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Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
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?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Full-spectrum CBD includes all the naturally occurring cannabis plant compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Our team collected the best full-spectrum products that may help ease inflammation, pain, and anxiety.
- Best medium-strength oil: CBDistillery Relief + Relax Full-Spectrum CBD Oil, 1,000 mg | Skip to review
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CBD | A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use. |
| THC | A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use. |
| Full-spectrum | A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products. |
| Broad-spectrum | Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts. |
| CBD isolate | This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC. |
| Cannabinoids | The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are |
| Terpenes | Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits. |
| Certificate of analysis (COA) | Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products have a scannable smartphone code directing people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant, including:
- Cannabinoids: CBD and THC are two cannabinoids found in cannabis. THC is the part of cannabis that often provides the “high” feeling. As a result, full-spectrum CBD products can contain no more than
0.3% of THC. - Terpenes: These compounds
provide cannabis with its scent and flavor. Terpenes can also enhance the effects of cannabinoids, such as promoting relaxation, stress relief, and boosting energy and focus. - Flavonoids: There are about 20 flavonoids in the cannabis plant, and they are also present in fruits, vegetables, and flowers. According to a 2019 study, flavonoids provide an anti-inflammatory effect.
In contrast, broad-spectrum CBD does not contain THC, and CBD isolate contains CBD only.
Researchers associate CBD with anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antipsychotic effects. As a result, people living with pain or anxiety may consider full-spectrum CBD.
How CBD works has yet to be fully understood.
Endocannabinoids bind to and activate receptors — CB1 and CB2, specifically — which tell the ECS to complete certain functions. CB1 is found in the brain and spinal cord and can regulate appetite and reduce pain. CB2 receptors are primarily present in immune cells and can reduce inflammation.
CBD may prevent endocannabinoids from breaking down, meaning they can activate receptors for longer and enhance their effect on the body.
While CBD
Learn more about the differences between CBD and THC.
Because full-spectrum CBD contains the full range of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, it can
Below, we look at nine of the best full-spectrum CBD products, including oils, topical products, and gummies.
The three products below are some of the best topical full-spectrum CBD products for pain and skin care.
The three products below are some of the best full-spectrum gummies people can try for relaxation and to improve sleep.
The table below compares the full-spectrum CBD products listed above. The prices listed in this table are for one-time purchases.
| Form | Price | CBD dose | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBDistillery tincture | oil tincture | $70 | 33 mg per serving |
| Lazarus Naturals | oil tincture | $40 to $120 | 50 mg per serving |
| Joy Organics | oil tincture | $47.96 to $79.96 | 30, 45, or 75 mg per serving |
| Aspen Green | cream | $89.99 | 1,000 mg per product |
| CBDistillery cream | cream | $60 | 500 mg per product |
| Charlotte’s Web balm | balm | $14.99 to $29.99 | 300 mg per oz |
| Cornbread Hemp | gummies | $39.99 | 20 mg per serving |
| PlusCBD | gummies | $33.99 to $50.99 | 10 mg per serving |
| Charlotte’s Web gummies | gummies | $44.99 | 15 mg per serving |
We selected these CBD products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
Read more about how we vet products and brands.
People looking for full-spectrum CBD products should consider these factors:
- Ingredients: People should check ingredient lists carefully to make sure they do not contain allergens or ingredients they want to avoid. People can check lab test results to see exactly what a product contains.
- Price: Prices for CBD products vary and some can cost over $100. People should consider their budget and the cost-effectiveness of the product they wish to buy. Some may benefit from subscription services that offer products at a lower price.
- Form: CBD products come in different forms, such as oil tinctures, creams, balms, and gummies. People should consider what they want to use the product for and choose the most appropriate form.
- Reviews: It is helpful to read customer reviews to understand whether the product performs as well as the company claims. However, some websites filter out more critical reviews, and online reviews may only represent part of the spectrum of customer experiences.
Research into CBD’s health benefits is still in its early stages. However, multiple studies have found it to have health benefits.
For instance, a
Learn more about CBD and anxiety.
A 2020 study suggests that full-spectrum cannabis extract may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may be effective for neuropathic pain.
Learn more about CBD oil and pain.
There is a range of disadvantages to full-spectrum CBD, including side effects.
Full-spectrum can produce positive drug and urine test results, so it is unsuitable for people taking these tests regularly. It may also be unsuitable for people new to CBD, as it can have more potent effects.
Additionally, the
- cause liver injury
- change how certain medications work
- make people feel sleepy or drowsy
- cause diarrhea or decreased appetite
- cause mood changes such as irritability and agitation
The FDA has only approved one CBD product for medical use: Epidiolex. This treats severe forms of epilepsy. It means that no other CBD product has FDA backing, and some manufacturers include misleading, unproven, or untrue health claims about their products.
People should always speak with a doctor or healthcare professional before trying CBD.
The table below compares the ingredients that full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate contain.
| CBD | Contains THC | Flavonoids | Terpenes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-spectrum | yes | yes | yes | |
| Broad-spectrum | yes | potential trace amounts | yes | yes |
| Isolate | yes | no | no | no |
The
According to the
- irritability
- drowsiness
- diarrhea
- reduced appetite
The FDA
People should speak with a healthcare professional before trying any CBD product. This ensures that it is safe for them and will not interact with medication or existing health conditions.
CBD may not be the best treatment for a person’s health concern. A doctor can advise on the safest and most effective treatment for health concerns that CBD companies often claim their products can improve, such as sleep problems, anxiety, and pain.
People should also speak with a doctor if they experience side effects from CBD products.
Below, we answer some common questions about full-spectrum CBD.
Yes, full-spectrum CBD contains THC, but products sold in the United States can only contain up to 0.3% THC, which may not be enough to cause any psychoactive effects.
Full-spectrum CBD does not usually cause a “buzz” or “high.” However, some people may experience some psychoactive effects if they take a high dose. People who wish to avoid this can consider broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate.
Individuals who use full-spectrum CBD products may receive a positive result on a drug test. This can occur during THC screenings, as full-spectrum CBD contains THC. People who wish to avoid THC should use broad-spectrum or isolate CBD.
CBD labeling is important and required, per the FDA. If a person has purchased a CBD product from a reputable company, it will always have the CBD type, quantity, and dosage recommendation clearly marked on the label.
If this is not the case, and a person has a CBD oil without any label information, they should not use it because it may contain harmful ingredients or dosages.
A person should always ensure their product comes from a reputable company, with transparent ingredient lists and readily available COA.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that full-spectrum CBD oil is good for helping people get to and stay asleep.
A 2022 systematic review found that CBD may effectively treat insomnia. However, further research is necessary to confirm this.
Full-spectrum CBD products contain all compounds found naturally in CBD, including THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. These may help relieve pain and inflammation and reduce anxiety symptoms, although research is in its early stages and ongoing.
People can try full-spectrum CBD in gummies, creams, and oils.
Individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using CBD. When choosing a product, they should also check the ingredients, third-party lab test results, and customer reviews.
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.