What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more stones may occur at the same time in the kidney or ureters. The stone formations can consist of calcium oxalate, phosphates, or cystine. Stone formation occurs when urine is high in certain crystal-forming substances. The stones have to travel through the urinary tract to leave the body, which is known as eliminating kidney stones, something that can be utterly painful.
Deposits made of calcium are the most common ones, and they can be formed by combining with phosphate or carbonate. But there are also calcium oxalate stones, which involve a nutrient present in certain foods like spinach and vitamin C supplements. These can be recurrent in people suffering from small intestine diseases, increasing the risk of kidney stones.
The crystals can turn into stones over weeks or even months, so you may not have symptoms until the stones move down the tubes called ureters, through which urine empties into your bladder. This is why it is possible to have kidney stones without you noticing any discomfort at the beginning.
However, the main symptom is intense pain that begins and disappears suddenly. This acute pain can be around the abdominal area or a side of the back, and sometimes it spreads to the groin area. Some more advanced symptoms include an abnormal color of urine or blood in the secretion, shivering, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney Stone Treatments
Before trying any home remedies, it is necessary to speak with a doctor, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or you are taking prescription medication.
Kidney stones that cause serious problems can be treated with a technique called "extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy," which is a technique that can break up these stones from outside the body, allowing them to pass out through the urethra more easily. However, occasionally, surgery may be necessary.
For those who can spontaneously pass a stone, the conventional treatments are pain relievers and drinking lots of fluids. But if you already know that you frequently suffer from "silent" stones or those that do not cause symptoms, they can be mainly treated with preventive dietary measures alone. These methods include increasing fluids, modifying your diet, and taking medications or supplements that alter urine chemistry.
Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Water
Make sure you are constantly hydrated. Drink enough liquid to generate at least 2.5 liters of urine daily. If you do not drink enough, the chances of developing deposits are more significant, and, therefore, the formation of stones will increase. If you avoid products from the processed food industry, you will already reduce sodium consumption, which is responsible for increasing urinary calcium excretion and present in high quantities in almost every preservative additive. Drinks such as sodas are a big facilitator for the formation of stones. This is why water—at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day—is the number one aid in both preventing and expelling kidney stones.
Chanca Piedra
This amazing herb, native to South America, is one of the best natural remedies for kidney stones. It is rich in minerals that cleanse and detoxify the body, and it has been used for decades by the ancestral healers of Peru with wonderful results and a very low incidence of side effects. It is also used for the treatment of cystitis and urethritis resulting from the presence of calculi in either the kidney or bladder.
If you buy a Chanca Piedra product and aren't sure of its source, it's likely that it's not as potent as it could be. It's essential to choose reputable supplements to really take advantage of all the benefits and to be sure of its safety. Disolvatol is a supplement that uses 99.8% purity grade Chanca Piedra, making it an all-natural, safe, and effective herbal supplement designed to support kidney health.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which can help dissolve calcium deposits. Two tablespoons of pure apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces (0.24L) of water can reduce the symptoms of kidney stones and prevent their development. This mixture should be drunk several times a day and can be most effective when consumed before meals.
Lemon Juice
Citric acid consumption increases diuresis, and this benefits renal filtration. Therefore, juices that contain citric acid, such as lemon juice, have a diuretic effect and can help us for two reasons. The first is that they leave less calcium available in the urine, and the second is that 60% of the patients with kidney stones have a low level of citrate in the urine, which is responsible for preventing crystals from forming.
Basil
Basil contains compounds known to help stabilize uric acid levels, and since it contains acetic acid, it helps to dissolve existing stones too. By simply drinking one teaspoon of basil extract or pure juice a day for two weeks, you can pass your stones safely and naturally without surgery or drugs. Also, it can help prevent and treat possible future kidney stones.
Pomegranate Juice
Buying whole pomegranates and eating their seeds, or squeezing them for juice, is the easiest way to get the health benefits of this fruit. Pomegranate juice also contains compounds that decrease urine acidity, making it difficult to form stones. The astringent and antioxidant properties of pomegranates are believed to reduce the chances of developing kidney stones and facilitate their elimination.
Olive Oil
Olive is the fruit of one of the most ancient trees on earth. Its cultivation goes back at least eight thousand years. It is a natural remedy for kidney stones. Because olive oil contains a high amount of monounsaturated fats, it is an excellent alternative to facilitate the removal of kidney stones by lubricating the urinary tract.
A 5-ounce (0.15L) glass first thing in the morning and another in the late afternoon, ideally at the same time as other herbal or home remedies, can reduce pain and discomfort.
Kidney Beans
These small red beans provide a robust and nutty flavor and are a natural remedy against forming kidney stones. Kidney beans are rich in nutrients that can affect the uric acid cycle, preventing calcium oxalate crystals.
Dandelion roots
Dandelion root and honey blend have been used as folk remedies for kidney stones for more than 100 years. It contains compounds that increase the production of bile and urine, which helps eliminate waste from the body. It is recommended to take 3 to 4 cups daily in the form of tea or juice.
Horsetail
Horsetail is one of the most prevalent kidney stone natural home remedies used by holistic practitioners for years due to its apparent ability to increase urine flow. The standard dose of horsetail is 1 g in capsule or tea form up to three times daily.
How to Prevent Kidney Stones
Among the most common causes of kidney stones is a diet too rich in foods such as animal protein, bacon, dried legumes (peas, chickpeas, etc.), chocolate, cocoa, coffee, products with excess phosphorus or calcium.
Also, vitamin deficiency (in particular vitamins A), the acidity of the urine, or inflammation of the pelvis can play a role in kidney stones. Considering this, the primary tool to prevent kidney stones is to follow a healthy lifestyle, especially a diet based on vegetables, and abundant fruits, especially pears and grapefruit. Avoid eating foods that are high in oxalate, salt, and animal proteins, as well as eggs, strong cheeses, and alcohol.
