What is Water Soluble CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD for short) is a well-known cannabinoid found within cannabis plants that is widely used as a wellness supplement in oil form.
Water soluble CBD oils and powders are up-and-coming products that exist primarily to simplify the process of adding CBD to beverages. Traditional CBD oil tinctures don't blend as well into liquid drinks because the oil is less dense than water and separates easily. However, water soluble CBD may also provide other advantages through its potential enhancement of bioavailability.
Water soluble CBD products are made with nano emulsified CBD, or tiny particle sized CBD molecules that make it easier for the bloodstream to absorb the compound. These nano CBD particles are more compatible with water, despite the hydrophobic nature of macro CBD molecules that usually have to be infused with oil based products. This is a common process that has been used in pharmaceutical medicine for years, and the technology may prove to be beneficial in the CBD industry as well. CBD-infused water is an easy way to get a microdose of CBD that may promote general health and wellness from the inside out.
5 Best Water Soluble CBD Products
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall - Prima Brain Fuel CBD Powder
- Best for Energy - Joy Organics CBD Energy Drink Mix
- Best for Stress - HOLISTIK Stress CBD Stiks
- Best Flavor - Liweli Super Lemon CBD Drink Mix
- Strongest - CBDistillery CBDelicious CBD Isolate Powder
How We Picked the Best Water Soluble CBD Products
To create our list of recommended water soluble CBD brands, we compared each one on a number of key factors. Here are the things we looked for in each product:
- Strength — How much CBD does the mix include, and what type of CBD is it?
- Source — Where does the company get their hemp and how do they extract their CBD?
- Flavor — Does it come in any flavors and do they flavor them naturally?
- Transparency — Can you access third-party lab test results and information about each batch of CBD?
- Value — Is the product priced fairly for the amount of CBD included?
- Packaging — How is the product packaged and is it environmentally-friendly or sustainable?
These categories helped us choose our favorite water soluble CBD products. Find out more about each of them below.
The 5 Top Water Soluble CBD Products of 2021
Best Overall: Prima Brain Fuel CBD Powder
prima.co
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 15 mg CBD per serving
- Other Ingredients - Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Lion's Mane, Ginkgo
- Great For - Focus
Why buy: We love this Brain Fuel CBD powder from Prima because it contains broad spectrum whole plant CBD extract plus nootropic and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha root, rhodiola root, lion's mane, and ginkgo leaf extract. Mix this into a beverage to help promote focus and ease mental fatigue. We also love Prima's commitment to sustainability, as all of their products are certified Plastic Negative to remove more plastic from the environment than they use in packaging.
Best for Energy: Joy Organics CBD Energy Drink Mix
joyorganics.com
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 12.5 mg CBD per serving
- Other Ingredients - Aloe Vera Leaf Powder, Asian Ginseng Root Powder, Maca Root Powder, Caffeine, Stevia
- Great For - Energy
Why buy: This CBD Energy Drink mix powder is a great way to start your day or to get through the afternoon lull. We love that it contains 12.5 mg of broad spectrum CBD and 75 mg of caffeine for an energizing boost, making it a natural alternative to super-sugary energy drinks.
Best for Stress: HOLISTIK Stress CBD Sticks
holistikwellness.com
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 10 mg of CBD per serving
- Other Ingredients - Lemon Balm Extract, Monk Fruit
- Great For - Calm
Why buy: We like these HOLISTIK Stress CBD STIKS because they are blended with lemon balm extract to promote relaxation and focus. Their water soluble broad spectrum CBD extract comes from hemp grown in a Biodynamic Greenhouse in Buffalo, New York.
Best Flavor: Liweli Super Lemon CBD Drink Mix
liweli.com
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 25 mg CBD per serving
- Other Ingredients - Natural Lemon Zest Flavor, Acacia Fiber
- Great For - Recovery
Liweli water soluble CBD packets make getting a regular dose of CBD simple and convenient. You can keep these lemon-flavored pouches in your purse or backpack and add them to your drink of choice.
Why buy: We like the Liweli Super Lemon CBD Drink Mix because they dissolve well, which is key for a product like this, and taste great. Liweli is a best bet for anyone on-the-go. Use these water soluble CBD packets to help with sore muscles or aches from exercise.
Strongest: CBDistillery CBDelicious CBD Isolate Powder
thecbdistillery.com
- CBD - CBD Isolate
- Strength - 970 mg+ CBD per 1 gram
- Other Ingredients - None
- Great For - Cooking & Mixing
Why buy: This CBDelicious CBD Isolate powder is a great way to get CBD without using an oil tincture. We love this water soluble CBD product from CBDistillery because it offers a pure and potent amount of CBD isolate that makes it easy to add CBD as an ingredient in food or beverages.
The Research on Water Soluble CBD
Besides the convenience of mixing CBD in with your favorite beverage or food, water soluble CBD products are also growing in popularity because they may be much easier for the body to absorb than regular CBD hemp oil. This is due to the increased absorption rates of the nano CBD particles, or its bioavailability. One study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that water soluble CBD powder had a bioavailability 4.5 times higher than lipid-soluble CBD powder. The more CBD that your body is able to absorb per serving, the better effect it can have helping to support your health and wellness.
Is Water Soluble CBD Better Than CBD Oil?
While they each have their own benefits, and limitations, water soluble CBD and CBD oil may help to support your mind and body in a number of different ways. One isn't necessarily better than the other. The best option for you comes down to a matter of personal preference. Some people will find that they prefer a water soluble CBD powder that they can mix in with a beverage if they do not enjoy the taste of a CBD oil tincture. A water soluble product is also more convenient for use on-the-go or while traveling. CBD oils, however, typically offer higher strengths of CBD, and come in full spectrum formulas that contain all of the other beneficial cannabinoids and plant compounds found in hemp extract.
Benefits of Water Soluble CBD
Water soluble CBD offers many of the same potential benefits as CBD oil, including support in managing stress, anxiety, inflammation, and certain forms of pain. Water soluble CBD may also prove to be more cost effective if its bioavailability is truly greater than traditional CBD tinctures, although more research is needed to validate this assumption. One primary benefit of water soluble CBD is that it can offer a pre-measured amount of CBD with each individual serving or packet. This makes it easy to know exactly how much CBD you are getting each time.
How to Choose the Best Water Soluble CBD Brand for You
To help you compare your options and choose the right one for you, here are some important things to keep in mind when shopping for water soluble CBD.
What to Look For
When considering water soluble CBD, be sure to look for:
Type of CBD: Make sure you know whether the product contains full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate hemp extract.
Concentration: Look to see how much CBD is contained in each serving of the product, or in total if it is not packaged in individual doses.
Lab Testing: Always look for products that include independent third-party lab testing for their CBD products. This helps to ensure its safety and concentration.
How to Read Labels
Here are some key things to look for on the label of any water soluble CBD product.
- Strength - The label should clearly indicate how many milligrams of CBD there are per serving, and how many servings are contained in the box or package.
- Test Results - Many brands include a QR code on the label or box for you to access the lab test results to confirm the purity of the CBD.
- Added Ingredients - Look for the ingredients list to check what other botanicals or extracts are included in the product, especially if you have any allergies.
- Instructions - Be sure to read any directions or instructions included on the label to make sure you are getting the most out of your water soluble CBD.
How to Use
Water soluble CBD powders and products are relatively simple to use. They can easily be added into any food or beverage for a discreet and easy way to ingest CBD. Most brands recommend stirring the powder into warm or cold water until it is completely mixed in before drinking. Some advise that it works best to add the powder to your cup or glass before adding the water. You can also stir water soluble CBD into smoothies, juices, or teas to get even more out of your favorite drink. Take CBD-infused water in the morning to start the day, or, if it is a formula designed to help you sleep, before bed in the evening.
Safety & Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, CBD products are generally safe and well-tolerated by most adults. Like all CBD supplements, however, water soluble CBD may cause certain mild side effects. These can include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
Is Water Soluble CBD Right for You?
Water soluble CBD powders are a great option for people who prefer to get their daily dose of CBD without taking an oil tincture. They are also easy to take with you to the gym or while traveling. Use our guide to find the right option for you to enjoy CBD-infused water to help support your wellness naturally.
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.
How Can CBD Oil Help My Dog?
Pet treats infused with the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant can help dogs and other animals to manage symptoms associated with various conditions and environmental stresses. Those that have personally tried CBD for their pets say it has the potential to reduce pain, separation anxiety or stress from thunderstorms, aggressive tendencies, and seizures, among other advantages. CBD has also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve joint pain in older dogs.
CBD oil products can be mixed in with your dog's food from a dropper and some come in flavors like bacon or beef your dog might enjoy. CBD can also improve your dog's coat and skin health. CBD topicals can be rubbed onto itchy or irritated skin. Hemp dog treats are perhaps the easiest to work into your dog care routine.
Note that it's important to buy CBD products that are specifically designed for dogs. Regular CBD products contain concentrations that are too high for pets. Feeding your dog the right CBD treat or CBD tincture could result in a happier, healthier best friend.
Related: Most Affordable CBD Oil of 2021
How We Review CBD Oil for Dogs
To create our list of the best CBD for dogs, we evaluated each brand and product on six specific categories that we use for all of our CBD 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.
Our Top Picks for Dog CBD Oils
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall - NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD
- Best Flavor - Cornbread Hemp CBD Oil for Pets
- Best Organic Option - R+R Medicinals CBD Pet Tincture
- Strongest Oil for Dogs - Charlotte's Web CBD for Dogs Drops
- Best Variety - Honest Paws USDA Organic CBD Oil for Dogs
- Best Satisfaction Guarantee - CBDistillery CBD Pet Tincture
- Best THC-Free Option - Medterra CBD Pet Tincture
The Best CBD Oils for Dogs
Best Overall: NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil
nuleafnaturals.com
NuLeaf Naturals offers a clean, natural way to try plant-based relief for your pet. All of their products are certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NuLeaf Naturals CBD comes from hemp grown organically on farms in Colorado, and they use an advanced Co2 extraction method that preserves more beneficial plant compounds without the use of chemicals. This CBD oil is also independently lab tested with results available online for each batch, helping you know exactly what you give to your dog.
Strength: 3 mg full spectrum CBD per serving, available in 300mg, 900mg, and 1800mg size bottles
Why buy: We like that this CBD oil for dogs comes in a consistent starter strength, 3 mg of CBD per mL, making it easier to measure the right amount each time. We trust NuLeaf Naturals for the purity and effectiveness of their CBD.
Best Flavor: Cornbread Hemp CBD Oil for Pets
cornbreadhemp.com
Cornbread Hemp CBD Oil for Pets is made with vegan corndog flavoring. This makes it more appealing to furry friends than the natural flavors of some CBD oils. We love that it's also vegan, non-GMO, and contains no fillers or preservatives. All of their products are derived from organic hemp grown in Kentucky, and are also third-party lab tested. Each product includes seed-to-sale tracking and a tamper-proof seal. Note that this contains a stronger concentration of CBD per serving than other oils, so you may not want to start out with a full serving.
Strength: 17 mg full spectrum CBD per serving, 500 mg per bottle.
Why buy: We love Cornbread Hemp CBD Oil for Pets for its vegan corndog flavoring that makes it easy to add to your dog's diet. Cornbread Hemp is also known for their flower-only extraction process, meaning they don't use any stems or leaves, for a cleaner, purer product.
Best Organic: R+R Medicinals CBD Pet Tincture
rrmeds.com
R+R Medicinals CBD Pet Tincture is our favorite USDA-certified organic CBD oil for dogs. It's made with organic full spectrum hemp extract grown in Colorado and organic grape-seed oil, which makes it good for your dog's coat and skin. We like that R+R Medicinals also uses a clean Co2 extraction method. A full 1 mL serving includes 16.7 mg of CBD and over 2 mg of additional cannabinoids like CBN, CBC, THC, and CBG, that can provide strong relief for your pet.
Strength: 16.7 mg full spectrum CBD per serving, 500 mg per bottle.
Why buy: We love this CBD oil for pets because it is certified organic and can provide powerful, full spectrum relief. It also includes a dosage guide for different sized pets right on the bottle, making it very easy to use.
