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First things first: before we find the best CBD oil on the market, let’s define exactly what CBD oil is, and what it is not.
Yes, CBD is derived from the cannabis plant and is also known as cannabidiol. It is not, however, the same as the THC, which is the compound that causes the effect most commonly associated with cannabis: an altered mental state and a sense of “highness”.
Because of its derivation, there are theoretically some places where all uses of CBD oil and other products (vaping, for instance) is not legal, although those instances appear to be few and far between.
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What are the benefits of CBD oil?
In terms of the overall potential benefits of CBD oil and other CBD products, they include general pain relief (including arthritis, chronic pain or inflammation, and joint pain), anxiety and stress disorders (this could include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), and more.
There are plenty of other, tangential benefits that are possible to get from CBD oil, from immunity boosts to sharper brain activity, to a decrease in irritability. And we’ll talk more about potential side effects later, but, spoiler alert … there haven’t really been any concrete ones found as of yet.
Also important to point out: CBD oil can be consumed in a variety of ways. All of the products that we’ll discuss as part of this list can be consumed via liquid drops, either onto or underneath your tongue. Many of the products on this list offer alternative methods of use, including topical creams, edibles and capsules, gummies, or even vape pens.
Most introductory users of CBD oil will opt for the oil and dropper instead of one of the other methods, but it’s important to pay attention to what each company offers and what you think is best for your health.
All that said, it would be smart to verify where the use of CBD oil is legal versus where it’s not (it is legal in all 50 states, but some states have more regulations than others). But once that’s completed, it’s time to get down to it and find the best CBD oil for you. We’ll help find the best CBD oil for anxiety, the best CBD oil for pain, the best CBD oil for depression, and we’ll even consider if there is a best CBD oil for cancer.
And that’s where this article comes in. Let’s get to it.
Reviewing the Top CBD Oils and Brands
1. Pure Relief
(https://www.purerelief.com/)
Pure Relief is a line of several CBD oils, and states that its mission “is to offer the best CBD infused products online”. They started by marketing their products to residents of North and South Carolina, but are now shipping to all 50 states.
Pure Relief products are made from United States-sourced hemp and are formulated by the industry’s most experienced pharmacist.
One of the more attractive things about Pure Relief is the variety of products that they offer, from under-the-tongue drops, to gummy bears, to the “Daily Dose”, which is a syringe with two to three drops that is perfect for traveling or simply extremely busy lifestyles. (You’ll find that this is unique to this product, as most of those listed here include the fuller-sized tinctures when it comes to the oils, and not “single-serve” options as Pure Relief carries.)
In terms of the more traditional sizes of oils, however, consumers can purchase a bottle in incremental sizes from 250mg all the way up 5000mg — one of the wider ranges we found. Pure Relief also boasts that there are several all-natural cannabinoids in the product, and that the THC level is below the standard 0.3 percent. All products are third-party lab-tested in order to ensure accuracy.
And, a bonus: looking for the best CBD oil for dogs? Look no further, Pure Relief offers three different products for dogs, again encouraging those who lead a holistic lifestyle to make sure that that lifestyle extends to their furry friends, too.
- Variety of products and sizes of oils to choose from
- All products are third-party tested and formulated by the industry’s most experienced pharmacist
- Offers CBD oil for dogs
- None
2. NuLeaf
(https://nuleafnaturals.com/)
NuLeaf is another line of CBD oil products that is relatively new to the marketplace. Their mission? They are “passionate about helping people lead happier, healthier lives” and “aim to promote the benefits of medical cannabis oil to a wide audience.” Not unusual for a company on the cutting-edge of selling CBD oil, but important to point out nonetheless.
NuLeaf is based in Colorado but ships its legal and organic products to all 50 states. They also make it known that their products all include the “optimal” amount of CBD — a different claim than several others on this list.
Everything offered by NuLeaf are whole-plant extracts, and not synthetic or isolates. As we’ll find out later in the list, there are some companies that feel it’s important for consumers to have access to isolates, as whole-plant extracts aren’t necessarily for everyone. But not with NuLeaf.
In order to ensure the purity of their products, NuLeaf uses an advanced engineering process including a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes (thin oils derived from the plant), and uses a CO2 extraction system that assists in extracting the phytonutrients from each plant without requiring heat or solvents. The process isn’t much unlike many of the others on this list, but NuLeaf is very specific about how they go about their specific process on their website.
Similar to the other top-of-the-line products on our list, NuLeaf includes several additional cannabinoids beyond CBD and tests extensively to ensure that there are not pesticides, herbicides, mold, or any other toxins or foreign materials in their CBD oil.
The product line is limited to oils, but offers several differently-sized bottles to fit your needs.