When to Consult With a Doctor
Kidney stones are most common in men between the ages of 40 and 60. In many cases they can cause severe pain in the back, lower abdomen, or the side below the ribs. If not treated quickly, they can damage your kidneys, and they can even lead to a kidney infection, urinary tract infection, or complete kidney failure if they are left too long. It's a good idea to see a healthcare professional long before any of these complications arise.
If you have already been diagnosed with a blockage due to a stone, its expulsion should be confirmed either by trapping it in a filter during urination or with a follow-up X-ray under the supervision of a qualified doctor. Some cases could even require immediate surgery. Remember, having no pain does not in any way confirm or guarantee that the stone has already passed.
Warning signs that should be evaluated by a doctor include persistent lower abdominal or lower back pain lasting more than four weeks, fever, chills, or vomiting.
Prevent the Formation of Kidney Stones Naturally
We can use natural aids in the form of supplements, herbs, or specific foods to help decrease kidney stones and improve urine diuresis. The best way to deal with kidney stones is to prevent them in the first place with naturally available nutrients and supplements. Knowing how to take advantage of the magical tools that Mother Nature puts at our disposal can make a tremendous difference in our well-being and lifestyle.
Sarita Vanegas is a writer based in Medellín, Columbia, where she covers environmentally-friendly products, natural health, and plant-based remedies. A former Baselang teacher, she is also passionate about learning languages and exploring other cultures.
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.
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.
Our Picks for the Top Vitamin Packs
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 Natural Supplements - Vital Plan
- Best for Heart and Brain Health - CocoaVia
- Best Vitamin Tinctures - Global Healing
- Best Supplement Bundles - Sunwarrior
- Best Sustainable Sourcing - LYFE Fuel
- Most Customizable - Rootine
- Best Gummies - VitaFive
- Easiest At-Home Test - Baze
- Widest Variety - Nurish by Nature Made
- Most Personalized - Vitl
- Best Selection - Care/of
- Most Eco-Friendly - Persona
How We Chose the Best Vitamin Pack Subscriptions
There are a number of factors to consider when committing to a vitamin pack subscription. Here are a few that we prioritize in making our list.
- Personalization: Some of the subscription services include a laboratory test that analyzes the levels of enzymes in the blood, thus allowing a more accurate and successful mix of vitamins to help you achieve your goals. Others let you shop by specific health needs with pre-built packages.
- Options: Vitamins and supplements can aid in filling gaps of what you need but aren't getting from your diet. Everyone's needs are different, whether you're a pregnant woman, an older adult, or have medical afflictions such as immune or vitamin-deficiency issues. So having a wide variety of products to choose from can make the difference between a vitamin pack supplier being a go-to, or a hard pass.
- Ingredients: Vitamins and supplements come from raw materials, and it's important to know how they source those ingredients. With that information in mind, you need to look for a company that does not include fillers, additives, or preservatives in products.
- Testing: Daily vitamin packs have to be tested for strength and composition to ensure purity, efficacy, and bioavailability of ingredients. Expertise can not be improvised, and some brands even run several tests on their products before making them available.
- Sustainability: If it's helping you, it should help the planet in the process. Suppliers that work with vegan, natural, organic, and even reusable packaging are a win-win on this matter. Since you will be getting their product delivered regularly, it is an important consideration. We also looked for companies committed to higher standards in their sourcing and manufacturing practices.
- Cost: Depending on the number of recommended supplements, costs might vary from as low as $1 or less per day (in products with small batches) to up to $6 or $7 per day. Keep in mind that access to personalized knowledge centers can be included in some of the plans, and you will receive nutrition and wellness insights and dietary assessments.
The Best Vitamin Pack Subscription Services
Vital Plan
Vital Plan was founded in North Carolina by Dr. Bill Rawls after he sought a more natural and holistic treatment for his chronic pain. An expert in modern herbology, Dr. Rawls formulated botanical herbal therapies that use high-quality, hand picked ingredients that are backed by clinical research and tested by third-party labs. Vital Plan is also a certified B corp, an Environmental Working Group supporter, and a Pledge 1% member.
Why buy: Vital Plan lets you shop by specific health concerns or categories, like immune or joint health, for a physician-formulated herbal supplement kit that can naturally support your body.
CocoaVia
CocoaVia focuses on delivering the naturally-occurring health benefits found in the cocoa bean. They use a process that unlocks the cocoa flavanols found in the plant, which is the ingredient that makes dark chocolate good for you. CocoaVia offers subscriptions for their Heart & Brain Capsules, designed to boost both cardiovascular and cognitive functions, and their Memory+ Capsules that are clinically proven to boost memory and brain function.
Why buy: CocoaVia offers powerful cocoa extract supplements that can help improve your heart and brain health. Receive a discount on your order when you subscribe for one, three, or six month supplies.
Global Healing
Global Healing offers organic and plant-derived supplements for a range of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and enzymes. You can shop by individual vitamins, like B12 or Zinc, or you can purchase bundles based on your desired health benefit, like immune system support or digestion. Most all of their products are USDA organic, and their supplements come in both vitamin tinctures and capsules.
Why buy: Global Healing has 20 years of experience in creating natural health supplements. They offer a wide variety of options so you can achieve your desired health benefit. Plus, save on each order when you subscribe.
LYFE Fuel
Not only does LYFE Fuel provide small-batch organic and non-GMO plant-based nutritional supplements, they do it with a focus on sustainable sourcing and packaging, carbon offsetting, and social impact. You can purchase their 21-day Transformation Program, or you can buy the supplements individually. The products are derived from whole foods instead of synthetic to give you clean, plant-based nutrition.
Why buy: We love that LYFE Fuel focuses on both natural and plant-based nutrition as well as sustainability. Their Omega-3 supplement is derived from algae instead of fish oil as a more sustainable alternative.