Strongest CBD Oil for Dogs: Charlotte's Web CBD for Dogs Drops
charlottesweb.com
Charlotte's Web full spectrum hemp extract for dogs is one of the strongest CBD oils for dogs out there. It offers 17 mg of CBD per 1 mL serving, plus additional cannabinoids that work to provide powerful full spectrum relief. This product is available in a chicken flavor or unflavored option, which can help if you have a choosy pup. Just like their CBD products for people, this CBD oil for dogs contains no pesticides or harsh chemicals.
Strength: 17 mg full spectrum CBD per serving, available in 30 mL or 100 mL bottles.
Why buy: We like this CBD oil for dogs because it is certified by the National Animal Supplements Council (NASC), meaning it is independently tested for quality and it is proven to be safe for pets. This is a great choice for dogs that need a higher dose of CBD for relief.
Best Variety: Honest Paws CBD Oil for Dogs
honestpaws.com
Honest Paws stands out because they are a company dedicated to making CBD products for pets. Their full spectrum CBD oils are organic, free from corn and soy, and come in different strengths for every size of dog. They offer oils for specific health benefits, including ones to help with anxiety, mobility, pain, and overall wellness. We like their Wellness formula because it contains natural terpenes that can help fight inflammation and boost the immune system.
Strength: Available in 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg of CBD per bottle.
Why buy: We love Honest Paws CBD oil for dogs because they make it easy to find the right product for your pet by health concern and size. They also provide lots of helpful information for owners about CBD and pets, and offer products for cats and even horses.
Best Satisfaction Guarantee: CBDistillery CBD Pet Tincture
thecbdistillery.com
CBDistillery CBD Pet Tincture is processed in cold-pressed hemp seed oil to make it easier on your dog's digestion. They have a 150 mg tincture for small to medium sized dogs and a 600 mg pet CBD oil made for larger breeds. Both are third-party lab tested with easily accessible results through a QR code on the bottle, as well as a convenient dosage guide. CBDistillery products are also U.S. Hemp Authority Certified.
Strength: 5 mg or 20 mg full spectrum CBD per serving, available in 150 mg and 600 mg size bottles.
Why buy: We like that this CBD pet tincture is designed to be easy on your pet's digestion, and that they include a clear dosage guide and QR code for lab test results right on the bottle. Best of all, CBDistillery offers a 60 day money back guarantee.
Best THC-Free Option: Medterra CBD Pet Tincture
medterracbd.com
All Medterra CBD pet tinctures use broad spectrum CBD, which is a great option if you are looking for a THC-free oil for your dog. Concentrations available are 150 mg, 300 mg, and 750 mg per bottle. These oils are made with organic Kentucky-grown hemp, and come in natural beef, chicken, or unflavored varieties. Not only is this one of the few THC-free options available, it's also one of the most affordable CBD oils for dogs.
Strength: 150mg, 300mg, or 750mg broad spectrum CBD per bottle.
Why buy: We like that this oil contains zero THC. This is a good choice for dogs with especially sensitive systems, or who don't respond well to full spectrum CBD oils. The natural beef and chicken flavors also make it easier to add to their food at meal times.
What the Experts Say About CBD and 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?
A 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. Additionally, a study published in the journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) in September 2020 concluded that "Cannabidiol possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties and significantly improved the mobility of large domestic canines afflicted with osteoarthritis in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled veterinary study."
A survey by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) included responses from more than 600 pet owners, and found that CBD use in animals also yielded positive results for:
- 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
How to Shop
There are a range of CBD products designed for pet owners, and you'll want to do your homework before buying anything. We recommend using CBD products that are solely 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.
What to Look For
Here are some of the important factors to consider when shopping for the best CBD for dogs:
Type of CBD
CBD can come in three primary forms: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. CBD oils extracted from industrial hemp still contain trace amounts of THC. This type of CBD is known as full spectrum CBD, and it is meant to provide as many of the beneficial plant compounds found in hemp as possible. Broad spectrum CBD, on the other hand, is distilled to exclude THC while still retaining some of these additional compounds. Certain brands distill out these cannabinoids and terpenes to create CBD isolate that contains nothing but pure CBD. When possible, we recommend using full spectrum CBD extracts for a synergistic effect and greater therapeutic value for your dog.
Hemp Source
Make sure you know where a product's hemp was sourced and how it was grown. 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 you certainly don't want to feed your pet anything toxic. We recommend brands that source their hemp from farms in the U.S., and we prioritize brands that use organically grown hemp. This helps to ensure that the hemp plants are raised without pesticides and that the soil is tested for heavy metals and other toxins.
Carrier 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. Some brands use cold pressed hemp seed oil, which can be easier to digest, or grape-seed oil, which is good for your pet's coat and skin.
CBD vs. 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 of the active cannabinoids that can promote health and wellness. Some products use hemp seed oil as the carrier oil for their CBD, which is perfectly fine. Be sure that you purchase actual CBD oil and not just hemp seed oil.
How to Read Labels
To make sure that you give your dog only the highest quality CBD oils, there are certain things to look for when reading labels.
Ingredients
The most important information to look for is the ingredients list. This should tell you the type of CBD it contains, the type of carrier oil it uses, and any additional ingredients like flavorings. Make sure that the CBD oil does not contain any allergens for your dog.
Strength
Next, look to see how much CBD is in each serving. This is typically measured in milligrams per 1 mL dropper. The label should also tell you how much CBD the bottle contains in total. This is important to make sure that you don't give your dog too much CBD at once.
Dosage Guide
Many brands include a dosage guide on the bottle or the box of their CBD for dogs. This can help you to measure out the appropriate amount for your dog based on their weight and size. It's recommended that you do not start your dog with a full serving of CBD, whatever the potency, but instead start with 1/4 of a dropper and gradually increase the amount.
Lab Testing
Only choose CBD products that have been tested by independent third-party labs for purity and quality. This is a crucial check to ensure that the CBD oil contains the correct potency and that it is free from harmful chemicals. Many brands include a QR code to the test results for their products right on the label or box that make it easy to check.
How to Use & How Often
CBD oil for dogs can be administered in multiple ways. The most common approach includes mixing the oil in with their regular food at meal times. If your dog enjoys the flavor of the oil, you can administer it to them orally as well, but you should still give it to them with food. Use the included dosage guides to measure the correct amount of CBD oil for your dog's size and weight. A general guideline is 0.2 mg of CBD per pound of body weight per day.
Most CBD oils are meant to be given twice a day, every day, at meals. This allows the product to build up in their system over time to provide the maximum health benefits.
Possible Side Effects
The biggest risks to pets when given CBD are usually caused by an overdose of the compound. Some adverse side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, and loss of appetite may occur in rare instances — but these can likely be avoided by supplying the proper dose, and not administering the oil on an empty stomach.
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 can 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.
It's also 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."
Takeaway
The best CBD oils for dogs have the potential to help your pet manage a range of conditions, including chronic joint pain, anxiety, inflammation, and even seizure. It's important to find the right CBD oil from a brand you trust for your dog's specific needs. If you have any questions about giving CBD to your pet, be sure to ask your veterinarian.
Melena Gurganus is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.
How We Review Probiotics
Whenever we review a probiotic supplement, we evaluate six specific categories.
- Number of active strains - How many types of bacteria are included?
- AFU (Active Fluorescent Units)/ CFU (Colony Forming Units) - These units of measurement tell you how many billions of bacteria are estimated to be within each supplement dose.
- Storage Requirements - Some probiotics are shelf-stable, while others require refrigeration.
- Ingredient Transparency – does the company disclose where it sources its active strains and provide clinical research for their efficacy?
- Value - How are the probiotics priced? Can you purchase them without an auto-ship program?
- Sustainability - Does the company show ways its supplements are better for the environment through sustainable ingredient sourcing or packaging?
Let's evaluate these criteria for Seed.
About Seed Probiotics
Seed is an e-commerce supplement brand with a single product—the DS-O1 Daily Synbiotic probiotic. The company got its start in 2018 when cofounders Ara Katz and Raja Dhir determined that the current probiotic supplements available weren't hitting the mark.
Katz's experiences of pregnancy and breastfeeding as a new mom led her to develop a deeper appreciation of the body's microbiome and its role in overall health. She joined forces with Dhir, who had the scientific experience to understand what could be improved within the probiotic industry.
Together, they strove to create a supplement that "raised the bar on bacteria" by giving the body what it needed for all its systems to operate most effectively. They collaborated with a large team of entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists to develop a probiotic known as DS-01 Daily Synbiotic.
The Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
seed.com
- Active Strains - 24
- AFU - 53.6 billion AFU
- Storage Requirements - Shelf-stable for 18 months after opening
- Ingredient Transparency - Clinical data available for each strain
- Sustainability - First order ships in reusable glass canisters and subsequent orders arrive in compostable biofilm.
- Value - $49.99/60 supplements (30-day supply subscription)
The DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is a broad-spectrum probiotic that combines 24 probiotic strains with a non-fermenting prebiotic concentrate of Indian pomegranate for better delivery. Of these strains, 23 are human-derived, and one is isolated from fruit and added to promote healthy cholesterol levels.
These strains work synergistically to support the 38 trillion bacteria that make up your microbiome. They will purportedly help the body digest food, minimize inflammation, and better synthesize nutrients.
This supplement contains four distinct probiotic blends:
- Digestive Health/ Gut Immunity/ Gut Barrier Integrity: 37.0 Billion AFU
- Dermatological Health: 3.3 Billion AFU
- Cardiovascular Health: 5.25 Billion AFU
- Micronutrient Synthesis: 8.05 Billion AFU
(See strain-specific studies here)
How It Works
With these multiple strains, the company claims to take a 'Microbe-Systems Approach' through microbes that impact specific physical functions beyond the digestive system. These include skin and heart health, better immune system functioning, and micronutrient synthesis.
In other words, DS-01 goes beyond digestive issues to support full-body health. The company claims it's even one of the first probiotic formulations able to synthesize folate and increase its production.
Seed's DS-01 Daily Synbiotic probiotic also stands out with its delivery system. The supplement utilizes "nested capsule technology" along with a patented algae delivery system. This two-in-one capsule design houses the probiotic formula within a prebiotic casing made from Indian pomegranate to ensure these fragile bacteria survive both sitting on store shelves and the perilous journey through stomach acid to your colon.
Through this method, Seed claims to average a 100% delivery rate of the probiotic's starting dose to your colon. According to internal testing, DS-01 probiotics will exceed the living cell counts listed on the label even after ten days of constant 100º F exposure.
Usage Instructions
Adults can take two Seed probiotic supplements per day, preferably at the same time. It's best you do so on an empty stomach to limit the capsule's exposure to digestive enzymes that start to break it down. However, those with sensitive stomachs may want to eat something first. While you'll get optimal results from taking the supplements daily, it's not a problem if you occasionally skip one.
If you're new to probiotics, start by taking one per day for the first three days and then increasing your dosage to two per day. You may feel its effects on your digestive system within 48 hours, though long-term improvements to the cardiovascular system take more time and might not be noticeable to you.
Seed probiotics don't need require refrigeration. They are shelf-stable for 18 months at temperatures up to 78℉ and are safe to take when expired. Just note that the company can't guarantee their potency at this point.
How to Buy
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic probiotics are only available on a subscription basis. They cost $49.99 per month and ship free throughout the US (international orders include a $10 shipping fee).
You will receive a 30-day supply (60 capsules) when you order through the company website, and the first order includes a reusable glass canister and travel vial. Each subsequent order arrives in compostable biofilm so you can transfer the capsules to the reusable ones.
All first orders are covered by a 30-day risk-free trial, during which you can return the probiotics for a full refund. It's possible to cancel the subscription at any time by contacting customer service at [email protected].
Note: At publication, these probiotics were sold out. They are available for pre-order and expected to ship again in 2-4 weeks.
What We Like About Seed
As a product within the largely unregulated supplement industry, Seed broad-spectrum probiotics earn major points from us for both transparency and abundant clinical research. The company shares detailed information about every bacterial strain within the supplement and links out to the scientific studies highlighting their effectiveness.
Customer reviews on Facebook and other review sites show that Seed probiotics work as described for many users. Some shared they experienced positive improvements in their digestive system within 48 hours and noticed better-looking skin within a month.
Those with allergies or food sensitivities will also appreciate these supplements are soy-free, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, corn-free, and free of binders and preservatives.
From a consumer standpoint, Seed makes taking probiotics simple. The shelf-stable formula means you won't have to store them in the fridge, and each 30-day supply is guaranteed to remain viable for 18 months after opening. Likewise, the nested capsule delivery system should improve how many billions of bacteria make it into your digestive system intact.
