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Pure CBD or CBD isolate does not contain any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It may help ease anxiety and improve sleep, but it can be less potent than broad- and full-spectrum CBD.

This article looks at some of the best pure CBD products available to purchase and how to take and choose these products. It also covers the safety and potential side effects of pure CBD and answers some frequently asked questions.

A quick look at the best pure CBD products

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.

Pure CBD is also called CBD isolate. During manufacturing, hemp goes through various purifying processes to remove cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. This leaves behind pure CBD in a crystal-like form that manufacturers then grind into a powder.

Pure CBD does not contain THC, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. This is the ingredient that can create a “high” feeling that people commonly associate with cannabis.

Companies offer pure CBD in tinctures, oils, gummies, and topical products such as balms and creams.

Although research is ongoing, CBD may have several benefits for a person’s mental and physical health.

For instance, 2019 research shows that CBD may improve anxiety and insomnia. The authors found that anxiety levels decreased in 79.2% of the 72 participants during the first month of CBD treatment. Sleep improved in 66.7% of participants in the first month, but fluctuated as the study continued.

Researchers have also found that CBD may improve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study shows that 91% of the 11 study participants experienced decreased severity in their PTSD symptoms during 8 weeks of CBD treatment.

An overview of CBD notes that the compound has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, which may be useful for people wishing to try CBD to reduce pain.

People may take CBD orally via:

  • oils
  • tinctures
  • gummies
  • capsules

Alternatively, people may apply CBD topically via:

  • lotions
  • ointments and salves
  • creams

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of pure CBD.

Pros

  • Pure CBD does not contain THC.
  • It comes in a range of oral and topical products.
  • It may help with anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD.
  • It may help decrease inflammation and serve as an antioxidative.

Cons

  • Taking pure CBD may not provide the same therapeutic effects as broad- and full-spectrum CBD as it does not contain the full spectrum of flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids.
  • Pure CBD may not be as potent or effective as CBD-rich cannabis extracts.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD isolate for medical conditions besides certain types of epilepsy.
  • It may cause adverse reactions such as appetite and weight fluctuations, diarrhea, and fatigue.
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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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Below we take a look at six of the best pure CBD products.

Best for different strengths: Medterra Isolate CBD Oil

  • Price: $39.99–199.99
  • Dose: from 16–100 milligrams (mg) per serving
  • Form: oil
  • COA: available online

Medterra states that this unflavored CBD oil is 99% pure and contains organic coconut-derived medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. The company claims that this product contains zero THC, has no unpleasant aftertaste, and is easy to digest.

It is available in doses of 500 mg, 1000 mg, 3,000 mg, and 6,000 mg and is third-party tested.

Medterra states that people can take this oil day or night to help reduce stress, ease discomfort, sleep better and create balance.

The company recommends people place a few drops of the oil under the tongue and hold it for 60 seconds. Additionally, it recommends people consume the product for a prolonged period of time for maximum effectiveness.

This pure CBD oil contains the following amount of CBD in each 1 milliliter (mL) dropper:

  • 500 mg: 16 mg
  • 1,000 mg: 33 mg
  • 3,000 mg: 100 mg
  • 6000 mg: 100 mg

Medterra offers customers a 30-day money-back guarantee, free shipping, and 30% off with a subscription.

Customer reviews

Reviews on the Medterra website are mostly positive. Customers say that they feel the difference in stress and anxiety when they take the oil daily. Others state that this CBD oil is effective and fast acting.

However, other customers report that the oil made no difference to their anxiety level and others say that the formula is too weak.

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Cons

  • unsuitable for those with a coconut allergy
  • some customers did not find it effective for anxiety
  • others found the formula too weak
  • higher doses can become very expensive
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Best for clear dosage instructions: Zatural CBD Isolate Oil

Zatural claims that this unflavored CBD isolate oil is fast acting, easy to take, and made of high quality ingredients. It is third-party tested.

The company claims it helps with pain, inflammation, stress, and anxiety.

Zatural recommendspeople take up to 1 mL twice daily. If people are new to CBD isolate, the company recommends starting with a 0.25 mL dose and increasing it as needed. Zatural offers an online dosage calculator.

