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Healinggeeks has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healinggeeks encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
- Best CBD oil with THC: Joy Organics Organic CBD Oil, Tropical Sunrise
- Best CBD oil without THC: R+R Medicinals Organic Broad-Spectrum THC-Free Hemp Extract Tincture
- Best organic CBD gummies: Holmes Organics Premium Grade CBD Gummies, Strawberry Lemonade
- Best natural flavoring CBD gummies: Unoia CBD-Infused Fruit Gummies
- Best broad-spectrum CBD capsules: Saha Self-Care Premium Nano CBD Softgels
- Best full-spectrum CBD capsules: Sunsoil CBD Oil Vegan Capsules
- Best CBD lotion: Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion Skin Formula
- Best CBD cream: Medterra Pain Relief Cream
Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of many active compounds found in the Cannabis plant. It’s nonintoxicating — unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — and it boasts many potential benefits.
Consequently, CBD products are quickly dominating retail shelves and are easy to find online. But as you can guess, not all of these products are created equal.
To help you wade your way through the crowded market, we rounded up the best products across a few major categories. Keep reading to see our picks of the best CBD products.
A better question is, what CBD products are not available?
You can find CBD in products like:
- Oils: Dosages can usually be placed directly under the tongue or dispensed into your preferred food or drink.
- Pills and capsules: The advantage of CBD pills and capsules is that you don’t have to measure your dose and can take them easily on the go.
- Gummies: Like pills and capsules, these are convenient and already measured, but gummies come in fun flavors.
- Topicals like lotions, creams, and salves: These products are best for applying CBD directly to the localized area you want to treat. For example, you can apply a CBD lotion to sore muscles or areas with arthritis pain.
- Skin care products, including beauty products, acne treatments, and bath bombs: There is some
research on CBD’s usefulness for skin concerns like acne. Plus, CBD bath bombs are a relaxing way to unwind with the calming benefits.
Research on CBD is ongoing but still in its early stages. So far, we know that it shows promise for the following:
- Pain and inflammation: Research from 2018 on cannabis and pain found that CBD may be effective for managing certain types of pain. A
2021 study notes that a placebo effect may also be at play. However, this study was small, with only 15 participants. - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): More research from 2018 notes that CBD may be useful in treating trauma and stress-related disorders.
- Epilepsy: Prescription Epidiolex is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain rare forms of epilepsy.
- Anxiety and sleep:
Research from 2019 on 72 adults found that after taking CBD capsules daily for 3 months, the majority of study participants experienced improvements in anxiety and sleep. Moreresearch from 2019 found that CBD could improve sleep quality, though the studies included in the review did have limitations, such as small sample sizes.
Overall, there’s still a lot we don’t know about CBD. More evidence is needed before we can say for sure that it works, and before we can determine which dosages are safe and effective.
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:
- is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made by a company that discloses the source of their hemp
- contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passes testing for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
We also considered:
- company certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to an
FDA warning letter - whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Pricing guide
- $ = under $35
- $$ = $35–$50
- $$$ = over $50
Best CBD oil with THC
Joy Organics Organic CBD Oil with THC, Tropical Sunrise
- Price: $$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 900 mg CBD per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
- Best for: people who have taken CBD before
This organic full-spectrum CBD oil is made with a blend of natural coconut and pineapple flavors.
Although reviews for this product appear to only be on the company’s website — rather than third-party review sites — users say this oil relaxes them and helps them achieve restful sleep.
The updated version of this CBD oil includes some THC, although you’ll have to search the batch numbers to see exactly how much THC is included in the product since the product description doesn’t offer that information right now.
The addition of THC along with the high dose of CBD per serving make this a product best for those with experience with CBD and know how it affects them.
Generally, Joy Organics is a transparent CBD brand, listing the entire process for growing and processing hemp on the company’s website.
The hemp is grown in the United States and is certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The company offers discounts for veterans, teachers, first responders, medical personnel, and people in low income households.
