Our Top CBD for Sleep Picks
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best CBD Sleep Gummies - Medterra CBD Sleep Tight Gummies
- Best CBD Sleep Softgels - R+R Medicinals CBD Softgels
- Best CBN + CBD Oil - CBDistillery CBN + CBD Oil
- Best Melatonin-Free Option - Prima Sleep Tight Softgels
- Strongest CBD Oil for Sleep - Spruce Rest Oil
- Best Organic CBD for Sleep - Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil
- Best CBD Bath Bomb for Sleep - Green Roads Peace CBD Bath Bomb
How We Picked the Best CBD for Sleep
We vetted the source and quality of the CBD for insomnia and sleep in this article. All recommended products were derived from industrial hemp grown in the United States and contains under 0.3% THC, which is required by law. Additionally, all products have been tested by third-party labs to ensure their quality and safety.
When reviewing CBD brands and products, we focus on six major factors:
- Value — is the brand's CBD affordable compared to similar products?
- Strength — how much CBD and what type of CBD does their product contain?
- Source — where does the company source their hemp and how is the CBD extracted?
- Flavor — does the product come in any flavors and do they flavor them naturally?
- Transparency — do they offer third-party lab test results and information about each batch of CBD?
- Customer experience — what do customer have to say about the product and purchasing experience?
Using these standards we were able to select the best CBD for insomnia and sleep. Learn more about our choices below.
The Best CBD for Sleep Products
Medterra CBD Sleep Tight Gummies
medterra.com
Medterra CBD Sleep Tight Gummies include 25 mg of CBD isolate and 3 mg of melatonin to promote a restful night's sleep. We also like that they are made with calming natural ingredients like chamomile and lemon balm. All of Medterra's CBD comes from Kentucky-grown organic hemp that's raised without pesticides and is tested by third-party labs for purity.
Why buy: With natural strawberry flavoring, these gummies are a great option for those who want to take CBD for sleep but don't enjoy the taste of oil tinctures. They're are also 100% THC free.
R+R Medicinals CBD Softgels
rrmeds.com
These full spectrum CBD softgels from R+R Medicinals contain full spectrum CBD from USDA organic hemp grown in Colorado. Each softgel includes 15 mg of CBD plus over 3 mg of minor cannabinoids, like CBC, CBN, THC, and CBG, that combine in what's known as the "entourage effect" to help you relax as you wind down for the day. R+R Medicinals' CBD is extracted using a supercritical CO2 method to retain more of these beneficial plant compounds.
Why buy: We like these softgels because they make it convenient to add CBD to your nightly routine. They have a slower effect than some other products, but typically last longer. They are also available in a 30 mg strength for added relief.
CBDistillery CBN + CBD Sleep Tincture
cbdistillery.com
Why buy: We like that this oil is specifically formulated for sleep. Additionally, this brand is a good choice for a CBD consumer who wants a full spectrum oil geared toward a particular cannabinoid blend, like CBN for sleep.
Prima Sleep Tight Softgels
prima.co
We love these Prima Sleep Tight softgels because they offer a doctor-formulated blend of CBD and natural botanicals, but are also melatonin-free. This makes them a great option for anyone with a sensitivity or allergy to melatonin. Each softgel serving contains 20 mg of broad spectrum CBD, as well as chamomile, passion flower, lavender, and amino acid compounds like 5-HTP and GABA, that all naturally promote sleep.
Why buy: We recommend these Prima softgels because they provide a plant-based sleep aid without THC or melatonin, and they come in sustainable and recycled packaging.
Spruce Rest Oil
takespruce.com
Spruce CBD is a family-owned and operated brand, and all of their tinctures are full-spectrum, made in the United States, lab grade, organic, contain no pesticides, and are third-party tested. Spruce Rest is specifically made to help you fall and stay asleep, with a powerful combination of CBD and CBN. Each bottle contains 1,200 mg of CBD and 150 mg of CBN for a potent sleep aid, and comes in a natural vanilla flavor.
Why buy: We like that this oil contains high concentrations of CBD and CBN for extra strength relief from sleeplessness. This CBD for insomnia product is best for those with experience using CBD oils.
Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil
cornbreadhemp.com
Cornbread Hemp offers a whole flower CBD oil that is USDA organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and third-party lab tested. It contains higher levels of naturally-occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids than more processed oils, providing you with more of the healthy plant compounds that can help you sleep. The 375 mg and 750 mg bottles contains 25 mg of CBD per serving, and the 1500 mg bottle contains 50 mg of CBD per serving.
Green Roads Peace CBD Bath Bomb
greenroads.com
The Green Roads Peace CBD bath bomb is a perfect way to relax and destress before bedtime. Made with 150 mg of CBD isolate, meaning it contains no THC. We like that this bath bomb also includes lavender for a luxuriously calming experience. These bath bombs use CBD from hemp grown on American farms and were developed with no animal testing. All Green Roads products do undergo third-party lab testing to ensure potency and quality.
Why buy: We recommend this CBD bath bomb as a way to start a naturally calming routine before bed, especially for those who prefer not to ingest CBD oils or capsules.
Can CBD Improve Your Sleep?
What is the science on CBD and sleep? Research shows that CBD, or cannabidiol, can help treat chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia, and may help users both fall asleep and stay asleep.
According to research in a 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal on behalf of the National Institutes of Health, CBD was examined for its efficacy in not only treating anxiety problems and post-traumatic stress disorder but also sleep disorders. The results of the study displayed that patients treated through the use of CBD over the course of three months saw an improvement in their sleep cycles, as well as a lessening of their anxiety and other mental anguish. Administered in doses of 25 mg of CBD, the cannabidiol was well received. Side effects were minimal and typically related to daytime sleepiness on higher doses of CBD.
It is believed that CBD for insomnia can improve sleep processes because it triggers the body's endocannabinoid system, a biological system that is comprised of receptors and enzymes that regulate a variety of bodily functions, including sleep, memory, appetite, and mood.
Phytocannabinoids, like CBD and CBN, have the potential to interact on an indirect basis with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thereby encouraging the body to sleep by helping to manage anxiety, pain, and stress hormones that contribute to sleep loss.
Why is Sleep Important?
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, an estimated 50 to 70 million people in the United States spanning all ages and socioeconomic classes suffer from sleeplessness. Both men and women are impacted by sleep disturbances, and according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, adults aged 18-60 years old need at least seven hours of sleep each night to realize optimal health and well-being.
Sleep plays an important role in your mental and physical health. When you have a healthy sleep cycle, your body and mind are able to engage in many restorative processes including healing and repairing cognitive and cardiac functions. During sleep, your body is actively working by boosting your immune system, fighting inflammation, regulating digestive processes, and so much more.
When a person does not get the sleep they need, they run the risk of developing many chronic health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Mental health issues
Insomnia is a serious sleep disorder that can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Right now, one in four Americans develops insomnia annually, according to Science Daily. Insomnia can cause a person to have problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking far too early. This can drastically impact your energy level, your work performance, your quality of life, and has the potential to cause negative physical and mental health outcomes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic insomnia can result in many of the health conditions we have referenced, and can also cause depression and anxiety. CBD for insomnia not only has the potential to help as a sleep aid to improve sleep quality, but it can also help to mitigate and manage anxiety and assist with chronic pain relief to help you achieve a calm and restful night's sleep.
How to Choose For You
If you are looking for the best CBD for sleep, then it is important to do your research and realize that not all CBD products are created equal.
What to Look For
In order to feel confident knowing that you purchased a high-quality CBD product, only buy from a brand that engages in accredited, third-party lab testing and subsequently publishes its lab reports on its website. You must be able to see that what is on the label of your CBD oil actually is validated through testing processes.
This also ensures that the CBD is free of toxins, including pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, and solvents, and contains the concentration of CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids and plant parts that it claims. Always look for brands that use CBD from hemp grown in the United States, as these products undergo more rigorous testing than in some other countries.
In addition to CBD, look for products that include other natural ingredients like lavender, chamomile, passion flower, and lemon balm that are help to promote calm and rest. Make certain that all ingredients, including any flavorings, are all natural and labeled clearly. Also consider products that contain melatonin, a natural hormone that regulates sleep alongside wakefulness. Boosting this particular hormone, which is already found in your body, can truly improve your sleep-wake cycle.
How to Read Labels
It's important to know what kind of CBD is used in the product you choose. When comparing labels, look for one of the following:
- Full spectrum CBD - contains all of the plant compounds found in hemp including THC
- Broad spectrum CBD - contains some additional plant compounds, but no THC
- CBD isolate - pure CBD that contains no additional compounds
Some people find that full-spectrum CBD offers a better experience promoting sleep thanks to the entourage effect, while others may want to avoid THC entirely.
Here are some additional pieces of information to look for on each product.
Dosage
How much CBD the product contains and how much is included, in mg, per serving. It's recommended that those new to CBD start with a lower dose and slowly increase the amount taken to identify the right dosage for your body.
Other Cannabinoids
Look for information about additional cannabinoids included, like CBN or CBG. These are naturally found in the hemp plant in certain dosages, but some products have higher amounts to help promote sleep.
Carrier Oils
Additionally, CBD oil tinctures use carrier oils, frequently olive oil, MCT oil or hemp seed oil. Make sure you know what type of carrier oil is used in case you are allergic to certain ingredients like coconut.
How to Use
Depending on the type of CBD product you choose, you will use it differently to help you sleep. Most CBD sleep products recommend use an hour or so before bed to allow it to take effect.
If you are using a CBD oil tincture, this is taken with an included dropper to place a small amount under your tongue. Keep the CBD under your tongue for 30 seconds or so, for better absorption, before swallowing. In terms of dosage amounts, the oil should come with a dropper with mL measurements. To start, take a single mL drop for a single serving of CBD. Again, it's important to start low and go slow when adding CBD to your routine.
For capsules and gummies, simply take the recommended serving (typically 1 or 2) about an hour before bedtime. Some work better when taken with food, so be sure to check the directions on the packaging.
For CBD bath bombs, you simply add one of these to a hot bath as part of your evening routine before bed.
Note that CBD typically works best by building up in your system over time, so it may take up to a month for you to experience the full effects.
Side Effects
The primary side effects associated with CBD are rare and typically mild. These can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dry Mouth
Should I Try CBD for Sleep?
There is no denying that we live in stressful times and that many people in the United States are experiencing problems with sleep. However, there is no need to suffer through another night tossing and turning. CBD for insomnia could help you regulate sleep cycles, promote restful sleep, and manage anxiety. Plus, with a number of different CBD products available, you can easily find the right one for your nightly routine.
Keep in mind that since CBD oil is not regulated by the FDA, you must do your due diligence. When considering CBD for sleep in your life, consult with a doctor if you have any existing medical conditions prior to beginning use.
What is Delta-8 THC?
To better understand Delta-8 THC, it helps to cover some basics about THC and cannabis.
Cannabis plants come chock full of different cannabinoids. These are naturally-occuring chemical compounds that bind with receptors throughout your body. They can offer a wide range of mental, emotional, and physical effects; indeed, the healing and therapeutic properties marijuana or CBD products offer can be attributed to cannabinoids.
One of the most common cannabinoids is what's known as Delta-9 THC. Simply put, this is the part of marijuana that gets you "high." It's worth noting that Delta-9 THC remains illegal in many states, except for in the most minute doses, and is still illegal at the federal level. CBD products are made with trace amounts of THC, ensuring that consumers can enjoy positive health effects in a perfectly legal way, without the risk of getting high.
On a chemical level, Delta-8 THC is not too different from Delta-9 THC; the distinction comes down to just a few molecules. But those molecules make a big practical impact: Delta-8 THC will give you a buzz, but the psychoactive effects are considerably milder than with Delta-9 THC.
More specifically, many cannabis enthusiasts report that Delta-8 THC helps them feel good but also leaves them relatively clear-headed; and, it doesn't produce the anxiety or jitteriness that often characterize a Delta-9 THC high.
Additionally, because of the way the law is written regarding Delta-9 THC, some CBD companies now sell Delta-8 THC products in places where traditional cannabis is still illegal.
What's the Difference Between Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC?
Here are the primary differences to note between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC:
- Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. In other words, it's the part that gets you high.
- Though some states have found workarounds, Delta-9 THC is still illegal under federal law.
- Delta-8 THC is also found in the cannabis plant, though it's not quite as powerful or as well-known.
- Delta-8 THC is milder in its psychoactive effects. And, it's not technically illegal under current law.
These are just a few of the key distinctions to keep in mind. Delta-8 THC is popular among consumers who want a smoother high, and don't want to violate federal law.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal?
We noted that Delta-8 THC is not technically illegal. Here, we need to get into some of the nuanced legal considerations that surround this substance.
First of all, there are plenty of cannabis companies that actively promote Delta-8 THC as a legal way to get high. Again, that's technically true, but is still a point of debate for some.