- Products tested frequently and extensively
- CBD is derived from whole plants and not isolates or synthetics
- Product offering limited to oil
3. Green Roads
(https://www.greenroadsworld.com/)
Green Roads has been featured across a variety of national media outlets, including NBC, ESPN, Forbes, CBS, Cosmopolitan, and High Times and appears to be one of the few products on this list to have earned national recognition. They endeavor to offer “a safe, effective alternative to prescription painkillers, other toxic prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs that contain harsh chemical compounds…”
Green Roads not only offers oils, but also has creams, salves, and edibles on its product line. All products include natural plant-based ingredients and “precise combinations of the cannabinoid”.
They claim that the “secret ingredient” is the body’s receptiveness to CBD, and that Green Roads’ product includes more than 60 cannabinoids that have been isolated from the plant. This is by far the largest number of cannabinoids claimed by any product on our list and is notable to underscore. As with the other product lines on this list, the amount of THC included is negligible and non-detectable.
Green Roads uses certified, organic hemp and ensures that pesticides and GMOs are nowhere near their plants. The final CBD product claims to be 99 percent pure. Everything is third-party tested, and their licensed compounding pharmacist has over 20 years of experience.
The product line is the most robust that we’ve studied, including oils, syrups, edibles, capsules, creams, and more, including CBD for pets.
If you’re looking for variety and a tried-and-true track record when it comes to the industry, Green Roads might be the best place to buy CBD oil.
- Products are third-party lab-tested, and product includes more than 60 cannabinoids
- Certified, organic hemp
- Robust product line, including options beyond oil
- None
4. Medix CBD
(https://www.medixcbd.com/collections/cbd-products/)
Medix CBD claims to be a “high-end hemp oil”, and was developed to be non-psychoactive due to their organic growing practices. It also boasts that it provides naturally occurring antioxidants and is gluten free and vegan — something that appears to be true of most of these products but also something that Medix in particular was quite proud of.
The products are sourced locally in Kentucky, and Medix ensures that they conduct “extensive lab tests” to ensure that all ingredients are 100 percent pure.
When it comes to THC, Medix takes things a step further by claiming that all traceable amounts of THC are removed completely in the extraction process, leaving 100 percent pure, natural CBD. It is the only product on the list to make that specific claim.
Medix does admit that because their products are derived from hemp, they must be genetically modified, claiming that the process is “both healthy and necessary”. It’s a bit of a departure from some of the products on this list; while many companies made sure to note that they are non-GMO, Medix identifies it as a necessary part of the process.
Medix CBD offers a wide variety of products, including oils (non-flavored), creams, gummies, edibles, and is one of a few of our top 10 products that has at least one CBD offering for dogs.
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- Locally sourced in Kentucky
- Extensive lab tests ensure 100 percent pure ingredients
- Product variety, including for pets
- Includes GMOs
5. Dr. Hemps
(https://drhempscbd.com/collections/tinctures)
Dr. Hemps relies solely on CBD tinctures, a more portable container that includes a dropper and allows easier transportation and dosage measuring.
Tinctures are positioned as a great first step for those that are new to the world of CBD and CBD oils, citing the lack of a potentially “foul taste”, as well as cost-effectiveness. While virtually all CBD oil products can be purchased in this way, it seems to be in the wheelhouse of Dr. Hemps.
It is important to note that if you’re looking for the best CBD oil for vaping, look elsewhere. Dr. Hemps acknowledges that many users (and especially new users) of CBD oil aren’t looking for edibles or anything to smoke or vape, and that tinctures are indeed the best option for beginners.
Differing from some of the products that we saw higher on the list, Dr. Hemps includes some products that are isolates, which allow for lighter — and sometimes non-existent — flavor. If this is a product that you plan to take every day, it’s important to choose one with a flavor that you don’t mind, and Dr. Hemps clearly offers a variety of choices on that front.
While tinctures are the only type of CBD oil offered by Dr. Hemps, there are a variety of sizes to choose from, as well as flavors and strengths. Be sure to choose what’s best for you, although Dr. Hemp certainly appears to be a solid introductory choice.
- Tinctures are easily transportable and a good introduction to CBD oil
- Variety of flavors and strengths available
- Tinctures are only product available
6. Soothe
(https://soothelife.com/collections/oil-drops)
Soothe is very specific about the types of benefits that it can afford its users. From mood regulation and the reduction of stress and anxiety to actual pain relief, Soothe may be the right selection for you.
In lower doses, Soothe claims to assist in elevating mental clarity, focus, and energy, while, in addition to pain relief, it can help with sleep patterns when used in higher doses. As with the other CBD oils on our list, Sooth also says that there are no known side effects to the product, including that it is non-habit forming — one of the few products to specifically spell that out.