Sunwarrior
Sunwarrior provides plant-based proteins and nutrient-dense superfood supplements. Their products include protein powders, vitamin tinctures, capsules, and probiotics. You can purchase individual supplements or shop by specific health benefit bundles and save up to 30%. Sunwarrior has bundles available for goals like cellular health and immune shield to joint health and digestion.
Why buy: Sunwarrior offers big savings when you subscribe for specific supplements or when you purchase a health bundle. They make it easy to add plant-based nutrition to your routine.
Rootine
Rootine takes vitamin customization to the next level. Like most websites in the vitamin subscription game, you apply by completing a lifestyle quiz. It then takes DNA information and a blood analysis into account to provide the best vitamin mix for you. A Rootine subscription is $70 a month, regardless of what's in your pack.
Why buy: All vitamin and mineral supplements in the program are made from 100% vegetarian-friendly ingredients, and are as personalized as they can get.
VitaFive
VitaFive pre-made gummy pouches give you the option to choose from a vitamins to support a broad spectrum of health benefits or to boost a specific aspect of your health. There are nine to choose from, including vitamin D3, vitamin C, a multivitamin, biotin, apple cider vinegar, melatonin, omega 3, probiotics, and elderberry for immunity.
Why buy: VitaFive makes it easy to take your vitamins with tasty vitamin gummies and vegetarian-friendly ingredients.
Baze
With Baze you'll receive a blood nutrient testing kit in your mailbox. This will help identify your levels of 11 essential nutrients to customize your vitamin pack. Baze has also created a nutritional guide that educates consumers on how to boost their supplements with the right foods. Baze supplements are all made in the USA and tested according to the FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Process standards.
Why buy: Baze customizes your vitamin pack subscription through a blood nutrient test to provide you with an optimal mix of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
Nurish by Nature Made
The Nurish quiz evaluates your health needs based on your age, sex, weight, height, activity level, dietary habits, sleep quality, and sleep patterns. Once you get your recommendations, you can customize your 30-day supply of vitamin supplements and adjust as needed. It also offers products specifically for men's health, prenatal and postnatal vitamins, brain health, and diabetes.
Why buy: This is a vitamin pack subscription from a trusted brand with over 50 years of experience in nutrition. Shipping is free on orders over $20.
Vitl
Vitl offers a number of options to help personalize your vitamin pack: you can take advantage of an online consultation; you can go further by taking a blood test for vitamin levels; or you can go so far as to take a DNA test. Vitl also allows you to shop for supplements by health goals and general multivitamins.
Why buy: Vitl allows you to check and monitor your vitamin and cholesterol levels through at-home blood tests to help you stay on top of your nutrition and health.
Care/of
Care/of offers a wide variety of vitamins, powders, and quick sticks for on-the-go nutrition. The brand recently switched to fully compostable, plant-based packaging. They are also known for being transparent about their sourcing from around the world and maintaining close relationships with their ingredient suppliers. You can get personalized recommendations or shop by a number of different health categories.
Why buy: All products are tested a minimum of three times for quality, and we love Care/of's mobile app and compostable vitamin pack film.
Persona
This company offers a questionnaire about your dietary requirements and medical conditions to work out the supplements you should be taking. Persona partners with Vitamin Angels to provide two malnourished children with a year's vitamin A supply for each order made. Persona is also committed to sustainability with recyclable and biodegradable packaging sourced from local, sustainable suppliers.
Why buy: Persona offers nearly 100 products, and their supplements are non-GMO and adhere to current FDA regulations. Plus, they take sustainability seriously.
What are Vitamin Packs?
The actual effectiveness of traditional multivitamins has been questioned in recent years. This is due to findings about low absorption rates of certain supplements, mislabeled amounts or ingredients that can be found in each pill, and doubts about whether many of these vitamins are necessary in the first place depending on your diet.
Looking to solve this problem and help restore faith in the vitamin industry, many companies have proposed the alternative of more customized vitamin packs and vitamin bundles. These are designed to create a culture of personalized care and well-being for its consumers. The idea is basically that you receive a "prescription" of dietary supplements and vitamins delivered directly to your door, usually on a monthly basis, to address your individual needs.
Among the benefits and novelties of this service, there are plenty of options for different types of health goals, nutrition needs, and budgets. The vitamin package subscription is normally curated based on a questionnaire that the company asks you to fill out, with items about your lifestyle, medical conditions, preexisting condition, or simply the area of your health that you would like to improve. Others go further and customize your vitamin supplement routine using a blood test or DNA test. With this information, they create an individual profile and vitamin pack for you.
What are the Benefits of a Vitamin Pack Subscription?
These services provide customized nutrients in convenient packs for daily health and wellness improvement. Not only can they give you more targeted dietary recommendations, they can help you identify any deficiencies that you can correct with a supplement to optimize your health. Not to mention that they offer the convenience of delivering your personalized supplement packs directly to you. And with a subscription, you'll never run out of your daily vitamins.
Should You Take Vitamin Supplements?
Whether you're looking for a complete vitamin recommendation, like prenatal vitamins, to control allergies by caring for your immune health, to lose weight, or trying to correct for a vitamin deficiency, there's a vitamin subscription for you. There are daily vitamin packs that can boost every type of person and every type of health goal. And with a personalized vitamin pack, you can get a curated supply of supplements that will best work with your body's needs.
What are Some of the Most Common Vitamin Supplements?
If you don't know where to start, here are some of the most crucial vitamins the body needs to function:
Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in a number of bodily functions, and can help improve a range of ailments and conditions, including poor bone health, type 1 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension.
Magnesium: Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve functioning, and it has been recently touted for its ability to reduce the frequency and symptoms of migraine, headaches, as well as improving sleep.
Fish Oil: This supplement contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help In everything from cardiovascular health and brain functioning to arthritis and inflammation.