For one thing, it's not explicitly listed as an illegal substance. While federal laws, and some state laws, specifically ban Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC is never mentioned. More to the point, though, many proponents will cite the 2018 Farm Bill. This law legalized several industrial hemp products on a national level, including CBD.
The Farm Bill also includes some fairly nuanced positions regarding THC. In summary, the law says that hemp and cannabis-derived products are legal so long as they contain less than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC.
With that said, some lawyers contend that Delta-8's heyday may soon come to an end. That's because the Farm Bill clears it only so long as it's derived directly from hemp; most of the Delta-8 THC products sold today aren't made from hemp, but rather from synthetically-altered CBD.
Some of these issues are a little fuzzy, and the legal future of Delta-8 THC remains a little uncertain. For now, though, many experts would argue that it is legal to purchase.
What Kinds of Delta-8 THC Products Are Available?
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
If you're looking to try Delta-8 THC products, you'll certainly find plenty of different products. Dispensaries and legal cannabis stores currently have a trove of products that use this cannabinoid. Some examples include:
- Vape cartridges, tinctures, and capsules.
- Beverages made with Delta-8 THC, including some seltzers.
- Edibles, including Delta-8 THC gummy bears, chocolate bars, and more.
The cannabis industry has really been running with Delta-8 THC, finding creative ways to bring it to market. And chances are, even more products will be springing up in the weeks and months to come.
It's very important to note that you should only purchase Delta-8 THC products from reputable brands and established cannabis retailers. We do not recommend purchasing any products that contain Delta-8 THC from gas stations or vape shops. If you are looking for a reputable place to explore these products, here are a few brands that we trust and recommend:
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Delta 8 THC Oil
nuleafnaturals.com
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum Delta 8 THC Oil is made from organic hemp and organic virgin hemp seed extract. It's available in a 150 mg bottle and a 450 mg bottle, which both provide 15 mg of Delta 8 THC per serving. This formula is also available in a soft gel.
Botany Farms Delta-10 THC Vape Cartridge
botanyfarms.com
The Botany Farms Delta-10 THC Vape Cartridge actually contains both Delta-10 and Delta-8 THC.This is designed to provide the desired effects of Delta-8 THC but without the drowsiness. They also offer a vape cartridge with a 1:1 concentration of Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC. Note that while vape products can be used to aid in smoking cessation, we do not recommend vaping or smoking because of the negative health effects they can cause.
What are the Pros and Cons of Delta-8 THC?
As you consider whether Delta-8 THC is worth your time, it may be helpful to weigh the pros against the cons.
Pros
Let's start with some of the positives:
- Delta-8 THC does have psychoactive effects, but it's a milder effect than with traditional Delta-9 THC.
- Delta-8 THC is currently legal and widely accessible in multiple states.
- There are a wide number of products that use Delta-8 THC.
Cons
Now, a few of the downsides.
- Delta-8 THC isn't quite as commonplace as other cannabis products, including CBD, and some of the options on the market are expensive.
- While this substance is technically legal, there are plenty of uncertainties over its legal future. It's something you want to keep in mind.
- As a relatively new product, Delta-8 THC products are not regulated by the FDA and there is not independent testing in place to verify that it is safe or pure.
As with any cannabis product, Delta-8 THC has its pros and cons. As you seek the cannabis product that's best for you, it's largely a matter of personal preference.
Also note that smoking, vaping, or otherwise imbibing any kind of cannabis-related product can carry some medical risks and negative health consequences. If you have any specific concerns, we recommend consulting with your doctor before you try any Delta-8 THC product.
Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. He covers natural health, nutrition, supplements, and clean energy. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
Eye-Catching Designs Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles
The company sells a range of eco-friendly items like leggings, rash guards, and board shorts that are made using recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. There are currently 16 causes represented by distinct marine-life patterns, from whale shark research and invasive lionfish removal to sockeye salmon monitoring and abalone restoration.
One such organization is Get Inspired, a nonprofit that specializes in ocean restoration and environmental education. Get Inspired founder, marine biologist Nancy Caruso, says supporting on-the-ground efforts is one thing that sets Waterlust apart, like their apparel line that supports Get Inspired abalone restoration programs.
"All of us [conservation partners] are doing something," Caruso said. "We're not putting up exhibits and talking about it — although that is important — we're in the field."
Waterlust not only helps its conservation partners financially so they can continue their important work. It also helps them get the word out about what they're doing, whether that's through social media spotlights, photo and video projects, or the informative note card that comes with each piece of apparel.
"They're doing their part for sure, pushing the information out across all of their channels, and I think that's what makes them so interesting," Caruso said.
And then there are the clothes, which speak for themselves.
Advocate Apparel to Start Conversations About Conservation
Waterlust's concept of "advocate apparel" encourages people to see getting dressed every day as an opportunity to not only express their individuality and style, but also to advance the conversation around marine science. By infusing science into clothing, people can visually represent species and ecosystems in need of advocacy — something that, more often than not, leads to a teaching moment.
"When people wear Waterlust gear, it's just a matter of time before somebody asks them about the bright, funky designs," said Waterlust's CEO, Patrick Rynne. "That moment is incredibly special, because it creates an intimate opportunity for the wearer to share what they've learned with another."
The idea for the company came to Rynne when he was a Ph.D. student in marine science.
"I was surrounded by incredible people that were discovering fascinating things but noticed that often their work wasn't reaching the general public in creative and engaging ways," he said. "That seemed like a missed opportunity with big implications."
Waterlust initially focused on conventional media, like film and photography, to promote ocean science, but the team quickly realized engagement on social media didn't translate to action or even knowledge sharing offscreen.
Rynne also saw the "in one ear, out the other" issue in the classroom — if students didn't repeatedly engage with the topics they learned, they'd quickly forget them.
"We decided that if we truly wanted to achieve our goal of bringing science into people's lives and have it stick, it would need to be through a process that is frequently repeated, fun, and functional," Rynne said. "That's when we thought about clothing."
Support Marine Research and Sustainability in Style
To date, Waterlust has sold tens of thousands of pieces of apparel in over 100 countries, and the interactions its products have sparked have had clear implications for furthering science communication.
For Caruso alone, it's led to opportunities to share her abalone restoration methods with communities far and wide.
"It moves my small little world of what I'm doing here in Orange County, California, across the entire globe," she said. "That's one of the beautiful things about our partnership."
Check out all of the different eco-conscious apparel options available from Waterlust to help promote ocean conservation.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
First, let's start with the basics: what is sustainability, and why is it important?
To our team here at Charlotte's Web, sustainability means behaving responsibly to avoid the depletion of our natural resources. It means maintaining an ecological balance. It means acting in harmony with nature to help preserve our precious yet fragile environment to ensure that our grandchildren will have a suitable world to live in, just as we did.
After all, nature provides and does so much for us. The least we can do is pay our dues and reestablish a symbiotic relationship with our environment. It's time we take on the role of stewards and guardians of this beautiful emerald planet.
Achieving that goal starts with education and knowing which agricultural practices help reduce our carbon footprint, and which ones make it worse. So with that in mind, here are 10 things you probably didn't know about sustainable hemp farming.
#1: Many CBD companies purchase hemp from overseas.
It's vital to know your source. Many CBD companies buy their crops from overseas to cut down on costs. As a result, they're unsure of the integrity with which their hemp was grown. From unsustainable plastic mulching to the possible use of pesticides and other harmful practices, there are a variety of ways that hemp cultivators can cut corners.
At Charlotte's Web we grow all of our plants here in the US on our own or family-owned farms. We do this so that we can make sure every single step of the process is done right. We plant by hand on 100% of our farm acreage, using only sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
Our goal is to make the soil and land we farm richer and healthier than it was before we touched it. These practices promote biodiversity, protect the ecosystem, and help us to take good care of our planet just as it takes care of us.
#2: Soil is not an unlimited resource.
Healthy soil is one of our most precious natural resources. It supports the production of food and fuel for humans, and is also a crucial component for countless other natural processes in the environment.
But what many people don't realize is that soil is not an unlimited resource. It can be degraded or eroded through irresponsible farming practices. And when that happens, it's not easily recovered.
This is an under-appreciated yet vital fact that our society must come to terms with in the coming years. And that's why we put such great care into protecting and enriching our soil.
After we harvest our plants, rather than leaving the soil bare over the winter, we plant what are known as cover crops. These crops improve the soil's health by protecting it from erosion, making it more nutrient dense, and reducing the need for pesticides.
As a result, our soil is always in great condition when spring rolls around. This not only helps protect the quality of our soil—it also means our hemp plants reap the benefits of richer, more nutrient-dense soil.
#3: Keeping the land contaminant-free requires constant testing.
Keeping the land clean and healthy requires constant vigilance. In these times, you can't just assume that your soil or irrigation systems are free from things like heavy metals or pesticides without regular laboratory analysis and testing.
Complicating matters is the fact that hemp is a bioaccumulator, which means it can absorb things like heavy metals, herbicides, and fuels from the soil.
That's why we take care to test extensively. We test our water for microbes and we monitor our irrigation systems to ensure that they stay free from pesticides and contaminants. We also test the soil for nutrient content and heavy metals. And of course, we test our actual hemp plants at multiple stages throughout the production process.
By the time a Charlotte's Web product arrives at your front door, it will have been carefully tested over 20 times to make sure it meets our strict standards for quality. And all this testing also helps ensure that our farms remain sustainable and eco-friendly.
#4: Compliance with regulatory guidelines is key.
Farms, manufacturers, and other organizations have regulatory guidelines for a reason. Unfortunately, not every company is compliant with the most important regulations.
Here at Charlotte's Web, we take great care to maintain compliance with all major environmental guidelines such as those suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Prop 65, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).
#5: Creating a GMO plant is expensive.
GMO crops are more common than ever. However, you might be surprised to learn that GMOs are extremely difficult, time consuming, and expensive to make.
The average cost for producing a new GMO plant is well over $100 million (and sometimes it cost much more than that). This is why you'll typically only see GMOs developed by massive, multinational companies.
As far as we know, no GMO varieties of the hemp plant have been developed anywhere. Developing a GMO hemp crop would be beyond our ability, and we would never have any desire to do so anyway.
We value the fact that our plants are natural and sustainable. Besides, our hemp is perfectly wonderful just the way it is! Our main hemp variety, often called "Charlotte's Web," was developed years ago by The Stanley Brothers. The seeds have been developed domestically and adapted to the Colorado climate. We take meticulous care of these plants to ensure the highest quality and consistency anywhere.
This is one more reason you can trust that we will always use natural, non-GMO plants for our hemp products.
#6: Consider the company's partners and associates.
If a company claims to be sustainable, but they support and rely on a bunch of companies that are polluting the environment, are they really acting in an environmentally responsible manner?
We don't think so. We believe that the people and companies you associate with makes a difference. That's why we only support like-minded organizations that choose to champion and restore sustainable farming in the United States.
Denver Urban Gardens is one organization we believe in. Their mission is to cultivate gardeners, promote healthy living, and nourish communities through growing food.
We're also proud to support the Rodale Institute of New York, whose mission is to assist farmers in successfully transitioning to organic practices. They conduct important research on the potential impact of organic farming methods.
#7: Organic is great, but not essential.
Organic is wonderful, but it's not a requirement for sustainable farming. Getting certified as organic requires jumping through hoops that can be difficult and expensive for many companies. So even if you don't see that organic seal, it doesn't necessarily mean the product wasn't made in a sustainable, eco-friendly way.
For instance: there are many Amish farmers who aren't certified organic, even though their farming practices go above and beyond what is required to be "organic."
While Charlotte's Web is currently in the process of achieving official USDA Organic Certification, we're already practicing organic and sustainable cultivation techniques on 100% of our farms. These techniques actively enhance the overall health of the soil and our crops.
For example, rather than using toxic pesticides, we actually encourage and support natural predators of common hemp pests (an army of vicious ladybugs). We also tend to all of our plants by hand, and plant cover crops during the winter rather than leaving the soil bare.
We avoid the use of all harsh chemicals and fertilizers. We never spray our plants with anything nasty or unnatural, and we never use anything that's been regulated by the EPA.
#8: One quick rule of thumb: look for Certified B Corporations.
Want to get a quick idea of a company's sense of social responsibility? Look for this symbol on their website:
Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
B Corporations are held extremely accountable for their actions. They're expected to positively impact the environment, as well as their employees, customers, and community.
When you see that a company is B certified, you can feel confident knowing that they walk the walk. And after months of diligent work to finish the B Impact Assessment, we're very proud here at Charlotte's Web to be a part of the B Corp community!
We understand that our problems can't be solved by nonprofits and governmental policies alone. The B Corp community bands together to preserve our environment, empower our communities, and reduce inequality, all while providing meaningful and dignified jobs.
#9: Don't forget about packaging!
When looking at the ecological impact of a product, we can't overlook the importance of packaging.
