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CBD oil contains cannabidiol (CBD), a therapeutic compound derived from the cannabis plant. Many companies manufacture CBD oils, and choosing the right product can be challenging.
This article describes CBD oil in detail, including how to use it and its advantages and disadvantages. We also explore alternatives and answer some frequently asked questions.
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.
A quick look at the best CBD oils of 2023
- Best broad spectrum: Joy Organics Tranquil Mint CBD Oil Tincture
- Best full spectrum: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil
- Best vegan: Spruce Lab Grade CBD Oil
- Best kosher: Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD RSO
- Best for strength range: Green Roads CBD Oil
- Best organic: Absolute Nature CBD Oil Drops
- Best GMP-compliant: Zatural Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Best pesticide-free: FAB CBD Oil
- Best CBD isolate oil: Kanibi Isolate CBD Oil
- Best for relaxation: Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil
- Best fast-acting: Ojai Energetics Full Spectrum Hemp Elixir
- Best unflavored: Lord Jones Royal Oil
- Best high potency: FOCL Premium CBD Drops
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
CBD oil consists of CBD extract from the cannabis plant and carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil. CBD is one of many compounds in the cannabis or industrial hemp plant.
Another well-known compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is responsible for the “high” from the strong psychoactive properties of cannabis.
CBD, on the other hand, is non-impairing. This means that it does not cause a high, euphoria, or impairment that people associate with cannabis use. It has other properties that have contributed to its rise in popularity as an alternative remedy. These include pain-relieving properties and anti-inflammatory, antianxiety, and antipsychotic effects.
Types of CBD
There are three different forms of CBD.
- CBD isolate: This is a pure form of CBD. In a CBD isolate oil, the only active ingredient is CBD.
- Full-spectrum CBD: This contains all the phytochemicals in the cannabis plant, including various other cannabinoids, terpenes, and oils. It also contains trace amounts of THC, the compound that produces a high.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: This contains all the phytochemicals in the cannabis plant. Depending on the product, it may contain trace amounts of THC or none at all.
However, a person should note that the CBD industry has not clearly defined these terms. Companies may use them interchangeably to an extent.
In the United States, the products must contain less than 0.3% THC to comply with legislation. Still, a broad-spectrum CBD product, for example, may contain enough THC to lead to a failed drug test.
CBD oils are also available in various strengths and flavors.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe, high quality, and clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage.
- Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses 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 certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving of its third-party lab results.
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 broad spectrum: Joy Organics Tranquil Mint CBD Oil Tincture
- Price: $69.95
- CBD content: 1,350 mg
- CBD type: broad spectrum
- Pro: cruelty-free and offers carbon-neutral shipping
- Con: not suitable for people who want a product with THC
This product contains hemp extract, extra-virgin olive oil, and peppermint essential oil, all of which are organic.
It comes in a 1-ounce bottle with 1,350 mg of CBD, equating to 45 mg per serving. This product contains 0.0% of THC.
Joy Organics sells this product in three other flavors:
- summer lemon
- orange bliss
- unflavored
Learn more about Joy Organics here.
Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
Best full spectrum: Charlotte’s Web CBD oil
- Price: $119.99
- CBD content: 6,000 mg
- CBD type: full spectrum
- Pro: USA-grown and certified organic
- Con: more pricey than some other CBD options
Charlotte’s Web CBD oil is a full-spectrum product that contains phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids.
The oil contains 60 milligrams (mg) of CBD per milliliter (ml) of oil.
There are three flavors: mint chocolate, orange blossom, and lemon twist.
Learn about the best flavored CBD oils here.
The company states that it designed its oils to help people maintain calm and focus and have sufficient quality sleep. It also says that its oils aid recovery from exercise-induced inflammation.
Learn more about Charlotte’s Web here.
Use code “HEALTH20” for 20% off.
Best vegan: Spruce Lab Grade CBD Oil
- Price: $89
- CBD content: 750 mg
- CBD type: full spectrum
- Pro: USA-grown and has organic ingredients
- Con: does not have any flavor options
Spruce Lab Grade CBD oil is available in 750 mg in a 30-ml bottle. This is a full-spectrum CBD product.
It has a peppermint flavor, and each full dropper contains 25 mg of CBD. The dropper is graduated to help ensure accurate servings.
