system), which aim is to regulate a variety of functions such as sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response. The body also produces endocannabinoids, which are simply neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system.

CBD is believed to interact with specific receptors, specifically the CB1R and CB2R.

  • CB1 receptors, which are located in various regions of the body, with a large concentration in the central nervous system and brain, co-ordinate mood, emotion, appetite, and other functions.
  • CB2 receptors are more commonly found in the immune system and are responsible for controlling inflammation and pain. CBD stimulates these receptors and induces the body to release serotonin.

Serotonin, or 5-HT, is a neurotransmitter that carries signals from one neuron to the other. CBD increases the level of serotonin, which, in return, helps reduce pain, reduce inflammation as well as provide a range of other health benefits, which include:

  • CBD for Anxiety: CBD has both anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties, and can be a great alternative to anxiety medications which have known side-effects.
  • CBD for Pain Relief: CBD has analgesic (pain relief) properties and can help with many painful conditions such as arthritis, headache disorders, migraines, back pain or period pain.
  • CBD for Sleep: CBD has a calming effect on both the mind and the body, allowing people to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep throughout the night.
  • CBD for Stress: CBD helps reduce stress and calm both the body and mind, through its interaction with both the Hippocampus and the Amygdala.
  • CBD for Headaches: CBD reduces the frequency of headaches as well as reduce stress and improve sleep, two major triggers of headaches. But CBD also has strong analgesic (pain relief) and antiemetic (prevent vomiting) properties which can help people with headache disorders during an attack.
  • CBD for Arthritis: CBD has antiarthritic, analgesic (pain relief) as well as anti-inflammatory properties and as such is a great option for people suffering from arthritis.
  • CBD for Cancer: CBD helps relieve some of the symptoms of cancer as well as reducing the side of effects of cancer medication such as nausea, vomiting and pain.
  • CBD for Epilepsy: CBD helps reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures in epileptic patients, and may also counteract some of the side effects of traditional anti-epileptic.

Four Advantages of CBD Capsules

CBD capsules have many advantages over other CBD products such as CBD oil or CBD gummies.

  • Easy to use and discreet – CBD capsules are incredibly easy to use as it is essentially the same as taking vitamin pills. It is one of the most inconspicuous way to get your daily dose of CBD as all you have to do is swallow a capsule with a glass of water.
  • Precise dosage – Dosage couldn’t be easier and more precise than with CBD capsules, as each pill contain an exact amount of CBD (e.g. 10mg per capsule). Unlike CBD oil, you do not need to count how many drops you need to take.
  • No nasty aftertaste – Whilst CBD oils tend to have a very earthy or grassy taste, CBD capsules are simply swallowed and do not have any taste at all. For that reason, they are an excellent alternative to CBD oils who often have a strong aftertaste.
  • A great alternative – For people who do not like to put CBD oil under their tongue or for those who do not want to consume additives such as sugar present in CBD gummies, CBD capsules are a great alternative as you simply need to swallow them and do not have to chew or leave the oil under your tongue as you would with gummies or CBD oil.

Do CBD Capsules Have Side Effects?

Most people do not experience any side effects when taking CBD as this is a natural product. However, as with everything, some people may experience mild side effects from the hemp extract, including:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Changes in appetite and weight
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Drowsiness

The best way to decrease adverse reactions is to simply lower your daily intake of CBD, or to take your capsules at the same time as other foods to reduce potential side effects as the CBD will be processed.

CBD Dosage for Arthritis & Pain Relief

CBD doesn’t have one-size-fits-all dosing and calculating a proper dosage of CBD can be tough as our bodies react to it differently.

The four major factors affecting your CBD dosage are:

  • Your weight
  • The condition being treated (i.e. depression, chronic pain etc)
  • The severity of your condition
  • The concentration of the CBD capsules

Most brands recommend customers start with the lowest dose and increase until they find the right serving size that fits their needs. The most common starting amount is between 10mg and 25mg. For anxiety and depression, the dose can vary from 20mg to 50mg or more.

As a rule of thumb, a person weighting between 10.5 and 17 stones (approximately 150 and 240 lbs) may need between 20mg and 40mg of CBD per day depending on the severity of their symptoms.

36-68kgs 68-108kgs >108 kgs
Low 10mg 20mg 40mg
Medium 15mg 30mg 50mg
High 20mg 40mg 60mg

* FSA Guideline: The FSA recommends that healthy adults do not take more than 70mg of CBD daily, unless advised by a doctor.

Taking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to see how your body reacts to it is also recommended. If you are not seeing any major benefits, increase your intake slowly every 2 or 3 days until finding the right balance to treat your personal symptoms.

How Many CBD Capsules Should I Take?

Most CBD capsules contain between 5mg of CBD and 50mg of CBD. So assuming you need to hit 25mg of CBD per day you will need:

CBD / Capsule Capsules / Day
5mg 5 capsules
10mg 2-3 capsules
25mg 1 capsule

If however you are trying to hit 50mg of CBD per day, you will need:

CBD / Capsules Capsules / Day
5mg 10 capsules
10mg 5 capsules
25mg 2 capsules
50mg 1 capsule

If you are trying to hit 50mg of CBD per day and use 5mg CBD capsules, you could break this down throughout the day and take 4 capsules in the morning on an empty stomach, 3 capsules early afternoon and 3 capsules in the evening.

As with everything, start with a small amount of CBD daily to make sure there’s no reaction, then increase slowly by a drop every 1-2 days until finding the right balance.

Is it Possible to Ingest Too Much CBD?

With CBD becoming an ever growing market, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has classified CBD as a food supplement and issued a number of recommendations on its website. It is the first country in the world to set recommended limits for CBD consumption and to advise against taking CBD for vulnerable groups – including pregnant women and people taking existing medication.

For healthy adults, the FSA recommends not to take more than 70mg a day, unless it has been advised by a doctor. This advice is based on the latest scientific information available to the FSA and levels given are for an average 70kg adult so one could deduct that the FSA has set a maximum target of 1mg of CBD per kg of bodyweight.

However, it is worth noting that several studies have found CBD to be safe at higher doses. If you want to find out more check out our CBD Dosage article.

Is CBD Legal?

CBD products are legal in the UK as long as the plant which have been grown contain less than 0.2% of THC, the legal limit in the UK. The reason for this is that THC is known to be a psychotropic substance and limiting the amount of THC ensures that CBD is safe to consume and will not have any psychoactive effects. In other words, CBD won’t get you “high”.

Personal Use

You will not be arrested or fined for buying, consuming or carrying CBD products, anywhere in the UK, as long as it has less than 0.2% THC in it.

What is illegal is to grow the hemp plant(s) yourself, at home. Growth for personal use is strictly prohibited by the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971. To do so, could result in up to 5 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

New Regulations & Guidelines

As CBD is eaten or drunk it falls under “novel foods”, which means that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) oversees CBD products and they can therefore enforce new laws and regulations and they have recently done so.

Since the 31st of March 2021, all CBD products must be approved by the FSA in order to be sold in the UK. Failure to do so will result in the products being removed from the shelf. This request for approval means that the exact ingredients within a CBD will be known, making it safer for the general public.

Other Recommended CBD Capsules for Arthritis

Whilst we believe the 10 CBD capsules recommended in this guide are some of the best on the market based on their effectiveness, quality and value for money, below are additional products we’ve tried and reckon you’ll love.

Full Reviews: Best CBD Brands for Arthritis

If you want additional information about each brand featured in this article, why not check-out our individual CBD capsule reviews below which analyse the effectiveness, quality and value for money of the top CBD brands in the UK:

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