Soothe uses terpene, the thin oils derived from the hemp plant. Contrary to No. 5 on our list, Dr. Hemps, Soothe is the first product on our list to offer a vaporizer and has what appears to be the best vape pen for CBD oil, with their disposable vape pen including a couple of flavors to choose from.
Soothe also says that all of their products are third-party lab-tested, and includes everything from oils, to creams and lotions, to options for pets. There are vegan gummies as an option, too, so they didn’t forget to check that box.
If you’re looking for a combination of creativity, variety in products, and a laundry list of potential benefits, you’ve come to the right place.
- Long list of potential health benefits, including mood regulation and pain relief
- Disposable vape pen as product option
- Wide range of products to choose from
- Less information readily available related to testing and purity of products
7. CBDistillery
(https://www.thecbdistillery.com/)
CBDistillery offers a combination of a wide-ranging product list, as well as a variety of formula differences from product to product.
For instance, while some of the products on our list boast that they are oil and whole-plant, versus isolate or synthetic, CBDistillery is proud to offer more than just one option, and gives its customers the option to choose between Isolate and Full Spectrum products.
CBDistillery also includes specially-designed vape products if you’re looking for the best vaporizer for CBD oil, although they caution against vaping the tincture selections. They are very clear about their legal limits on giving suggestions related to products and dosages, but encourage their customers to do their own research, as each individual is different.
CBDistillery was founded in Colorado by a group of individuals who believe that people should have access to high-quality, fairly-priced hemp-derived CBD. They have an abundance of resources on their website for those that are newly considering CBD oil and other products, and are a good place to go for additional information.
The range of products offered by CBDistillery is extensive, from the oils and tinctures to topicals, capsules, creams, and vape pens and more. If you’re looking for the best place to buy CBD oil in terms of variety, CBDistillery might be the place to go.
- Wide-ranging and diverse product list
- Both isolate and full spectrum offerings
- None
8. Fab
(https://fabcbd.com/)
Fab. promotes its CBD Oil Drops as Full Spectrum and made from 100 percent organically-grown Colorado hemp. They also lean on their “state of the art” extraction and cloning equipment to ensure that their products are consistently high quality.
The CBD oil is offered in four different sizes, all a bit smaller than some of the other products on our list: 150mg, 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg. Flavors offered include mint, citrus, and natural.
Of course, Fab. doesn’t only offer oils, but also has topicals and chews available on its site. All of its products are 100 percent natural and organically grown in the United States and are non-GMO.
They underscore the idea that proper dosing leads to proper pricing, therefore ensuring that their customers are not only paying a fair price, but are enjoying the proper effects of the CBD product once they begin taking it.
If someone is not using it correctly, they aren’t likely to get their desired results, after all.
The Fab. website includes a great customer feedback and testimonial section, showing off just how many satisfied customers are out there. Their mission began as helping loved ones feel better and get off of over-the-counter medications, and to help customers and friends achieve nutrition goals, and it certainly appears as if they’re succeeding in doing just that.
- Full Spectrum CBD oil made from 100 percent organically-grown hemp, non-GMO
- Topicals and chews available
- An emphasis on careful dosing and pricing
- Smaller-sized bottles for sale, somewhat limited selection
9. Bota
(https://www.botahemp.com/)
Bota Hemp’s mission is to inspire healthier lifestyles through education of premium CBD products, and they believe that CBD should be an essential part of all health-focused lifestyle choices.
Similar to the CBDistillery, Bota suggests that individuals do research to find out which product is entirely right for them, and is happy to offer CBD oils and tinctures, as well as capsules and topical creams. Rather than sticking with one specific offering, they’ve diversified and are leaving the picking and choosing up the customer. (At this point in the article, you may have noticed that there are more or less two camps when it comes to this approach.)
Additionally, Bota makes its products from non-GMO, pesticide-free hemp. They claim to have “extremely high standards and qualifications that all plants must meet”, and say that their plants are constantly tested, although some of the specific details that other companies offer are absent.
Bota offers three different sizes of tinctures in which to buy their CBD oil: 250mg, 500mg, and 1000mg. They encourage customers to add the oil to salads, smoothies, or coffee — the first product that we’ve come across that has suggested those options.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a smoothie and some Bota.
- Products made from non-GMO, pesticide-free hemp
- High standards related to their plants
- Relatively limited product line and sizes of tinctures
10. AtEASE Full Spectrum Hemp Oil
AtEASE is a full spectrum CBD oil derived from all-natural Kentucky hemp. It offers a 750mg product specific to relief for inflammation and joint pain, as well as helping the customer enjoy better natural sleep.
The bottle is one ounce and includes 30 servings of the premium organic extracts. It’s also a gentle oil, with the folks at AtEASE even recommending placing a drop or two on your skin to feel the moisturizing difference. They promote that it is easy to swallow and gentle on the stomach — not a bad idea for an introductory user of CBD oil.