This product is organic and suitable for vegans. It is also free from:
- preservatives
- sweeteners
- gluten
Best kosher: Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD RSO
- Price: from$32
- CBD content: 1,000 mg
- CBD type: full spectrum
- Pro: two sizes available with easy-to-use applicators
- Con: not suitable for those with a coconut allergy
This product contains full-spectrum CBD. RSO is an abbreviation for Rick Simpson Oil.
The formula contains organic coconut medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and organic sunflower lecithin. It also has kosher certification.
The company suggests that a person consult their doctor before using this product if they have received medical advice against eating grapefruit.
This product is certified kosher.
Lazarus Naturals CBD RSO tincture comes in 10-ml or 50-ml containers. Both containers have applicators.
Learn more about Lazarus Naturals here.
Best strength range: Green Roads CBD Oil
- Price: from $69.99
- CBD content: 1,500 mg
- CBD type: full spectrum
- Pro: comes in a variety of flavors
- Con: not suitable for those with a coconut allergy
This Green Roads CBD oil comes in a 30-ml bottle with three strengths of CBD available. It is available as a full- or broad-spectrum product.
The company states that the oil has a naturally sweet flavor. The broad-spectrum oil is also available in apple kiwi bliss and mint breeze flavors.
The product is gluten-free and vegan. Green Roads supplies a measuring tool to ensure accurate servings.
Learn more about Green Roads CBD here.
Use code “MNT20” for 20% off your order
Best organic: Absolute Nature CBD Oil Drops
- Price: $99.99
- CBD content: 1,000 mg
- CBD type: full spectrum
- Pro: this product is certified organic
- Con: more expensive than some other options
This full-spectrum oil from Absolute Nature has organic certification from the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Learn about organic skin care here.
A 30-ml bottle contains 1,000 mg of CBD, equating to 33 mg of CBD per 1-ml serving.
The product is vegan and free from gluten and pesticides.
The company says this organic formula has only two ingredients: whole-plant, full-spectrum CBD extract, and fractionated coconut oil to improve absorption.
Best GMP-compliant oil: Zatural Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Price: from $27.50
- CBD content: 300 mg
- CBD type: full spectrum
- Pro: one of the most affordable options available
- Con: does not offer as many flavors as other products
Zatural’s full-spectrum CBD oil is available in both natural and peppermint flavors. The company claims that this product is GMP compliant, made in the United States, and is free from genetically modified organisms (GMO)s.
There are several different fluid-ounce sizes and concentrations to choose from. The lab results for each size are readily available on the company website.
This product contains less than 0.3% of THC.
Learn more about Zaturals here.
Use code “HEALTH20” for 20% off.
Best pesticide-free oil: FAB CBD Oil
- Price: from $39
- CBD content: 1,200 mg
- CBD type: full spectrum
- Pro: available in multiple flavors and strengths
- Con: the company does not offer free shipping on orders under $99
FAB CBD notes that it uses organic hemp from Colorado. The oil comes in several flavors, including:
- natural
- citrus
- mint
- vanilla
- berry
It is also available in several strengths, including 300 mg, 600 mg, and 2,400 mg. The brand claims the product is free of pesticides.
Best CBD isolate oil: Kanibi Isolate CBD Oil
- Price: from $59
- CBD content: 750 mg
- CBD type: isolate
- Pro: no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Con: not suitable for people with a coconut allergy
Kanibi Isolate CBD Oil contains only CBD extract, MCT oil, and natural flavors. It does not contain THC or cannabinoids other than CBD.
This product is available in cinnamon, skittles, and unflavored varieties.
The brand uses CO2 extraction methods to produce this CBD oil and makes the lab results available directly on the product page.
Best for relaxation: Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil
- Price: $64.99
- CBD content: 750 mg
- CBD type: full spectrum
- Pro: the company uses organic ingredients and does not use flavorings or preservatives
- Con: not suitable for those who want a product with THC
Cornbread states that this full spectrum oil is vegan and free from flavoring, preservatives, gluten, and GMOs.
It contains 750 mg of active CBD oil per bottle, equating to 30 servings of 25 mg. It contains 2 mg of THC per serving.
This product is also available in 300 mg and 1,500 mg strengths.
The company states that this product may help promote calm, healthy sleep and recovery from aches and pains.