Equally noteworthy, we love Seed's commitment to environmental sustainability. By sending each customer two reusable glass containers at the start of their subscription, the company minimizes the packaging waste for each subsequent order.
What We Don't Like
Despite these positives, Seed broad-spectrum probiotics have some downsides. To start, they are pricier than many competitors. You will pay $1.66 per day's dose, which is more than some want to pay for supplements.
It's also not possible to try them without committing to a monthly subscription. While it will take several weeks or longer to start noticing their effects, some customers might not want to be locked into an auto-ship program so early in the experimenting process.
Likewise, some customer reviews complained of unexpected side effects such as breakouts and rashes. It's not clear whether these went away for users after a few weeks of use.
Finally, it's currently only possible to pre-order these supplements. If you're dealing with digestive distress today, you may want to try a probiotic brand that's available right now for faster relief.
Seed Safety & Side Effects
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotics are considered safe for adults over 18. Each supplement is vegan and free of common allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, and corn. They have undergone extensive third-party testing and adhere to the highest global regulatory standards for safety.
As with all probiotics, you might notice unpleasant side effects when you start taking them. Many people experience bloating, increased gas production, constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems for the first few days.
This can be discouraging, as many users take probiotics precisely to combat these symptoms in the first place. However, your system should adjust to the new bacteria within two weeks, and this digestive distress should diminish accordingly.
The DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is classified as safe for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, although the company recommends speaking with a medical professional before starting them. As will all probiotics, you should not take these supplements if you have a weakened immune system, recently underwent surgery, or if you have a serious illness. Speak with your doctor before starting any dietary supplement if you have concerns or questions.
Takeaway: Are Seed Probiotics Worth It?
The Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is well-formulated and shows clinical evidence of improving your gut biome for far-reaching health benefits. The company solves the tricky problem of selling a live product with its innovative delivery system that keeps the bacteria within the supplement safe both on the shelf and through the digestive process.
If you are dealing with digestive problems, or are looking for a way to improve your general health, then this broad-spectrum probiotic might be one worth trying.
Just keep in mind that you might feel worse for a few days before the microbes will take full effect in your gut and that giving it a try means you are committing to a monthly subscription.
Lydia Noyes is a freelance writer specializing in health and wellness, food and farming, and environmental topics. When not working against a writing deadline, you can find Lydia outdoors where she attempts to bring order to her 33-acre hobby farm filled with fruit trees, heritage breed pigs, too many chickens to count, and an organic garden that somehow gets bigger every year.
CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. Like THC, it is a cannabinoid that interacts with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). Unlike THC, however, it does not contain psychoactive or intoxicating properties. Instead, CBD is used primarily for its health and wellness benefits, including its apparent ability to promote a sense of calm, regulate mood, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation and pain.
Early research makes CBD cream for arthritis a promising option to help those suffering from arthritis and joint pain. Since CBD and industrial hemp were only made available for study after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, long term and large group studies are still in the works. While more definitive research is needed before it can be prescribed as a treatment, CBD for joint pain may certainly play a role in supplementing current treatment options with a low risk of side effects. As with any CBD product, be sure to consult with your doctor before taking CBD to make sure that it won't interact with any of your existing medications or treatments.
What is CBD Cream?
CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants that has gained much attention for its apparent ability to aid in inflammation, stress, and many other issues. This compound can be infused into creams, lotions, and salves as a way to apply CBD topically for a variety of benefits, including skin nourishment and pain alleviation.
CBD creams differ from other products, like oil tinctures or capsules, in that they allow you to apply CBD directly to painful areas on the body, like knees, shoulders, hands, or wrists. The CBD is then absorbed through the skin to help treat the affected area more quickly than CBD that is taken orally and must be absorbed into the bloodstream. CBD lotions for arthritis also provide an alternative to ingesting or inhaling CBD, which can benefit those with sensitive digestive systems or pallets.
With a CBD cream, you can typically find much higher concentrations of CBD in each product, allowing you the potential to enjoy stronger relief. The best CBD arthritis creams also contain natural ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint, California poppy, shea butter, and beeswax to help sooth aching joints and nourish skin.
Does CBD Cream Help with Arthritis?
While research into the effectiveness of CBD to treat arthritis is still in its early stages, there are a number of promising studies. Take this study that concluded that topical CBD has potential as an effective treatment of arthritic pain. Researchers believe the administration of CBD could also have long-lasting therapeutic effects.
Animal studies have shown that transdermal, or topical, application of CBD does have therapeutic potential for relieving arthritis pain and inflammation. Another study using rats found that atypical receptors beyond just CB2 might be beneficial in treating inflammatory pain with cannabinoids. Recent research published in the Journal of Opioid Management concluded that CBD transdermal cream provided "significant symptom and pain relief" for patients suffering from severe back pain.
CBD is an immunosuppressive, and most often binds with the body's CB2 receptor, which directly influences our immune system. This allows it to help inhibit the production of certain inflammatory processes in the body, which could help to reduce arthritis and joint pain.
As a reminder, CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. These plant compounds, along with terpenes and flavonoids, work through a process known as the entourage effect to promote homeostasis within the body.
10 Top-Rated CBD Creams, Lotions, and Salves for Joint Pain Relief
- Best Overall - Medterra Pain Relief Cream
- Best Menthol-Free - R+R Medicinals CBD Cream
- Best Organic - Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion + Menthol
- Best Roll On - CBDistillery CBD Relief Stick
- Simplest Ingredients - NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm
- Best for Sensitive Skin - Prima R+R Cream
- Strongest CBD Topical - cbdMD Relieve CBD + Lidocaine Roll On
- Best for Neck Pain - Spruce CBD Salve
- Best for Knees and Hands - Plant People Soothe+ Body Balm
- Best THC-Free - Joy Organics Organic CBD Cream
How We Chose These Topicals
To choose the best CBD creams for arthritis, we compared a number of different factors. Some of the things we looked for in each product included:
- Source — Where is the company's hemp grown and how do they extract the CBD?
- Strength — How much CBD does the cream contain? Is it full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate?
- Organic — Does the company use organic hemp and natural ingredients?
- Ingredients — Does the CBD salve contain additional botanicals or ingredients, like menthol or lidocaine?
- Testing — Is the product tested by an independent third-party lab, and can you access the results?
- Price — Is the CBD lotion offer a good value for the amount of CBD included?
- Customer experience — What do customer reviews say about the product and how it helped them?
Using these categories, we identified the best CBD for joint pain creams, balms, and slaves. Check out our choices below to find the right one for your needs.
The Best CBD Creams for Arthritis & Joint Pain
Best Overall: Medterra Pain Relief Cream
medterra.com
Medterra Pain Relief Cream is our top pick for arthritis pain because it's both a registered over-the-counter option and it won the 2021 Product of the Year award in CBD personal care. Available in strengths of either 500 mg or 1000 mg, this product is made with broad spectrum CBD in addition to menthol, arnica, jojoba oil, and aloe. Medterra's products are all THC-free and made with non-GMO Kentucky-grown hemp.
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 500 mg or 1000 mg per container
- Added Ingredients - Menthol + Arnica
Why buy: Medterra Pain Relief Cream is a great option for soothing pain from arthritis, muscle soreness, stiff joints, and neck or back pain. We also like that it's free from synthetic chemicals, plasticizers, and artificial preservatives.
Best Menthol-Free: R+R Medicinals CBD Cream
rrmeds.com
R+R Medicinals CBD Cream is one of the strongest full spectrum creams available. It contains 1000 mg of CBD for joint pain from arthritis or other causes, but it is free from fragrances, dyes, and menthol. This makes it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin or allergies. It does include natural ingredients like MSM, arnica, calendula flower, jojoba oil, and over 4 mg of minor cannabinoids to provide powerful plant-based relief.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 1000 mg per container
- Added Ingredients - MSM, Arnica, Calendula Flower, Jojoba Oil
Best Organic: Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion + Menthol
cornbreadhemp.com
Cornbread Hemp Full Spectrum CBD Lotion is a great organic option for arthritis pain or sore muscles. It's made with 500 mg of pure hemp flower CBD extract, which means their CBD doesn't come from seeds or stems for a cleaner product. This cream is also packed with tons of organic botanicals like menthol, lemongrass, jojoba, peppermint, tea tree, rosemary, and eucalyptus, but it's paraben and preservative-free.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 500 mg per container
- Added Ingredients - Organic menthol, lemongrass, jojoba, peppermint, tea tree, rosemary, eucalyptus, beeswax, +
Best Roll On: CBDistillery CBD Relief Stick
thecbdistillery.com
Made with Colorado-grown hemp, CBDistillery makes full spectrum and CBD isolate products that are certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority. This CBD Relief Stick contains 1000 mg of CBD isolate to provide a powerful dose of CBD with no THC. It also features shea butter, arnica, menthol, and peppermint for a cooling sensation on sore muscles and joints that also moisturizes skin.
- CBD - CBD Isolate
- Strength - 1000 mg per container
- Added Ingredients - Shea Butter, Arnica, Menthol, Peppermint
Simplest Ingredients: NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm
nuleafnaturals.com
We already recommend NuLeaf Naturals for their CBD oils made from organically-grown Colorado hemp, and now they offer a potent CBD balm that we love for its simplicity. It contains just two ingredients: concentrated full spectrum CBD hemp extract and organic shea butter. Available in strengths of 300 mg, 600 mg, and 900 mg, NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Balm is strong and straightforward.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 300 mg, 600 mg, 900 mg of CBD per container
- Added Ingredients - Organic Shea Butter
Best for Sensitive Skin: Prima R+R Cream
prima.co
Prima R+R Cream is designed to provide relief and nourish your skin naturally. It features concentrated broad spectrum hemp extract alongside soothing botanicals like menthol, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint, as well as marula oil and shea butter. It is also consciously formulated without any parabens, silicones, mineral oil, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 750 mg per container
- Added Ingredients - Menthol, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Marula Oil, Shea Butter
Strongest CBD Topical: cbdMD Relieve CBD + Lidocaine Roll On
cbdmd.com
This cbdMD Relief CBD + Lidocaine Roll On contains 4% lidocaine by volume and is enriched with beneficial ingredients like aloe to soothe the skin. A broad spectrum product, it includes many of the phytocannabinoids to allow for the entourage effect of the hemp extract but without the THC. The roll on formula makes it easy to apply where you need it without any mess or residue.
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 500 mg, 1500 mg, 3000 mg per container
- Added Ingredients - Lidocaine, Aloe Vera
Why buy: We like that this broad spectrum CBD roll on includes lidocaine as a local anesthetic for instant relief, plus the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. Available in strengths of 500 mg, 1500 mg, and 3000 mg, this is the strongest CBD for arthritis pain on our list.
Best for Neck Pain: Spruce CBD Salve
takespruce.com
This full spectrum Spruce CBD salve is fast absorbing with a smooth consistency that offers targeted relief when applied to the skin. Made with organic hemp extract, shea butter, olive oil, beeswax, and coconut oil, this salve is packed with phytocannabinoids that may help with muscle and joint pain. Spruce is known for strong products packed with quality CBD extract, and their CBD salve is no exception.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 1,000 mg or 2,000 mg per container
- Added ingredients - Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Beeswax, Coconut Oil
Best for Knees & Hands: Plant People Soothe+ Body Balm
plantpeople.com
Plant People Soothe+ Body Balm contains full spectrum hemp extract, California poppy, and activating botanicals like arnica, peppermint, and camphor. It's doctor formulated and USDA organic, made using extract from Colorado grown hemp. The balm is designed to absorb quickly to deliver natural localized relief from aches, stiffness, bruises, and sore muscles. Plus, it's cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 515 mg per container
- Added Ingredients - California Poppy, Arnica, Peppermint, Camphor
Best THC-Free: Joy Organics CBD Salve
joyorganics.com
Joy Organics organic CBD salve is formulated to support healthy muscles and joints. A balanced combination of hemp oil rich in phytocannabinoids, organic beeswax, and organic aromatic essential oils may help soothe muscles and support skin health. Joy Organics is a certified-organic line certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority and ensures all its agriculture partners follow best practices.