Regardless of how sustainable a product itself is, the excessive use of plastics and non-reusable materials in the packaging is not sustainable. Single-use plastics have wreaked havoc on our ecosystems, which is why eco-friendly packaging is so important.
Thankfully, we are finally starting to collectively wise up. At Charlotte's Web, our packaging is designed to have a neutral or positive environmental impact. And we hold our partners and our suppliers accountable to the same high standards.
#10: You can tell a lot from a company's mission.
Do they have a strong mission?
Here at Charlotte's Web, our mission is twofold:
- To promote natural wellbeing and good health among people.
- To empower and protect nature.
Health is wealth, and by serving as nature's respectful stewards we can continue to heal and empower ourselves and our fellow man while also benefiting our environment.
We are full of love and respect for humanity and nature, and full of hope for our planet's future. This is why we're setting the gold standard for sustainable practices in the hemp industry.
We hope you'll join us in spreading this important message and helping to protect and care for our precious planet.
- Best Hemp CBD Flower Strains: Top Brand of 2021 - EcoWatch ›
- Is Hemp Really a Green Miracle Plant? - EcoWatch ›
- Industrial Hemp: The Answer for a Greener Future - EcoWatch ›
- The Best Organic CBD Oils Available in 2020 - EcoWatch ›
- 6 Reasons Why You Should Eat Hemp Seeds - EcoWatch ›
- 5 Great Ways to Include Hemp Seeds in Your Daily Diet - EcoWatch ›
- 4 Best Reasons to Legalize Hemp - EcoWatch ›
While CBD is gaining in popularity, and more products are becoming available on the high street and online, there is little scientific research to back the claims made by some CBD product manufacturers. That's why if you're going to buy CBD oil it is important to understand what you're purchasing and to choose products from brands that lab test their products and make the results available to customers.
To help you find the best CBD oil available in the UK, we've done all the hard work and created a list of the best CBD oil brands and products that are available online for you to choose from.
Our Top Picks for Best CBD Oils in the U.K.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
How We Chose the Best CBD in the U.K
To create this list of CBD oil producers and sellers, we've:
- Spoken with over 100 different producers
- Tested over 50 products for potency, quality and accuracy of labelling
- Tried every product on the list
We've tested CBD oils for taste, consistency, cannabinoid profile, value, and accuracy of lab test results to compile our list of the best CBD oils available online today.
Our readers also provide feedback on the brands they've tried and like or don't rate so much. We take our readers' feedback into consideration when we make our Buyer's Guides.
We also work directly with many of the leading CBD brands to bring you their latest offers and discounts, so it's worth checking back to see how you can continue to get the best value CBD oils for your money.
It is important to note that the details for the products listed here are not intended for diagnosing, treating, curing or preventing any particular disease. If you take prescription medicines you should speak to your GP or other healthcare professional before you take CBD oil about possible drug on drug interactions.
In this buyer's guide to CBD oils in the U.K., you'll find:
- A list of the brands we trust most
- A price comparison chart to help you find the best value CBD oil
- The potential benefits that you can derive from CBD oil
- CBD dosage recommendations
- How to pick the best CBD oil for your needs
CBD oil works differently for everyone and just because something works well for a friend or colleague doesn't necessarily mean it'll be as effective for you. Fortunately, there are many options out there to choose from. The CBD market is growing fast, however, quality can vary between brands, which is why we have conducted our own research to compile a list of CBD products that we think are the best.
Evopure
Evopure CBD drops are independently tested and they offer a line of broad spectrum hemp oil in multiple concentrations. As a bonus, all of their oils are extracted from organically grown US hemp on farms that use sustainable farming practices. The Flow blend is best for stress and anxiety. Evopure also has a sleep blend available.
Why buy: Since these drops use broad spectrum CBD oil, they contain zero THC while still providing you with all of the other benefits of a full spectrum oil. They are also organic, vegan, and non-GMO.
Love Hemp
If you're looking for a tasty CBD oil, there are various flavours available at Love Hemp, including natural, peppermint, and orange. Their CBD products are also certified THC free, and have a precise amount of CBD for easy dosing.
Why buy: Love Hemp is the leading CBD brand in the UK and for good reason, we haven't found a better product for the price.
CBDistillery
CBDistillery offers a range of CBD products, including oil tinctures, softgels, gummies, and topicals. Their most popular product is the Relief + Relax CBD oil, made with full spectrum CBD in several different potencies.
Why buy: All products from CBDistillery use CBD sourced from non-GMO industrial hemp grown using natural farming methods in the U.S. The CBD oil they use is CO2 extracted and tested by independent third-party labs.
Aire
aire tinctures are natural, organic, and ethically sourced. The oils contain no THC and are tested by the Cannabis Trade Association approved testing laboratories. Each 10ml bottle contains 1500mg of CBD.
Why buy: Since this is a stronger blend, aire recommends the 015 bottle for more experienced CBD users.
Blessed CBD
As the most popular tincture from Blessed CBD, this 1,000mg formula is potent and full-spectrum, but still contains less than 0.2% THC. This family run business spent 12 months searching for the best hemp source, eventually settling on a hemp extract from organically grown, non-GMO, hemp plants in Colorado. This ensures that each drop of CBD oil contains rich cannabinoids and terpenes for enhanced effects.
Why buy: We didn't find a single negative review online, which speaks volumes for the quality and effectiveness of their products.
Eir
For a tincture with a high potency, the No. 30 CBD oil from Eir Health contains 3000mg of CBD in one 30mL bottle. This equates to 100mg per serving.
Why buy: This full spectrum oil is packed with cannabinoids and terpenes that come from organically grown European hemp plants.
Price Comparison
The key numbers to look at are the cost of CBD per mg (how much you're paying for your CBD) and the mg of CBD per mL (how much CBD you're getting per milligram). Where possible, compare each brand's 1,000mg product. It's worth bearing in mind that a higher strength bottle may be more cost effective in the long run.
For instance, Eir Health's 30ml 3,000mg bottle works out at £0.04 per milligram and delivers 100 milligrams per milliliter. So if you're looking for a higher strength bottle which will last you, paying slightly more initially would be beneficial. It's worth bearing in mind that a higher strength bottle may be more cost effective in the long run. For instance, Eir Health's 30ml 3,000mg bottle works out at £0.04 per milligram and delivers 100 milligrams per milliliter. So if you're looking for a higher strength bottle which will last you, paying slightly more initially would be beneficial.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is short for cannabidiol and is a chemical compound found in all varieties of the cannabis plant. CBD oil has become popular in recent years due to changing worldwide legislation. In the UK specifically, there were several high-profile medical cases relating to medicinal cannabis and the treatment of children with epilepsy and other health conditions. CBD is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis and, it's thought, the primary cannabinoid that interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system promotes homeostasis, or balance, and regulates physiological and cognitive functions such as mood, appetite, and how we feel pain caused by inflammation.
CBD oil is produced using a range of extraction methods, including CO2 or ethanol extraction, and then added to a carrier oil, such as MCT coconut oil, to create a tincture with a broad range of possible health benefits. CBD oil is just one form that this cannabinoid can be found in and is different to hemp seed oil, which is generally used as a dietary supplement for the essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals it imparts. Hemp seed oil is produced by cold pressing hemp seeds and creating a dark coloured oil with the nutrient-rich composition described above. CBD, on the other hand, is extracted from the flower and leaves of hemp plants.
CBD is wildly popular for its potential therapeutic effects, which some clinical trials and animal studies have found to help with a number of symptoms and conditions that CBD may help alleviate, including:
Benefits of CBD Oil
- Chronic pain
- Nausea
- Migraines
- Appetite
- Seizures
- Psoriasis
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
The most common health and lifestyle issues that people turn to CBD oil for are:
- Anxiety – CBD oil has been found to relieve symptoms of anxiety in people in several small studies. This is not restricted to one form of anxiety as social anxiety, generalised anxiety, panic attacks and some forms of depression have all been found to be relieved with CBD oil. It's thought that this is achieved by changing the way the brain reacts to anxiety.
- Pain – CBD oil for pain is another area that anecdotal evidence and limited medical studies show people may find relief. CBD may help reduce inflammation in the body and therefore, relieve pain. Chronic pain, back pain and generalised pain have all been shown to be relieved with CBD oil.
- Sleep – Falling asleep and staying asleep for longer periods may be enhanced with CBD oil. Both direct and indirect benefits for sleep can be derived from CBD oil. An oil or edible form of CBD can help to calm the mind (indirect) and in some cases, taking CBD can make the user drowsy (direct).
While there are a wide range of benefits that may be derived from CBD oil, the MHRA – which stands for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and is the equivalent to America's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – has taken the stance that unless a CBD product has been approved as a medication it cannot make any medical claims on its packaging or in its marketing. This means producers need to hold a product licence to legally sell, supply or advertise them as medicine in the UK. However, no licences for selling CBD oil as a medicine have been granted by the MHRA to date. The MHRA advises people to speak to their GP or other healthcare professional if they are considering taking CBD products.
Is CBD Oil Legal in the UK?
Yes, but there is some confusion. In the UK and EU, CBD products are completely legal, as long as they have been derived from industrial hemp and contain no more than 1mg of THC per product. But the general advice is that UK CBD oil should contain no more than 0.01% THC, as current testing standards may not be able to detect 1mg of THC.
It has been reported that CBD Oil in the UK with no more than 0.2% THC is legal but this only applies to the cultivation of hemp and not CBD oils, which are hemp derivatives. Also, any THC contained in CBD products must be difficult to separate from the rest of the product. There are two exceptions to this law; one for Sativex, a 50% CBD and 50% THC product approved by the MHRA as a medication for treating multiple sclerosis symptoms, and for the prescription of cannabis derived medicinal products by specialist clinicians. The second exception came into law in November of 2018 after several cases were brought to court requesting the use of medical cannabis products to alleviate severe epileptic symptoms in two children.
CBD Strength and Concentrations
Concentrations of CBD in oils vary from 1mg of CBD per millilitre to 50 or 400mg per millilitre.
If a bottle has 1000mg of CBD in a 10ml bottle, this means that 100mg of CBD is dissolved in every 1ml of liquid. You can work out the number of milligrams of CBD in each millilitre by dividing the milligrams (weight) of CBD by the millilitres (volume) of the bottle; for this example, that's 1000 divided by 10 which works out at 100mg per ml.
Many UK-based brands highlight the percentage of CBD in their products, such as 5% or 10% CBD. This simply refers to the weight of the drug by volume measured in grams in 100 millilitres. Using the example above, we need to convert 1,000 milligrams to grams, which is 1 gram of CBD, that's our weight. And as the bottle is 10ml, we divide 1 gram by 10 millilitres, and multiply by 100 to get our percentage, which is 10%.
How to Dose with CBD Oil
Advice on how much CBD oil you should take varies. It's almost impossible to find a definitive answer based on clinical guidance so people need to experiment in order to find out what works best for them. It's wise to start with a low dose and work your way up to find a dosage that works for you. Understanding different product types and labelling will help you to properly measure the amount of CBD to take.
Because dose guidelines are limited, it's best to start low and work your way up to a dose of CBD oil that works for you. One resource we've found suggests starting at 1 – 6mg of CBD per 10lbs of body weight. This would mean an average UK woman weighing 11 stone, could take anywhere between 15 – 92mg of CBD per dose. This could be broken into smaller doses throughout the day instead of taking all in one go.
Typically, 10ml works out to approximately 200 drops. Using the same example above, we know 1ml contains 100mg of CBD. That would mean to take 100mg of CBD you would need 20 drops of the CBD Oil. We got to that number by dividing 200 by 10. To get 15mg of CBD you would need to take only 3 drops.
What is the Correct CBD Oil Dosage?
How to take CBD and the concentrations for each does will vary depending on the condition you are looking to find relief from. For example, if you're taking CBD oil for anxiety, regular, lower doses seems to be appropriate. CBD oil for sleep calls for a single, higher dose no more than an hour before bed. That's not medical advice, that's what we've gleaned from people who use CBD products.
Dosing is the most common question people have about CBD oil and other products. It's also the question we're most often asked. We cannot overstate the fact that there is no one definitive answer.
With that being said, here is a typical dosing guide to help you get started:
CBD Oil Dosing Guide
Symptom Severity | 25-50lbs | 50-85lbs | 85-150lbs | 150-240lbs | 240+lbs |
Mild | 6mg | 9mg | 12mg | 18mg | 22mg |
Medium | 9mg | 12mg | 15mg | 22mg | 30mg |
Severe | 12mg | 15mg | 18mg | 27mg | 45mg |
How your body reacts to CBD is different to everyone else. The reason to take CBD is also personal to you – some people want to feel relaxed, others are thinking of a daily supplement to boost their health. CBD oil capsules can give your body a steady supply of cannabinoids to absorb over the course of the day. Oils will have you feeling the effects faster, but they still take time a small amount of time to work their way into your system (usually somewhere between 5 and 20 minutes). If you don't feel the effects immediately, don't take more. CBD can have an accumulative effect so wait a while before re-dosing.