Pros
- addition of THC makes for a more relaxing experience
- product is vegan and USDA organic
- discounts available for qualifying customers
Cons
- not the best CBD product for beginners
- isn’t clear how much THC is included
Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
Best CBD oil without THC
R+R Medicinals Organic Broad-Spectrum THC-Free Hemp Extract Tincture
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
- Best for: people who want to avoid THC
This broad-spectrum tincture is USDA certified organic with a minty fresh taste.
R+R Medicinals products include THC-free, phytonutrient-rich hemp, which contains natural terpenes, flavonoids, and other antioxidants.
This brand also offers a veteran discount, a referral discount, and a loyalty program for future discounts.
Pros
- highly rated among users
- USDA organic
- gluten-free and vegan
- THC-free, but still contains terpenes, flavonoids, and other antioxidants
- comes with a 30-day guarantee
Cons
- some may not prefer the mint flavor
- broad-spectrum CBD doesn’t offer benefits from the entourage effect
Best organic CBD gummies
Holmes Organics Premium Grade CBD Gummies, Strawberry Lemonade
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 10 mg per gummy
- Count: 30 gummies per container
- COA: available online
- Best for: CBD beginners, vegans, fans of sweets
These strawberry lemonade gummies are a good choice for vegans and people who love bold flavor (they’re sweetened using organic cane sugar). They are USDA organic too, which isn’t always a guarantee when it comes to CBD gummies.
There are only a handful of reviews for this product on the company’s website right now, but reviewers rave about the product’s taste and effectiveness.
Holmes Organics is a Black-owned CBD company that offers discounts for first-time buyers when they sign up for the company newsletter.
Pros
- vegan and USDA organic
- low dose of CBD per gummy, which is good for beginners
- highly rated by reviewers
Cons
- broad-spectrum CBD doesn’t offer benefits from the entourage effect
- taste may be too bold for some
Use code “Healinggeeks” for 20% off.
Best natural flavoring CBD gummies
Unoia CBD-Infused Fruit Gummies
- Price: $
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 10 mg per gummy
- Count: 30 gummies per container
- COA: available online
- Best for: CBD beginners, vegans
These vegan gummies come in assorted fruit flavors: lemon, grape, and orange.
The company says they’re made using all-natural coloring and fruit flavoring, leaving out artificial sweeteners.
Right now, there’s only a handful of reviews for these gummies on the company’s product page. Comments point to fast shipping and great taste, and reviewers add they will be buying more.
Unoia is a Black, queer-owned CBD lifestyle and product company focused on mindfulness and self-care.
Pros
- low dose of CBD per gummy, which is good for beginners
- gluten-free
- no artificial sweeteners
- multiple flavors per pack
Cons
- gummies don’t seem to be organic
Best broad-spectrum CBD capsules
Saha Self-Care Premium Nano CBD Softgels
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 25 mg per softgel
- Count: 30 softgels per jar
- COA: available online
- Best for: people who have taken CBD before
These broad-spectrum softgel capsules offer 25 milligrams (mg) each, making it easy to dose for those already familiar with how CBD affects them.
These are also produced using what the brand describes as water-soluble nanoemulsion technology. Some research indicates that nano CBD is more bioavailable compared with non-nano CBD, which may mean that your body can absorb it better.
Saha Self-Care is a Black-owned wellness company that specializes in CBD products and offers a subscribe-and-save option.
Pros
- a higher dose of CBD, which can be good for experienced CBD users
- may be better absorbed than non-nano CBD
- comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- company offers free shipping
Cons
- pricey
Best full-spectrum CBD capsules
Sunsoil CBD Oil Vegan Capsules
- Price: $
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 20 mg per capsule
- Count: 30 capsules per jar
- COA: available online
- Best for: people who have taken CBD before
A nice choice for vegans (they’re gelatin-free), these full-spectrum capsules are also gluten-free and contain organic hemp and coconut oil.