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 500 mg per container
- Added Ingredients - Lavender, Eucalyptus, Organic Beeswax, Organic MCT Oil
Choosing High-Quality CBD Products
Whether you're shopping for CBD for knee pain or a CBD lotion for arthritis, you want to make sure that you select a high-quality CBD product. There are two main things to consider when comparing CBD creams and balms, independent third-party testing and the source of the hemp.
Comprehensive Testing
Making sure that any CBD product you purchase has been thoroughly tested by an independent third-party lab is extremely important. This allows you to know for certain that the product is safe to use, free from pesticides and heavy metals, and that it contains the appropriate amount of cannabinoids like CBD. The best brands offer easy access to the lab test results for all of their products, typically through a QR code on their packaging or online. If you see a CBD product that doesn't mention lab testing and doesn't give you access to the results, don't buy it.
Hemp Sourcing
It's also important to know where a CBD brands gets its hemp. This can help assure that the products are made with natural hemp extract from safely grown hemp plants. We typically recommend choosing products that use hemp grown in the U.S.A., and whenever possible organically grown hemp. This is an easy way to make sure that whatever product you choose contains pure CBD and natural plant compounds without any harmful chemicals or contaminants.
How to Use
CBD creams and lotions are relatively easy to use. Simply apply the suggested amount onto any painful areas, such as knees, shoulders, hands, or the back, like you would any other topical ointment. The CBD in the product will be absorbed through the skin to help provide relief to that specific area of the body. You should avoid contact with your eyes and never ingest a CBD topical.
Cannabinoids like CBD may be able to offer relief through the endocannabinoid system, which helps us maintain balance for a variety of bodily functions. The human body has internal cannabinoid receptors that allow natural compounds like CBD and terpenes to indirectly interact with our sensory receptors, which can effectively diminish our pain sensation. These cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the skin, meaning that CBD topical products help alleviate localized pain and inflammation when applied to the affected area.
One study published by the European Journal of Pain also noted, "[the] use of topical CBD has potential as effective treatment of arthritic symptomatology" after conducting tests using a rat model of arthritis pain. Additionally, there are minimal side effects associated with CBD, especially when applied topically.
Safety and Side Effects
You should always avoid contact with your eyes and never ingest a CBD topical.
While it is generally safe to use, CBD can cause certain mild side effects. These sometimes include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
We always suggest you have a conversation with your doctor about using CBD to discuss your goals, any existing medications you're taking, and whether it could interact with any of those prescriptions.
Takeaway
There are a number of additional self-care and non-surgical treatments for arthritis that you can attempt as well. Many arthritis sufferers benefit from things like hydrotherapy, yoga, massage treatments, stretching, and acupuncture. Applying heating pads and ice packs, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help.
While CBD lotions and balms may potentially help alleviate arthritis pain, it's important to note that it is not intended to cure the condition or replace your existing treatment options. If you suffer from serious osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, you should always seek treatment from your doctor first.
Melena Gurganus is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.
Medically Reviewed By:
Alan Carter
PharmD Scientific Advisor, Medical Reviewer, and Clinical Pharmacist
Adjunct Faculty, UMKC School of Pharmacy
What is Organic CBD Oil?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it's one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found within cannabis sativa plants. This plant compound is believed to have many potential health and wellness benefits, including support for anxiety, stress, sleep, and chronic pain.
Since CBD is extracted from industrial hemp, it contains only trace amounts of THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis plants). Instead, the effects of CBD are much more subtle and promote a general sense of calm and relaxation in most users.
The most important (and prominent) certification for organic products comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). What exactly does this certification entail? Essentially, a label indicating that a product is "USDA Organic" or "Certified Organic" means that at least 95% of the ingredients are obtained from organic sources.
For hemp to be considered organic by the USDA, it must be grown without the use of industrial solvents, irradiation, genetic engineering (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, or chemical fertilizer. Instead, farmers rely on natural substances and mechanical, physical, or biologically based farming techniques to cultivate healthy and organic crops.
Choosing an organic CBD oil without additives is important because it indicates that a product is both safe to use and better for the environment. CBD extracted from an organic hemp plant is more likely to be free from pesticides, heavy metals, and other harmful toxins. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of the plant extract without worrying about any additional and unwanted compounds. Organic CBD is also a better choice for the environment, as it is grown using more sustainable farming practices that help preserve and protect land and water resources.
Our Top Organic CBD Oils
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall Organic - Spruce Lab Grade CBD Oil
- Best Organic Full Spectrum - Charlotte's Web Original Formula
- Best USDA Organic - Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil
- Best Organic Flavor - R+R Medicinals Fresh Mint CBD Tincture
- Best Organic Broad Spectrum - Joy Organics CBD Oil
- Best Organic CBD for Stress - Plant People Drops+ Mind + Body
- Best Organic CBD for Sleep - NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil
- Best Organic Satisfaction Guarantee - CBDistillery Relief + Relax
How We Chose the Best Organic CBD Oils
To create our list of the best organic CBD oil, we compared brands and products on a number of different criteria. These included:
- Hemp Source - We chose brands that use organic hemp grown in the U.S. and that follow natural and organic farming practices.
- Natural Ingredients - Each of the products on our list were examined to see if they used organic and natural ingredients for things like flavoring and carrier oils.
- Strengths - We looked for organic CBD oils that provide different concentrations of CBD to choose from, depending on your needs.
- Lab Testing - All of the CBD products we recommend must undergo independent third-party lab testing and provide access to those results.
- Certifications - In addition to USDA organic certification, we also looked for seals from the U.S. Hemp Authority, U.S. Hemp Roundtable, B-Corp, and other industry standards.
A note about USDA organic certification: before the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, no hemp-derived products could be dubbed as "certified organic" as the hemp plant and its extracts were still categorized as a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
Due to the fact that industrial hemp has only recently become an agricultural crop, very few CBD oils are USDA certified organic. Many CBD products contain hemp extracts from plants that were grown organically, but may not be federally certified yet. Where necessary, we researched each brand's growing and harvesting practices to determine if they follow organic and natural cultivation methods, even if they are not fully certified by the USDA.
8 Best Organic CBD Oils of 2021
Best Overall: Spruce Lab Grade CBD Oil
takespruce.com
Spruce CBD is well-known for its potent full spectrum CBD oils that provide many of the additional beneficial phytocannabinoids found in hemp. This brand works with two family-owned, sustainably focused farms in the USA (one located in Kentucky and one in North Carolina) to create its organic, small product batches. This tincture contains 750mg of CBD, but they also offer a max potency Spruce CBD oil that contains 2400mg of full-spectrum CBD extract.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 25 mg CBD per serving
- Source - North Carolina and Kentucky
Best Full Spectrum: Charlotte's Web Original Formula
charlottesweb.com
One of the most well-known brands in the CBD landscape, Charlotte's Web has been growing sustainable hemp plants for years. The company is currently in the process of achieving USDA Organic Certification, but it already practices organic and sustainable cultivation techniques to enhance the overall health of the soil and the hemp plants themselves, which creates some of the highest quality CBD extracts.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 50 mg CBD per serving
- Source - Colorado
Why buy: Charlotte's Web offers CBD oils in a range of different concentration options, and some even come in a few flavors like chocolate mint, orange blossom, and lemon twist. We love Charlotte's Web Original Original Formula because it is made with U.S. Hemp Authority Certified CBD and organic extra virgin olive oil.
Best USDA Organic: Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil
cornbreadhemp.com
Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil uses USDA organic hemp grown on Kentucky farms and USDA organic MCT coconut oil. What makes Cornbread Hemp unique is that they only use hemp flower to create their CBD extract, resulting in a cleaner, purer product. Vegan and non-GMO, this organic CBD oil provides all of the secondary cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids of hemp without any preservatives, flavorings, seeds, or stems.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 50 mg CBD per serving
- Source - Kentucky
Why buy: We love Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD oil because it is made using USDA certified organic hemp flowers to create a top-notch CBD oil packed with beneficial plant compounds. Use this oil in the evening to relax and to help you fall asleep.
Best Organic Flavor: R+R Medicinals Fresh Mint CBD Tincture
rrmeds.com
R+R Medicinals Organic Full Spectrum Hemp Extract comes in a great introductory strength for new CBD users and a delicious fresh mint flavor. Made with organic full spectrum hemp extract, organic MCT coconut oil, and organic mint flavoring, this CBD oil is USDA certified organic for a product you can trust. It also contains over 2 mg of the secondary cannabinoids, like CBC, CBG, THC, CBN, and CBDv, that can help provide the fullest effect.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 16.67 mg CBD per serving
- Source - Colorado
Best Organic Broad Spectrum: Joy Organics CBD Oil
joyorganics.com
For those concerned about THC, Joy Organics CBD oil makes a great option. This formula is USDA certified organic and is made with organic broad spectrum hemp extract and organic olive oil for a natural, THC-free product. It's also certified by the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and third-party lab tested for purity. If you prefer, you can also find Joy Organics CBD Oil in several additional flavors, including Tranquil Mint, Summer Lemon, and Orange Bliss.
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 30 mg CBD per serving
- Source - Colorado
Best Organic CBD for Stress: Plant People Drops+ Mind + Body
plantpeople.co
Plant People Drops+ Mind + Body CBD oil offers an organic, natural supplement that could help support your body's response to stress and inflammation. USDA certified organic, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free, this CBD oil is also doctor-formulated using 100% organic hemp grown in Colorado. It can provide 21 mg of cannabinoids like CBD, CBL, and CBG per serving. Plus, Plant People is a certified B-corp and certified Climate Neutral as they plant a tree for every sale.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 21 mg CBD per serving
- Source - Colorado
Why buy: We love Plant People Drops+ Mind + Body formula because it provides a doctor-formulated and USDA organic way to help you manage stress and inflammation while promoting overall wellness. We especially like that the brand is Climate Neutral certified, making this organic CBD oil good for you and the earth.
Best Organic CBD for Sleep: NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil
nuleafnaturals.com
NuLeaf Naturals sources its CBD extract from organic hemp plants grown on licensed farms in Colorado. Their CBD oils contain only two ingredients: USDA certified organic hemp seed oil and full spectrum hemp extract. NuLeaf Naturals uses the same proprietary CBD oil formula for all of its products, so you get the same CBD potency in every tincture (30 mg per mL), but can purchase different bottle sizes depending on your needs.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 30 mg CBD per serving
- Source - Colorado
Why buy: We love NuLeaf Naturals CBD oil because of its simplicity. With only two ingredients and one consistent strength, this oil makes it easy to know exactly what is in it and how much CBD you will get with each serving. Take NuLeaf Naturals CBD oil in the evenings to relax and enjoy a full night's sleep.
Best Organic Satisfaction Guarantee: CBDistillery Relief + Relax
thecbdistillery.com
All CBDistillery products use non-GMO and pesticide-free industrial hemp that's grown using natural farming practices on Colorado farms. Their hemp oils are some of the most affordable CBD products on the market, yet they still maintain a high standard of quality. CBDistillery has a wide variety of CBD potencies across its product line. We also love that they offer a 60 day money back guarantee so that you can try their CBD oil risk free.
- CBD - Full Spectrum
- Strength - 33 mg CBD per serving
- Source - Colorado
Why buy: We recommend CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD oil as a great way to start your day and promote a sense of calm and wellness throughout. The brand is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, and the National Hemp Association for their natural, reliable CBD extracts.
The Research on Organic Hemp Oil
What does the science say about organic CBD oil? There is evidence that CBD can help for certain conditions, specifically things like anxiety, sleeplessness, and pain. In fact, CBD taken for anxiety may have fewer side effects than certain prescription anxiety medications. However, as hemp and CBD remain unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, it is vitally important to do your research and choose high-quality and safe products.
Using organic CBD oil is an easy way to help ensure that you can enjoy the health and wellness benefits of CBD while avoiding any potential toxins or synthetic chemicals.
Hemp is a unique plant, not only for its rich cannabinoid content, but because it is a bioaccumulator, and has the ability to absorb a wide variety of components in the soil. This trait means that hemp can help the environment through the remediation of green spaces, but it poses great risks when it comes to the creation of CBD products derived from hemp.
Because hemp has a high capacity for compound uptake, this means that the plants can retain harmful chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, and other residual solvents. This is especially true when it comes to synthetic chemicals that are more toxic to humans, and difficult to remove once they have been absorbed by the hemp plant.