Use Your Head
If you want to take 50mg of CBD and buy gummies containing 10mg each, consider the amount of sugar you'll also consume to get your CBD dose. Remember you're looking for a supplement, not a sugary snack. Choose the product that makes the most sense in regard to the dose of CBD you wish to take.
It's also worth considering price. If you find oils that declare 500mg of CBD for £15, yet everywhere else is selling the same for £50, ask yourself a few questions. Is it likely that the cheaper brand has found a way to lower the cost of growing, extracting and packaging their CBD that the others haven't? It's more likely that the cheaper brand is making bogus claims or misleading you in regards to the quality of CBD in their product? Check online guides, research brands, read a comparison list, and do your homework so you are sure you are purchasing the best CBD products for your individual circumstances.
How to Buy the Right CBD Oil Online
Consider How Much You Want to Spend
Before you purchase CBD oil online, you should consider how much you're comfortable spending. Products can be expensive, so setting an upward limit can help you narrow down the selection and find something that works for you, without breaking your budget.
Check the Test Results
The best CBD products and brands show third-party test results on their websites, or sometimes send them to you if requested. There are a few points you should look out for when viewing test results that can help you decide which brand is best for you.
- Batch numbers – Some brands are fastidious about testing and you can check individual batch numbers for products. This lets you follow a crop from soil, to lab, to bottle. Test results should be recent, within the last quarter is good, within the past year is acceptable, anything more is less helpful.
- Cannabinoid strength, potency and terpene levels – A recent UK study by the Centre for Medical Cannabis found 62% of UK CBD mislabelled. Checking on test results can help you confirm the CBD, THC and other terpene levels found in products.
- Heavy metals and pesticides – Hemp sucks up whatever is in the soil. This can compromise the quality of CBD products and is why we like established brands that use land free from pesticides and heavy metals, as opposed to pop-up brands that may source their product from growers using unproven ground. Test results should show the heavy metal content of CBD products is below the safe threshold.
- Solvents and bacteria – All CBD products should be free from solvents and manufactured in clean facilities that are free from bacteria such as salmonella.
If you are making a purchase via the internet, always make sure to review recent Certificates of Analysis.
Check to See What Kind of CBD Extract is Used in the Product
CBD products in the UK fall into three different categories: Full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full and Broad-spectrum CBD oils are thought to have greater therapeutic benefits as the multiple cannabinoids work together. This is known as the 'entourage effect'. Experts we have spoken to support the idea of 'whole-plant therapy'. Some people may prefer CBD isolate if they are subject to drug tests through work and so on.
Consider the Taste
Some people can stand the taste of hemp. The earthy green flavour can be a turn off. Some CBD oil products have milder hemp flavours or natural additives that mask the hemp flavour to make them more palatable.
Shop Around
While you need to be aware of scammers, there are a lot of great brands that care about their product and customers. In terms of taste and strength of product, you may find it helps to try a range of brands to find the one that suits your personal preferences best.
FAQs
Is CBD oil safe?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) released a report in 2017 stating that there was little potential for abuse of CBD. Furthermore, they recognised the potential therapeutic benefits that could be derived from CBD for treating a wide range of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, cancer and diabetic complications, along with general pain, anxiety and depression.
Does CBD get you stoned?
No. CBD is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis. THC is the compound that has a psychoactive effect when taken in large enough doses (more than the 0.2% found in CBD products). Someone would need to smoke a CBD joint the size of a telephone mast to feel any psychoactive effects. CBD products allow people to get beneficial cannabinoids into their system to help their body function better, without becoming 'high' or 'stoned'.
How long does CBD oil last?
This partly depends on how quickly your body processes CBD and also the kind of CBD product you use. 6 – 8 hours is generally the length of time CBD oils will provide a noticeable effect.
Some products, like capsules are considered a daily supplement that needs to be taken over a period of time for it to reach its potential. Other kinds of CBD are faster acting and stronger; these types of products are better for specific issues such as social anxiety, problems with public speaking, or irregular and unexpected pain or discomfort.
Can I take too much CBD Oil?
You need to be careful about taking anything that will affect your health and if you are taking other medication, you should definitely discuss how CBD might interact with them, with your GP or healthcare professional. That said, most experts agree it is impossible to overdoes on CBD and even the World Health Organisation has published a report stating CBD is non-toxic and safe to use.
If you do take a very high dose of CBD, you may experience dizziness, lethargy, nausea, dry mouth and diarrhoea, but this will pass as your body processes the dose you have taken.
Other Types of CBD Products
This page covers most of what you need to know about CBD oils. If you're in the states, we also have this helpful list of organic CBD oil brands. There are lots of CBD products on the market, and each have their pros and cons.
If you're interested in CBD gummies, topicals, capsules or anything else, check out our additional online guides to find out all about the CBD product that interests you most.
Melena Gurganus is passionate about health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.
What is CBD Flower?
CBD flower is taken directly from industrial hemp plants without the need for extensive extraction processes. These flower buds contain the same beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes found within CBD oil, but tend to elicit a stronger entourage effect.
Hemp flower is different than many other CBD products since it is trimmed from the stalks of hemp without any additional manufacturing or purification needed, which keeps all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids in tact.
What is the Best CBD Flower to Buy Online?
Compared to CBD oil, there are many more challenges facing the selling and distribution of hemp flower across the United States. For this reason, there's a more narrow market for people that prefer to smoke hemp flower. This also means there are less suppliers to meet demand.
With that being said, we've found the best company that sells hemp flower.
Botany Farms CBD Flower
Botany Farms is our choice for the best hemp flower company because they pride themselves on offering organic, hand-crafted CBD and CBG flower products. They work with select farmers in the U.S. who raise certified-organic hemp that is free from heavy metals, pesticides, and fungicides. Each of their cannabis flower strains is made in small batches that are hang dried and hand trimmed. Botany Farms also uses independent third-party lab testing to ensure each batch's quality and contents.
The Best Botany Farms CBD Flower Products
The products featured here have been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the link included, we may earn commission.
- Best for Sleep - Bubba Kush
- Best for Focus - Hawaiian Haze
- Best for Calm - Sour Space Candy
- Best for Energy - Sour Lifter
- Best for Relaxation - Cherry Blossom
Bubba Kush
botanyfarms.com
This indica strain contains dark chocolate and coffee notes with an earthy taste. It provides calm for both the body and mind and is best for relaxing at the end of the day or in the evening.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 15.1%
Hawaiian Haze
botanyfarms.com
Hawaiian Haze is a sativa that provides stress relief while leaving you clear and focused. It offers a strong floral scent with notes of pineapple and berries, and is great for daytime use.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 13.3%
Sour Space Candy
botanyfarms.com
A CBD-heavy hybrid strain, Sour Space Candy contains a fruity and sour flavor profile, with dense orange, purple, and green hues. It can produce a relaxing calm, great for stress-relief or unwinding after work.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 16.4%
Sour Lifter
botanyfarms.com
With notes of grapes and lemons, this sativa offers a large dose of CBD and provides energy and focus. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee in the morning to start the day.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 17.3%
Cherry Blossom
An indica with notes of dark cherries, florals, citrus, and pine, Cherry Blossom has a rich taste that can help you calm your mind and relax before bed in the evenings.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 11%
Hemp Flower for Sale Online: What to Look For
The CBD market can be a confusing and vastly unregulated place. When shopping online, look for lab tested CBD flower. Accredited lab tests help ensure a high quality cannabis flower by verifying the CBD vs THC content, terpene profile, and testing for the presence of any pesticides, heavy metals, and other environmental contaminants.
Can CBD flower get you high?
Industrial hemp strains have naturally low THC levels. This means that their flowers also contain minimal amounts of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis plants). These plants produce CBD rich buds that will not create any mind altering effects like those commonly associated with a THC high.
Is CBD flower legal?
Hemp derived CBD flower is legal in the U.S. as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent of THC by dry weight. The 2018 Farm Bill recently legalized hemp federally as an agricultural crop, therefor making hemp flowers legal as well. Other cannabis plants may produce buds with high CBD and low THC concentrations, but these are not considered federally legal since they originate from marijuana cannabis strains.
How do you use CBD flower?
Smoking hemp is the preferred method of use for CBD flowers, especially for the converted user looking to gain relaxation without the high. Many people opt for pre-rolled joints or CBD cigarettes made from hemp flower, but others prefer to buy the buds and smoke them on their own terms.
While this isn't necessarily the healthiest habit, it may be a better option for individuals who are looking for an alternative to nicotine cigarettes or psychoactive marijuana. Additionally, CBD flower has not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. It's not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
CBD Hemp Flower Benefits
Much like CBD oil, hemp flower is believed to have many beneficial effects that can be used to alleviate issues like chronic pain, anxiety, sleep troubles, and more. While most of this is based off of anecdotal evidence, some scientific studies have shown the benefits of CBD, including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties that work to mitigate pain
- Anxiolytic effects help reduce anxiety and stress
- Potential neuroprotective properties
These wellness advantages appeal to many people, but it's important to note that smoking CBD flower is not the healthiest way to benefit from CBD. Inhaling anything other than oxygen into your lungs can be harmful. So for people that choose to smoke hemp, there is typically a trade off between the relieving effects they may experience versus the internal effects they do not see.
Understanding CBD Flower Measurements
Although hemp and marijuana vary in their cannabinoid composition, their flowers are weighed in the same manner. Using the metric system, CBD hemp flowers are weighed from grams to ounces, and are often broken up even further into eighths, quarters, and half ounces.
There are 28 grams in one ounce, and 1 gram will likely be able to make two or three joints filled with hemp bud.
CBD flowers taken from industrial hemp plants are legal to sell in most states, and these products must comply with the laws set forth by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on marketing and advertising. A supplier must deliver their products as described, including the weight of an item, when you are buying from them. If this isn't done, the FTC will likely take action against the company supplying the product. So you should receive the amount of hemp flower you purchase, but it never hurts to check.
Smoking Hemp Flower vs. Taking CBD Oil
When you inhale smoke from hemp flowers, the CBD will take effect almost immediately as your lungs absorb the cannabinoids and transfer them into the bloodstream. This effect likely won't last as long as ingesting CBD oil, which prolongs the on-set and steady absorption of CBD.
Smoking hemp flower looks and may even smell similar to marijuana, so be wary of this fact if you live in a state where recreational marijuana use is illegal. Hemp flower is legal, but it may cause confusion and unwanted attention, which should be taken into consideration.
Additionally, smoking is not good for your health — even if CBD flower may alleviate other issues like anxiety or pain. For this reason, we recommend exercising caution if you do decide to smoke hemp flower. Weigh the pros and cons, and consider other application methods when it comes to CBD.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Melena Gurganus is passionate about health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.
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To help clarify any misconceptions about the use of CBD on animals, we wanted to outline important information regarding effects, dosing, and scientific research related to CBD use on pets. Those that have personally tried CBD for their pets say it has the potential to reduce pain, anxiety, inflammatory conditions, and seizures, among other advantages.
It's worth doing your own research to find the best CBD solution for your pet, since they now come in CBD treats, shampoos, peanut butters, and more. Our article will recommend the best CBD oils for dogs and will also provide important information for you to consider about giving CBD to your pets.
Our Top Picks for Dog CBD Oils
- Best Organic Oil - NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD
- Best Price - Medterra Pets CBD
- Best Flavor - Cornbread Hemp CBD Oil for Pets
- Best Variety - Honest Paws USDA Organic CBD Oil for Dogs
- Best Satisfaction Guarantee - CBDistillery CBD Pet
Below is our list of the best CBD oil products for dogs. Each of these brands has exhibited a commitment to third-party lab testing and creates products we think you and your pet can trust.
How We Review CBD Oil for Dogs
To create our list of best CBD tinctures for dogs, we evaluated each brand and product on six specific categories that we use for all of our reviews.
- Value — Is the brand's pet CBD oil affordable and does it work as advertised?
- Strength — How many total milligrams of CBD does each dose of CBD oil contain? Is it full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate?
- Source — Where does the company get its hemp? Is it grown in the USA?
- Flavor — Do they flavor their CBD oil? If so, do they use natural ingredients?
- Transparency — Can you view third-party lab test results and information about their extraction process?
- Customer Experience — Do they offer a satisfaction guarantee? What do customer reviews say about the product?
Learn more about our picks for best CBD oils for dogs below.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
1. NuLeaf Naturals - Best Organic Oil
1. NuLeaf NaturalsNuLeaf Naturals makes dosing easier, as the oils all come in a consistent strength. NuLeaf Naturals offers a clean, natural way to try plant-based relief for your pet. All products are also certified as organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture —the only dog CBD products to bear that distinction.
Strength: 3mg full spectrum CBD per dose, available in 300mg, 900mg, and 1800mg size bottles
Flavor: None
Source: Colorado
Why buy: USDA certified organic; full spectrum CBD oil; Co2 extraction method from hemp grown in Colorado; third-party lab tested with results available online.
