Are you on a quest to find the best CBD oil? Perhaps you’re after a natural helping hand with anxiety, stress, insomnia or pain? You’re in the right place!
You know, CBD might have been one of the most popular buzzwords of the past couple of years, but it’s far from being a new trend.
Some old Chinese medical texts proved that Emperor Shen Nung discovered the healing properties of the cannabis plant in 2737 BC.
However, despite its long history, there are still plenty of misconceptions around CBD. Let’s clear things up for you before helping you find the best CBD oil!
Contents
What is CBD oil?
CBD (Cannabidiol) oil is a product made from one of the main active ingredients of the cannabis plant or hemp.
The difference from its ‘high’ cousin? It never contains more than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) by volume, which is the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive properties.
The type of CBD
There are three main types of CBD oil:
CBD isolate
CBD isolate focuses on achieving its maximal concentration. Because other cannabinoids and natural hemp derivatives are removed, this oil can contain up to 99% CBD.
It’s a popular choice among those who’re using CBD for the first time.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD contains plenty of other natural cannabinoids and compounds, but still no THC. It usually goes up to a maximum concentration of 80% CBD.
Broad-spectrum oils are a good compromise between the other two types, especially if your workplace has a strict no-THC policy.
You can start to unlock the sought-after entourage effect, a boost in CBD benefits that occurs when you ingest it with other cannabis compounds;
Full-spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD, as the name suggests, retains all the natural cannabinoids, including THC.
This is usually the most effective type of CBD oil because it allows you to make the most of the entourage effect.
To help you find the right one for you, we’ve added CBD reviews that cover all of them.
How is CBD oil made?
CBD oil is created through extraction, starting with plants that are high in CBD but-ironically-low in THC, such as most hemp varieties.
This process involves solvents like supercritical CO2, a non-toxic type of fluid carbon dioxide widely used in the food industry.
The solvent is forced through the organic plant material and it pulls out its CBD, compounds like lipids, and essential oil. Once that’s done, it’s removed from the product.
Pros and cons
CBD studies are generally difficult to conduct due to restrictions by federal regulations as well as limited access to abc. Therefore, in order to know the pros and cons of CBD oil, you need to undergo practical use to make clear conclusions.
Pros:
In general, CBD shares the beneficial properties of THC, with none of the ‘high’, memory loss, coordination problems, and increased heart rate induced by the latter.
Many in-depth studies have shown that CBD oil can help reduce anxiety and inflammation, relieve pain or slow tumor growth, as follows:
- Pain relief and anti-inflammation
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Relieve cancer symptoms
- Treatment of epilepsy
- Acne reduction
Cons:
Some disadvantages of CBD are pointed out whether it is considered safe. The cons of using CBD oil are listed below.
- Causes diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
- Changes weight and in appetite
- Stir up feelings of drowsiness and fatigue
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Interaction with medication
How to use CBD oil?
To use CBD oil, you simply need to let a few drops fall under your tongue with the help of the dropper included in your tincture.
This allows them to reach your bloodstream much faster than, say, ingesting CBD through capsules.
Now that you have a better understanding of the different types and benefits of CBD oil, find the right one for you with our 10 CBD oil reviews!
Best CBD oil reviews 2020
1. Charlotte’s Web™️
If there can be a modern classic when it comes to CBD oil, it’d have to be this product! This is the iconic formula that started a whole industry thanks to their discovery of a new strain.
Pros:
- Unique cannabis strain
- 100% vegan
- Contains lots of beneficial compounds
Cons:
- Not many flavor options
This company has a special backstory! The seven brothers behind it created this cannabis strain by crossbreeding one of marijuana with industrial hemp.
They named both their discovery and their company after Charlotte Figi, the little girl who used it to cure her seizures and helped popularize the therapeutic use of CBD.
While being naturally low in THC, the Charlotte Web’s strain still allows you to unlock the coveted entourage effect.
No wonder that this tincture is impeccable at inspiring a sense of calm, helping you manage everyday stress, and, consequently, maintain a healthy sleeping pattern!
It’s also a popular choice for active people who exercise a lot, as it alleviates inflammation.
Made with Colorado-grown hemp, it’s available in 30 or 100ml. The Olive Oil version is their classic formula, but, if you prefer CBD oils with a flavorful twist, we recommend their Mint Chocolate extract.