Organic farming practices help reduce the risk of hemp crops absorbing harsh chemicals that may later end up in CBD oil after extraction. When you're taking CBD as a wellness supplement to help alleviate your symptoms or improve your overall well-being, the last thing you want is to ingest compounds that might negatively outweigh the benefits of CBD. This is an important reason to look for third party lab test results when shopping for CBD products since these certificates of analysis can show the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of a hemp extract, as well as test results that search for the presence of any residual solvents. If you choose a non-organic CBD oil, you will need to rely even more on the independent lab test results to make sure the product is safe.
In addition to creating a better end product, organic farming practices are also better for the environment. Sustainable and organic farming methods may reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy. The use of natural pest deterrents as opposed to chemical pesticides is also better for nearby animal populations and ecosystems.
How to Choose CBD Oil for You
When shopping for an organic CBD oil, you can look for certain key ingredients and certifications to find the best options. Here are some tips on how to compare and choose the right organic CBD oil.
What to Look For
Start by looking for the following pieces of information when considering any CBD product:
CBD Spectrum
Make sure you know if the product uses full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate hemp extract. Full spectrum CBD contains all of the natural phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and fatty acids found in the hemp plant, including THC. This may produce a fuller result through the entourage effect. However, if you are concerned about THC, or are subject to a drug test, broad spectrum and CBD isolate products offer a great alternative.
Potency
Always check to see how much CBD the product contains. This is measured in milligrams per container and milligrams per serving. A single serving for CBD oil is typically 1 mL, and most brands offer recommendations for measuring and dosages.
Organic Hemp
The source of the hemp used to extract CBD is vitally important. We recommend choosing brands that use organic and naturally-grown hemp raised in the U.S.A. for safety standards. This is the quickest way to ensure that the CBD itself is pure and free from pesticides or other harmful compounds.
Lab Testing
We only recommend CBD oils and products that are subject to independent third-party lab testing. This is a crucial step that verifies both the safety and purity of the oil as well as the potency of the CBD per serving. Look for brands that give you easy access to the lab test results for every product they sell.
How to Read Labels
Here are the primary things to look for when reading the label on a CBD oil or product:
- Type of CBD - The label should clearly state whether the product contains full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate hemp extract. If it is broad spectrum or isolate, look for a mark that tells you it is "THC-free."
- Certifications - Certain brands will include seals of approval to show that their product is USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, made in the U.S.A., or U.S. Hemp Authority certified.
- Other Ingredients - Check the ingredients list for anything in the product besides the CBD extract. This typically includes a carrier oil, like MCT or hemp seed oil, but can also include flavorings or botanicals. Make sure they are all-natural and that you are not allergic to any of them.
- Test Results - Most brands include a QR code on the packaging or the label of their CBD product that you can scan to view the third-party test results. This is a key way to know if a brand is trustworthy and whether their CBD is safe to use.
How to Use
Organic CBD oil is used just like any other CBD oil tincture, and is primarily ingested using a dropper to measure out the correct dose. Many brands recommend that you take the CBD oil sublingually by placing the CBD tincture under your tongue for 30 seconds or so before swallowing to aid in absorption. You can also add CBD to food and beverages, though some argue that this lessens the effect.
Some of the most common wellness advantages that people seek from organic CBD include:
- Chronic pain relief
- Anti-anxiety effects
- Better sleep
- Improvements in mood
- Internal balance and regulation
If you take organic CBD for help with sleep, take the recommended amount about an hour before bed. If you are taking it for anxiety, you can take one dose in the morning and another in the evening to help promote a sense of calm throughout the day. As with all CBD products, we recommend that you start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to achieve the desired effects rather than starting with a high dose.
Safety and Side Effects
CBD, while generally well-tolerated and safe for adults, can produce side effects in certain people. These are generally very mild, but can include things like nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and irritability. CBD may also interact with certain prescription drugs, especially blood thinners and statins. If you take a prescription medication, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting CBD.
Takeaway
CBD has the potential to help with a number of health and wellness concerns, especially anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. To make sure that you choose the right option, go with the best organic CBD oil without additives from a brand you trust. Use our list to help you get started and find the natural relief you need.
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.
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What is THC-Free CBD Oil?
When it comes to CBD hemp oil, many people worry that they may test positive for marijuana if given a drug test. CBD and THC are two of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, alongside CBC, CBG, plus terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds. A THC-free CBD oil is designed to provide the natural wellness benefits of hemp extract but without the trace amounts of THC found in most
The industrial hemp used to create CBD oils contains much higher levels of CBD than THC, and CBD products can only legally contain a maximum of 0.3% THC. The minuscule levels of THC found in 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 that requires candidates to pass a pre-employment drug screening. And while it's not certain that a CBD oil would contain enough THC to alter a drug test result, it can depend on what product you are using and how you take CBD oil.
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. THC-free CBD products do not have any detectable levels of THC, typically less than .01%, which is often removed using a 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.
7 Top-Rated THC-Free CBD Oils
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall - Charlotte's Web
- Best CBD Isolate - CBDistillery
- Best Broad Spectrum - Medterra
- Best Organic - Joy Organics
- Strongest Option - cbdMD
- Best for Beginners - Naternal
- Best Selection - Green Roads
How We Chose The Best CBD Oils Without THC
To create our list of the best THC-free CBD oils, we compared brands and products using several key factors. Here are the areas we evaluated for each THC-free CBD oil we recommend:
- Type of CBD — We looked to see whether the product contains broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate, an important distinction.
- Strength — How many milligrams of broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate does it contain?
- Source — Where does the brand get their hemp and is it grown organically?
- Extraction — What type of extraction process is used and how do they distill the product to make it THC-free?
- Carrier Oils — What type of carrier oil does the brand use in its oils? Are they all-natural or organic?
- Testing — Is the product tested by an independent third-party lab and are the results easy to access?
Using these criteria, we created our list of top THC-free CBD oils available today. Find out more about each of our recommendations below.
7 Best THC-Free CBD Oils of 2021
Best Overall: Charlotte's Web
charlottesweb.com
Charlotte's Web is well known for their original full spectrum CBD oil, but now they offer a THC-free broad spectrum oil. Made with natural Colorado grown hemp using a proprietary C02 extraction method, this CBD oil still contains all of the beneficial cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and fatty acids of their original oil, but without the THC.
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 25 mg CBD per serving
- Source - Colorado
Best CBD Isolate: CBDistillery
thecbdistillery.com
CBDistillery offers both full spectrum CBD oils as well as several THC free options. This CBD oil is made with pure CBD isolate, meaning it goes through a special extraction process to remove all of the other hemp compounds. It is non-GMO, third-party lab tested, U.S. Hemp Authority Certified, and comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.
- CBD - CBD Isolate
- Strength - 33 mg CBD per serving
- Source - U.S.A.
Why buy: We love this CBDistillery Relief + Relax oil because it offers a potent amount of pure CBD to help promote relaxation and pain relief with zero THC. This is the perfect option for those who want a completely THC and terpene free product.
Best Broad Spectrum: Medterra
medterra.com
Medterra Ultra Broad Spectrum CBD tincture is a fantastic way to get the benefits of a full plant hemp extract with no THC. This formula contains organic CBD plus additional plant compounds like CBG, CBC, CBN, CBDV, and terpenes. All Medterra products are made with Kentucky grown hemp that is free from pesticides and certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority.
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 33 mg CBD per serving
- Source - Kentucky
Why buy: Medterra Ultra Broad Spectrum oil makes it easy for those concerned about THC to enjoy benefits of the additional plant compounds that can help promote wellness and calm. Plus, we love that this oil is available in citrus and strawberry mint flavors.
Best Organic: Joy Organics
joyorganics.com
Joy Organics has multiple flavors of broad spectrum CBD oils including Orange Bliss, Summer Lemon, Tranquil Mint, and Unflavored. Their oils are third-party lab tested, USDA organic, vegan, non-GMO, cruelty-free, and feature an organic olive oil base. They also offer a 30-day money back guarantee and free carbon neutral shipping.
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 30 mg CBD per serving
- Source - U.S.A.
Why buy: We love the Tranquil Mint flavor of this Joy Organics broad spectrum CBD oil. This oil is best for easing stress and anxiety at the end of the day and to help promote a sense of calm before bed without any THC.
Strongest Option: cbdMD
cbdmd.com
cbdMD offers a wide-range of THC-free oils and products. In fact, they offer tinctures that range from 300mg all the way up to 7500 mg of CBD per bottle. 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.
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 10 mg to 250 mg CBD per serving
- Source - U.S.A.
Why buy: We love that cbdMD offers so many different strengths and flavors of their Superior Broad Spectrum formula for every type of CBD need. Use this oil to potentially help manage stress, support a greater sense of calm, and ease pain from inflammation and exercise.
Best for Beginners: Naternal
naternal.com
Naternal Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract Oil is a strong product with a light, clean flavor that is easy to swallow even for people who are new to CBD. They also make dosing easy with the same size bottle for all of their potencies and a dropper with measurement markers for accurate servings.
- CBD - Broad Spectrum
- Strength - 80 mg CBD per serving
- Source - North Carolina
Why buy: We like Naternal Broad Spectrum CBD oil because it provides a potent dose of CBD and secondary cannabinoids without the THC. Use this extra strength CBD oil in the evenings to help you relax and destress for a good night's sleep.
Best Selection: Green Roads
greenroads.com
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, preservatives, or THC. You can choose between multiple concentrations and flavors, including Apple Kiwi Bliss, Mint Breeze, and Original. Green Roads also provides lots of helpful information about CBD on their site.
- CBD - Broad Strength
- Strength - 25 mg CBD per serving
- Source - U.S.A.
Why buy: We like Green Roads broad spectrum CBD oil because you can choose the strength and flavor best for you. Each box comes with a QR code that links to lab test results so you can trust that the CBD is safe and pure. Use this oil to help better manage anxiety, stress, discomfort, and overall wellness.
The Research On THC-Free CBD Oil
Like research on other CBD products, CBD oil without THC has shown promise in helping users with health concerns like anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, arthritis, and inflammation. Both types of products work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to produce a range of health and wellness benefits.
The main reason people seek out a non-THC CBD oil is because of concerns about drug testing. While it is 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, as they normally contain .01% THC or less, 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.
How To Choose CBD Oil for You
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.
What to Look For
To find the highest quality CBD oil without THC, you want consider several important factors.
Broad Spectrum vs. CBD Isolate
There are two primary types of THC-free CBD products: broad spectrum and CBD isolate. Broad spectrum CBD products contain a wide range of valuable cannabinoids and terpenes in addition to the CBD concentration but are distilled to remove THC. CBD isolate, meanwhile, is distilled to remove all cannabinoids and plant compounds except for CBD.
We recommend broad spectrum oils whenever possible. That's because the addition of secondary cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids can interact with one another to produce a more potent result. However, if you want to make absolutely certain that the product does not contain even trace amounts of THC, go with a CBD isolate.
Lab Test Results
To choose the best CBD oils, you want to look for products that have been independently tested by a third-party lab. This is crucial to make sure that the CBD oil is both free from toxins or harmful compounds like heavy metals and to check that it contains the correct concentration of CBD. When selecting a THC-free CBD tincture, this is especially important for determining that the product does not contain significant levels of THC. Look for brands that include a QR code on the label or links on their site so you can see the test results for yourself.
Source of Hemp
It's important to research where the brand's hemp was grown and how it was grown to ensure quality. Go with brands that use hemp grown in the U.S. and try to find ones that use organically or naturally grown hemp. This makes it easy to know that the hemp, and the CBD extract, don't contain any pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
Carrier Oil
All CBD oils use a carrier oil, typically hemp seed oil, MCT oil, or olive oil. Check which type of oil the product contains to make sure you are not allergic to anything, especially if you are allergic to coconut. The best brands use both organic high-quality CBD extract and organic high-quality carrier oils.
How to Read Labels
The label of a CBD product contains valuable information that you should always read before you take it. The most important things to look for on the label include:
- Concentration - Know how many milligrams of CBD are contained in each 1 mL serving. This is important to make sure you take the correct amount for your specific needs.
- Added Ingredients - Check to make sure the product does not contain any unwanted artificial flavorings or preservatives. Some CBD oils also use essential oils or botanicals, so make sure you know what they are and if they are all-natural.