2. Medterra - Best Price
2. MedterraAll Medterra pet products are THC free and this CBD oil comes in a natural beef flavor. Concentrations available are 150, 300, and 750 milligrams per bottle. As with Medterra's human-focused products, these oils are made with Kentucky-grown hemp.
Strength: 150mg, 300mg, or 750mg broad spectrum CBD per bottle.
Flavor: Beef
Source: Kentucky
Why buy: THC-free broad spectrum CBD; natural beef flavoring; organically grown, non-GMO hemp from Kentucky; U.S. Hemp Authority Certified;
3. Cornbread Hemp CBD Oil for Pets
Cornbread Hemp's CBD Oil for Pets is made to be tastier for your dog (or cat) with a vegan corndog flavor. This makes it more appealing to furry friends than the natural flavors of some CBD oils. It's also vegan, non-GMO, and contains no fillers or preservatives. All of their products are also third-party lab tested and include seed-to-sale tracking and a tamper-proof seal.
Strength: 17 mg full spectrum CBD per serving, 500 mg per bottle.
Flavor: Corndog
Source: Kentucky
Why buy: This CBD oil for pets from Cornbread Hemp contains a stronger concentration of CBD per serving than some other alternatives; includes vegan corndog flavoring to make it easier to add to your dog's diet.
4. Honest Paws - Best Product Variety
Honest Paws is a brand specifically dedicated to high-quality CBD products for pets. They sell everything from CBD peanut butter and treats to shampoo and more. Their Wellness line of USDA Organic CBD Oil for Dogs is made from full spectrum hemp and can help boost your dog's immune system as well as their physical and mental wellbeing. Since it's made from organic hemp, you can trust that it is free from preservatives, additives, pesticides, soy, corn and GMO products.
Strength: 125mg per bottle (for small dogs), 250mg per bottle (for medium dogs), 500mg per bottle (for large dogs)
Flavor: None
Source: Colorado
Why buy: USDA certified organic; full spectrum quality CBD oil; easy to access lab results online; tincture makes it simple to apply CBD with a dropper in your dog's food.
5. CBDistillery - Best Satisfaction Guarantee
CBDistillery CBD products are processed in cold-pressed hemp seed oil. This is meant to aid in the dog's digestion of the product. They have a 150-milligram tincture for small to medium sized dogs and a 600-milligram pet CBD oil made for larger breeds — each is affordable when compared to other brands on the market.
Strength: 5mg or 20mg full spectrum CBD per serving, available in 150mg and 600mg size bottles
Flavor: None
Source: USA
Why buy: Non-GMO industrial hemp grown in the U.S.; full spectrum CBD oil; cold-pressed hemp seed oil; U.S. Hemp Authority Certified; 60-day money back guarantee; third-party lab tested with easily accessible results.
About CBD for Dogs
When it comes to cannabis, dogs have a slightly different endocannabinoid system than humans. Canines have a higher concentration of CB1 receptors in the cerebellum than any other species, and THC is a partial agonist of these receptors. This means that dogs have increased sensitivity to THC, but since CBD is different compound it does not have much direct action with these CB1 receptors. Since CBD oils made from hemp have high amounts of CBD and extremely low amounts of THC, it's unlikely that CBD would harm your dog. Any product high in THC should probably be avoided unless otherwise recommended by a trusted vet.
While THC may have medicinal value in certain cases, it can produce a psychoactive effect that might actually increase anxiety in animals when administered in high doses. If you want to introduce cannabis extracted ingredients into your dog's diet, it's generally safer to use CBD dominant extracts.
Although THC and CBD can be used in conjunction for therapeutic purposes, it's more difficult to obtain extracts with a high concentration of THC — unless you live in one of the few states that allows for recreational marijuana use. Cannabis extracts that are high in CBD and low in THC are preferred, as they are considered to be widely available and legal in more areas. Lab test results, especially from a third party lab, can determine the percentage of CBD and THC within a cannabis extract. This way, you can ensure that any cannabis extract given to your dog is accurately labeled and contains only CBD extracted from hemp.
CBD Oil for Dogs FAQs
What are the benefits of CBD oil for dogs?
There are plenty of personal stories about the health benefits of CBD on pets, but what science is there to back up these claims?
One survey from the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) included responses from more than 600 pet owners, and found that the most successful uses of CBD in pets were:
- Pain relief
- Sleep aid
- Anxiety relief (including thunderstorm or firework phobia)
- Nervous system support
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduced seizures
- Preventing vomiting and nausea
- Mitigating muscle spasms
- Helping with digestive tract issues
- Skin condition treatments
On top of these findings, a recent scientific study conducted by Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine has shown that CBD oil helped decrease pain, and increase activity, in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.
How do I choose the right CBD product for my pet?
With increased popularity in CBD and hemp products, new sellers are popping up everyday. There are a range of CBD products designed for pet owners, including:
- Oils
- Sprays (oral and topical)
- Dog treats
- Balms, salves, and other topical treatments
It can be difficult to distinguish between the quality of different brands and what product is best suited for your pet. You'll want to do your homework before buying anything. We recommend using CBD products that are intended for pets, as well as brands who use third-party labs to verify CBD potency and test for the presence of any pesticides, microbials, or solvents.
Most quality CBD pet products will have dosing guidelines, which makes it easier for owners to give their animal the right amount. But these guidelines are often coming from the company, not a veterinarian, so keep this in mind.
It's important to take existing medications into consideration before using CBD on your pet, as it may alter the efficacy of these treatments for certain conditions. According to Dr. Tim Shu, CEO and founder of VETCBD, "CBD has been shown to be very safe across a wide range of doses in multiple animal species. But if an animal is on other medications, especially ones with narrow therapeutic ranges, a pet owner should discuss the concurrent use of CBD with their veterinarian prior to starting."
Using CBD products designed for human consumption can be a bit more difficult, and they may include ingredients that are not healthy for dogs or cats to ingest. Currently, there are no pet products certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
What should I look for in CBD for my dog?
Here are four important factors to consider when shopping for a CBD oil for dogs:
- CBD products extracted from hemp: CBD can be extracted from hemp or marijuana, as both plants are from the cannabis family. Marijuana plants contain more THC than hemp plants, so it's likely that marijuana extracted CBD products will have a higher concentration of THC. CBD oils extracted from hemp can sometimes still contain trace amounts of THC. Some brands distill out these cannabinoids and terpenes to create a CBD isolate, but we recommend using full-spectrum CBD extracts for a synergistic effect and greater therapeutic value.
- The product's origin story: Since cannabis is a hyperaccumulator, it absorbs the elements of the ground within which it was grown. This is of particular concern when it comes to CBD oil because heavy metal toxicity can be prevalent, and you certainly don't want to feed your pet anything toxic. Even "natural" doesn't always equal safe. Make sure you know where a product's hemp was sourced and how it was grown.
- Is it infused with oil? CBD oil for dogs is easy to add into your pet's food without them detecting a difference. For ease of absorption, look for a CBD product that's infused with olive oil. Olive oil is rich in unsaturated fats, and healthier for your pet than other options like coconut oil.
- Is it made with CBD or hemp seed oil? Hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil, and this can cause some confusion. Hemp seed extract is pressed from the seeds of hemp to produce an oil that may help give your dog a shinier coat or better skin, but it does not contain any cannabinoids. Some products contain both.
Our curated list above features some of our favorite CBD brands selling trusted pet products.
Is CBD safe for dogs?
In the emerging CBD space, it helps to look to medical professionals, review sites, and other experts to help you decide if CBD is the right fit for your dog.
The American Kennel Club says "while there's no definitive scientific data on using CBD to treat dogs, there's anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting it can treat pain, especially neuropathic pain, as well as helping to control seizures."
There is also some compelling research now being done on CBD's effects on canines. For instance, a study conducted by Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine showed that treatment with CBD oil resulted in decreased pain for dogs with osteoarthritis.
And in a survey collected by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, data from over 600 pet owners found that CBD use in animals also seems to yield positive results. These owners found success using CBD for anxiety relief, sleep assistance, nervous response support, treating skin conditions, reducing nausea, and preventing inflammation in dogs.
What are the side effects and risks?
The biggest risks to pets when given CBD are usually caused by an overdose of the compound. Some adverse side effects, such as an upset stomach or drowsiness, may occur in rare instances — but these can likely be avoided by supplying the proper dose.
If you're using a product that includes THC, you increase the risk that your pet may have a negative reaction. Dogs that suffer from too much THC intake develop static ataxia, which is specific to canines and results in loss of muscle coordination, balance, and problems controlling their bowels or bladders. For this reason, proper dosing of CBD and THC products is extremely important.
How much CBD should I give my dog?
Since official dosing recommendations from the veterinary community are limited, it's always best to start small. You can increase dosage slowly to gage your pet's response, and once you notice positive improvements in their condition, you can stick to this dose amount. Most products come with dosage recommendations and guidelines, depending on the size of your pet.
A general guideline is 0.2mg of CBD per pound of body weight per day.
Final Thoughts on CBD Oil for Dogs
Although CBD is generally considered to be safe for pets, it has not been approved by the FDA for this purpose. For this reason, it's important that you do your research and find a CBD product that you trust with verifiable third-party lab testing results.
As with anything you give your pet, it's important to recognize when something's off. If you are concerned about how your dog or cat is responding to CBD, contact your veterinarian and discontinue use of the product until professional guidance has been given.
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More and more people are looking to boost their health with CBD oil. The rise in CBD's popularity shows that many people are experiencing positive outcomes through the regular use of CBD to help control and improve difficult health issues.
Since there are a great deal of brands out on the market today, it can get confusing trying to figure out which brand is best and which oil strength will work best for you and your needs. Keep in mind that even though it might feel exciting to have a host of brands to choose from, not all brands are created equal.
Our guide to the strongest CBD oils will help to point you in the right direction so that you can choose the best, most potent oil for your needs. We will also educate you about the best CBD oils along the way, while also discussing how we chose our top three brands and why we named FAB CBD Oil our top pick.
The Strongest CBD Oils
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
- Most Effective - FAB CBD Oil
- Best for Pain Relief - Spruce CBD Oil
- Best Value - CBDistillery Full Spectrum Tincture
- Best Organic - Cornbread Hemp Distilled CBD Oil
How We Selected Our Top Brands
The influx of CBD brands out on the market can be both a good and a bad thing. While it's great to have many options to choose from, it's frustrating to not know exactly which brand is the best in terms of quality, strength, and overall reputation. It's tempting to buy products from the first brand you come upon online. However, in doing so, you might be purchasing products that are unclean, ineffective, and just simply not the best for you.
When it comes to choosing a CBD oil brand, you need to take the time and put in the research to ensure that you are getting the strongest, and best quality product you can purchase.
We've put the time and effort into selecting the top brands that we feel have the strongest CBD oil, the best reputation, and the cleanest, most effective products. But before we were able to choose our top brands, we set up strict guidelines to follow. Next, we used our guidelines to break our list down until we were left with the top brands.
When it came to selecting our top strongest CBD oils, we looked at six key categories:
- Value - product pricing
- Strength - oil strength and purity
- Source - where the brand sources its hemp from
- Flavor - oil flavors and the ingredients used in the oil
- Transparency - if a third-party lab was used to test the products and if those results are easy for customers to find
- Customer experience - verified customer reviews
Based on these factors, see which brands made our list of strongest CBD oils.
FAB CBD Oil — Most Effective
Why buy — FAB is our number one pick simply because the brand offers some of the strongest, cleanest, and best CBD products out on the market today. Moreover, its customer services and transparency are second-to-none. The prices are affordable and the products are excellent overall.
FAB believes in being transparent, crafting the highest quality products, and having a strong customer service department to make sure all of its customers' needs and questions are met and answered. The brand does not use any pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals when it comes to cultivating hemp and creating products. All of FAB's organic hemp is grown and harvested in Colorado. The brand is involved in every step of its creation process from seed to sale.
All of FAB's products are crafted from the purest, cleanest extracts possible. FAB's full-spectrum CBD oil comes in a variety of flavors and strengths. The brand offers mint, citrus, vanilla, natural, and berry oils in strengths of 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg. Every one of FAB's products is tested by ProVerde Labs, an independent third-party laboratory.
- Value — Every one of FAB's products fall into the range of what you would expect to pay for a top quality CBD product. Remember, if a product is extremely cheap, then you need to look deeper into how it was made. FAB's products are absolutely priced accordingly and are of the best quality.
- Strength — FAB has some of the best, strongest, and most effective full-spectrum oils on the market today. Their oil is available in 300mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg potencies.
- Source of hemp — FAB sources all of its organic hemp from Colorado. The hemp is free from herbicides, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and other dangerous substances. All of the hemp is grown using state-of-the-art growing and cloning technology and machinery.
