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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.
Cannabidiol (CBD) may be beneficial in treating pain and inflammation. CBD is a compound from the cannabis plant and comes in both topical and edible forms.
Cannabis is a plant that people have used since at least 4000 B.C. There are a few different kinds of cannabis, including Cannabis sativa.
Although research on CBD is still in its early stages, people are increasingly using it as an alternative treatment for various health conditions, including inflammation.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for broad-spectrum gummies:
CBDfx Original Mixed Berry Gummies
- Price: from $54.99
- CBD type: broad-spectrum CBD
- Potency: 1,500-3,000 milligrams (mg) of CBD
- COA: available online
These gummies contain 50 mg of broad-spectrum CBD per serving. They are solvent-free, meaning that the manufacturers extract the CBD without using chemicals such as propane and butane.
This product is also cruelty-free, vegan, and made in the United States.
The company recommends taking 2 gummies per day. However, if a person is new to using CBD, CBDfx recommends they start with 1 gummy per day and increase if necessary.
Best for a high-potency tincture:
Lazarus Naturals High Potency Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
- Price: $40
- CBD type: full-spectrum CBD
- Potency: 1,500 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
This high-potency oral oil contains full-spectrum CBD. It comes in various bottle sizes and contains 50 mg of CBD per milliliter (ml) of oil.
It also contains grapefruit and coconut. If a person has an allergy to one of these foods or if a doctor has stated that a person cannot eat the food, it is important for the person to check with a doctor before using this product.
This product is vegan and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The company sources all ingredients from the U.S.
Full-spectrum products contain few traces of THC that may make people fail a drug test. A recent study notes that urine drug tests test for cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, and opiates, among other substances.
Lazarus Naturals recommends that people take 1 ml (50 mg) as needed or as a healthcare professional directs.
People may find that this product takes up to 2 hours to affect them after they have taken it. Some people may need to take less or more than the recommended amount.
Best for flavored gummies:
PlusCBD CBD Gummies 10 mg Cherry Mango
- Price: $32.99
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Potency: 300 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
These gummies contain 10 mg of full-spectrum CBD. The CBD comes from agricultural hemp farms grow using only sunlight and water.
The company claims that this means the gummies contain not only CBD but also some other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and fatty acids that may boost the fatty acids in the brain to promote health.
This product is also gluten- and GMO-free and uses EU-certified hemp seeds.
The company recommends taking 1 gummy in the morning and 1 gummy in the evening. However, people may find that taking more or fewer of the gummies at different times of the day works better for them.
The gummies are available in packs of 10 or 30 and in two flavors: Cherry Mango and Citrus Punch.
Best for a spray:
Vertly Cooling Recovery Spray
- Price: $45
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Potency: no information available
- COA: available online
This spray contains comfrey leaves and roots, peppermint menthol, aloe vera, and full-spectrum CBD.
The manufacturers state that the comfrey leaves and roots help reduce inflammation, while the rest of the ingredients help reduce pain.
The company sources all the ingredients from farms in the U.S. This product is vegan, paraben, petroleum, phthalate, and gluten-free.
The manufacturers recommend shaking the bottle well before spraying and using 2–4 pumps on the affected area of the skin. There is no need to rub this product into the skin.
Best for massages:
Lazarus Naturals CBD Massage Oil
- Price: from $12
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Potency: 500-4,000 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
This product contains 50 mg of full-spectrum CBD per tablespoon, and its ingredients include jojoba oil, almond oil, and coconut oil. It is not suitable for people with a coconut allergy and may not suit those who cannot consume grapefruit.
This product promotes comfort and relaxation and has undergone third-party testing for effectiveness and safety.
The company recommends applying this product as needed over any areas of inflammation. It is suitable for only topical use, so people should not ingest it.
Best for a full-spectrum oil:
Bluebird Botanicals Classic CBD Oil (10 mg)
- Price: $54.95
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Potency: 1,200 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
This full-spectrum oil contains only two ingredients: organic hemp extract and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) coconut oil. The company claims that the oil contains more than 100 cannabinoids and may help ease inflammation after exercise.
Bluebird Botanicals recommends taking 1 oral serving up to four times per day. Each serving of 15 drops, or approximately 0.5 ml, contains 10 mg of CBD.
The product contains up to 0.3% of THC, which may cause a positive result for persons undergoing a drug test.
People with a coconut allergy should avoid this product.
Best for softgels:
R+R Medicinals THC-Free Softgels
Each of these soft gels contains 30 mg of broad-spectrum CBD. They are flavor-free and use organic ingredients, including hemp extract and MCT from coconut. However, these soft gels are unsuitable for people with coconut allergies.
The company recommends taking 1–2 soft gels per day with food. R+R states that this product may aid relaxation and comfort.
Each batch of this product is third-party tested, and the company uses an FDA-registered facility.
Best for a broad-spectrum oil:
3Chi Natural CBD Oil
- Price: $49.99
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Potency: 500–5,000 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
This broad-spectrum tincture contains organic hemp extract and MCT oil. The company states that this product does not contain a measurable amount of THC.
Each bottle of oil comes with a metered dropper so people can easily control how much they ingest. People can choose from potencies ranging from 500 to 5,000 mg of CBD per bottle.