Vitamin C: Researchers have found that vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which can lower the risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, age-related macular degeneration. It also plays an important role in the immune system.
Vitamin packs are doubtless the next generation of vitamin supplements. This service helps health-conscious consumers take the randomness out of their daily dietary supplements by aligning science, data, and technology to deliver personalized nutrition safely and conveniently.
Sarita Vanegas is a writer based in Medellín, Columbia, where she covers environmentally-friendly products, natural health, and plant-based remedies. A former Baselang teacher, she is also passionate about learning languages and exploring other cultures.
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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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.
Caffeine happens to be the most-consumed energy booster in the world. From coffee to tea to chocolate, about 90% of Americans consume caffeine in some form every day. And increasingly, people are turning to energy drinks to satisfy their energy needs.
Energy drink consumption is especially high among young adults. In a 2016 survey, over one-third of 18- to 29-year-old respondents said they consumed energy drinks on a regular basis.
There are dozens of energy and sports drink companies out there to meet this growing demand for a regular energy boost. From flashy cans packed with bold flavors to all-natural alternatives, it can be difficult to cut through the noise and choose the right healthy energy drink for you.
That's why we're reviewing the top healthy energy drinks and coffees that will give you a moderate level of caffeine without added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Our Picks for the Best Healthy Energy Drinks and Coffees
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Strongest Energy Drink - Proper Wild Natural Energy Shots
- Best Coffee Alternative - MUD/WTR
- Best Mushroom Coffee - Four Sigmatic Ground Mushroom Coffee
- Best CBD Coffee - Sträva CBD-Infused Coffee
- Best Flavor Energy Drink - Sambazon Organic Amazon Energy Drink
- Best Low-Calorie Energy Drink - Sunshine Good Energy Drink
- Best Low-Sugar Energy Drink - GURU Lite Organic Energy Drink
- Best for Giving Back - Clean Cause Sparkling Yerba Mate
The Downside of Mainstream Energy Drinks
Step into most gas stations, and you'll find a fantastically colorful, shiny, and attention-grabbing display of canned energy drinks slapped with powerful names like "Rockstar" and "Red Bull." But often, hidden behind the neon graffiti-scribbled cans are ingredients best avoided for the sake of your health.
Most mainstream energy drinks are packed with high amounts of caffeine as well as heaps of sugar and other undesirable ingredients. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults should aim to consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day.
To put that into perspective, a 1-ounce shot of espresso contains about 64 milligrams of caffeine. A regular cup of coffee has about 70 to 100 milligrams. Some energy shots contain more than 400 milligrams of caffeine in a single serving.
Overdoing your caffeine intake can have negative impacts on your health. The extent to which you experience side effects will depend on your tolerance for the drug, your age, and your genes. Signs of too much caffeine include headaches, anxiety, an elevated heart rate, muscle jitters, irritability, and frequent urination.
Added sugar is another common unhealthy ingredient in mainstream energy drinks. The American Heart Association recommends that adult men consume no more than 36 grams of sugar per day and women consume no more than 25 grams. However, a single serving of many mainstream energy drinks can easily contain 27 or more grams of added sugars per serving.
Studies show that consuming excess added sugars (those that aren't naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables) can have serious health implications. For most Americans, these added sugars come from flavored drinks, cereals, baked goods, and other processed foods, including energy drinks.
All of this sugar adds up to an increased risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In one 15-year Harvard study, participants who consumed 17-21% of their daily calories from added sugars increased their risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 38% compared to individuals who consumed 8% of their calories from added sugar.
Obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease are all leading causes of death in the U.S. By choosing no- to low-sugar healthy energy drinks without large amounts of caffeine, you can reduce your intake of added sugars and avoid overdoing your caffeine intake.
What to Look for In a "Healthy" Energy Drink
So how can you be sure your daily pick-me-up is a healthier option that will still sustain your energy levels? Start by reviewing the caffeine and sugar content. Many natural energy drinks on the market are sugar-free and made with natural caffeine sources. For example, matcha green tea is an herbal source of caffeine that has other nutritional benefits for overall wellness like antioxidants.
In addition to the caffeine and sugar content, many healthy energy drinks are fortified with essential nutrients that have positive health effects. You may get the added benefit of antioxidants from black tea, for example.
As always, be sure to read the label of any energy drink carefully and with an eye on added sugars, preservatives, and other artificial ingredients. And remember that caffeine is a natural diuretic, so it's important to watch your hydration and drink plenty of water.
Best Healthy Energy Drinks and Coffees
Proper Wild
Proper Wild's natural energy shots are 100% plant-based and offer a nice alternative to more sugar-heavy energy shots. They contain no preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or artificial flavors. Proper Wild also manufactures their shots in the USA following Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The caffeine in the product is organically sourced from green tea and L-theanine, making it one of the best healthy energy drinks for those who just want a quick shot.
Strength: 180mg of caffeine per shot + 180 mg L-theanine
Why buy: Gluten-free; Vegan; Wheat-free; Lactose-free; Dairy-free
MUD/WTR
MUD/WTR is an all-natural alternative to coffee designed to provide a more balanced and nutritional morning routine. It's made from a blend of masala chai and cacao and an all-star lineup of nutrient-rich mushrooms, including Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Chaga, as well as turmeric, cinnamon, and Himalayan salt. Packed with immune-boosting antioxidants, but with a fraction of the caffeine in coffee, MUD/WTR can help help supercharge your day without the jitters.
Strength: 1/7 of the caffeine in a cup of coffee
Why buy: 100% USDA-organic; Non-GMO; Vegan; Gluten-free; Whole-30; Kosher; Mushrooms grown in the USA
Four Sigmatic Ground Mushroom Coffee
Four Sigmatic offers a variety of organic plant-based drinks and supplements, but their ground mushroom coffee is one of their most popular. It's made with Fair Trade organic coffee beans and organic Lion's Mane and Chaga mushrooms. This allows you to enjoy all the benefits of coffee without the mid-afternoon crash. They also offer a full money-back guarantee so you can try it for yourself risk-free. Four Sigmatic also has a membership subscription service for 20% off all orders.