- Flavors — Mint, Citrus, Vanilla, Natural, and Berry
- Transparency — Every one of FAB's products is tested by ProVerde Labs, an independent third-party laboratory.
- Customer experience — The brand has a strong reputation among both customers and industry experts for having top-quality products that are highly effective and potent.
Spruce CBD - Best for Pain Relief
Why buy — While Spruce oils are expensive, we do feel that the brand does everything possible to ensure that its oils are high-quality, extremely potent, and 100 percent all-natural. The founder of Spruce got his start in the supplement space and is deeply involved in customer service and feedback, making it a wellness brand we trust.
The high potency CBD oil from Spruce CBD is a popular product among customers, and for good reason. This organic and all-natural CBD oil has no added flavor to allow for their strongest CBD concentration in a 30mL bottle. You can choose between an organic hemp seed carrier oil, best for pain, or an MCT oil option. The products are organic and non-GMO, and do not contain any additives or preservatives. The brand has a strong following online, especially in the arthritis community due to the strength and quality of their CBD oils for pain relief.
- Value — As far as pricing goes, Spruce is more expensive than other oils. The prices vary depending on the strength of the oil that you choose. The brand does, however, offer a subscribe and save option.
- Strength — Spruce's Extra Strength Full Spectrum CBD Oil contains 2,400mg of lab grade CBD oil.
- Source of hemp — Kentucky and North Carolina
- Flavors — None
- Transparency — Third-party lab tested with easily accessible test results found on their site for each batch.
- Customer experience — Just read the comments on the brand website or watch the plethora of testimonial videos, these strong CBD oils have built a following for a reason.
CBDistillery Full Spectrum Tincture - Best Value
Why buy — CBDistillery is a reputable brand that works hard to create quality, potent, and affordable products. The brand has a broad product line that includes oils, gummies, and topicals. All products are made in America. CBDistillery does offer coupon codes.
CBDistillery sells a line of carefully crafted CBD hemp oils. With quality CBD oils starting at $20, CBDistillery offers good products at a great price. This affordability and their extremely potent CBD oils (like the 2500mg option) have made CBDistillery one of the fastest growing companies in the hemp space. Their Colorado-grown product line is comprehensive, including various oil concentrations, salves, edibles, and suppositories.
- Value — The brand offers customers premium products at affordable prices.
- Strength — The oils come in a variety of strengths, including 500mg, 1000mg, and 2500mg, which is the strongest concentration found on our list.
- Source of hemp — CBDistillery sources all of its organic hemp from Colorado. The hemp is regularly tested for the presence of microbes, solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers.
- Flavors — None
- Transparency — All CBDistillery products are tested by independent third-party labs with results available online.
- Customer experience — CBDistillery has a strong reputation among customers for crafting high-quality products that are both strong and effective. According to verified customer reviews, the brand's products are effective and clean.
Cornbread Hemp Distilled CBD Oil
Why buy — Cornbread Hemp CBD oils are all USDA-certified organic. They use a distillation process designed to preserve as many of the beneficial phytonutrients and minor cannabinoids as possible. This CBD oil is vegan, non-GMO, and ideal for daytime use.
Cornbread Hemp's Distilled CBD oil comes in several different strengths, the most potent offers 50 mg of full spectrum CBD per serving. Their specific processing methods are meant to retain as many plant compounds as possible from their Kentucky-grown industrial hemp to provide enhanced relief through CBD's entourage effect. While it's not the strongest CBD oil available, we do like that it's USDA organic and uses USDA organic MCT coconut oil. Cornbread Hemp also offers a Whole Flower CBD oil that is great for nighttime use.
- Value — Very reasonably priced with the option to save with a monthly subscription.
- Strength — The oils come in a variety of strengths, including 375mg, 750mg, and1500 mg
- Source of hemp — Kentucky
- Flavors — A mild flavor with notes of pepper.
- Transparency — All Cornbread Hemp products are third-party lab tested with results available online.
- Customer experience — Cornbread Hemp offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on their products, and they ship CBD oil orders in 24 hours. Customers note that their CBD oils are noticeably smooth and effective.
How To Know If You're Selecting The Most Potent Oil
There are several key factors to take into consideration when choosing the strongest CBD oil. One of the first things to look at is the concentration of CBD within the product. Next, take a look at the milligrams of CBD that are in a single serving. The best quality products clearly have all the facts and information laid out on their labels. In reading the labels, you should be able to tell exactly how much CBD you are getting per serving. How much CBD you need to be taking depends on how your body reacts to the product over time.
CBD strength per serving will appear smaller when compared to the listing of CBD for the whole bottle. In looking for the strongest CBD oil, look to the serving size listed on the bottle. The total amount of CBD in a bottle will do very little to tell you how strong the product is overall. For example, 2400mg of CBD oil in a 30ml bottle is a lot stronger than 5000mg of CBD oil in a 60ml bottle.
How Much CBD Oil Is Enough?
Everyone's body is different, so what works well for one person might not work for another. Smaller individuals might need less CBD than larger individuals based on body size and overall mass. Along with body size, the reason you are taking CBD is another consideration in purchasing strong CBD oil.
Likewise, if you are new to CBD or are not taking for pain, consider purchasing CBD oil in strengths of 300mg, 500mg, or 750mg. Conversely, if you have been taking CBD for quite some time or are trying to alleviate chronic or severe pain, then you might consider purchasing oils of higher potencies such as 600mg, 1200mg, or 2400mg strengths.
Whatever oil strength you choose, you should first start low and go slow when it comes to dosing. For example, begin by taking 5mg of CBD once a day for one week. If you are not feeling any relief from your pain, then go ahead and take 5mg twice a day. Continue increasing the dosage slowly until you are achieving the desired effects. Always check in with yourself to see how you are feeling along the way. This will help you to determine if you should increase the dosage at all. As with any other medication or holistic supplement, your body will need adequate time to get used to a new CBD dosage.
To use a real life example: when you receive your bottle of CBD, begin by taking ½ a dropper of FAB CBD's full spectrum oil once a day for one week. This will equal about 5mg of CBD. After one week has passed, increase the dose to ½ a dropper two times a day for a week. This will now equal about 10mg of CBD a day. While you are going through this, do a body check-in to see how you are feeling and what your pain levels are, if you have any. This will be the best way to determine whether or not you should increase your dose of CBD.
Should You Take The Strongest Potency CBD Oil?
As with any natural supplement, there are a list of pros and cons that come along with CBD. Each one of these should be taken with the utmost consideration before purchasing an oil of a higher strength. In taking the strongest CBD oils, here are the benefits vs the drawbacks:
Benefits:
- You need less of the oil to have an impact
- Stronger potencies have a better impact on severe symptoms as well as larger people
- Since you will need to take less of the oil, stronger doses are more affordable in the long-run
- Stronger oils work better in tackling sleep issues and decreasing pain
Drawbacks:
- Stronger oils may not be for everyone, as they can cause some mild side effects including dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, and lightheadedness/dizziness
- It may be difficult to find the right dosage for you with stronger oils
- Stronger oils can have a sedating effect
The Science on CBD Oil
CBD oil is created when cannabidiol, or CBD, is infused into a fat-based carrier oil such as hempseed oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil. Carrier oils are usually medium-chain triglycerides that are easily digested by the body. The very basic oils will only have CBD and the carrier oil, however, some can also contain other compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, flavonoids, phytonutrients, and terpenes. Some brands will also infuse various natural flavors or essential oils into the final products.
CBD oil can vary in color, flavor, and consistency depending on its makeup. Likewise, the strength also depends on the oil's formulation. CBD oils can be isolates, broad spectrum, or full spectrum. In CBD isolates, only pure CBD is used. These oils are usually 99 percent pure. CBD isolates are typically made solely from the hemp plant.
Broad spectrum and full spectrum oils, on the other hand, are typically sourced from the cannabis plant and have had minimal processing and purification. These oils have a large amount of cannabinoids, terpenes, nutrients, vitamins, and phytonutrients. The difference between the two is that broad spectrum CBD products contain zero THC.
Along with CBD, one of the main compounds in full spectrum oils is THC. In large amounts, THC causes feelings of euphoria. However, legally, all CBD crafted and sold within the United States must contain less than 0.3% THC. When CBD and THC are combined, an entourage effect occurs. In the entourage effect, the compounds work together to dampen each other's negative side effects while amplifying each other's best qualities. For example, too much THC can cause feelings of nausea or dizziness. However, when THC is combined with CBD, the THC enables those with sleep issues to finally get some rest, and helps those with extreme nausea, due to cancer treatment, finally get some much-needed nourishment by increasing appetite. Put simply, the cannabinoids bind with cell receptors in the human endocannabinoid system to create therapeutic effects.
How To Choose The Best Strength
While it may be easy to read the label on the CBD bottle and take the strength listed at face value, this is not the case when determining the strength of each dose. Strength equates to potency. In a 30ml bottle of CBD oil, you could have 3,000mg of CBD or 6,000mg of CBD depending on which you purchase. The stronger bottle will have 6,000mg of CBD per bottle, as you would have to take twice as much of the 3,000mg CBD to equal just one dose of the 6,000mg bottle.
Quality CBD brands test the potency during every stage of oil production. They test hemp plants, then they test the initial crude oil, and they also continually test the oil during every stage of the distillation process. The reason that there is so much testing done to the product is because reputable brands need to ensure that the oils they are creating are of the best quality, consistency, and that their products are falling within the legal guidelines.
Reputable brands, like the ones we've profiled above, bring in independent laboratories to test the overall oil strength by analyzing for 14 minor and major cannabinoids including CBD, THC, CBN, and CBG. Their results show the overall percentages of these compounds that are in the oil. All reputable brands will then make those results easily available on their website or within the product packaging.
Why Strength Matters
The strength of an oil does matter. The more potent a CBD oil is, the stronger effects it will create. To that end, full spectrum oils are the best oils to go with because CBD isolates do not have all of the other vitamins, terpenes, compounds, and phytonutrients that full spectrum oils have. So, not only will you be getting all the positive effects that a strong oil has to offer, you'll also be able to receive the vast therapeutic benefits that the many compounds, terpenes, and phytonutrients bring to the table.
When it comes to receiving the therapeutic benefits of a strong, full spectrum oil, experts advise to hold the oil under your tongue for a few minutes (up to four minutes) in order for the oil to enter into your bloodstream. Otherwise, if you swallow the oil right away, the oil will be quickly broken down by the body's digestive system.
Is It Safe To Take Strong CBD Oil?
This is a common question asked by many who are new to the world of CBD. Regardless of the strength, CBD oil is very safe. In fact, there are very few minor side effects associated with it. To date, a great number of studies have been done on CBD proving it's safety and efficacy.
Some of the most common side effects associated with CBD are:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Changes in weight
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Changes in appetite
When you take into consideration the many dangerous side effects associated with prescription medications, CBD is a very safe alternative. Therefore, it's no surprise that more people are turning to more potent options of CBD to help with tough health issues.
Final Thoughts On The Strongest CBD Oils
There are many different strengths of CBD oil available. And while there are benefits to using CBD oil regardless of the potency, stronger oils are recommended for larger individuals or for people who are trying to get a handle on difficult health conditions such as sleep issues, severe arthritis pain, Crohn's Disease, osteoarthritis, cancer-related nausea, and others.
In selecting a strong oil, you first need to do the research so that you can make sure you are buying a high quality product from a reputable brand. When you find a brand you like, go ahead and look into the brand's hemp sources, oil strengths and purities, verified customer reviews, transparency, and whether or not the brand used a third-party lab to test its products and if those results were made readily available for customers to find.
Less oil needs to be consumed when stronger oils are used. In order to receive the most benefits from the dose, it's advised to hold the oil under your tongue for about four minutes so that it can be properly absorbed into the bloodstream. Simply swallowing the oil means that the digestive system will break it down faster than you can obtain any benefits.
When it comes to selecting a brand to go with, keep in mind that not every brand is created equal. While it's great to have so many options to choose from, you really need to put the work in to make sure you are purchasing the best possible product from the best possible brand.
If you're becoming frustrated or overwhelmed in your research, feel free to use our article as a guide.
Our Choice for Strongest CBD Oils
We've chosen FAB as our number one choice in our strongest CBD oils guide because FAB has a stellar reputation for putting out the best, most potent, cleanest CBD oils on the market today. The brand is also extremely transparent in the way that it operates and in the overall production process of its products. FAB also uses an independent third-party lab, ProVerde Laboratories, to regularly test all of its products. Those results are then made easy for customers to find on FAB's website.
By law, all of the best CBD oils that are sold and purchased within the United States must contain less than 0.3% THC in them. Oils that have over that amount clearly are not following the mandatory legal guidelines. Another fact to keep in mind is that while strong oils are great, the type of oil matters too. CBD isolates, while fantastic in their own way, do not contain any of the vitamins, cannabinoid compounds, terpenes, and phytonutrients that broad spectrum or full-spectrum oils do. The combination of strength and what the oil consists of is what determines its effectiveness and therapeutic value.