- Certifications - There are a number of professional certifications and seals of approval you can look for to know the product is high-quality. Look for USDA-organic, Leaping Bunny cruelty-free, U.S. Hemp Authority, and the Non-GMO Project certifications.
- Dosage Guidelines - Many brands include guidance on the serving size you should take when first trying CBD oil. This can help you measure the appropriate dose more accurately.
How to Use
CBD oils with no THC can be taken just like any other CBD tincture. Some brands recommend taking their oil sublingually, or holding the oil under your tongue for 30 seconds or so before swallowing. Depending on the amount of CBD and if it is a broad spectrum oil, a certain THC-free CBD oil may work better at night than during the day. If you find that the product makes you drowsy or sleepy, use it to unwind in the evening before bed. You can take other products, like CBD isolate, in the morning to help you maintain a sense of calm and wellbeing throughout the day.
Safety & Side Effects
CBD products are generally considered safe and are well-tolerated by most users, according to the Mayo Clinic. They can, however, cause certain mild side effects. These can include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
CBD also has the potential to interact with certain prescription medications, so be sure to talk to your doctor before taking CBD if you are on any prescribed medicines.
Takeaway
For those who want to experience the health and wellness benefits of CBD but are concerned about THC content, a THC-free CBD oil could be the perfect solution. Depending on your health goals and specific needs, you can choose between a broad spectrum CBD oil or a CBD isolate product. Just make sure you take time to select a quality CBD product using the guideline above to ensure that the CBD oil is safe and effective.
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.
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While CBD is gaining in popularity, and more products are becoming available on the high street and online, there is little scientific research to back the claims made by some CBD product manufacturers. That's why if you're going to buy CBD oil it is important to understand what you're purchasing and to choose products from brands that lab test their products and make the results available to customers.
To help you find the best CBD oil available in the UK, we've done all the hard work and created a list of the best CBD oil brands and products that are available online for you to choose from.
Our Top Picks for Best CBD Oils in the U.K.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
How We Chose the Best CBD in the U.K
To create this list of CBD oil producers and sellers, we've:
- Spoken with over 100 different producers
- Tested over 50 products for potency, quality and accuracy of labelling
- Tried every product on the list
We've tested CBD oils for taste, consistency, cannabinoid profile, value, and accuracy of lab test results to compile our list of the best CBD oils available online today.
Our readers also provide feedback on the brands they've tried and like or don't rate so much. We take our readers' feedback into consideration when we make our Buyer's Guides.
We also work directly with many of the leading CBD brands to bring you their latest offers and discounts, so it's worth checking back to see how you can continue to get the best value CBD oils for your money.
It is important to note that the details for the products listed here are not intended for diagnosing, treating, curing or preventing any particular disease. If you take prescription medicines you should speak to your GP or other healthcare professional before you take CBD oil about possible drug on drug interactions.
In this buyer's guide to CBD oils in the U.K., you'll find:
- A list of the brands we trust most
- A price comparison chart to help you find the best value CBD oil
- The potential benefits that you can derive from CBD oil
- CBD dosage recommendations
- How to pick the best CBD oil for your needs
CBD oil works differently for everyone and just because something works well for a friend or colleague doesn't necessarily mean it'll be as effective for you. Fortunately, there are many options out there to choose from. The CBD market is growing fast, however, quality can vary between brands, which is why we have conducted our own research to compile a list of CBD products that we think are the best.
Evopure
Evopure CBD drops are independently tested and they offer a line of broad spectrum hemp oil in multiple concentrations. As a bonus, all of their oils are extracted from organically grown US hemp on farms that use sustainable farming practices. The Flow blend is best for stress and anxiety. Evopure also has a sleep blend available.
Why buy: Since these drops use broad spectrum CBD oil, they contain zero THC while still providing you with all of the other benefits of a full spectrum oil. They are also organic, vegan, and non-GMO.
Love Hemp
If you're looking for a tasty CBD oil, there are various flavours available at Love Hemp, including natural, peppermint, and orange. Their CBD products are also certified THC free, and have a precise amount of CBD for easy dosing.
Why buy: Love Hemp is the leading CBD brand in the UK and for good reason, we haven't found a better product for the price.
CBDistillery
CBDistillery offers a range of CBD products, including oil tinctures, softgels, gummies, and topicals. Their most popular product is the Relief + Relax CBD oil, made with full spectrum CBD in several different potencies.
Why buy: All products from CBDistillery use CBD sourced from non-GMO industrial hemp grown using natural farming methods in the U.S. The CBD oil they use is CO2 extracted and tested by independent third-party labs.
Aire
aire tinctures are natural, organic, and ethically sourced. The oils contain no THC and are tested by the Cannabis Trade Association approved testing laboratories. Each 10ml bottle contains 1500mg of CBD.
Why buy: Since this is a stronger blend, aire recommends the 015 bottle for more experienced CBD users.
Blessed CBD
As the most popular tincture from Blessed CBD, this 1,000mg formula is potent and full-spectrum, but still contains less than 0.2% THC. This family run business spent 12 months searching for the best hemp source, eventually settling on a hemp extract from organically grown, non-GMO, hemp plants in Colorado. This ensures that each drop of CBD oil contains rich cannabinoids and terpenes for enhanced effects.
Why buy: We didn't find a single negative review online, which speaks volumes for the quality and effectiveness of their products.
Eir
For a tincture with a high potency, the No. 30 CBD oil from Eir Health contains 3000mg of CBD in one 30mL bottle. This equates to 100mg per serving.
Why buy: This full spectrum oil is packed with cannabinoids and terpenes that come from organically grown European hemp plants.
Price Comparison
The key numbers to look at are the cost of CBD per mg (how much you're paying for your CBD) and the mg of CBD per mL (how much CBD you're getting per milligram). Where possible, compare each brand's 1,000mg product. It's worth bearing in mind that a higher strength bottle may be more cost effective in the long run.
For instance, Eir Health's 30ml 3,000mg bottle works out at £0.04 per milligram and delivers 100 milligrams per milliliter. So if you're looking for a higher strength bottle which will last you, paying slightly more initially would be beneficial. It's worth bearing in mind that a higher strength bottle may be more cost effective in the long run. For instance, Eir Health's 30ml 3,000mg bottle works out at £0.04 per milligram and delivers 100 milligrams per milliliter. So if you're looking for a higher strength bottle which will last you, paying slightly more initially would be beneficial.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is short for cannabidiol and is a chemical compound found in all varieties of the cannabis plant. CBD oil has become popular in recent years due to changing worldwide legislation. In the UK specifically, there were several high-profile medical cases relating to medicinal cannabis and the treatment of children with epilepsy and other health conditions. CBD is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis and, it's thought, the primary cannabinoid that interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system promotes homeostasis, or balance, and regulates physiological and cognitive functions such as mood, appetite, and how we feel pain caused by inflammation.
CBD oil is produced using a range of extraction methods, including CO2 or ethanol extraction, and then added to a carrier oil, such as MCT coconut oil, to create a tincture with a broad range of possible health benefits. CBD oil is just one form that this cannabinoid can be found in and is different to hemp seed oil, which is generally used as a dietary supplement for the essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals it imparts. Hemp seed oil is produced by cold pressing hemp seeds and creating a dark coloured oil with the nutrient-rich composition described above. CBD, on the other hand, is extracted from the flower and leaves of hemp plants.
CBD is wildly popular for its potential therapeutic effects, which some clinical trials and animal studies have found to help with a number of symptoms and conditions that CBD may help alleviate, including:
Benefits of CBD Oil
- Chronic pain
- Nausea
- Migraines
- Appetite
- Seizures
- Psoriasis
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
The most common health and lifestyle issues that people turn to CBD oil for are:
- Anxiety – CBD oil has been found to relieve symptoms of anxiety in people in several small studies. This is not restricted to one form of anxiety as social anxiety, generalised anxiety, panic attacks and some forms of depression have all been found to be relieved with CBD oil. It's thought that this is achieved by changing the way the brain reacts to anxiety.
- Pain – CBD oil for pain is another area that anecdotal evidence and limited medical studies show people may find relief. CBD may help reduce inflammation in the body and therefore, relieve pain. Chronic pain, back pain and generalised pain have all been shown to be relieved with CBD oil.
- Sleep – Falling asleep and staying asleep for longer periods may be enhanced with CBD oil. Both direct and indirect benefits for sleep can be derived from CBD oil. An oil or edible form of CBD can help to calm the mind (indirect) and in some cases, taking CBD can make the user drowsy (direct).
While there are a wide range of benefits that may be derived from CBD oil, the MHRA – which stands for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and is the equivalent to America's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – has taken the stance that unless a CBD product has been approved as a medication it cannot make any medical claims on its packaging or in its marketing. This means producers need to hold a product licence to legally sell, supply or advertise them as medicine in the UK. However, no licences for selling CBD oil as a medicine have been granted by the MHRA to date. The MHRA advises people to speak to their GP or other healthcare professional if they are considering taking CBD products.
Is CBD Oil Legal in the UK?
Yes, but there is some confusion. In the UK and EU, CBD products are completely legal, as long as they have been derived from industrial hemp and contain no more than 1mg of THC per product. But the general advice is that UK CBD oil should contain no more than 0.01% THC, as current testing standards may not be able to detect 1mg of THC.
It has been reported that CBD Oil in the UK with no more than 0.2% THC is legal but this only applies to the cultivation of hemp and not CBD oils, which are hemp derivatives. Also, any THC contained in CBD products must be difficult to separate from the rest of the product. There are two exceptions to this law; one for Sativex, a 50% CBD and 50% THC product approved by the MHRA as a medication for treating multiple sclerosis symptoms, and for the prescription of cannabis derived medicinal products by specialist clinicians. The second exception came into law in November of 2018 after several cases were brought to court requesting the use of medical cannabis products to alleviate severe epileptic symptoms in two children.
CBD Strength and Concentrations
Concentrations of CBD in oils vary from 1mg of CBD per millilitre to 50 or 400mg per millilitre.
If a bottle has 1000mg of CBD in a 10ml bottle, this means that 100mg of CBD is dissolved in every 1ml of liquid. You can work out the number of milligrams of CBD in each millilitre by dividing the milligrams (weight) of CBD by the millilitres (volume) of the bottle; for this example, that's 1000 divided by 10 which works out at 100mg per ml.
Many UK-based brands highlight the percentage of CBD in their products, such as 5% or 10% CBD. This simply refers to the weight of the drug by volume measured in grams in 100 millilitres. Using the example above, we need to convert 1,000 milligrams to grams, which is 1 gram of CBD, that's our weight. And as the bottle is 10ml, we divide 1 gram by 10 millilitres, and multiply by 100 to get our percentage, which is 10%.
How to Dose with CBD Oil
Advice on how much CBD oil you should take varies. It's almost impossible to find a definitive answer based on clinical guidance so people need to experiment in order to find out what works best for them. It's wise to start with a low dose and work your way up to find a dosage that works for you. Understanding different product types and labelling will help you to properly measure the amount of CBD to take.
Because dose guidelines are limited, it's best to start low and work your way up to a dose of CBD oil that works for you. One resource we've found suggests starting at 1 – 6mg of CBD per 10lbs of body weight. This would mean an average UK woman weighing 11 stone, could take anywhere between 15 – 92mg of CBD per dose. This could be broken into smaller doses throughout the day instead of taking all in one go.
Typically, 10ml works out to approximately 200 drops. Using the same example above, we know 1ml contains 100mg of CBD. That would mean to take 100mg of CBD you would need 20 drops of the CBD Oil. We got to that number by dividing 200 by 10. To get 15mg of CBD you would need to take only 3 drops.
What is the Correct CBD Oil Dosage?
How to take CBD and the concentrations for each does will vary depending on the condition you are looking to find relief from. For example, if you're taking CBD oil for anxiety, regular, lower doses seems to be appropriate. CBD oil for sleep calls for a single, higher dose no more than an hour before bed. That's not medical advice, that's what we've gleaned from people who use CBD products.
Dosing is the most common question people have about CBD oil and other products. It's also the question we're most often asked. We cannot overstate the fact that there is no one definitive answer.