Strength: Equivalent to a regular 12 oz. brewed coffee
Why buy: Organic, Fair Trade certified, single origin Arabica coffee beans; Organic, sustainably wildcrafted mushrooms
Sträva CBD-Infused Coffee
Sträva Craft Coffee makes a premium CBD-infused coffee that combines specialty-grade, hand-roasted Columbian coffee beans with broad spectrum CBD. It makes for a drink that provides alertness and focus while also supporting natural wellness and calm. Their coffee beans are all ethically-sourced and their CBD is sourced from organic USA-grown hemp that undergoes independent third-party testing. This coffee is a delicious way to introduce CBD into your routine.
Strength: 10mg broad spectrum CBD per serving
Why buy: Organic, ethically-sourced coffee beans from Columbia; CBD distilled from organic American-grown hemp
Sambazon Organic Amazon Energy Drink
We love that Sambazon Organic Amazon Energy Drinks are both low in calories and sugar (with only 6 grams per serving) while providing other important vitamins. The green tea and yerba mate that give each can its 120 milligrams of caffeine come with potent antioxidants and vitamin C. This is another slightly more caffeinated option if you're looking for a stronger jolt from your healthy energy drink without the excess sugars and artificial ingredients you'll find in mainstream high-caffeine options. With fruity Amazon-inspired flavors like acai berry and pomegranate, Sambazon ensures every sip is delicious and refreshing.
Strength: 120mg per can
Why buy: Made with guarana, yerba mate and green tea; USDA-Certified Organic; Non-GMO; Vegan; Gluten-free; Kosher
Sunshine Good Energy Drink
This brightly colored can is not only enticing, but it's also good for you. Sunshine Good Energy Drinks have a moderate amount of caffeine (about the same amount as a cup of coffee) for a light buzz that won't cause a crash. This low-calorie option (60 calories per can) is especially great for plant-based diets, which can often lack essential B vitamins, especially vitamin B12. These healthy energy drinks are fortified with B12, and the clementine flavor also offers 100% of your daily Vitamin C requirements.
Strength: 70mg caffeine per can
Why buy: Made with organic green coffee beans; Added B12; Contains electrolytes; 100% of your daily Vitamin C
GURU Lite Organic Low Sugar Energy Drink
GURU's Lite Energy drink is brewed with antioxidant-packed green tea and hydrating carbonated water. This vegan energy drink includes the added bonus of natural sweeteners and vitamin sources. Every can is made with ginseng, echinacea, guarana, and sweetened with stevia and monk fruit for a lightly sweet, nutrient-packed sip. Plus, GURU has an environmentally friendly commitment to using natural, organic ingredients in this low-sugar, caffeinated energy drink.
Strength: 100mg caffeine per can
Why buy: Non-GMO; Vegan; No artificial sweeteners; Organic
Raspberry Sparkling Yerba Mate
Last on our list of best healthy energy drinks is the Clean Clause Sparkling Yerba Mate. Clean Cause donates 50% of its profits from sales of this USDA Certified Organic energy drink to support addiction recovery. The company's mission is to support recovery from alcohol and drug addiction through sustainable funding. Clean Cause brews its energy drinks from the dried leaves of yerba mate, a vitamin-rich South American plant that is naturally high in caffeine and antioxidants. Every serving offers plant-based polyphenols, a group of antioxidants shown to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
Strength: 160mg per can (two servings)
Why buy: USDA Certified Organic; Natural caffeine from yerba mate; Four fruity, sparkling flavors
Lizzy Briskin is the founder of Earthen Food Co. She is a chef, food writer, and recipe developer who helps people eat more mindfully for themselves and the environment, without overthinking it.
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.
To make your selection process easier, we vetted more than 100 brands to build our list. Each oil in this article has been tested by a third-party lab with publicly available test results.
Our Top THC-Free 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.
- CBDistillery - Best Value
- Medterra - Highest Strenghts
- Joy Organics - Certified Organic
- cbdMD - Strongest Oil
- Naternal - Best for Beginners
- Green Roads - Largest Selection
How Did We Evaluate THC-Free CBD Oil?
To create our list of the best THC-free CBD oils, we used the same six criteria to evaluate each brand and product:
- Value — how is their oil priced compared to other brands?
- Strength — how many milligrams of broad spectrum CBD does it contain?
- Source — where and how is the company's hemp grown?
- Flavor — does the oil come in any flavors, and is it flavored?
- Transparency — does the oil have third-party lab test results and information about the extraction process available?
- Customer experience — what do customer reviews say about the oil?
Using these six criteria, we chose the THC-free CBD oils that we recommend. Find out more about each one below.
CBDistillery
CBDistillery offers both full spectrum CBD oils as well as several THC free options, in addition to having some of the most affordable prices of any brand within the CBD industry.
Strength: 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg, 2500mg, and 5000mg per 30mL bottle
Additional THC-free products: CBD softgels and topical patches
Why buy: This broad spectrum CBD oil is non-GMO, third-party lab tested, U.S. Hemp Authority Certified, and comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.
Medterra
MedterraMedterra guarantees that their products are 100 percent free of THC since they are made with 99.6% CBD isolate suspended in organic MCT oil. These tinctures are also unflavored and perfect for anyone who doesn't want an earthy aftertaste in their hemp oil.
Strength: 500mg, 1000mg, or 3000mg in a 30mL bottle
Additional THC-free products: CBD capsules, topicals, and pet products
Why buy: Medterra's oil is made using a Co2 capture extraction process, is non-GMO, made without pesticides, and is U.S. Hemp Authority Certified.
