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Full-spectrum CBD includes all the naturally-occurring compounds in the cannabis plant, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It may help ease inflammation, pain, and anxiety symptoms.

This article discusses full-spectrum CBD, including its benefits and risks, and lists some products to consider.

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.

Best full-spectrum CBD oils

Best topical full-spectrum CBD

Best full-spectrum gummies

TermMeaning
CBDA compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use.
THCA compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use.
Full-spectrumA 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-spectrumBroad-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 isolateThis is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC.
CannabinoidsThe compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are over 120. CBD is the second richest compound in the plant after THC.
TerpenesAnother 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 compounds in the cannabis plant. These include:

  • Cannabinoids: CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two cannabinoids found in cannabis.
  • 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.

How CBD works has yet to be fully understood. Research suggests that it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is present throughout the human body and balances essential bodily functions. The ECS is made up of molecules called endocannabinoids that the body produces to keep essential functions working.

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 does not directly interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, THC does. THC binds to CB1 and CB2 and can have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and euphoric effects.

Learn more about the difference between CBD and THC.

Because full-spectrum CBD contains the full range of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, it can produce the “entourage effect”. This term describes how cannabinoids have a greater effect working together than in isolation, creating a more noticeable effect on the body.

People should consider the pros and cons of full-spectrum CBD before trying it.

Pros

  • it may help relieve pain and anxiety
  • it may improve sleep
  • it can reduce pain and inflammation
  • it can produce the “entourage effect”
  • it comes in a wide range of products
  • it may be more potent than broad-spectrum and isolate CBD

Cons

  • can produce psychoactive effects in high doses
  • it can be more expensive than other types of CBD
  • can produce positive results on urine and drug tests
  • may be too potent for people new to CBD
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Full-spectrum CBD may suit individuals who wish to experience the full benefits of CBD. It may also be a good option for those who have previously used CBD and those looking for more potent formulas.

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.

People wanting to avoid the effects of THC should avoid full-spectrum CBD.

People who take regular blood and urine tests should also avoid full-spectrum CBD as it can produce positive results.

Children and pregnant and breastfeeding people should not try CBD unless a doctor advises them to do so.

Additionally, CBD products of all kinds can contain allergens such as coconut, dairy, or soy. People should read ingredient labels carefully before buying a product and stop using it if it causes a reaction or side effects.

Research into the benefits of CBD is still in its early stages. However, multiple studies have found CBD to have health benefits.

For instance, a 2021 Canadian study assessing the real-world evidence of CBD’s benefits found that it can improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and severe pain, but it had less effect on those with mild symptoms.

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 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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) writes that CBD of any kind can:

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 backing from the FDA, and some manufacturers include misleading, unproven, or untrue health claims about their products. There is also a risk of contamination during manufacturing.

People should always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before trying CBD.

The table below compares the ingredients that full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD contain.

CBDContains THCFlavonoidsTerpenes
Full-spectrum yesup to 0.3%yesyes
Broad-spectrum yespotential trace amountsyesyes
Isolate yesnono no

Medical News Today’s methodology

Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:

  • Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality, 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 and THC content.
  • Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
  • Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that 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 its third-party lab results.
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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.

Below, we look at nine of the best full-spectrum CBD products, including oils, topical products, and gummies.

Best oils

The three products below are some of the best full-spectrum oils to consider.

Best medium-strength oil: CBDistillery Relief and Relax Oil

CBDistillery offers this 1,000 mg full-spectrum CBD oil tincture that contains less than 0.3% THC. It uses fractionated coconut oil as a carrier oil. At 33 mg of CBD per serving, this dose may suit those looking for a medium-strength product.

People new to CBD can start with one serving a day, with CBDistillery claiming the oil is suitable for everyday use.

According to the company website, the product is free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and has undergone third-party testing.

According to reviews, this CBD oil may suit people experiencing stress or sleep problems. However, people rated the product lower for its higher price.

Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.

Pros

  • GMO-free
  • may help relieve stress and improve sleep
  • third-party tested
  • suitable for everyday use
  • medium-strength dose suitable for beginners

Cons

  • expensive
  • unsuitable for topical application
  • contains coconut, which is an allergen for some
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Best organic oil: Lazarus Naturals CBD Oil Tincture

This CBD tincture reportedly contains USDA-certified organic ingredients, including hemp seed oil, coconut MCT oil, and full-spectrum hemp extract. It also includes tree nuts, so it is unsuitable for people with a nut allergy.

This oil comes in classic, chocolate mint, and strawberry lemonade flavors. It is also available in two sizes: 30 and 120 mL bottles.

It provides a more potent dose of 50 mg CBD per serving. This makes it suitable for people wanting a stronger formula, especially those used to taking CBD.

Positive reviews note that this product is effective for people with anxiety or joint pain. However, some note that it has an unpleasant taste.