The CBD oil is peppermint flavored, and it’s recommended to try adding drops to your favorite beverage to enjoy and savor the taste.
As with many of the products on this list, AtEASE is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, organic, and non-GMO. They also claim that their CO2 extraction process is proprietary in order to maximize the absorbency and effect of the product.
- All-natural, non-GMO, vegan product from Kentucky-grown hemp
- Gentle formula is easy on stomach and can be used topically
- Peppermint flavor can be added to any food or beverage
- None
So, What Is The Best CBD Oil?
There are plenty of options out there when it comes to finding the best CBD oil, as we’ve just discovered. And, truthfully, we’ve only scratched the surface.
The market is becoming saturated with plenty of great choices as the idea of using CBD oil to relieve stress, anxiety, and pain and, put simply, enhance quality of life, is becoming more and more mainstream.
Additionally, the relatively recent discovery of CBD receptors in the human body is only accelerating the popularity of CBD oils and other products. After all, if the body is already predisposed to consume and accept the cannabidiol component of the the cannabis plant, why would we not take advantage of its intended benefits?
It is important to note, however, that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to officially approve the use of CBD oil, there have not been any true side effects measured as of yet. (Of course, if and when the FDA approves the use of CBD oil, there will be far more long-term and intense studies conducted, giving us more information on both the effectiveness of the products, as well as any potential side effects.)
It’s tough to put our finger on an absolute “best” CBD oil, although we tried. As it turns out — and especially with cutting-edge technology such as this — there are enough variables that each consumer must select for themselves.
What Should I Consider Before Buying CBD Oil Or Other CBD Products?
As with any decision that could have an effect on your health and lifestyle, there are plenty of questions to consider before purchasing any CBD oils or products.
First, make sure that the product that you’re considering is naturally-grown and, ideally, you know the source where it was grown. The majority of the products on our list made it known that their plants were not exposed to any herbicides or pesticides, but that doesn’t mean that every product out there will be as open about where they come from and how the plants were raised, much less how the extraction process occurs.
And again, while virtually every product we reviewed was clear about having less than 0.3 percent THC (again, the component of cannabis that makes you feel “high”), that doesn’t mean that they all will. This is important to pay attention to.
Additionally, there will be some oils that claim to include zero THC, but those oils may not always be true CBD oils and could not be as effective as those on this list.
It could also be easy to overlook the taste. Many of the products on our list are offered either in a “natural” flavor, or some other kind of fruity or minty flavor. First-time users of the product may want to lean more towards something with less flavor, or perhaps something that is at least less … natural. If the taste is overwhelming at first, it may be tough to get into the habit of using the product consistently, and then all bets are off as far as the effectiveness of the product.
Finally, make sure you know if you’re truly purchasing CBD oil, or if it’s full spectrum hemp oil. While most of the products on our list are full spectrum and are derived from the entire plant — thereby providing a host of additional benefits — the CBD content may be lower. This is an important factor to consider and you’ll want to know which direction you’re going before making your decision.
Why is CBD oil a natural health solution?
After all, the human body has CB receptors, allowing to absorb the compound, so it isn’t exactly unnatural. This was discovered in relatively recent research that has only accelerated the growth and expansion of CBD products, as there is now a clear link between the plant and, more specifically, the CBD element and the composition of our molecular pathways and receptors.
Here’s the quick science: there are two CBD receptors, aptly named CB1 and CB2. CB1 assists in coordination, pain, emotional state, cognitive function, and more. CB2 is more related to our immune systems, including inflammation and pain. And as we’ll soon learn, all of the above are elements in our lives in which CBD oils will often claim to assist.
The history of hemp, and in turn, CBD, goes back several centuries. People discovered a variety of uses of the plant that included cooking and textiles, but it was also eventually used medical purposes. So, in that sense, we’re only a bit behind the times, it seems…
Final Thoughts
As mentioned above, the benefits of CBD oil and other products are becoming progressively more well-known.
Yet, we still don’t know the full effects of CBD products — both positive and (potentially) negative. As time goes on, more studies will be conducted, and as more folks use these products regularly, we’ll have a much better idea of exactly what their effects are.
To this point, however, it all seems positive, and while we’re certainly too early in this process to suggest that CBD oil is for everyone, there are absolutely some of the above-listed companies who might suggest just that. And until there are clear studies showing potentially adverse effects, they’ll continue to make such claims.
This is a list of what we believe to be the best products on the market right now based on our research, although the growth of the industry will certainly add new products to this list in short order.
We can’t stress enough that it is up to each individual consumer to ensure that they are reading through as much available information as possible in order to make an informed decision before spending money on a new product and ultimately using that product. It’s an exciting time when it comes to medical research, and specifically, CBD oil and the use of hemp to enhance health, and there are no doubt more changes and break-through research coming soon.