Joy Organics
Joy Organics has multiple flavors of broad spectrum CBD oil including Orange Bliss, Summer Lemon, Tranquil Mint, and Unflavored. They also offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
Strength: 450mg, 900mg, 1350mg per 30mL bottle
Additional THC-free products: CBD gummies, softgels, salves, creams, bath bombs, and dog chews
Why buy: Their oils are third-party lab tested, USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO, cruelty-free, and feature an organic olive oil base.
cbdMD
cbdMD CBD TincturescbdMD offers a wide-range of THC-free oils and products. In fact, they offer tinctures that range from 300mg per 30mL bottle all the way up to 7500mg per 30mL bottle.
Strength: 300mg, 750mg, 1500mg, 3000mg, 5000mg, 7500mg per 30mL bottle
Additional THC-free products: CBD gummies, topicals, capsules, bath products, and pet chews
Why buy: With so many different concentrations, and great-tasting flavors options like Natural, Berry, Orange, and Mint, cbdMD makes it easy to find the right THC-free CBD oil for you.
Naternal
Naternal is one of our favorite brands. The strong products have a light, clean flavor that is easy to swallow even for people who are new to CBD.
Strength: 600mg, 1200mg, or 2400mg in a 30mL bottle
Additional THC-free products: CBD topicals and pet products
Why buy: Naternal makes a great, reliable product that you can trust. They also make dosing easy with the same size bottle for all of their potencies and a dropper with measurement markers for accurate servings.
Green Roads
Green Roads has high quality hemp extracts and a lot of product diversity, the majority of which contain broad spectrum CBD extract with zero THC.
Strength: 100mg, 250mg, 350mg, or 550mg in a 15mL bottle; 1000mg or 1500mg in 30mL bottle; 3500mg in a 60mL bottle. Two new flavored lines (mint breeze and apple kiwi bliss) are offered in mild (300 mg in 30 mL bottle; 10mg CBD/mL), moderate (750 mg in 30 mL bottle; 25mg/mL), and mighty (1500 mg in 30 mL bottle; 50mg/mL) strengths.
Additional THC-free products: CBD gummies, capsules, topicals, and pet products
Why buy: Green Roads is one of the most trusted names in CBD. Their broad spectrum oils are vegan, gluten-free, and contain no soy, artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives.
How to Choose the Best THC-Free CBD Oil
CBD oil is different than marijuana since it's derived from industrial hemp plants, but these products may still contain trace amounts of THC. You won't get high from taking CBD, but even inactive levels of THC are enough to deter some people from giving these wellness supplements a fair shot. However, broad spectrum or CBD isolate options are a way that you can reap the benefits of CBD, without any THC present.
To find the highest quality THC-free CBD products you want to:
- Check test results: Request batch-specific test results to be sure that you're not buying a full spectrum product that contains THC.
- Read online reviews: Make sure the brand that claims to sell THC-free products has never failed independent testing. You also want to read what other consumers have to say. There shouldn't be any doubt that a product contains no THC.
- Contact your favorite brand: If there is a brand you trust and they don't carry THC-free products, reach out and ask them if they will in the future. Many brands are diversifying their product lines to meet consumer demand.
Why choose THC free CBD oil?
When it comes to CBD hemp oil, many people are faced with the fear they may test positive for marijuana if given a drug test. The minuscule levels of THC within a CBD tincture are not enough to produce any psychoactive effects, but it's unclear how it may affect a drug screening that tests for THC.
This can be particularly sensitive in the workplace considering more than half of employers require candidates to pass a pre-employment drug screening. And while it's rather unlikely that a CBD oil would contain enough THC to alter a drug test result, this really depends on what product you are using and how often.
In either case, most people want to avoid the risks altogether, especially if your job depends on it.
This is where THC-free CBD oil comes into play.
These products do not have any detectable levels of THC, which is often removed using distillation processes after the initial extraction. However, there are different purification methods which can produce either a broad spectrum CBD oil or a CBD isolate depending on the remaining cannabinoid content.
Understanding the Difference Between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate CBD
There are plenty of confusing terms when it comes to purchasing CBD oils, and it's important to know the right terminology when searching for the best product for you.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
This type of CBD oil tincture contains a full range of beneficial plant extracts, which work together through the entourage effect to produce lasting results when interacting with the endocannabinoid system. These products contain no more than 0.3 percent THC, but for those looking to avoid THC entirely, full spectrum CBD tinctures may not be the best option.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Similar to full spectrum, broad spectrum CBD products contain a wide range of valuable cannabinoids and terpenes in addition to the CBD concentration. The difference between the two refers to the presence of THC, which has been carefully removed to elicit maximum benefit with minimal risk.
CBD Isolate
Any product described as isolated CBD is not only free of any trace amounts of THC, but it also features no other cannabinoids or terpenes that come from hemp plants. Instead, CBD is the only cannabis derived compound within the product, and it works alone on the endocannabinoid system.
How to Avoid a Failed Drug Test
While it is highly unlikely that CBD products would cause you to fail a drug screening, it's always best to stay on the safe side. Using THC-free CBD oil is a great place to start, but it's necessary for you to do your own research as well.
If you know you're going to take a drug test, check the testing standards of the facility to find out what cannabinoids they test for. Most drug tests check only for THC, but some may search for various other cannabinoids and could trigger a positive result regardless of what kind of CBD oil product you use.
It's also important to note that while THC-free CBD products are generally safe to use and shouldn't affect a drug test result, these CBD oils have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration (FDA), and you should check with your doctor before trying CBD if you have a pre-existing medical condition or take any prescription medications.
Melena Gurganus is the Reviews Editor at EcoWatch. She 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.
Let's break down the differences between some of the leading vitamin subscription companies so you can choose the best brand for you and the environment.