Pros

  • USDA-certified organic ingredients
  • available in different flavors and sizes
  • provides a potent dose for experienced buyers
  • may help with anxiety or joint pain

Cons

  • unsuitable for people with a nut allergy
  • the larger size is very expensive
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Best range of flavors and potencies: Kanibi Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture

Kanibi’s CBD oil contains coconut MCT oil, hemp-derived CBD extract, and natural sweeteners. As part of the manufacturing process, the company claims it uses CO2 extraction and an FDA-inspected facility.

People can choose from six flavors, including an unflavored option, and two potencies: 750 and 1,500 mg options. The 750 mg option provides 25 mg of CBD per serving, and the 1,200 provides 50 mg.

Reviewers state that Kanibi’s CBD oil produces immediate results and it can help neck pain.

However, some people found it expensive, and others noted it was difficult to measure an accurate dose with the dropper.

Pros

  • may help pain
  • a wide range of positive reviews online
  • made in an FDA-inspected facility
  • 100% money-back guarantee
  • comes in a range of flavors
  • two potencies available

Cons

  • expensive
  • difficult to see measurements on the dropper
  • people must spend over $100 for free shipping
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Best topical CBD products

The three products below are some of the best topical full-spectrum CBD products for pain and skin care.

Best cruelty-free cream: Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream

This cooling cream contains many organic ingredients in addition to full-spectrum CBD oil. These include arnica extract, jojoba seed oil, and evening primrose oil, among others.

The company recommends the cream for relieving muscle knots, soreness, aches, and tension. Menthol and tea tree oil provide cooling properties, and arnica may provide some anti-inflammatory pain-relieving benefits.

The company claims the cream is cruelty-free and free of gluten, GMOs, and preservatives.

Aspen Green states that individuals can apply the cream to their back, neck, shoulders, and legs.

Reviewers claim that this cream works quickly and effectively relieves soreness. There are no negative reviews on the website for this product.

Pros

  • may provide pain relief
  • cruelty-free
  • GMO- and preservative-free
  • uses a range of natural ingredients
  • reviewers claim it works quickly

Cons

  • expensive
  • unsuitable for sensitive areas of skin
  • difficult to measure dose
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Best post-workout cream: CBDistillery CBDefine Skin Care Cream

CBDefine Skin Care Cream contains 500 mg of full-spectrum CBD. It also contains organic coconut, olive, and almond oil, and a range of essential oils. These include lavender, rosemary, frankincense, tea tree, and helichrysum.

The company claims the cream can hydrate the skin and protect it from moisture loss. The natural ingredients, including CBD, aim to nourish and soothe the skin.

People can apply a small amount of this cream to areas they want to treat. CBDistillery writes that this product may be more effective when using it multiple times per day.

Some reviewers note this CBD cream is an effective moisturizer for the hands and face. However, some reviews write that the cream was not very effective.

Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.

Pros

  • may be an effective moisturizer
  • contains a range of natural ingredients
  • suitable for the hands and face
  • 60-day returns

Cons

  • difficult to measure dose
  • essential oils may be unsuitable for sensitive skin
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Best fragrance-free balm: Charlotte’s Web Hemp Infused Balm With CBD

  • Price: $14.99–29.99
  • CBD dose per product: 300 mg per ounce (oz)
  • COA: available online

This Charlotte’s Web balm is suitable for small areas like as the knuckles. It is available in two sizes: a 0.5 and 1.5 oz tub. It aims to moisturize and protect the skin.

The company writes that the product is gluten-free and suitable for vegans. However, it contains beeswax, which some vegan people may avoid.

According to the product description, it is free of sulfates, GMOs, and fragrance.

Customer reviews mention that the balm is effective as a moisturizer and can provide some relief from pain. However, some found shipping too expensive, and others did not find it had a noticeable effect.

Use code “HEALTH20” for 20% off.

Pros

  • affordable
  • fragrance-free
  • may be effective for soothing pain
  • some found it was an effective moisturizer

Cons

  • difficult to measure dose
  • small tub sizes
  • some reviewers did not find it very effective
  • others claim the shipping is too expensive
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Best gummies

The three products below are some of the best full-spectrum gummies people can try for relaxation and to improve sleep.

Best vegan gummies: Cornbread CBD Gummies

  • Price: $39.99–99.95
  • CBD dose per serving: 20, 25, or 50 mg
  • COA: available online

These Cornbread gummies contain up to 2 mg of THC per serving. They are available in berry and peach flavors and three CBD strengths: 20, 25, and 50 mg per serving. The higher the CBD dose per serving, the more expensive these gummies become.

Ingredients include USDA organic ginger, and strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry flavorings. They are suitable for vegans and do not include gelatin or artificial colors.

Cornbread recommends these gummies for exercise recovery and everyday stress.