In selecting a strength, remember that a 3,000mg oil will be less strong than a 6,000mg oil if they are both sold in a 30ml bottle. However, if you have 2,400mg of CBD in a 30ml bottle and 5,000mg in an 80ml bottle, then the smaller, 30ml bottle with 2,400mg of CBD will be more potent. When selecting a product, you will absolutely need to take your time and choose wisely.
Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns surrounding CBD, potential side effects, strengths, etc., then please do not hesitate to reach out to your primary care physician or specialist to set up an appointment to discuss things more at length.
CBD oil can be a great addition to any natural healthcare routine. Just make sure you are putting in the time and effort to find the product and the brand that is best suited to your own unique needs, condition, and lifestyle.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Our Picks for the Best CBG Oils
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best CBG Overall - NuLeaf Naturals CBG Oil
- Best CBG Softgels - NuLeaf Naturals CBG Softgels
- Best CBG for Inflammation - Plant People Relief Drops
Best CBG Products
While CBG is quickly on the rise, there aren't nearly as many CBG oils as there are CBD products on the market. However, we did some digging to find the best hemp oils on the market that contain high levels of both CBD and CBG so you can reap the benefits of both of these compounds. To determine which products were the best, our team personally tried several CBG oils, read hundreds of customer reviews, and considered lab testing and hemp source as a part of our review process, and determined the top three CBG oils and products, listed below.
NuLeaf Naturals CBG Oil
NuLeaf Naturals
NuLeaf Naturals CBG is a full spectrum oil with a natural flavor. The product comes in three strengths, each containing about 30 mg of CBG per serving.
Why buy: They source their CBG from organically grown U.S.A. industrial hemp, and combine it with an organic virgin hemp seed carrier oil. All of their products are also tested by independent third-party labs to ensure purity and quality.
NuLeaf Naturals CBG Softgels
NuLeaf Naturals
If you want to avoid the natural taste of a hemp extract, NuLeaf Naturals CBG capsules may be right for you. With 30 mg of CBG per serving, these capsules are strong, but may take some time to take effect as your body processes the pill.
Why buy: This plant-based soft gel makes it easy to take CBG, and provides a consistent dose every time. It's made from organic full spectrum hemp extract, organic virgin hemp seed oil, cassava root extract, water, and vegetable glycerin.
Plant People Relief Drops
Plant People
As an alternative to NuLeaf Naturals, we recommend Plant People Relief Drops. This is another great, full spectrum brand that is a certified B Corp. This oil contains both CBD and CBG, and is designed to help support your body for pain and inflammation with natural botanicals like turmeric and ginger.
Why buy: Plant People's CBD + CBG oil is USDA certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and KETO-approved. It is third-party lab tested for quality, and meets the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) standard.
What is CBG?
CBG stands for cannabigerol, and it's a very unique cannabinoid because it's essentially the stem cell or "chemical parent" that produces other phytocannabinoids. Within the hemp plant, CBG transforms to create minor cannabinoids like CBN (cannabinol) and CBC (cannabichromene), as well as more well-known compounds like CBD and THC (the latter of which is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis).
Exactly how this transformation process takes place is somewhat complicated, so without getting too deep into the science behind it, here's a brief explanation of how it works:
- The cannabis plant produces what's known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).
- Enzymes held within the plant take that CBGA and break it down into different cannabinoid acids, specifically cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).
- As a result of aging or a heating process called decarboxylation, those acids convert to CBD and THC.
Essentially, without CBG, some of the most popular cannabinoids like CBD and THC would not exist. And with the increased popularity of cannabis products, more people are starting to learn about the many potential benefits of full spectrum hemp extracts that contain CBD, CBG, and various other phytocannabinoids.
What are the Benefits of CBG?
We've all heard story after story about the miraculous benefits of CBD oil, but speaking honestly, there's a lot more research that needs to take place before we can fully understand the impact of CBD on the human body. Now when it comes to CBG, there are even fewer studies and scientific evidence to grasp the full breadth of CBG's benefits. However, there have been studies that illustrate the positive effects it may have in relation to certain health and wellness concerns.
Inflammation
Much like CBD, there are indications that CBG has anti-inflammatory properties, especially when it comes to the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One particular clinical study used mice as part of its experiment, and found that CBG diminished inflammatory markers in the test subjects and may be considered for clinical trials in human patients.
Glaucoma
A unique trait of CBG may be its ability to help treat glaucoma by reducing intra-ocular pressure, according to one study published in 2008. In fact, glaucoma is one of the most common reasons for using prescribed medical marijuana strains that have adequate CBG content, which may be a key reason why cannabis helps treat this condition.
Appetite
Cannabis is known for giving users the "munchies," and CBG is one cannabinoid that may also elicit these effects but without the high. A more recent animal study suggested that CBG may be an appetite stimulant, which can benefit those who struggle to get enough food intake naturally due to underlying health conditions like cancer or hypothyroidism.
Bacteria
CBG has shown to have certain antibacterial effects, particularly when studied on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This kind of bacteria is responsible for different types of staph or skin infections, and is resistant to traditional drugs and antibiotics. CBG's potential ability to kill existing drug-resistant bacteria and prevent more from forming may prove to be helpful in future treatments of MRSA infections.
How Does CBG Work?
Just like CBD, CBG elicits its beneficial effects through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps us regulate many other systems to help us maintain homeostasis (the state of stability and optimal functioning).
CBG works by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors (also known as CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes that form the ECS. Our cannabinoid receptors play a pivotal role in normalizing physiological processes like our mood, pain sensation, and hunger signals. The intense reaction that occurs when CBG meets these receptors is what produces its wellness benefits.
CBG also increases a naturally occurring endocannabinoid in our system called anandamide that helps to regulate functions critical to survival, including sleep and memory. And similar to CBD, CBG also has little to no negative side effects when taken in appropriate dosages.
CBG vs CBD
CBG and CBD are similar cannabinoids found within cannabis plants, but the primary differentiator between the two comes from how they interact with cannabinoid receptors. CBG binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors within the nervous system, while CBD interacts indirectly with these same receptors. Because of this, CBG may have a greater potential to impact a person's health.
It's important to add that one trait CBG shares with CBD is that it is non-intoxicating. Unlike THC, those who use CBG (or CBD, for that matter) won't receive a mind-altering high—in fact, it's one of the benefits that users most appreciate about the experience.
Is CBG Better Than CBD?
CBG has yet to achieve the critical acclaim of CBD, but that's not to say it doesn't pack a punch—or that its time isn't coming. CBG products actually supply much of the same benefits that CBD offers, and they allow you to stack the two cannabinoids together for more potential benefits. Therefore, it's not necessarily that "one is better than the other," but that you should look for hemp oil products that feature both compounds and a full spectrum of other phytocannabinoids in order to get the best effects.
Josh Hall has been a professional writer and storyteller for more than 15 years. His work on natural health and cannabis has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
How Does Cannabinol (CBN) Work?
Like CBD (cannabidiol), CBN shares a similar chemical composition to THC—but again, it has only a fraction of the psychoactive attributes. The compound most directly affects our endocannabinoid system (ECS), the regulatory system that ensures our body remains in a stable state of homeostasis and operating properly.
Within the ECS, there are cannabinoid receptors (CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors) that help to normalize our mood, appetite and other critical functions.
CBN will interact with both receptors, though it more frequently binds with the CB2 receptor. It also causes a response in the naturally producing protein called the TPRV2 receptor, which is why the compound is responsible for combatting pain and inflammation and treating skin conditions.
Is CBN Safe?
There are a few side effects associated with hemp extracts. Full spectrum CBN oil, like CBD oil, can only contain trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) so there is little risk of psychoactive effects.
That said, it's mainly anecdotal evidence that suggests CBN provides better sleep. It's important to remember there is a long way to go in studying the health benefits of cannabis, this isn't medical advice, and these products are not approved by the FDA to cure any condition. Be sure to consult with your primary care physician before taking any dietary supplements.
Our bodies all respond differently to cannabinoids. Since CBN can cause grogginess or a feeling of sedation, the effects of CBN may mean you should avoid heavy lifting or driving. Full spectrum extracts from hemp plants include CBD, CBN, CBG, and THC alongside terpenes to produce what's known as the "entourage effect." This is believed to provide the maximum wellness benefit, but it's important to tread lightly and start at a low dose to know how it will affect you.
Is CBN Legal?
Yes, CBN products are legal, like CBD products, as long as they are derived from industrial hemp and contain no more than 0.3% THC. The 2018 Farm Bill made the hemp plants legal, and many brands have unveiled new products featuring cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp. The Food and Drug Administration has yet to weigh in on these products.
Some products that contain CBN, like it's cousins CBC and CBG, operate in a gray area. People who buy cannabis products as an anti-inflammatory, for glaucoma, or to boost their immune system are willing to operate in this space. While cannabis-derived CBN products are legal in states where recreational marijuana is legal, you may want to check your own state's laws if you have questions about those products.
How is CBN Administered?
CBN oil or capsules is just as easy as using CBD oil. In fact, many of the same CBD delivery mechanisms are available for CBN-infused products.
Some think CBN is most effective when used in tandem with CBD to gain the combined benefits of the "entourage effect."
Best CBNOAils and Capsules to Buy
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
NuLeaf Naturals CBN Oil
NuLeaf Naturals
NuLeaf Naturals CBD oil has always been one of the strongest hemp extracts on the market, and their CBN oil follows the same pattern. This is a brand committed to whole plant (re: full spectrum) therapies. They now offer 300mg, 900mg, 1800mg "Next Generation Cannabinoid" tinctures. NuLeaf's CBN oil, much like CBD oils for sleep, may promote restfulness and support healthy sleep cycles.
NuLeaf Naturals CBN Softgels
NuLeaf Naturals
If you want to avoid the taste of a full spectrum oil, softgels may be the way to go. These will take a bit longer to take effect, as your body has to process the pill, but if you schedule your dose properly you can get the same whole plant wellness without the natural taste that some people don't enjoy.
Picking the Best CBN Products
We feature NuLeaf Naturals here because the brand was founded by a team of self-described "plant medicine aficionados." All of their product line features strong, full spectrum CBN derived from organic industrial hemp grown in the U.S.A, and their products are all fairly priced.
Josh Hall has been a professional writer and storyteller for more than 15 years. His work on natural health and cannabis has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
CBD vs. THC: An overview
CBD and THC are the two most well-known cannabinoids found naturally within the cannabis plant. They even share an identical chemical formula with 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms (although their molecular structures are unique because of chemical bond differences).
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is best known as the "high" inducing catalyst in marijuana strains. In contrast, CBD, or cannabidiol, is considered to be non-psychotropic. It may even counteract some of the negative psychological effects of THC, although more research is needed to understand those dynamics fully.
CBD and THC both act in the body to impact our health through the vast endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has regulatory functions throughout the body, helping maintain a stable physiological state called "homeostasis." This is why CBD and THC are linked to balancing effects in the body, but it's the way these cannabinoids engage our ECS that reveals differences.
The ECS includes cannabinoid receptors in many organs throughout the body. CB1 receptors are found predominantly in the central nervous system (including the brain), while CB2 receptors are more densely located in the peripheral nervous system and immune system. THC has a strong tendency to bind with brain-based CB1 receptors, which is why it can deliver mind-altering effects. In contrast, CBD interacts with receptors indirectly, with exact mechanisms still being elucidated. Its higher affinity for CB2 receptor interactions is thought to generate a more wide-reaching impact on the body, mediating processes like immune response, inflammation, and pain.
Legally speaking, differences in CBD and THC vary depending on your location and whether the product is marijuana or hemp—different substrains of the Cannabis sativa plant. There are currently 11 US states, plus Washington D.C., that allow recreational use of all cannabis products, including THC-heavy marijauna strains. More than 30 states permit THC use as medical marijuana.
So what about CBD? The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized "industrial hemp" and hemp-derived products (for example, CBD oil) in all 50 states. Industrial hemp encompasses distinct strains of Cannabis sativa in which CBD predominates and THC is very low (less than 0.3% THC by dry weight). This legislative change paved the way for more widespread innovation and use of hemp-derived CBD products with trace levels of THC.
The health benefits of CBD vs. THC
When comparing CBD and THC, most people are curious about the benefits of each compound, and how they stack up against one another. Research on the health effects of THC and CBD is an active area of research. Robust clinical (human) trials on cannabinoids CBD and THC have been conducted for cannabinoid-based prescription drugs:
- dronabinol (THC)
- nabilone (THC)
- nabiximols (THC + CBD)
- Epidiolex (CBD)
- nabiximols (THC + CBD)
The approved clinical indications for these cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals provide interesting intel into the health effects of THC alone, CBD alone, and the THC + CBD combination:
Cannabinoid-Based Prescription Drug Health Effects
- THC alone: Improves chemotherapy-induced nausea in patients with cancer
- THC alone: Stimulates appetite in patients with wasting syndrome due to AIDS
- CBD alone: Improves epilepsy in two severe forms of childhood seizures (Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes)
- THC + CBD: Improves muscle spasticity and neuropathic pain in patients with multiple sclerosis
The next set of evidence comes from studies on medical cannabis, which includes THC, CBD, and myriad compounds from the marijuana plant (other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.). Because of this entourage, THC and CBD effects do not exist in siloes. Here is the science on the potential health benefits of the cannabis plant.