What to Look for in a Vitamin Subscription Service
These days, there are more and more daily vitamin packs available. Dietary supplements are just another industry that has jumped onto the subscription train. As a consumer, it can be hard to cut through the noise around vitamins, supplements, superfood powders, prenatal, and other "good for you" dietary additions.
How can you be sure that a vitamin subscription service is right for you and reach your health goals? There are a few things to look out for.
First, where does the company source its ingredients? Just like with food, where your vitamins come from matters. And because there aren't strict governmental regulations on supplements, it's even more important to investigate how transparent your vitamin brand is.
Look for a brand that promises to include no fillers, additives, or preservatives in their products. Gluten-free and corn-free vitamins is also a good sign, as corn and wheat are often used as fillers to bulk up pills without any nutritional benefit.
Many of the brands below offer full transparency about where their products come from and even the specific suppliers they work with. You should check each ingredient of each vitamin in your subscription box.
The other important question to consider from a sustainability perspective is packaging. If you're having vitamins delivered to your home every 30 days, tiny plastic bottles, lids, cardboard, and bubble wrap can add up quickly.
Several companies listed below offer refillable packaging and use only materials that can be reused, recycled, and often composted. Choose from a brand that wants to deliver a daily dose in as little plastic as possible.
10 Best Vitamin Subscription Brands 2021
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Beekeeper's Naturals
Beekeeper's Naturals
Beekeeper's Naturals offers a subscription option designed to boost immunity, restore your body, and power your brain.
Each subscription box comes with two throat sprays, B.Powered Superfood Honey, and the B.LXR Brain Fuel dietary supplement.
B.LXR features royal jelly, ginkgo biloba, and bacopa monnieri—all to help you focus and stay alert during a busy day.
Why buy: All-natural, gluten-free, and caffeine-free; contains no artificial preservatives, colors, refined sugar, gluten, wheat, yeast, corn, soya, dairy, or egg.
Price: $85 per month
CocoaVia
CocoaVia
CocoaVia supplements are designed to improve brain health and help with memory. This includes word recall, spatial memory, and long-term memory.
Each CocoaVia serving (3 capsules) contains 750 mg of cocoa flavanols. This is a plant-based nutrient proven to boost memory when consumed daily at high levels
Why buy: CocoaVia partners with family farmers in Indonesia and carefully extracts the cocoa flavanols from the plant to maintain the true essence of the natural crop.
Price: $45 per month
GEM
GEM
GEM is unlike any other supplement subscription on the market. Instead of sending powders or pills, your monthly GEM delivery contains chewable nutrition gummies made with whole-food ingredients like spirulina, chia seeds, quinoa and dates.
Their ingredients are carefully selected from trusted sources for maximum nutritional benefits. They're also minimally processed. In fact, each bite looks like something you could mix up in a food processor at home.
What's more, your first month is delivered in a refillable tin and every subsequent month's bites come in a compostable pouch for waste-free packaging.
Why buy: chewable, real food supplements made with plant-based ingredients; zero-waste, refillable packaging
Price: $39 per month
Nurish by Nature Made
Nurish
We like that Nurish by Nature Made's subscription line of personalized vitamins come backed by 50 years of experience in the vitamin and supplement space. You have probably seen Nature Made's magnesium, calcium, or vitamin B12 at your local drug store.
Every pill is made in small batches and each order is individually inspected for quality and accuracy. Nature Made is also closely partnered with the US Pharmacopeia, a non-profit that sets purity and potency standards for supplements.
Their personalized supplement offerings include products for men's health, prenatal and post-natal vitamins, brain health, and diabetes health.
Why buy: Small batch, all ingredients vetted by nutritional scientists
Price: $20+ per month
Seed
Seed
Seed has carefully and thoroughly applied sustainability measures to every step of its manufacturing, packaging, and customer experience.
New customers receive a welcome kit made of compostable foam and algae paper containing a glass jar of probiotics and a portable vial for travel.
When you run out, a refill comes in a compostable pouch insulated by non-GMO corn foam. Wondering how to dispose of that foam? Run it under water and watch it disappear!
Seed's zero-waste approach to packaging and shipping is setting the standard for every industry when it comes to sustainability. This is gut health with ocean health in mind.
Why buy: recyclable and biodegradable packaging; vitamin refill program; plant-based; preservative-, gluten- and corn-free
Price: $50 per month
Care/of
Care/of
Care/of has made a loud and public commitment to increasing the sustainability of their single-serving, daily dose personalized vitamins. The brand recently switched to fully compostable, plant-based packaging, the first step on their way towards a more sustainable business.
Care/of offers both western-style letter vitamins and traditional ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and reishi for those looking for alternative solutions.
The brand is also transparent about its sourcing from around the world, and it maintains close relationships with the producers who supply their products.
Why buy: plant-based, compostable vitamin packs; all products tested a minimum of three times
Price: $5+ per month
Persona
Persona
Persona is probably the most clinically-viable brand on this list. New customers take an in-depth personalized nutritional assessment designed by an in-house Medical Advisory Board of doctors and health experts. Board members include Michael Roizen Chief Wellness Officer at the Cleveland Clinic, and Robin West, Team Doctor for the Washington Nationals. This team of experts, along with Persona's nutritionists, relies on cutting-edge research to ensure the brand's recommendations are up to date and each customer gets the exact right vitamin regime for her needs.
Why buy: all ingredients carefully sourced from trusted resources; all products meet FDA regulations and meet Good Manufacturing Practices standards
Price: $0.12 per dayRitual
Ritual
We like that Ritual makes all of its sources and suppliers fully traceable and available to consumers. Its website details the backstory of each carefully-sourced ingredient and the human supplier. This level of transparency is hard to find in the supplement world, and really sets Ritual apart.
This women-founded and led business takes female health seriously and provides nuanced and targeted supplements to uniquely meet women's' nutritional needs.