Best fast-acting: Ojai Energetics Full Spectrum Hemp Elixir
- Price: from $74.95
- CBD content: 250 mg
- CBD type: full spectrum
- Pro: may be faster acting than some other products
- Con: only available in one strength
Ojaui Energetics states that this full spectrum oil is fast-acting. It is organic, water-soluble, and synthetic-free.
This product contains 250 mg of CBD per bottle. The company claims people will begin to feel the effects of this oil within 30 seconds of consuming it.
Best unflavored: Lord Jones Royal Oil
- Price: $60
- CBD content: 1,000 mg
- CBD type: broad spectrum
- Pro: has just two ingredients and offers a stronger CBD experience
- Con: no other flavors available
This broad spectrum product contains two ingredients: grape seed oil and CBD from broad spectrum hemp extract. The grape seed oil means it is suitable for use by those with a coconut allergy.
The company recommends people place half a dropper, which contains 20 mg of CBD, in their mouth once per day.
Best high potency: FOCL Premium CBD Drops
- Price: from $59
- CBD content: 1,000 mg
- CBD type: broad spectrum
- Pro: available in multiple strengths and flavors
- Con: not suitable for those looking for a low potency product
This broad spectrum oil contains organic ingredients. Its carrier oil is MCT oil, so it is unsuitable for those with a coconut allergy.
The Premium CBD Drops are available in three strengths: 1000 mg, 2000 mg, and 3000 mg. Additionally, it is available as unflavored or with mint, orange cream, cherry, and strawberry lemonade flavors.
The company recommends people take one dropper in the morning and evening for the first week and gradually increase the amount to reach the desired effects during the first month.
The following table compares the CBD oils in this article.
| Price | CBD Content | CBD Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joy Organics Tranquil CBD Oil Tincture | $69.95 | 1,350 mg | broad spectrum |
| Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil | $119.99 | 6,000 mg | full spectrum |
| Spruce Lab Grade CBD Oil | $89 | 750 mg | full spectrum |
| Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD RSO | from $32 | 1,000 mg | full spectrum |
| Green Roads CBD Oil | from $69.99 | 1,500 mg | full spectrum |
| Absolute Nature CBD Oil Drops | $99.99 | 1,000 mg | full spectrum |
| Zatural Full Spectrum CBD Oil | from $27.50 | 300 mg | full spectrum |
| FAB CBD Oil | from $39 | 1,200 mg | full spectrum |
| Kanibi Isolate CBD Oil | from $59 | 750 mg | CBD isolate |
| Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil | $64.99 | 750 mg | full spectrum |
| Ojaui Energetics Full Spectrum Hemp Elixir | from $74.95 | 250 mg | full spectrum |
| Lord Jones Royal Oil | $60 | 1,000 mg | broad spectrum |
| FOCL Premium CBD Drops | from $59 | 1,000 mg | broad spectrum |
A person should do some research before trying a CBD product. It can also be a good idea to consult a doctor, particularly for people who take medication regularly.
In addition, it is important to check the local regulations regarding CBD. Different U.S. states, for example, have different legislation about CBD.
It is also worth considering the possible benefits of certain CBD forms. People with some health issues may benefit from CBD oil, whereas others may benefit from a CBD cream, for example. CBD products are also available as gummies, gel capsules, and pills.
Finally, CBD products are available in different dosages, which can vary depending on the manufacturer and the product. A person using CBD for the first time may find a product with a lower dosage more suitable.
Anyone considering using CBD oil for the first time should discuss it with a knowledgeable healthcare professional.
Taking CBD oil is relatively straightforward, but a person should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, it will involve these steps:
- Shake the bottle before use.
- Use the dropper to place a specific number of drops under the tongue. Do not let the dropper touch the mouth, as this may contaminate the oil.
- Hold the oil under the tongue for 1–2 minutes before swallowing.
It is also possible to mix CBD oil into food and drinks, such as yogurts and juices. However, this may affect the potency.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, people taking CBD oil for arthritis pain should notice the effects within 15–45 minutes. Long-term results may become apparent within a few weeks or months.
A person should always begin with a small CBD oil dosage and, if necessary, increase the dosage and frequency over time. People can also take CBD at any time. For better sleep, it is best to take it before bed.
CBD is available in various other forms. Here is how they compare with CBD oil:
- Eating CBD Gummies: Using sublingual CBD could help it absorb and deliver results faster than eating it as a gummy. However, some people may find gummies easier to take and more convenient.