According to reviews, these gummies may also suit individuals with lower back pain and trouble sleeping. However, some buyers did not like the taste and claimed they caused an irregular heartbeat.

Use code MNT for 25% off your first order.

Pros

  • vegan
  • uses USDA organic ingredients
  • may be suitable for stress management
  • may support exercise recovery
  • comes in a range of strengths

Cons

  • higher strengths are more expensive
  • THC content may be too high for some
  • some buyers experienced side effects
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Best low dose gummies: PlusCBD 10 mg Gummies

These gummies contain hemp extract, organic turbinado sugar, and natural flavoring. They come in cherry mango and citrus punch flavor in tubs of 30 or 60 gummies.

Each gummy contains 10 mg of CBD, a low dose suitable for people new to CBD. It may also suit people who want a milder effect from their CBD gummies.

PlusCBD writes they are free of gluten, GMOs, and artificial sweeteners.

The product has many positive reviews that state that they can effectively ease anxiety and improve sleep. They may also work for those experiencing stress.

However, some felt the price was too high for a 10 mg dose, and others claimed it was not a strong enough dose for them.

Use code “MNT20” for 20% off.

Pros

  • low dose is suitable for beginners
  • suitable for vegans
  • contains natural flavoring
  • may help ease anxiety

Cons

  • some buyers felt they were too expensive for a small CBD dose
  • others did not experience any effects
  • contains added sugar
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Best gummies for overall wellness: Charlotte’s Web Daily Wellness Gummies

Charlotte’s Web full-spectrum CBD gummies aim to improve a person’s mood and sleep patterns. The company also recommends these gummies for people experiencing stress or exercise-induced inflammation.

Each two-gummy serving contains 25 mg of CBD and natural fruit and vegetable juice flavoring.

People who bought these gummies stated that they have a pleasant state and have improved their sleep patterns. However, some people claimed they only felt mild effects from the gummies, and others experienced shipping delays.

Use code “HEALTH20” for 20% off.

Pros

  • uses natural fruit and vegetable flavoring
  • may be suitable for sleep, stress, and exercise recovery
  • medium-strength dose may suit a broader range of people than low- or high-strength doses

Cons

  • one flavor available
  • some did not find the dose strong enough
  • one size and dose available
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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 Relief and Relax Oiloil tincture$7033 mg per serving
Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tinctureoil tincture$40–12050 mg per serving
Kanibi Full Spectrum Oil Tinctureoil tincture$69–12925–50 mg
Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Creamcream$84.991,000 mg per product
CBDistillery CBDefine Skin Care Creamcream$60500 mg per product
Charlotte’s Web Hemp Infused Balmbalm $14.99–29.99300 mg per oz
Cornbread CBD Gummiesgummies $39.99–99.9520, 25, or 50 mg per serving
PlusCBD 10 mg Gummiesgummies$32.99–49.9920 mg per serving
Charlotte’s Web Daily Wellness Gummiesgummies $69.9925 mg per serving

People looking for full-spectrum CBD products should consider these factors:

  • Ingredients: People should check ingredient lists carefully to ensure 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.
  • 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.

People should follow manufacturer instructions when using a CBD product. Typically, companies recommend people hold CBD oils under their tongue for up to 60 seconds before swallowing to let the formula absorb.

Some companies ask that people hold CBD gummies in their mouth for a short time before chewing, as the CBD may be on the outside of the gummy rather than infused throughout.

For topical items, people should typically apply them to the affected area, avoiding sensitive areas of skin and the eyes and mouth. They may be able to apply topical CBD products several times a day.

If a person experiences side effects, they should stop using the product and contact a qualified healthcare professional.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states CBD may interact with some medications and, in some cases, cause liver damage or problems with fertility. People should always speak with a doctor before trying CBD to make sure it is safe for them to do so.

According to the FDA, CBD can cause:

  • irritability
  • drowsiness
  • diarrhea
  • reduced appetite

The FDA has not approved any CBD product besides Epidiolex. It is working to better understand the safety and effectiveness of CBD for health, warning consumers that there are risks to consider. These can include unsupported medical claims, contaminated products, and side effects that may go unnoticed.

Products that contain less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in the U.S., but they may still be illegal in certain states.

Cannabis-derived CBD products are illegal federally but legal in some states.

A person should check that CBD is legal in their state or states they are traveling to.

People should speak with a healthcare professional before trying any CBD product. This is to ensure 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 frequently asked questions about full-spectrum CBD.

Does full-spectrum CBD have THC?

Yes, full-spectrum CBD contains THC, but products sold in the U.S. can only contain up to 0.3% THC, which may not be enough to cause any psychoactive effects.

Can you get a buzz from full-spectrum CBD?

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.

Does full-spectrum CBD show on a drug test?

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.

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. They should also check the ingredients, third-party lab test results, and customer reviews when choosing a product.