They’re flavorless, but they’re also on the larger side. So they’re best for those who don’t have trouble swallowing larger pills.
If you sign up for the subscription program, you can save 20% and have your products delivered automatically.
Pros
- budget-friendly, compared with some other CBD brands
- vegan and gluten-free
- flavorless
Cons
- capsules may be too large for some people
Best CBD lotion
Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion Skin Formula
- Price: $$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 500 mg per 2-oz. jar
- COA: available online
- Best for: people who have taken CBD before
This CBD lotion contains organic, botanical ingredients like lemongrass, jojoba oil, beeswax, peppermint oil, and rosemary blended with full-spectrum CBD.
Cornbread Hemp products are made from hemp flower only, which means there aren’t stalks, stems, leaves, and seeds.
This lotion is said to absorb quickly without leaving an oily residue behind.
The company says this lotion contains up to 2 mg of THC, something to keep in mind for those who are new to CBD and THC.
Cornbread Hemp offers a 30-day guarantee. The company also has a rewards program for loyal shoppers and a discount program for military personnel, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, students, nonprofit employees, and others who qualify.
Pros
- USDA organic
- fast absorbing
- discounts available for qualifying customers
- comes with a 30-day guarantee
Cons
- contains THC, which may be a drawback for some people
Best CBD cream
Medterra Pain Relief Cream
- Price: $$
- CBD type: isolate
- CBD potency: 1,000 mg per 1.7-oz. bottle
- COA: available online
- Best for: sore muscles and joint pain
This CBD pain cream is an over-the-counter product intended to relieve aching backs, stiff necks, arthritis, and joint pain.
This cream is non-GMO and made in the United States.
It’s worth pointing out that the company’s products contain some organic ingredients, but they don’t use organic hemp.
Medterra offers value bundles and a loyalty program for consistent customers. It also offers assistance programs for U.S. military veterans, active military duty personnel, and those on long-term disability.
Pros
- soothing for sore joints and muscles
- includes menthol for cooling
- non-GMO
- discounts available for qualifying customers
Cons
- hemp isn’t organic
Product | Product type | CBD type | Price | Potency |
---|---|---|---|---|
Joy Organics Organic CBD Oil, Tropical Sunrise | oil | full-spectrum | $$ | 900 mg per 30-mL bottle |
R+R Medicinals Organic Broad-Spectrum THC-Free Hemp Extract Tincture | oil | broad-spectrum | $$ | 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle |
Holmes Organics Premium Grade CBD Gummies, Strawberry Lemonade | gummies | broad-spectrum | $$ | 10 mg per gummy |
Unoia CBD-Infused Fruit Gummies | gummies | broad-spectrum | $ | 10 mg per gummy |
Saha Self-Care Premium Nano CBD Softgels | capsules | broad-spectrum | $$$ | 25 mg per softgel |
Sunsoil CBD Oil Vegan Capsules | capsules | full-spectrum | $ | 20 mg per capsule |
Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion Skin Formula | lotion | full-spectrum | $$ | 500 mg per 2-oz. jar |
Medterra Pain Relief Cream | cream | isolate | $$ | 1,000 mg per 1.7-oz. bottle |
Although CBD products are readily available almost everywhere these days, it’s important to keep in mind that these products are not all created equal.
The FDA hasn’t approved any over-the-counter CBD products, so it’s very important to look carefully at what you’re buying and where you’re purchasing from before adding to the cart.
Start by shopping from reputable brands that are transparent about where they grow their hemp and how they make their products. This means combing through company websites, not purchasing through online marketplaces.
Also, stay away from Amazon. Amazon doesn’t allow the sales of CBD products through its site, so any products you find are likely fake.
It’s also a good idea to see if the CBD brand you’re considering has any pending lawsuits or has received FDA warning letters. This can help you determine whether the brand has a solid reputation.