Medical Cannabis (Marijuana) Health Effects
- Reduces pain, especially neuropathic pain
- Lessens pain and muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis
- Improves seizure control in epilepsy
- Improves anxiety, including in post-traumatic stress disorder
- Promotes sleep
- Helps with headaches
- Attenuates inflammation, including in inflammatory bowel disease
- Lessens nausea
Like medical cannabis, CBD products derived from industrial hemp also contain an array of plant bioactives, but a key difference is that THC levels are very low (< 0.3 %, per law). Therefore, hemp-derived CBD products give us insights into CBD dominant effects. Well-designed clinical trials are few, as these products are relatively new in the market. Here we summarize CBD centric areas of potential health support.
CBD-Specific Health Support
- Helps with anxiousness
- Supports sleep
- Helps combat pain
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports immune response
Do CBD products contain THC?
When it comes to CBD products, there are three different types of hemp extracts that go into creating these goods, two that are THC-free, and one with trace levels of THC.
Full-spectrum hemp extracts contain CBD, an array of minor cannabinoids (like CBG, CBN, and CBC), terpenes, flavonoids, and small amounts of THC (by law, the THC potency can not exceed 0.3%). There is potential for the "entourage effect," which describes the synergy of multiple cannabinoids and other hemp plant bioactives (e.g., terpenes) working in tandem.
However, there is a chance that even trace amounts of THC could appear on a drug test. If that's a deal-breaker for you, the good news is that it doesn't mean you have to abandon the idea of CBD. Products like pure CBD isolate have gone through a filtration process to strip out all non-CBD cannabinoids, including THC. An isolate is an attractive option for users who wish to avoid the presence of THC but still want to tap into the benefits of CBD. Broad spectrum hemp extracts also offer CBD with no THC content, and still contain minor cannabinoids and terpenes for those looking for a fuller plant profile, minus the THC.
We have highlighted three hemp derived CBD oil products below, two with THC and one without. All of these high quality, vetted brands use third-party lab testing to ensure the purity and potency of their CBD products.
CBD Oils with THC
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Spruce CBD Oil Tincture
For a full spectrum CBD oil, Spruce offers some of the most potent products on the market. The company's CBD oils are available in a 750 milligram tincture, or a 2,400 milligram option for those who need an extra strength CBD oil. These tinctures are very highly reviewed by customers, and contain no artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners. Spruce CBD oils are made with organic hemp seed oil as the carrier oil, so it's hemp all around. This is a great CBD oil brand for pain.
CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Another great option for a CBD oil with terpenes and other cannabinoids, including trace levels of THC, comes from CBDistillery. This brand's full spectrum tinctures are available in a variety of strengths, such as 500, 1000, 2,500, or 5,000 milligrams per bottle. These high quality CBD oils are derived from non-GMO hemp, and come at affordable price points. CBDistillery also offers broad spectrum CBD oils if you'd rather avoid THC, but still benefit from other hemp plant compounds. This is a great CBD oil brand for anxiety.
Zero THC CBD Products
If a full spectrum oil with small amounts of THC isn't the route you're hoping to take, then take a look at this product made with pure CBD isolate:
Medterra CBD Isolate Oil
Medterra's makes one of the best THC-free oil. Medterra offers an array of CBD oils, topicals, capsules, and gummies for every type of CBD user, but their traditional CBD isolate oil is our focus today. It's made with 99.6% pure CBD isolate and is blended with organic MCT oil derived from coconut for a smooth, unflavored tincture. You have three strength options, including 500, 1000, or 3,000 milligrams of CBD per bottle.
Is CBD better than THC?
By nature's design, the cannabis plant contains an array of cannabinoids, including the two most famous and well-studied: CBD and THC. While derived from the same plant, their mechanisms and effects are unique. Deciding on the right cannabinoid approach is a personal decision, and you'll need to ponder what benefits you hope to achieve.
One of the practical issues to check is the legality of products containing THC and CBD (i.e., medical cannabis vs. hemp-derived CBD products) in your state. Maybe you live in a state where THC from medical cannabis is legal but prefer a hemp-derived CBD product instead to avoid psychoactive effects of marijuana.
Whether your cannabis-based wellness plan includes CBD oil tinctures, medical cannabis edibles with high amounts of THC, or another delivery form, be sure to partner with your healthcare practitioner to personalize and adjust the product and dosage to your individual needs.
Josh Hall has been a professional writer and storyteller for more than 15 years. His work on natural health and cannabis has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review. The product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the link included, we may earn commission.
Is CBD effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis?
People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are often desperate to find a therapy that helps with the symptoms involved with the disease. Imagine waking up with your body racked with pain and stiffness for 30 to 60 minutes every morning, and after every time you sit to rest.
And just when you think the pain is gone, you notice swelling and pain in other joints like your wrists, shoulders, and elbows—on both sides. All the while, you're running a fever, feel exhausted, and have low energy. This is the life of someone with rheumatoid arthritis, and it can go on like this for years.
Though it was cautious in its praise, the Arthritis Foundation did tout CBD as a potential way to address rheumatoid arthritis pain. It's understandable why a national advocacy group who fights for life-changing resources would appear guarded before anointing CBD as the ultimate answer.
Take this study that concluded that topical CBD has potential as effective treatment of arthritic pain. Further, researchers believed the administration of CBD to have long-lasting therapeutic effects. Another rat study found that atypical receptors beyond just the CB2 might be beneficial in treating inflammatory pain with cannabinoids.
As a reminder, CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. These chemical compounds like terpenes are able to influence our bodies through the endocannabinoid system, which aims to ensure critical internal functions remain level and balanced.
What is CBD cream?
CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants that has gained much attention for its ability to aid in inflammation, anxiety, and many other issues. This compound can be infused into creams and lotions as a way to apply CBD topically for a variety of reasons, including skin nourishment and pain alleviation.
However, it can be hard to find a high quality CBD topical for pain if you have never tried these products before and don't know where to start.
We've researched over 100 brands and found the best products according to customer experiences, sourcing methods, and third party lab testing. Here you can find our top five recommendations for CBD creams that may help you reduce arthritis pain and inflammation without inhaling or ingesting CBD.
Best CBD Creams for Arthritis Pain Relief
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Spruce CBD Salve
This full spectrum CBD salve is fast absorbing with a smooth consistency that offers targeted relief when applied on skin. Made with organic hemp, the topical cream is packed with phytocannabinoids that may help with muscle pain too. Spruce is known for having strong products packed with quality CBD extract. Spruce makes some of the best CBD creams for arthritis pain.
CBDistillery CBDol Topical Salve
CBDistillery
Made with Colorado-grown hemp, CBDistillery makes full spectrum and CBD isolate products that are verified by the Hemp Authority. The brand's hemp oils are long sought after, and the line of creams is an equally strong value. Whether for osteoarthritis or joint and muscle pain, CBDisillery's CBD salve contains a strong 500 mg of CBD.
Medterra Ultimate Relief Bundle
Medterra
Medterra's Ultimate Relief Bundle combines CBD Relief + Recovery cream and a daily supplement to improve wellness and guard against discomfort. In addition to effective relief, Medterra's products are THC-free and made with Kentucky-grown hemp. Some users find Medterra CBD pain creams to be much less greasy than other natural products. Containing arnica and menthol, the CBD cream may also help with joint pain.
cbdMD Relieve Topical
cbdMD
This CBD cream is enriched with additionally beneficial ingredients like arnica, vitamin B6, and MSM to aid in reducing inflammation that causes pain. A broad spectrum product, cbdMD includes some of the phytocannabinoids without the THC to allow for some entourage effect. In addition to creams, cbdMD has a line of roll-ons made with non-GMO, natural ingredients. There plenty of strength options on the site to pick how many mg of CBD you want in your cream or roll-on.
Joy Organics CBD Salve
Joy Organics
Joy Organics organic CBD salve is formulated to support healthy muscles and joints. A balanced combination of phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil, organic beeswax, and organic aromatic essential oils may help soothe muscles and support skin health. Joy Organics ensures all agriculture partners follow best practices and is a certified-organic line.
Benefits of CBD Cream for Pain
When you experience pain, it's often the result of inflammation that can arise from tension, overuse, stress, or minor injuries of your muscles, joints, tendons, and other body parts. But where does this inflammation come from? And is CBD an anti-inflammatory?
Essentially, your immune system responds to damage within the body by sending chemicals from the white blood cells to the afflicted area, which helps protect against infection from foreign substances. When this occurs, the chemical release may cause swelling and nerve stimulation that causes us to feel pain.
Cannabinoids like CBD may be able to offer some relief for this issues through the endocannabinoid system, which helps us maintain balance for a variety of bodily functions. The human body has internal cannabinoid receptors that allow natural compounds like CBD and terpenes to indirectly interact with our sensory receptors, which can effectively diminish our pain sensation. These cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the skin, meaning that CBD topical products may offer some benefit to alleviating localized pain when applied to the affected area.
One study published by the European Journal of Pain also noted, "[the] use of topical CBD has potential as effective treatment of arthritic symptomatology" after conducting tests using a rat model of arthritis pain. Additionally, there are minimal side effects associated with CBD, especially when applied topically.
FAQs about CBD Creams for Pain
Is CBD oil or CBD cream better for pain?
This really depends on your personal preference and the kind of pain that your experience on a daily basis. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may prefer using CBD oil for pain. But for aches and pains in targeted areas, especially those that arise after an intense workout or exercise training, many people prefer to use a fast-acting topical CBD cream.
Is CBD cream legal?
CBD is most often extracted from hemp strains, meaning it contains less than 0.3% THC and is widely legal throughout the United States. In fact, CBD topicals are seemingly the "most legal" of any CBD product since they are not taken as a supplement like CBD oil, or ingested like CBD gummies or CBD capsules.
Instead, CBD creams are applied to the skin and pose no real risks, and even large drugstore chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have added CBD creams to their shelves in select locations across many states.
Where does CBD come from?
CBD is typically extracted from high-CBD strains of the hemp plant as opposed to marijuana plants, which allows these products to offer beneficial pain relieving effects without the "high" sensation that comes from THC (the psychoactive element in cannabis). Most brands will tell you the extraction method they use and what other ingredients the cream contains.
Coconut oil, peppermint, eucalyptus, aloe vera, and vitamin E are common in CBD creams. Just be sure to look at test results to protect against harmful contaminants or solvents. Brands willing to offer a money-back guarantee tend to stand behind their products.
Using CBD to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Before beginning to explore how you want to use CBD, we always suggest you have a conversation with your doctor to discuss your goals, any existing medications you're taking, and whether they feel it's right for you. If they do sign-off on treatment, you might be surprised to know that CBD comes with a level of versatility that extends far beyond the scope of medications you may have already tried for rheumatoid arthritis.
It's important to remember that CBD is non-intoxicating and does not result in the user feeling a euphoric "high" like they might when using tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. Still, you want to talk through any potential drug interactions.
Who gets rheumatoid arthritis? And why?
Unfortunately, there's no real way to stave off rheumatoid arthritis. While anyone can get it, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says rheumatoid arthritis is more common in older people and that women are more likely to get it than men.
The concept of our own body attacking itself sounds like something out of a Sci-Fi flick, and even worse, researchers aren't exactly sure why it happens in this case. The prevailing thought is that genes, hormones, and even environmental factors are involved, but science has yet to pinpoint an exact cause.
It's also challenging to diagnose since there's not a single test available like other autoimmune diseases. Symptoms can take years to develop, and when they do show up, they often present in the same fashion as other joint diseases. All of these factors make rheumatoid arthritis incredibly hard to spot and even harder to treat.
Final thoughts on rheumatoid arthritis and CBD
As with most things related to hemp extract, it's probably a little early to crown it as the future of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. But if you're suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and your doctor acknowledges that it won't interfere with your existing medications, it's certainly worth a try.
When thinking about how much CBD to take, the truth is that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for you. In any event, we always suggest you start slow and increase your dose in small amounts until you find an amount that meets your needs. These products are not approved by the FDA and you should always make sure a brand is sharing lab reports for pesticides and heavy metals.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has shown great therapeutic potential for many people when it comes to pain management. In particular, CBD creams are an option that many athletes and active individuals flock towards since it can be applied topically for targeted pain areas. They may offer a nice level of support for people trying to relieve arthritis pain.
Melena Gurganus is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.