The company does not provide dosage recommendations, stating that people should use the oil as necessary. 3Chi recommends that people store the oil in a refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
Best for a GMO-free oil: Medterra Ultra Broad Spectrum Oil
- Price: from $64.99
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Potency: 1,000-2,000 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
Medterra offers this broad-spectrum CBD oil that contains hemp extract, natural terpenes, and organic MCT oil.
It is available in 1,000 and 2,000 mg strengths. It also comes in citrus and strawberry mint flavors, but people can choose the unflavored option.
According to the company, the product is GMO and THC-free and has undergone third-party testing. It claims that the extraction method removes THC so it should not cause psychoactive effects.
People can use the product multiple times per day to experience its effectiveness.
Best for a roll-on: Level Select CBD roll-on
- Price: from $29.99
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Potency: 900-1,800 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
This roll-on contains broad-spectrum CBD, menthol, and a cooling mint scent. It is free of THC.
It is a hands-free massaging roller that suits people who have a busy schedule and are always on the go. It does not leave a messy residue.
It also absorbs fast into the skin.
In addition, the product is non-GMO and cruelty-free. It may be a good purchase for those looking for a product that has not been tested on animals.
It is available in three strengths, and people can opt for an auto-shipping subscription.
The following table compares the products in this article on form, type, potency, and more.
People may wish to consider the following before purchasing:
- Type of CBD: CBD products come in three types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% THC, whereas broad-spectrum and CBD isolate contain up to trace amounts of this compound.
- Type of product: Some people may prefer to use topical products rather than edibles. On the other hand, edible CBD products may be more convenient to take discreetly and quickly.
- Company reputation: People may wish to ensure that the company they purchase from has not been subject to lawsuits or a warning letter from the FDA.
- Product safety: People should always ensure that the product they purchase has undergone third-party testing and has a valid and current COA.
- Medical advice: People should contact a medical professional to ensure that any CBD products will not interact with any medications they are taking.
Cannabis sativa contains more than 400 different chemical compounds. Two of the best-known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD.
THC is the cannabinoid that leads to the “high” feeling many people associate with cannabis. CBD does not provide these same effects. Research suggests that CBD can ease inflammation, among other potential benefits.
Learn more about CBD and THC here.
Research suggests that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis, as it affects certain cell viability. It may also have a synergetic effect on rheumatoid arthritis medication.
A 2020 review suggests CBD’s properties can provide anti-oxidative effects because of CBD’s specific molecular structure. Therefore, it may have anti-inflammatory benefits for conditions that can result from oxidative stress.
Most studies have not reviewed the long-term effects of CBD, and researchers need to conduct more studies with human participants. However, experts believe the research results may have therapeutic implications.
One 2020 study found that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help with the following conditions:
CBD comes in many forms. Some people may find that edible CBD products, such as gummies and oral oils, work better for them. Others may find topical CBD, such as creams and massage oils, easier to use.
People can try different forms and concentrations to understand what works best.
People may wish to consider the following before purchasing CBD products for inflammation.
A 2020 review suggests that most people can tolerate CBD. However, this depends on the concentration of CBD in a product.
Possible risks and side effects of CBD use include:
- an increase in the risk of liver damage if a person uses CBD alongside other medications, such as valproate
- drowsiness and sleepiness
- diarrhea and a decrease in appetite
- mood changes and irritability
- allergic reactions in some cases
If a person uses CBD alongside other medications, it may affect how those medications work. For instance, a 2019 study found that CBD reduced the effectiveness of steroids in treating inflammation.
People should discuss CBD with a medical professional, especially if they take medications.
Inflammation is part of the immune system’s response to an irritant. The response releases many hormones, which increase the size of small blood vessels in the affected tissue. As a result of this increase, the tissue becomes swollen, red, and irritated.
The cause may be external or internal and can be due to a range of factors, such as:
- germs
- medical conditions
- chemicals
- injuries
Here we answer some common questions about CBD products.
Which CBD type is good for inflammation?
A 2018 review suggests that a full-spectrum CBD product may be more effective than other types in treating inflammation.
However, if a person does not want to use a product that contains THC, they may prefer to purchase broad-spectrum or CBD isolate products.
Does CBD work for inflammation?
More research is necessary on whether CBD has a long-term effect on inflammation.
However, current research suggests that this compound may have therapeutic effects.
Are CBD gummies good for inflammation?
There is no evidence yet that states which type of CBD product is best to treat inflammation.
People should choose a product form that best suits their needs. For example, people who find it difficult to chew or swallow may prefer topical oils or sprays.
How much CBD do I need for inflammation?
People should always follow the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations. It is generally a good idea to start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase as necessary.
Does CBD reduce inflammation?
Research suggests that CBD can reduce the symptoms of inflammation.
However, not enough studies have investigated CBD’s long-term effects on this condition yet.
How quickly does CBD lower inflammation?
CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and starts working within 45 minutes.
CBD is a compound from the cannabis plant that may have various health benefits, including fighting inflammation.
Researchers have not yet carried out many long-term studies on how CBD affects human inflammation. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the results may be promising.
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