The company offers customers a 10–15% discount with a subscription, free shipping, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Customer reviews

At the time of publishing, there are just 10 reviews for this product on the Zatural website. Reviews are mostly positive, with buyers stating that the oil is effective in reducing inflammation and pain. Others report that it helps them get restful sleep.

However, other customers were not sure how this CBD isolate differed from Zatural’s broad-spectrum CBD.

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Pros

  • the company provides a clear CBD dosage chart on its website based on the person’s body weight and requirements
  • subscriptions are eligible for a 15% discount
  • it contains very few ingredients

Cons

  • there is a limited amount of online reviews
  • it comes in 1 strength
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Best for energy and focus: LiftMode Hemp double strength CBD Isolate Tincture 3,000 mg

This product contains 3,000 mg of CBD per 30 mL bottle. The company states that it contains no terpenes, cannabinoids, or essential oils. The formula is very simple and only contains hemp extract isolate dissolved in organic coconut MCT oil.

LiftMode hemp writes that it can boost energy and improve focus.

It is third-party tested.

The company recommends people take 0.5 mL once or twice a day.

LiftMode Hemp offers customers free shipping and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

Customer reviews

At the time of publishing, there were nine reviews for this product on the LiftMode Hemp website. They are mostly positive, with customers stating that the tincture is powerful, fast-acting, and calming.

However, other customers say that the tincture did not help with their anxiety and another customer reports that the tincture made them feel nauseous and elevated their blood pressure.

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Pros

  • fast-acting and potent
  • small dose still has an effect
  • formula only contains hemp extract isolate
  • 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • contains coconut, which is an allergen for some people
  • company warns that larger servings may result in fatigue, changes in appetite, and upset stomach
  • limited range of reviews online
  • increased their blood pressure for some buyers
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Best vegan CBD gummies: FabCBD Anytime Gummies

These gummies are fruit flavored and contain pectin rather than gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans. People can take these gummies any time of day.

FabCBD coats the gummies with cannabinoids instead of infusing the gummy with them. According to FabCBD, the body can more easily absorb CBD from the mouth. However, it recommends people wait before chewing and swallowing the gummy to give the CBD a chance to absorb.

FabCBD states it uses ingredientsfrom sustainable farms and the gummies are filler-, additive-, GMO, and gluten-free. The gummies are third-party tested.

Customer reviews

Reviews on the FabCBD website are mostly positive. Customers state that they provide restful sleep, while others say they are tasty and provide a good source of energy.

However, some customers experienced increased dreams after taking the gummies. Others say that although the gummies taste good and are convenient and easy to take, they did not notice much of a difference in energy or feeling of relaxation.

FabCBD offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all orders and an opportunity for people to save 20% on future orders with a subscription. Shipping is free for orders over $99.

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Pros

  • suitable for vegans
  • easy to take an accurate dose
  • contains a range of organic ingredients
  • some buyers found the gummies boosted their energy

Cons

  • company does not provide much information on the benefits of this product
  • must spend $99 for free shipping
  • may not have the full effect if eaten quickly
  • may cause increased dreams
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Best for flexible doses: Bluebird Botanicals THC-Free CBD Oil

The manufacturers state that this flavorless pure CBD oil contains less than 0.01% THC. Although the THC is indetectable in third-party tests, the company warns the product may expose people to very small amounts of THC.

The formula also contains organic coconut MCT oil and offers 25 mg of CBD per serving.

Bluebird Botanicals suggest people should take one 15-drop serving once or twice a day. People can experiment with a range of doses of 5 mg to 60 mg per day to find out which dose works best for them. This may make this product suitable for people new to CBD as they can start with a very small dose.

Customer reviews

At the time of publishing, there are just four customer reviews for this product on the Bluebird Botanicals website. Customers state that the product works well and the company is reliable and delivery is fast.

Bluebird Botanicals offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and up to 90 days to return products. The company offers customers a 40% discount with a subscription.