Why buy: vegan; gluten-free; allergy-free; non-GMO, free of synthetic fillers
Price: $30+ per month
Vivo Life
Vivo Life
Vivo Life is a leader in the supplement space when it comes to environmental consciousness. In addition to making only 100% plant-based supplements that cover everything from plant-based protein powders to omega-3 vitamins to adaptogenic mushroom lattes, Vivo Life also plants a tree for every order made through their website.
The brand also goes a step further to ensure that all of its packaging, including shipping materials, are recyclable and made with 100% recycled materials. And the cherry on top comes from being certified carbon neutral, meaning Vivo offsets all of its carbon emissions to partners who reinvest the emissions into renewable energy projects.
Why buy: Certified carbon neutral; 100% plant-based products; 1 tree planted for every website order; carbon-neutral delivery
Price: $14+ per month
Form Nutrition
Form
Form's B-Corp Certification speaks for itself: this brand is committed to doing right by the environment. All of their packaging is plastic-free.
Protein powders come in compostable bags and vitamins are shipped in reusable, recyclable glass bottles. Form also has a customer recycling program to return empty pill bottles for cleaning and reuse.
In addition to fully traceable ingredients and a plant-based commitment, Form offers some of the highest-quality and most sustainable vitamins on the market.
Why buy: fully plant-based; every purchase supports the Form Feeding Fund; Certified B-Corp
Price: $29+ per month
When selecting a vitamin subscription service to commit to, it's important to consider everything from the ingredients to the packaging materials. Some subscriptions use a simple questionnaire and an algorithm to pick your vitamin regimen. Others may ask you to submit to a blood test or DNA test. How personalized you want your program to be is up to you.
We recommend consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietician if you're making any major decisions about your health. Also take into considerations any potential allergens or the availability to supporting health products at your local drugstore to build out your routine.
We think these are the year's 8 best vitamin subscription services to balance your diet and keep you and the planet thriving.
Lizzy Briskin is the founder of Earthen Food Co. She is a chef, food writer, and recipe developer who helps people eat more mindfully for themselves and the environment, without overthinking it.
What's the Difference Between Matcha and Green Tea?
Matcha and green tea are both made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. However, there are some key differences.
- Matcha is ground into a fine powder, whereas with regular green tea the leaves are left whole.
- Matcha plants are kept in complete shade two weeks before harvesting, whereas regular green tea plants are exposed to sunlight.
- Matcha leaves are steamed after harvesting, whereas green tea leaves are not.
- Matcha tea uses the whole leaf, whereas with regular green tea the stems and veins are removed.
- Matcha contains higher levels of the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
- Matcha contains higher concentrations of amino acids like L-theanine and L-arginine.
- Matcha contains more caffeine.
Plus, matcha tea powder can be added to food bars and baked goods.
Health Benefits of Matcha vs. Green Tea
Matcha tea and green tea both possess the same general health benefits. Each has the potential to:
- Relieve stress and anxiety
- Support cardiovascular health
- Reduce inflammation
- Promote weight loss
- Speed muscle recovery
- Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Enhance cognition
According to a 2017 meta-analysis, the compounds in green tea may boost cognition in healthy individuals. The study found "reliable evidence showing that L-theanine and caffeine have clear beneficial effects on sustained attention, memory, and suppression of distraction." This may be where the subtle differences lie. Overall, matcha has higher concentrations of L-theanine and caffeine. Therefore matcha tends to exert a more powerful feeling of "alert calm."
If you decide to drink green tea later in the day, opt for regular green tea. The lower caffeine content should be less likely to disrupt your sleep cycle.
A Week of Matcha 🍵 7 Ways to Enjoy www.youtube.com
How Each Tea is Produced and Prepared
Regular green tea is entirely sun-grown, meaning it's exposed to normal sunlight right up until the day it's harvested.
Matcha tea, on the other hand, is kept in the shade for the final 2-3 weeks before harvesting. The lack of sunlight triggers the plant to produce more chlorophyll, resulting in higher concentrations of therapeutic compounds. Shade harvesting is also responsible for the plant's distinct earthy aroma. Unlike regular green tea, matcha is steamed and then stone-ground into a fine powder.
Regular green tea is prepared by steeping the dried leaves in hot water for 30-45 seconds, then straining the liquid and removing the leaves.
Matcha tea, however, is prepared by mixing 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder in a small amount of hot water using a traditional bamboo whisk or spoon. Once the powder is thoroughly mixed, more hot water can be added to taste.
Nutritional Content of Matcha vs. Green Tea
Although matcha and green tea both come from the same species of plant, Camellia sinensis, matcha has a higher concentration of therapeutic compounds. This is because the shade-harvesting practices of matcha yield higher levels of the alkaloid caffeine, the amino acid L-theanine, and the antioxidant EGCG.
According to a 2003 study, matcha contains roughly three times more EGCG than the average green tea. EGCG is thought to be responsible for several of green tea's health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and fighting inflammation.
In a recent study published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers demonstrated that EGCG can effectively guard against oxidative damage. The L-theanine in green tea is largely responsible for green tea's calming effects.
According to a 2006 study published in The Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, L-theanine accomplishes this by increasing levels of dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
The Best Matcha Green Tea To Buy Online
PureChimp Matcha Green Tea
Amazon
- 5% of the company's profits go to charity
- Packaged in a recyclable glass jar with an aluminum lid
- High-quality Japanese matcha with a less bitter taste
Chalait Matcha (Organic Grade)
Amazon
- Tested annually for pesticides and heavy metals like lead
- Smooth mellow flavor with hints of chocolate, leafy greens, and snow peas
- Small batch product made from hand-picked leaves
MatchaBar Ceremonial Grade Matcha
- Highest caffeine and antioxidant levels on the market, according to the brand
- Small batch product that is hand blended
- Graded by a certified Chasi tea master
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