With that being said, here is a typical dosing guide to help you get started:
CBD Oil Dosing Guide
Symptom Severity | 25-50lbs | 50-85lbs | 85-150lbs | 150-240lbs | 240+lbs |
Mild | 6mg | 9mg | 12mg | 18mg | 22mg |
Medium | 9mg | 12mg | 15mg | 22mg | 30mg |
Severe | 12mg | 15mg | 18mg | 27mg | 45mg |
How your body reacts to CBD is different to everyone else. The reason to take CBD is also personal to you – some people want to feel relaxed, others are thinking of a daily supplement to boost their health. CBD oil capsules can give your body a steady supply of cannabinoids to absorb over the course of the day. Oils will have you feeling the effects faster, but they still take time a small amount of time to work their way into your system (usually somewhere between 5 and 20 minutes). If you don't feel the effects immediately, don't take more. CBD can have an accumulative effect so wait a while before re-dosing.
Use Your Head
If you want to take 50mg of CBD and buy gummies containing 10mg each, consider the amount of sugar you'll also consume to get your CBD dose. Remember you're looking for a supplement, not a sugary snack. Choose the product that makes the most sense in regard to the dose of CBD you wish to take.
It's also worth considering price. If you find oils that declare 500mg of CBD for £15, yet everywhere else is selling the same for £50, ask yourself a few questions. Is it likely that the cheaper brand has found a way to lower the cost of growing, extracting and packaging their CBD that the others haven't? It's more likely that the cheaper brand is making bogus claims or misleading you in regards to the quality of CBD in their product? Check online guides, research brands, read a comparison list, and do your homework so you are sure you are purchasing the best CBD products for your individual circumstances.
How to Buy the Right CBD Oil Online
Consider How Much You Want to Spend
Before you purchase CBD oil online, you should consider how much you're comfortable spending. Products can be expensive, so setting an upward limit can help you narrow down the selection and find something that works for you, without breaking your budget.
Check the Test Results
The best CBD products and brands show third-party test results on their websites, or sometimes send them to you if requested. There are a few points you should look out for when viewing test results that can help you decide which brand is best for you.
- Batch numbers – Some brands are fastidious about testing and you can check individual batch numbers for products. This lets you follow a crop from soil, to lab, to bottle. Test results should be recent, within the last quarter is good, within the past year is acceptable, anything more is less helpful.
- Cannabinoid strength, potency and terpene levels – A recent UK study by the Centre for Medical Cannabis found 62% of UK CBD mislabelled. Checking on test results can help you confirm the CBD, THC and other terpene levels found in products.
- Heavy metals and pesticides – Hemp sucks up whatever is in the soil. This can compromise the quality of CBD products and is why we like established brands that use land free from pesticides and heavy metals, as opposed to pop-up brands that may source their product from growers using unproven ground. Test results should show the heavy metal content of CBD products is below the safe threshold.
- Solvents and bacteria – All CBD products should be free from solvents and manufactured in clean facilities that are free from bacteria such as salmonella.
If you are making a purchase via the internet, always make sure to review recent Certificates of Analysis.
Check to See What Kind of CBD Extract is Used in the Product
CBD products in the UK fall into three different categories: Full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full and Broad-spectrum CBD oils are thought to have greater therapeutic benefits as the multiple cannabinoids work together. This is known as the 'entourage effect'. Experts we have spoken to support the idea of 'whole-plant therapy'. Some people may prefer CBD isolate if they are subject to drug tests through work and so on.
Consider the Taste
Some people can stand the taste of hemp. The earthy green flavour can be a turn off. Some CBD oil products have milder hemp flavours or natural additives that mask the hemp flavour to make them more palatable.
Shop Around
While you need to be aware of scammers, there are a lot of great brands that care about their product and customers. In terms of taste and strength of product, you may find it helps to try a range of brands to find the one that suits your personal preferences best.
FAQs
Is CBD oil safe?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) released a report in 2017 stating that there was little potential for abuse of CBD. Furthermore, they recognised the potential therapeutic benefits that could be derived from CBD for treating a wide range of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, cancer and diabetic complications, along with general pain, anxiety and depression.
Does CBD get you stoned?
No. CBD is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis. THC is the compound that has a psychoactive effect when taken in large enough doses (more than the 0.2% found in CBD products). Someone would need to smoke a CBD joint the size of a telephone mast to feel any psychoactive effects. CBD products allow people to get beneficial cannabinoids into their system to help their body function better, without becoming 'high' or 'stoned'.
How long does CBD oil last?
This partly depends on how quickly your body processes CBD and also the kind of CBD product you use. 6 – 8 hours is generally the length of time CBD oils will provide a noticeable effect.
Some products, like capsules are considered a daily supplement that needs to be taken over a period of time for it to reach its potential. Other kinds of CBD are faster acting and stronger; these types of products are better for specific issues such as social anxiety, problems with public speaking, or irregular and unexpected pain or discomfort.
Can I take too much CBD Oil?
You need to be careful about taking anything that will affect your health and if you are taking other medication, you should definitely discuss how CBD might interact with them, with your GP or healthcare professional. That said, most experts agree it is impossible to overdoes on CBD and even the World Health Organisation has published a report stating CBD is non-toxic and safe to use.
If you do take a very high dose of CBD, you may experience dizziness, lethargy, nausea, dry mouth and diarrhoea, but this will pass as your body processes the dose you have taken.
Other Types of CBD Products
This page covers most of what you need to know about CBD oils. If you're in the states, we also have this helpful list of organic CBD oil brands. There are lots of CBD products on the market, and each have their pros and cons.
If you're interested in CBD gummies, topicals, capsules or anything else, check out our additional online guides to find out all about the CBD product that interests you most.
Melena Gurganus is passionate about health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.
What is CBD Flower?
CBD flower is taken directly from industrial hemp plants without the need for extensive extraction processes. These flower buds contain the same beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes found within CBD oil, but tend to elicit a stronger entourage effect.
Hemp flower is different than many other CBD products since it is trimmed from the stalks of hemp without any additional manufacturing or purification needed, which keeps all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids in tact.
What is the Best CBD Flower to Buy Online?
Compared to CBD oil, there are many more challenges facing the selling and distribution of hemp flower across the United States. For this reason, there's a more narrow market for people that prefer to smoke hemp flower. This also means there are less suppliers to meet demand.
With that being said, we've found the best company that sells hemp flower.
Botany Farms CBD Flower
Botany Farms is our choice for the best hemp flower company because they pride themselves on offering organic, hand-crafted CBD and CBG flower products. They work with select farmers in the U.S. who raise certified-organic hemp that is free from heavy metals, pesticides, and fungicides. Each of their cannabis flower strains is made in small batches that are hang dried and hand trimmed. Botany Farms also uses independent third-party lab testing to ensure each batch's quality and contents.
The Best Botany Farms CBD Flower Products
The products featured here have been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the link included, we may earn commission.
- Best for Sleep - Bubba Kush
- Best for Focus - Hawaiian Haze
- Best for Calm - Sour Space Candy
- Best for Energy - Sour Lifter
- Best for Relaxation - Cherry Blossom
Bubba Kush
botanyfarms.com
This indica strain contains dark chocolate and coffee notes with an earthy taste. It provides calm for both the body and mind and is best for relaxing at the end of the day or in the evening.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 15.1%
Hawaiian Haze
botanyfarms.com
Hawaiian Haze is a sativa that provides stress relief while leaving you clear and focused. It offers a strong floral scent with notes of pineapple and berries, and is great for daytime use.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 13.3%
Sour Space Candy
botanyfarms.com
A CBD-heavy hybrid strain, Sour Space Candy contains a fruity and sour flavor profile, with dense orange, purple, and green hues. It can produce a relaxing calm, great for stress-relief or unwinding after work.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 16.4%
Sour Lifter
botanyfarms.com
With notes of grapes and lemons, this sativa offers a large dose of CBD and provides energy and focus. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee in the morning to start the day.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 17.3%
Cherry Blossom
An indica with notes of dark cherries, florals, citrus, and pine, Cherry Blossom has a rich taste that can help you calm your mind and relax before bed in the evenings.
Percentage Levels: CBD ~ 11%
Hemp Flower for Sale Online: What to Look For
The CBD market can be a confusing and vastly unregulated place. When shopping online, look for lab tested CBD flower. Accredited lab tests help ensure a high quality cannabis flower by verifying the CBD vs THC content, terpene profile, and testing for the presence of any pesticides, heavy metals, and other environmental contaminants.
Can CBD flower get you high?
Industrial hemp strains have naturally low THC levels. This means that their flowers also contain minimal amounts of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis plants). These plants produce CBD rich buds that will not create any mind altering effects like those commonly associated with a THC high.
Is CBD flower legal?
Hemp derived CBD flower is legal in the U.S. as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent of THC by dry weight. The 2018 Farm Bill recently legalized hemp federally as an agricultural crop, therefor making hemp flowers legal as well. Other cannabis plants may produce buds with high CBD and low THC concentrations, but these are not considered federally legal since they originate from marijuana cannabis strains.
How do you use CBD flower?
Smoking hemp is the preferred method of use for CBD flowers, especially for the converted user looking to gain relaxation without the high. Many people opt for pre-rolled joints or CBD cigarettes made from hemp flower, but others prefer to buy the buds and smoke them on their own terms.
While this isn't necessarily the healthiest habit, it may be a better option for individuals who are looking for an alternative to nicotine cigarettes or psychoactive marijuana. Additionally, CBD flower has not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. It's not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
CBD Hemp Flower Benefits
Much like CBD oil, hemp flower is believed to have many beneficial effects that can be used to alleviate issues like chronic pain, anxiety, sleep troubles, and more. While most of this is based off of anecdotal evidence, some scientific studies have shown the benefits of CBD, including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties that work to mitigate pain
- Anxiolytic effects help reduce anxiety and stress
- Potential neuroprotective properties
These wellness advantages appeal to many people, but it's important to note that smoking CBD flower is not the healthiest way to benefit from CBD. Inhaling anything other than oxygen into your lungs can be harmful. So for people that choose to smoke hemp, there is typically a trade off between the relieving effects they may experience versus the internal effects they do not see.
Understanding CBD Flower Measurements
Although hemp and marijuana vary in their cannabinoid composition, their flowers are weighed in the same manner. Using the metric system, CBD hemp flowers are weighed from grams to ounces, and are often broken up even further into eighths, quarters, and half ounces.
There are 28 grams in one ounce, and 1 gram will likely be able to make two or three joints filled with hemp bud.
CBD flowers taken from industrial hemp plants are legal to sell in most states, and these products must comply with the laws set forth by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on marketing and advertising. A supplier must deliver their products as described, including the weight of an item, when you are buying from them. If this isn't done, the FTC will likely take action against the company supplying the product. So you should receive the amount of hemp flower you purchase, but it never hurts to check.
Smoking Hemp Flower vs. Taking CBD Oil
When you inhale smoke from hemp flowers, the CBD will take effect almost immediately as your lungs absorb the cannabinoids and transfer them into the bloodstream. This effect likely won't last as long as ingesting CBD oil, which prolongs the on-set and steady absorption of CBD.
Smoking hemp flower looks and may even smell similar to marijuana, so be wary of this fact if you live in a state where recreational marijuana use is illegal. Hemp flower is legal, but it may cause confusion and unwanted attention, which should be taken into consideration.
Additionally, smoking is not good for your health — even if CBD flower may alleviate other issues like anxiety or pain. For this reason, we recommend exercising caution if you do decide to smoke hemp flower. Weigh the pros and cons, and consider other application methods when it comes to CBD.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Melena Gurganus is passionate about health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.
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We've all seen the overwhelming number of meal kits promoted via Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms, but many consumers are left wondering if these delivery services are really worth the purchase. Despite all the hype, these programs can be beneficial for a number of reasons, including their environmental impact, which you can read more about below our reviews.
Each kit comes with pre-portioned packets of produce, meat, or fish if requested, and all of the spices and seasonings you need to complete a chef-inspired dish at home. We've reviewed several leading meal kit delivery brands like Sunbasket, Freshly, and Purple Carrot, plus the best vegetarian meal delivery services, that promote their eco-friendly approach. Here is our list of the top five best meal delivery services.
Our Picks for the Top Eco-Conscious Meal Kits
- Sunbasket - Best Organic Option
- Purple Carrot - Best Plant-Based Option
- Green Chef - Best Keto and Paleo Option
- Freshly - Best "No-Cooking" Option
- Every Plate - Best Value for Beginners
How We Reviewed Each Meal Delivery Service
To create our list, we looked at each meal kit delivery service based on their food options, ingredient sourcing, packaging, and customer reviews to find the services we think are best for the conscious consumer.