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Pros

  • generous discount with a subscription
  • people can experiment with doses
  • long returns period

Cons

  • it may expose people to very small amounts of THC
  • contains coconut, which is an allergen for some
  • customers must spend $75 for free shipping
  • limited online reviews
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Best for topical use: CBDistillery 500 mg Isolate CBD Cooling Cream

The manufacturer states that this cooling cream provides targeted relief to help the body recover from workouts or long periods of walking or standing. According to CBDistillery, it is nongreasy and fragrance- and cruelty-free.

The company’s products are third-party tested to ensure quality and consistency and the products contain non-GMO hemp grown in the USA via natural farming practices.

There are 500 mg of CBD per bottle. However, it may be difficult to know exactly how much CBD is in each application.

CBDistillery recommends people apply the cream topically to the affected areas when needed throughout the day.

CBDistillery offers customers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee and free shipping on orders over $75.

Customer reviews

At the time of publishing, there are just four reviews for this product on the company website. People say that the cooling effect of the cream feels good and works well.

However, other customers report that its effects did not last long and they had to reapply the cream frequently.

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Pros

  • affordable
  • easy to apply for targeted relief
  • customers found it effective
  • provides a cooling effect to ease pain

Cons

  • some people experienced skin irritation
  • difficult to measure doses
  • unsuitable for those with widespread pain
  • limited online reviews
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Below is a table comparing the six best pure CBD products in this article.

PriceCBD dose per servingForm
Medterra$39.99–199.9916–100 mgoil
Zatural$64.9983 mgoil
LiftMode$53.6850 mgtincture
FabCBD$5925 mggummy
Bluebird Botanicals$49.9525 mgoil
CBDistillery$35500 mgcream

People should consider the following factors when choosing pure CBD products:

  • Health claims: The FDA has only approved one CBD product — Epidiolex — for medical use. This drug treats seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy. As a result, health claims companies make about their products do not have FDA backing. People should not buy products that claim to cure medical conditions or injuries.
  • COAs: People should look for products with up-to-date COAs from a third-party lab. These COAs should be readily available on the company’s website or via email and clearly show whether the ingredient list matches what is actually in the product.
  • Dose: The amount of CBD and THC in each product will vary. Those new to CBD should choose lower doses and work up to get the desired effect. If side effects occur, a person should stop taking the product and speak with a doctor.
  • Ingredients: Companies will often dissolve CBD in coconut-derived MCT oil, which is unsuitable for people with coconut allergies. Buyers should read ingredient lists carefully to ensure a product does not contain allergens.
  • Price: The price of CBD products varies depending on the type of product, the potency, the ingredients, and the number of doses per product. People should consider how cost-effective the product will be with regular use.

Although CBD isolate does not contain THC, people may still find that it causes side effects. These side effects include:

People should consult a physician before taking CBD isolate, especially if they have a pre-existing condition. For instance, CBD may be unsuitable for those with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts as it can worsen these conditions and symptoms.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should speak with a qualified healthcare professional or call an emergency mental health hotline, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Additionally, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with a healthcare professional before trying CBD of any kind.

Some of the drugs that CBD may interact with include:

Below we answer some frequently asked questions about pure CBD.

What are the side effects of pure CBD?

Pure CBD may cause side effects such as tiredness, stomach problems, appetite and weight changes, difficulty sleeping, and low blood pressure. If people are new to CBD, they should start with a low dose and gradually increase it as their body adjusts to the product.

If they experience side effects, they should stop taking the product and speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

Will pure CBD show up in a urine test?

CBD isolate should not show up in a urine test as it does not contain THC. However, some pure CBD products contain 0.01% THC, which may show up on urine tests. Typically, a concentration of 50 nanograms per mL of THC or related metabolites triggers a positive test result.

What form of CBD is most effective?

Research suggests that CBD with THC is more effective than pure CBD due to the “entourage effect,” which describes how the compounds in CBD are more effective together than when people take them in isolation.

Pure CBD, which is also called CBD isolate, comes from purified hemp and is available in oils, creams, and gummies.

Pure CBD does not contain THC. This means there is less risk of psychoactive effects than with broad- and full-spectrum CBD.

However, the FDA has not approved any CBD product besides Epidiolex. As such, people should only buy products that have been through third-party testing with easily accessible COAs, and speak with a healthcare professional if they experience side effects.