- Applying CBD cream to the skin: Unlike CBD oil which a person ingests, CBD lotions and creams are for external use, so they may not share the same benefits as oils. They may suit people looking to treat muscle aches or skin issues.
- Taking CBD pills or capsules: Placing CBD oil under the tongue may deliver the compound to the brain faster than taking it in capsule form.
CBD is also available in other forms, such as bathing products, skin patches (transdermal patches), vaping oils, and more. Little research exists into the benefits of these forms.
There is no definitive advantage to using other CBD forms instead of oil. It is worth noting that dosages differ from product to product.
Hemp oil comes from the plant’s seeds, while CBD oil comes from its flowers, stems, and leaves.
People often take hemp seed oil orally as a supplement because it is
Below are some advantages and disadvantages of CBD oil:
Pros
- Research suggests that CBD oil may have benefits for managing epilepsy.
- A
2020 study found that CBD oil can reduce pain and inflammation. - According to various studies, CBD may reduce some symptoms of depression and anxiety, help manage some side effects of chemotherapy, and help manage inflammatory skin conditions.
Cons
- CBD can be costly.
- All products may not have a pleasant taste.
- There may be side effects.
- Products may not be available in all U.S. states.
Research indicates that CBD can be beneficial in several ways. For example, one
Not every study of CBD has involved human participants. A different
Meanwhile, a
- fibromyalgia
- irritable bowel syndrome
- menstrual cramps
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- neuropathic pain
- sciatica
- other types of pain and pain conditions
The oils within this article are of high quality, and their manufacturers provide proof of independent, third-party testing.
However, it is still worth researching any CBD product to ensure that it meets specific needs.
In general, CBD oil is a relatively low risk product. Common side effects, which may be dependent on dosages,
Other side effects may include insomnia and irritability. CBD can also cause drowsiness, so driving or operating heavy machinery while taking it is not advisable.
In addition, CBD can interact with some medications and dietary supplements, making these less effective.
A person should avoid CBD if any medication or supplement they take has a warning about interactions with grapefruit. One example would be cholesterol drugs, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor).
Speaking with a doctor before using CBD or other cannabis products is always advisable. This is especially true for people who take medications or supplements regularly. A doctor should ensure that there are no risks of interactions.
It is also worth noting that a 2019 study in mice suggested that taking significant quantities of CBD may increase the risk of liver toxicity.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently regulate CBD products. For this reason, it is a good idea to choose products that third parties have tested. This means that an independent laboratory has verified the purity and potency.
A person should always talk with a healthcare professional before taking CBD products. The
Additionally, people should not use CBD products as an alternative to medical treatment. The FDA has not approved these products as treatments for any health conditions, with the exception of the FDA-approved drug Epidiolex for seizures.
Below are some of the most common questions about CBD:
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
Although these are both compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant, they have different effects on the body. THC may cause a person to experience the high sensation that people associate with cannabis use, while CBD does not have this effect.
Who should use CBD?
People who experience certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy, may benefit from using CBD. There is
Does CBD have FDA approval?
The FDA has only approved Epidiolex, a CBD product that treats rare types of seizures.
Is CBD safe?
Generally, most people have a good tolerance for CBD.
However, some may experience side effects, such as nausea and fatigue. In some individuals, CBD may also affect liver function.
A person should speak with their doctor before using CBD. This is particularly important for people who take medication regularly.
What company sells the purest CBD oil?
CBD isolate products offer the purest form of CBD. Companies ensure that all other cannabidiols, terpenes, and flavonoids are not present, leaving only CBD.
Kanibi and Medterra both sell pure isolate CBD oil.
Which strength of CBD oil is Best?
CBD oils come in a variety of strengths. The best strength depends on a person’s tolerance for CBD and their desired uses, for example, pain relief.
Most companies consider oils with 300 mg of CBD low potency. Higher potency oils may have between 2,000-12,000 mg of CBD per product.
Learn about the strongest CBD oils here.
People should always start with low-potency oils and increase the amount gradually until they reach the desired effects.
What is the difference between CBD oil and CBD tinctures?
Two types of products fall under the oils category: CBD oils and CBD tinctures. The difference 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 to produce the product.
A wide variety of CBD oils are on the market. High quality CBD oil may benefit people with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, seizures, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, and MS.
As the FDA does not approve over-the-counter CBD products, people should research the product that best suits their needs. Choosing products that have undergone third-party testing for purity and potency is a good idea.