- Dietary options - For the actual meals we considered both the quality and variety of the recipes and whether they offered vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
- Ingredients - We then examined how they sourced their ingredients, whether they were organic, non-GMO, and locally grown. We looked for important eco-friendly labels from authorities like the USDA, Non-GMO Project, and the Marine Stewardship Council.
- Packaging - An important component of our review was also the packaging for each meal, how much was recyclable or biodegradable, and whether the brand used recycled materials in their packaging.
- Customer reviews - Finally, we looked at customer reviews to see what users liked or didn't like about each service.
Each product featured here has been independently selected. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Sunbasket: Best Organic Option
Sun Basket
Sun Basket J030-Shrimp-PaellaSunbasket is our favorite organic meal kit brand. Sun Basket delivers a box of 100% organic produce, antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, and farm-fresh eggs. Their approach to sourcing wild seafood was named Best Choice or Good Alternative by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® Program.
Sun Basket aims to support farmers who push for sustainable water management and crop rotations, as well as ranchers and fisherman who treat the planet with respect.
Read our full Sunbasket review to learn more about the brand's sustainability efforts.
Cost: Three meals each week for two people costs $71.94 plus $7.99 shipping. That's $11.99 per servingPurple Carrot: Best Plant-Based Option
Purple Carrot
According to researchers, you could cut the carbon footprint of your diet by 60% by eating plant-based meals for two-thirds of your diet.
Now, if sustainability is about achieving a balance between human consumption and the environments we impact, plant-based is the way to go. Purple Carrot offers all plant-based meal kits in a variety of tasty menu items. There's even a black bean burger if you want to prepare the vegan-skeptic member of your family a familiar plate.
Purple Carrot meal kits, in many ways, support the idea that many small, smart choices can add up to a big impact. They do, however, use a lot of plastic in their packaging and you will need to check if it can all be recycled in your area.
Cost: Purple Carrot costs $11.99 per serving for two people and $9.99 per serving for the four-plate plan. With introductory discounts, the first week costs $50 to $60.
Green Chef: Best for Keto and Paleo Shoppers
Green Chef
Green Chef is a certified organic company with meal kit plans that include keto, paleo, and plant-based options. You can schedule a weekly delivery or stagger deliveries during the month, depending on your personal needs or how often you choose to cook. Green Chef has a wide variety of recipe options, and according to its website, it "offsets 100% of its direct carbon emissions and plastic packaging" through its sustainability efforts.
Cost: Price is based on the plan chosen, but costs are generally $11.49 per meal for the Keto + Paleo option, $10.49 per meal for the Balanced Living option, and $10.49 per meal for the Plant-Powered option. Shipping and handling costs are additional.
Freshly: Best "No Cooking" Option
Freshly
Freshly is the only service we came across that offered corporate options. We liked the idea of a cost-efficient way to serve a large group a healthy meal. Freshly boxes in the office fridge would be a nice reprieve from the typical mid-day exodus to the nearest quick food option. All Freshly meals come in recyclable packaging and the single portions mean less food going to waste during preparation.
Our review of Freshly also notes they are ideal for those who don't have the time or space to prepare a full meal. They come in recyclable microwavable containers and only take three minutes to heat up.
Cost: Individual meals are $8.99 to $12.50 per serving with free shipping.
Every Plate: Best Value for Meal Kit Beginners
Every Plate
If you're looking for organic ingredients, simple recipe cards, and a highly affordable option, Every Plate is for you. Every Plate uses less packaging than most other delivery services due to their simpler packages that contain fewer spice and sauce packets. Most Every Plate meals can be made in under 30 minutes, which makes this as close as you can come to fast and "cheap" meals with clean ingredients.
Cost: Weekly boxes of two or four servings for as little as $4.99 per serving.
Are Meal Kits Really Sustainable?
Whether meal kits are really sustainable depends on how you define sustainability. While they produce more waste, they have lower greenhouse gas emissions and result in less food waste compared to grocery store meals.
Food waste is the largest category of waste going into landfills in the U.S. The average American generates more than 200 pounds of waste each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Both a 2017 study out of the University of Texas at Austin and a 2019 study published in the journal Resources, Conservation and Recycling found that meal kits are more sustainable than purchasing ingredients from a grocery store for the following reasons:
- On average, meal kits produce 33% lower greenhouse gas emissions than grocery store meals.
- The pre-portioned ingredients in meal kits lead to less food loss and waste.
- Meal kits have lower last-mile transportation emissions than grocery store meals.
- The ice packs used in meal kit packages present an average emissions decrease versus retail refrigeration.
Now, if you plan your meals out each week, use all of the ingredients you intend to, compost what you don't use, and buy locally from a farmers market or other community shop, meal kits will likely be a step backward in terms of your food-related sustainability.
The studies also mentioned that meal kits produce more packaging waste than grocery store meals — UT Austin estimated an average of 3.7 more pounds of packaging material per meal. Because meal kits come in cardboard boxes and ship ingredients in small packages (for example, if you need a tablespoon of pine nuts for your recipe, they'll likely come pre-portioned a small plastic sleeve), there's much more plastic waste produced. One study found that "disposable packaging can represent over 50% of per-meal energy use for meal-kits."
Some of these items can be repurposed, such as the tiny glass jars that spices and condiments come in, which can be used for travel, crafting, or storing small objects. Others can be washed and recycled, depending on your local recycling guidelines. But most of the waste will end up in a landfill.
So, it's up to you whether you think the pros of lower carbon emissions outweigh the cons of more plastic waste.
Getting Started with a Meal Delivery Service
With so much variety, selecting a meal delivery service can turn into a stressful endeavor. Additionally, brands like Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, Home Chef, and Daily Harvest are options that might try to win you over, but they may not have as sustainable methods as some of the options listed above.
Although, the sheer number of meal kit options can also work to your advantage. These companies are competing for customers and often offer sign-up specials and discounts to get you started. When shopping for a subscription service, try multiple options, and take advantage of these deals. With many programs, you have the freedom to change or cancel your subscription, so you can try a few different options to find one that fits your taste and your budget. We also recommend that you compare your per-meal cost to what you might spend on dinners at the grocery store to maximize your savings.
If you give one of these meal kits a try, let us know what you think. We'll update this list regularly as we get feedback from readers and add additional sustainability notes as we dive deeper into new services.
Melena Gurganus is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.
- Concerned About Food Waste? Study Finds Meal Kits May Be ... ›
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- Freshly Meal Delivery Service Review: Better Meals, Less Waste - EcoWatch ›
- Home Chef Review: More Sustainable Meal Kits - EcoWatch ›
- Purple Carrot Eco-Friendly Plant-Based Meal Kit Review - EcoWatch ›
- 12 Creative Ways to Cut Down on Food Waste in Your Kitchen - EcoWatch ›
- 6 Best Vegetarian Meal Kits and Why You Should Try Them - EcoWatch ›
- Are Meal Kits Better or Worse for the Environment? - EcoWatch ›
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Can You Buy CBD Oil On Amazon?
If you head to Amazon to shop for CBD oil, you first must be aware of the fact that Amazon does not allow products containing CBD to be sold on their site. Therefore, when you type in "CBD oil" in the search bar, you will actually receive results for ambiguous "hemp oil" listings that are not only confusing but incredibly misleading. The products that will be featured are, in reality, hemp seed oil, which has no CBD content, unlike true hemp oils that are made from the parts of the plant that contain cannabinoids.
Why Doesn't Amazon Sell CBD Oil?
You cannot buy Amazon CBD oil because the platform prohibits certain products that could be construed as drug paraphernalia or contain controlled substances. It is Amazon's policy to only allow "drug products" to be sold that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As such, CBD products, which are not currently evaluated by the FDA, do not qualify. Additionally, Amazon's policy specifically notes that CBD products are not allowed to be sold on the website, and this includes full spectrum hemp oil, rich hemp oil, and other products that have been identified by LegitScript as containing CBD.
Ultimately, the reason Amazon does not offer CBD oil stems from the fact that hemp-derived products are difficult to regulate, and still lie within a legal gray area in some states. And while a search for CBD oil on Amazon might return several pages of results, the fact of the matter is that those products are being sold illegally on the platform (if they actually contain CBD), or the product description is misleading and does not contain any cannabinoids, and will therefore not elicit any of the potential benefits associated with CBD.
Hemp oil on Amazon also poses a danger to consumers, as counterfeit or low-quality CBD products sold on the site may not be manufactured in the best way possible, and could contain unwanted chemicals, toxins, or microbials. All of these concerns are addressed with third-party lab testing, which is not provided on Amazon product listings, yet it is a necessary process all CBD goods must undergo to ensure they are safe for consumption.
Where to Buy CBD Oil Online
It's obvious that Amazon shopping is convenient, and it's hard to deny the fast delivery that comes with a Prime subscription. However, it is much safer to buy high quality CBD hemp oil and other CBD products from reputable brands that operate within the hemp industry. Online shopping also allows you to find detailed reviews and medically-supported guides, like these.
Instead of shopping for CBD oil on Amazon and feeling unsure about what product you might be getting, check out these top CBD companies listed below and learn more about their product offerings.
Additionally, you don't have to compromise on quick delivery times since these CBD companies offer fast shipping just like Amazon. But unlike Amazon's hemp oil offerings, these products have all been thoroughly tested by third-party labs, and consumers can reference lab reports found on each company's website to know exactly what's in the CBD product you are getting. Plus, all of these products are highly recommended by customers and meet our standards for high-quality CBD products.
Recommended CBD Oil Brands
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.
NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil
NuLeaf Naturals CBD OilAs a long standing brand within the hemp industry, NuLeaf is well-known for its full spectrum hemp CBD oil, which contains a wide array of naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes. NuLeaf Naturals also sells CBD capsules for a quick and easy dosing method, as well as CBD pet oil for your furry friend.
Why buy: the company offers fast and free 2-3 day shipping for USA-based orders, and has a consistent product lineup. Each CBD oil contains the same potency (60 milligrams of CBD per milliliter), but comes in multiple bottle sizes.
CBDistillery Vegan Gummies
If you're looking for a tasty edible option, the CBD gummies from CBDistillery are a perfect choice. Made from non-GMO industrial hemp that is grown via natural farming practices, these gummies are gluten free, allergen free, vegan, and kosher. They feature a variety of flavors in every bottle and contain 30 milligrams of broad spectrum CBD per serving, making these edibles THC-free.
Why buy: CBDistillery offers a daytime and nighttime formula for its gummies, which can be purchased separately, or bundled together for a lower price. CBDistillery offers a variety of other products including CBD oils, topicals, softgels, and powders, and free shipping is available on orders over $75.
FAB CBD Oil
FAB CBDRecognized as a fan favorite, FAB CBD oil receives a 5 star rating and overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. This comes as no surprise given the variety of organic flavors the brand offers, including citrus, natural, berry, vanilla, and mint. No matter your palate preferences, there is sure to be a CBD oil flavor that you love.
Why buy: FAB CBD oil comes in four strengths: 300, 600, 1200, and 2400 milligrams of full spectrum CBD extract per bottle, which is derived from Colorado-grown hemp plants. FAB CBD also produces CBD gummies, dog treats, topicals and creams.
How to Choose the Right CBD Oil
Whenever you are looking for a CBD product, it's important to do your research. For every CBD brand and product we review, we look to make sure they meet our standards in six key categories:
- Value — How much does it cost?
- Strength — How much CBD does the oil contain per serving? Is it full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate?
- Source — Where does the company get their hemp? Is it grown in the USA?
- Flavor — Are the oils flavored, and do they use natural flavoring ingredients?
- Transparency — Can you easily access independent third-party lab results for the oil?
- Customer Experience — What do customers say about the product? Does it come with a money-back guarantee?
Why You Shouldn't Purchase Amazon CBD Oil
It's important to note that the CBD industry is still largely unregulated, and Amazon has a history of featuring mislabeled and counterfeit products, as well as goods that have been declared unsafe by the FDA and other federal agencies.
For a few of our CBD round-ups check out these guides on:
We can't stress enough the importance of buying CBD products that offer accurate, up-to-date lab test results, so you can see exactly what cannabinoids and other plant extracts you are buying. By doing some due diligence, you can avoid mislabeled and less-than-stellar CBD oil products from Amazon.