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Cannabidiol (CBD) products are becoming increasingly popular. As researchers understand more about the potential benefits, more manufacturers are infusing their products with CBD. However, it is important to ensure that people only use safe and high quality CBD products.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
CBD is a compound that comes from the cannabis plant. Unlike other chemicals in cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not cause a high or any type of dependence. Many people tolerate it well, but it can interact with other drugs.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information presented here is purely research-based.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best CBD oil for stress and post-workout inflammation: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil
- Price: $59.99
- Form: oil
- CBD type: full-spectrum CBD
- Strength: 17 mg of CBD per 1 milliliter (ml)
- COA: available online
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil is a formulation of full-spectrum hemp extract. As it is full-spectrum, it means that it contains all the other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including up to 0.3% THC, terpenes, and oils.
Learn more about CBD oil here.
The company claims that its CBD oil helps maintain calm, focus, healthy sleep, and recovery from exercise-induced inflammation.
The oil is available in 30 ml or 100 ml bottles.
The CBD oil comes in four flavors:
- lemon twist
- mint chocolate
- orange blossom
- olive oil
Use code “HEALTH20” for 20% off.
Best CBD softgels: Joy Organics CBD Softgels
- Price: $69.95
- Form: softgels
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Strength: 10 mg or 25 mg per softgel
- COA: available online
These softgels contain 10 mg or 25 mg of CBD per serving, with 30 softgels in each bottle.
Learn more about CBD softgels here.
Joy Organics states that these softgels have a faster absorption rate due to the nanoemulsion technology in the product.
The capsules contain bovine gelatin, so they are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Moreover, according to Joy Organics’ website, the CBD softgels come with these features:
- third-party tested
- not tested on animals
- broad-spectrum formulation
- 18-month shelf life
Shipping is also free on orders over $50.
Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
Best CBD salve: CBDistillery CBDol Topical Salve
- Price: $60
- Form: salve
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Strength: 500 mg of CBD per jar
- COA: available online
This product combines 500 mg of full-spectrum CBD, essential oils, and botanical extracts.
Learn about CBD topicals here.
The manufacturers of this hemp-derived CBD salve suggest that it may benefit localized muscle pain. The company recommends that individuals apply a liberal amount to the area they wish to treat.
According to its website, CBDistillery sources its products from natural, non-GMO farming practices.
The product is third-party tested.
Best CBD lotion for sleep: Social CBD Rest CBD Body Lotion
- Price: $18.99
- Form: lotion
- CBD type: THC-free
- Strength: 300 mg of CBD per bottle
- COA: available online
This body lotion contains 300 mg of CBD and essential oils, such as chamomile and bergamot, to offer a calming sensation.
The manufacturer claims the lotion is non-greasy, non-sticky, and fast-absorbing.
Learn about other CBD lotions here.
The CBD body lotion also contains:
Social CBD states that individuals can use this lotion as often as needed on external areas.
Learn more about Social CBD here.
Individuals can receive 30% off their purchase by using code HEALTH30
Best CBD gumdrops: Lord Jones Old Fashioned Hemp-Derived Gumdrops
- Price: $35
- Form: gumdrops
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Strength: 20 mg of CBD per gumdrop
- COA: available online
Each pack contains nine gumdrops, each containing 20 mg of broad-spectrum CBD. There are two flavors: strawberry and lemon.
Learn about hemp CDB vs. cannabis CBD here.
The gumdrops claim to help promote calmness and relaxation.
Some key ingredients include cane sugar, citric acid, gelatin, and glycerin.
The company states that individuals can take up to three gumdrops per day and should not exceed a 60 mg dose.
Best full-spectrum lotion: Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion For Skin
- Price: $49.99
- Form: lotion
- CBD type:
- Strength: 500 mg of CBD per jar
- COA: available online
This jar contains 500 mg of CBD and 20 mg of THC. The company states that it contains approximately 60 servings of 8 mg of CBD.
Cornbread Hemp states that it only uses the flower of the hemp plant, which it claims ensures a higher standard of quality of CBD.
Additional ingredients include organic essential oils and vitamin E.
Best pain relief cream: Medterra Pain Relief Cream
- Price: from $39.99
- Form: cream
- CBD type: THC-free
- Strength: 500 mg or 1,000 mg of CBD per bottle
- COA: available online
People can choose to purchase a bottle containing 500 mg or 1,000 mg of CBD. Each ml of lotion contains either 10 mg or 20 mg of CBD.
This product may be beneficial for people who experience pain. Ingredients include menthol and arnica which, the company states, may be good for providing fast relief for neck, back, and arthritis pain.
Best gluten-free CBD capsules: Sunsoil Vegan Capsules
- Price: $30
- Form: capsules
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Strength: 20 mg of CBD per capsule
- COA: available online
Sunsoil stocks these vegan capsules that contain organic hemp and organic coconut oil. They are gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
One capsule has 20 mg of CBD, and individuals may take them before eating. However, the capsules may not suit those with swallowing difficulties, as they are large in size.
It may be best to consult a medical professional before starting CBD treatment, as this product may not be safe for persons who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Best vegan CBD gummies: Aspen Green Bliss Organic Gummies
- Price: $74.99
- Form: gummies
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Strength: 50 mg of CBD per gummy
- COA: available online
Aspen Green’s full-spectrum gummies are physician-formulated and contain CBD, THC, organic lucuma, and organic food coloring, among others.
The jar has 30 gummies and each gummy contains 50 mg of CBD.
The company claims that it creates products in a facility where it also handles dairy products and tree nuts. This means that the gummies may not be suitable for individuals with a nut or dairy allergy.
People can benefit from a 60-day return policy if they are not satisfied with their purchase.
Also, the product contains traces of THC so those undergoing drug testing may receive a positive result.