Next, carefully look at the ingredients. Check for anything you may be allergic to. You can also see which products come with beneficial added ingredients.
Finally, it’s crucial to see the testing your product has undergone. The safest CBD products come with up-to-date, comprehensive COAs from a reputable third-party lab.
The COA will show you how much CBD and THC the product contains. Plus, it’ll also verify whether the product has been tested for contaminants, like mold, pesticides, and heavy metals.
As you can see from our list, CBD products come in many forms. Depending on the form, the dosing and other instructions will vary.
Topicals like balms, creams, and lotions come in varying strengths. These are generally intended to be applied as you would a moisturizer: Massage it gently into the area you’re treating, slowly adding more, as needed.
CBD oils and tinctures are relatively easy to use too, although they can be a bit messy to measure, especially if you’re on the go. They can be added to food or drinks. You can also place them under your tongue — many come with a dropper for measuring — and hold them there for up to 1 minute before swallowing.
CBD gummies, pills, and capsules, on the other hand, are easier to dose, store, and use while traveling. You take these as you would any non-CBD gummy or pill.
Finding the right dosage generally depends on factors like your body weight, the concentration of the CBD you’re taking, your experience with CBD, and the condition you’re treating.
If you’re just starting out with CBD, it’s a good idea to begin with the lowest possible dose and see how your body responds. From here, you can up the dosage if you feel it’s necessary.
The
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
It’s best to talk with a doctor before trying CBD, especially if you’re taking any medications. CBD may interact with some medications, including those with a grapefruit warning.
Topical CBD products are unlikely to cause any of the side effects mentioned above, but it’s important to check the ingredients first to make sure you’re not allergic to them.
Performing a patch test is a safe way to make sure you don’t have any allergic reactions before applying the product to larger parts of your skin.
Performing a patch test is simple. Just place a small amount of the topical product on the inside of your wrist. Wait 24 hours to see how your skin reacts. If you notice any signs of irritation, such as redness or itchiness, stop using the product.
Remember to keep topicals away from broken skin.
Where are the best places to buy CBD products?
It’s always best to purchase your CBD product straight from the brand you’re interested in.
This means to avoid purchasing from Amazon. Amazon doesn’t allow the sales of CBD products, so any CBD found there is likely fake.
What is the best CBD product for beginners?
CBD gummies are usually a good starting product for beginners.
You can find them in doses as low as 5 mg per gummy. This makes it easy to start slowly and then increase your dose as you get used to CBD and find your desired results.
Which type of CBD is the best?
This depends on your goals and preferences. If you want to avoid THC, try CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD. If you’re fine with ingesting a small amount of THC, you may want to opt for full-spectrum CBD, which offers additional benefits from the entourage effect.
How much CBD should you take?
Dosage depends on a number of things: body weight, CBD concentration, your experience using CBD, and how you plan to use CBD.
The rule of thumb for beginners is to start with the lowest possible dose, increasing the dosage (if needed) as you see how your body responds.
Is CBD safe for everyone?
Overall, CBD is thought to be safe.
CBD may interact with some medications, though. So, chat with a doctor before trying it.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction to any ingredients in the CBD product and to perform a patch test before testing CBD topicals.
Don’t use CBD if you’re pregnant or nursing.
CBD may cause side effects like fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite, or changes in weight.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
Full-spectrum CBD products have up to 0.3% THC, which could be enough to show up on a drug test.
While the THC has been removed from broad-spectrum and isolate products, it’s still possible for them to contain trace amounts.
If you undergo drug testing, you may want to avoid CBD products.
CBD is popular, and growing research around it is promising. It’s important to look carefully into the products you’re buying, though, as they’re not all made the same.
Our roundup of the best products includes companies that have positive brand reputations, transparency, and overall high safety standards, along with happy customers.
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 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent 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.
Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, OH. She holds a master’s degree in media and journalism and writes about health, lifestyle, and entertainment.
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