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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
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The best CBD oils are organic, third-party tested, and available in a range of strengths and flavors. Here, we list the best CBD oils our medical experts vetted and provide hands-on reviews from editors.

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.

Medical News Today’s methodology

Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:

  • Ingredients: MNT selects products containing safe, high quality, and clearly labeled ingredients. Products should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold. A product must contain no more than 0.3% THC according to the certificate of analysis (COA).
  • Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage.
  • Third-party labs: MNT selects products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
  • Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s COA after receiving its third-party lab results.
  • Customer reviews: MNT looks at customer reviews, firsthand experiences with customer service, and overall feedback, as well as reliability, trust, and transparency in a company’s business practices.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

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Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.

The following table compares the CBD oils in this article:

PriceCBD contentCBD typeCOABest oil for
Joy Organics$89.951,350 mgbroad-spectrumavailable onlinebroad-spectrum CBD
Charlotte’s Web$119.996,000 mgfull-spectrumavailable onlinefull-spectrum CBD
CBDistillery$651,000 mgisolateavailable onlineisolate CBD
Lazarus Naturals$31.991,000 mgfull-spectrumavailable onlinedosing accuracy
Aspen Green$84.991,000 mgfull-spectrumavailable onlinesubscription option
Cornbread$49.99750 mgfull-spectrumavailable onlinerelaxation
FOCL$691,000 mgfull-spectrumavailable onlinemedium-strength doses
Level Select$1305,000 mgbroad spectrumavailable onlinemore potent doses
Soul CBD$621,000 mgCBD isolateavailable onlineunique flavors

In this section, we list some key factors to consider that can help a person choose the best CBD oil for their needs.

Transparent third-party testing

Medical News Today only features products that undergo third-party testing. Companies must also provide easy access to the results of these tests.

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products before they go on sale, third-party tests show exactly what a product contains.

This is a necessary safety measure to consider when buying CBD products, as some companies mislabel their products or exclude ingredients from labeling. They may also make extreme or unfounded health claims about their products.

People should avoid products that promise to cure any illness and know that CBD will affect people differently.

U.S.-sourced CBD

Although the FDA does not regulate CBD products, it is illegal for people to use Cannabis sativa plants containing more than 0.3% THC in the United States, according to the 2018 Farm Bill.

To make sure they are buying products that adhere to this law, people can prioritize buying products that use U.S.-grown hemp.

Many companies grow organic hemp in the United States. These crops must comply with several agricultural regulations alongside the cap on THC content.

If a product holds USDA organic certification, it means the crop is grown to federal guidelines that concern:

  • soil quality
  • pest and weed control
  • additive use

Companies offering USDA organic hemp must have grown the crop in soil that has not had prohibited substances applied to it for three years. These substances include synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

As such, organic hemp may be less likely to expose people to chemicals and pesticides from the growing process.

In addition, it is important to check the local regulations regarding CBD. Different U.S. states, for example, have different legislation about CBD.

Allergens and medication interactions

It may be a good idea to consult a doctor before taking CBD, especially for people who take medication or have allergies. For example, CBD oils often contain coconut MCT oil, making it unsuitable for people with a tree nut allergy.

People taking medication or supplements with a warning about interactions with grapefruit should speak to a doctor before trying CBD, as there may be interactions at higher doses. One example would be cholesterol drugs, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor).

Speaking with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD or other cannabis products is always advisable. This is especially true for people who take medications or supplements regularly. A doctor can review their medications for potential interactions to decrease the risk of adverse events.

Research stipulates that CBD may interact with the following drugs and substances:

  • anti-epileptic drugs
  • antidepressants
  • opioid analgesics
  • acetaminophen
  • alcoholic substances

Cost effectiveness

CBD oils can be expensive. A person can consider how often they will need to replenish their supply to make sure they are getting the most cost effective option for their budget.

Learn more about how to shop for CBD.

CBD resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.

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Below are some advantages and disadvantages of CBD oil:

Pros

  • A 2020 study found that CBD oil can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • CBD oil is easy to take.
  • Companies make CBD oil in a range of flavors.
  • People can choose from various strengths, including those suitable for beginners and potent doses.
  • People can measure and control doses with metered CBD oil droppers.

Cons

  • CBD oil often costs around $100.
  • Products may not always have a pleasant taste or smell.
  • There may be side effects.
  • Products may not be available in all U.S. states.
  • Some CBD products can produce positive drug test results.
  • Over-the-counter CBD products are not FDA-approved or regulated before sale.
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CBD oil may have various health benefits. However, research is still ongoing, and most analysis into CBD concludes that further investigation or larger-scale studies are necessary.

Some potential benefits of CBD oil include:

  • Reducing pain and inflammation: A small 2020 study found that CBD oil reduced pain in individuals with peripheral neuropathy. Other 2020 research stated that CBD has reduced pain and inflammation in animal studies and some clinical studies, but its effectiveness may depend on the CBD dose and spectrum. The authors also note that there are very few studies looking into the effects of long-term CBD use.
  • Helping depression and anxiety symptoms: Research from 2020 stipulates that trials show CBD may have promising results in individuals with anxiety, depression, and psychosis. However, the researchers say that further larger-scale studies need to take place to confirm these results.
  • Sleep benefits: A 2019 review states that many studies into CBD showed positive effects on sleep. However, the researchers say these studies have limitations, including small sample sizes and sleep being the secondary rather than the study’s primary outcome.

Find out more about the benefits of CBD oil.

Below, we answer the most common questions about CBD oils.

The difference between CBD oils and CBD tinctures lies in the manufacturing process.

For CBD oil, manufacturers infuse carrier oil with CBD to create the product. For a CBD tincture, manufacturers soak cannabis in alcohol and glycerin.

People may find that full-spectrum CBD oil provides the most noticeable effects. However, full-spectrum oils may not suit everyone because they contain THC.

Whether people choose full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD oil, they should start with small doses and work up to get their desired effect.

Doctors are unlikely to recommend CBD oil to their patients until research has confirmed it is safe and appropriate for health concerns such as anxiety, pain, or sleep problems.

There is only one FDA-approved CBD product. It is called Epidiolex, and it is for rare and severe types of epilepsy.

A wide variety of high quality CBD oils are on the market. These products may benefit people looking to reduce stress, improve sleep, and ease pain and inflammation.

The FDA does not regulate consumer CBD products, so people need to research the product that best suits their needs and ensure it has undergone third-party testing.