The table below provides a comparison of the CBD products in this article:
It is important to choose CBD products based on good safety, quality, and transparency indicators.
For example, each product in this article:
- is from a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory
- is made with hemp grown in the United States
- contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passes for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
People can look for these qualities when shopping for their own CBD products. It is also important to consider:
- company certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- whether or not the manufacturer has received an FDA warning letter
- whether or not the manufacturer makes any unsupported health claims
There is growing evidence to suggest that CBD may be useful for the following.
Pain relief
Some people use CBD to help manage different types of chronic pain. A recent study states that CBD may have analgesic effects and intramuscular injections may help relieve orofacial pain in people with temporomandibular joint disorder.
A 2020 study suggests that topical CBD may provide pain relief for those with peripheral neuropathy. The researchers found that CBD can significantly reduce intense pain, sharp pain, itchy sensations, and cold.
Learn more about CBD for pain relief here.
Anxiety relief
A 2020 study suggests that CBD could be a potential treatment option for multiple anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A 2020 study also suggests that CBD may possess anxiolytic benefits, which may be useful for mental health conditions, such as anxiety.
Learn more about CBD for anxiety here.
Cancer-related side effects
CBD may help reduce cancer-related side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. A 2022 study suggests CBD and other cannabinoid treatments may relieve cancer pain and side effects of chemotherapy.
Learn more about CBD for cancer here.
Epilepsy
In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, which is a purified form of CBD to treat two rare forms of epilepsy in children: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
Researchers are now beginning to understand how CBD may help manage seizures.
Learn more about CBD for seizures here.
Neurodegenerative conditions
One 2017 systematic review found that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may have application for managing certain neurodegenerative conditions, including:
However, the review concludes that further research is necessary as the quality of evidence is not yet substantial to confirm the benefits of CBD for neurodegenerative conditions.
Acne
CBD has also shown promise in treating acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to reduce sebum production.
CBD is generally safe, and many people tolerate it well. However, anyone who is looking to use CBD should first consult a healthcare professional, as it is possible for CBD to interact with some prescription medications or supplements.
Some common side effects of CBD, which may be dose-dependent, may include:
- drowsiness
- diarrhea
- irritability
- agitation
High amounts of CBD may cause liver injury. Some animal studies have also shown that CBD may affect fertility. However, more research on humans is necessary to understand the potential risk.
How a person uses CBD depends on the type of product they purchase. People using CBD oil can place drops under their tongue, swallow it, or vape it. Always follow the instructions on the product label.
People can massage topical products, such as skin creams and lotions, into their skin. There may be information on the label about how much to use and how often. People can take gummies or supplements orally.
Always speak with a doctor before trying a new supplement or natural remedy, as they are not suitable for everyone.
CBD does not cause a high, so it does not cause significant changes to a person’s behavior or sense of risk in the same way recreational drugs can.
However, if a person taking CBD experiences drowsiness, they may need to avoid certain activities until this side effect wears off. For example, they may need to avoid operating machinery or driving.
This effect may be more pronounced if someone uses CBD and other depressants, such as alcohol, together. CBD can also interact with medications. In general, it is best to avoid taking CBD with other substances unless approved by a doctor.
The following are common questions and answers about CBD products.
What types of CBD products are available?
There are various ways of administering CBD. Depending on the goal, the condition a person wishes to treat, and the necessary dosage, people can choose which delivery method suits them best.
Some common forms of CBD products include:
- Oils and tinctures: People can administer these directly into their mouth or choose to add them to a food item or beverage.
- Gummies: CBD gummies can provide a convenient and discreet way of taking CBD.
- Capsules: Capsules are another convenient form of CBD. They usually come in the form of pills or soft gels infused with CBD.
- Topicals: People typically use topical CBD products for localized pain and skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
What do CBD product labels mean?
CBD product labels may mention the following:
- Full-spectrum CBD: These products contain all compounds of the cannabis plant, including THC, which is the psychoactive associated with the high of cannabis.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: These products contain all compounds apart from THC.
- CBD isolate: These products contain isolated CBD with no other compounds.
Learn about the differences between full-spectrum CBD and isolate here.
Where should a person buy CBD?
Since the CBD industry is currently unregulated, unethical CBD manufacturers may be dishonest about the cannabinoid content in their products. This is where third-party testing comes in. It is important because:
- the FDA does not regulate CBD products
- it verifies the quality of CBD products
- it provides a neutral, unbiased source of information
People looking for CBD products should only purchase from brands that use third-party testing.
What are the best CBD products for beginners?
People should start using CBD products at the lowest possible dose and gradually increase them until they reach their desired effects.
Gummies may be a better option for beginners as they can easily track how much CBD a person ingests.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
Drug tests screen for THC. While CBD can only contain up to 0.3% THC, drug tests may return a positive result.
Can I travel with CBD products?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), people can travel with marijuana, cannabis-infused products, and CBD oils that contain less than 0.3% of THC. They can store these products in carry-on and checked bags.
People should still check the legal status of CBD use in their state or the destination they travel to, as it is not legal in every state.
Are CBD products addictive?
Addiction occurs when a person uses substances or engages in behaviors even though these may seem to be harmful.
Research indicates that CBD does not have psychoactive properties, so it should not make people feel high. A 2019 study suggests that CBD has anti-inflammatory, anti-psychotic, and anti-depressant characteristics, and it may help reduce the effects people with drug use addiction may experience.
Many CBD or CBD-infused products are currently available for people to try. CBD may have several potential benefits, such as relieving pain and anxiety.
With so many products available, it is important for people to choose safe, high quality products. Therefore, it is essential to select products that have undergone third-party testing.
Talking with a medical professional before using any CBD product is also advisable.
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