2. Sabaidee
It’s in the name. This strong and highly-effective solution is perfect if you’re after tangible results but would rather avoid THC.
Pros:
- Contains MTC coconut oil
- Grown sustainably
- 3rd party-tested
Cons:
- No flavor options and just one size
What we love the most about Sabaidee is that they clearly have both the interests of their customers and those of the planet at heart.
Not only is their Colorado hemp grown sustainably: they plant a tree for every single purchase!
As for quality, you’re in safe hands. After testing it in-house, they send each product to an independent laboratory.
While they sell several CBD oils, we especially recommend their Super Good Vibes as it’s 4 times stronger than the others and yet doesn’t include any THC.
Each dropper contains at least 33.5mg of CBD as well as plenty of beneficial compounds for a tangible entourage effect.
What makes them different? Their trick is that they combine medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil derived from coconut and peppermint oil.
These are both known for their health benefits and, the latter, for its calming effect. Add that to the positive influence of CBD and you can stay assured that you’ll have a stress-free day and sweet dreams.
If you were after a sustainable CBD oil for a good cause, look no further!
3. Veritas Farms
Would you like a highly customizable experience? Perhaps you can’t wait to try different flavors of CBD oils? You’re in for a treat!
Pros:
- 5 strengths to choose from
- 5 flavors
- Organic and grown sustainably
Cons:
- Not one of the most affordable
Widely recognized and endorsed by several high-profile publications, the name Veritas Farms is a warranty in itself when it comes to CBD oils!
Although they have a large range of CBD products from skincare to pets, their full-spectrum tincture is a great starting point if you want some results now.
The best thing about it? It’s so easy to find the right type for you!
It comes in 5 different strengths, from a humble 250g to a powerful 2000mg. Plus, as well as their classic unflavored version, you can choose among Citrus, Peppermint, Watermelon, and Strawberry, which are all sweetened using natural stevia.
Non-GMO, grown sustainably and third-party lab tested, this Veritas Farms tincture blends the traditional benefits of CBD oil and those of organic fractionated coconut oil.
Fast results, always naturally!
4. Lazarus Naturals
This company’s mission is to make CBD easily accessible to more people. If you were after a budget-friendly choice, Lazarus Naturals is your guy!
Pros:
- One of the best CBD isolate tinctures
- Available in different sizes and flavors
- Affordable option
Cons:
- No entourage effect
Not everyone might feel ready for a strong full-spectrum CBD oil. If that sounds like you, this isolate tincture will allow you to take the right first step into the magical world of CBD.
Crafted using hemp that is consciously grown on their own farms and always third-party tested, this Lazarus Naturals tincture is available as 750g or 3000mg.
The lack of THC and other cannabis compounds obviously means that you won’t benefit from the famous entourage effect.
However, if you were only after a little helping hand to relax or regularize your sleeping patterns, it’s absolutely perfect.
This is a relatively flavorless option that just focuses on doing its job.
However, if you fell in love with the sound of it but prefer flavored CBD oils, you should try their Wintermint and Blood Orange versions.
Also, this company realized that those who need CBD the most are usually those who can’t afford it.
Kudos to them for offering discounted prices to veterans and people with disabilities or from low-income households!
5. Eureka Effects
Eureka Effects created an incredibly affordable full-spectrum CBD oil without straying away from its high-quality and sustainable ethos.
Pros:
- Features organic hemp-seed oil
- Locally sourced from sustainable farms
- Budget-friendly full-spectrum CBD oil
Cons:
- Only available in one size and flavor
Not too fussed about flavors? Would you rather focus on an effective full-spectrum CBD oil that doesn’t break the bank? Eureka Effects can really guarantee that ‘aha!’ moment.
Their 500mg tincture includes 15mg of CBD, derived from locally grown hemp. Together with lots of other cannabis elements, it also features terpenes.
These aromatic compounds come from hemp flowers and enhance the efficacy of CBD and its entourage effect thanks to their unique smells.
This consciously crafted Eureka Effect tincture is a budget-friendly but effective choice that helps with pain, inflammation and anxiety.
6. CBDPure
As the name suggests, this CBD oil is as pure and natural as it can get!
Pros:
- Certified organic
- Natural hemp flavor
- Affordable choice
Cons:
- No flavor options
CBDPure focuses on keeping its CBD products natural and accessible.
This full-spectrum tincture is made with Colorado-grown hemp that’s certified for meeting non-GMO organic standards and is 100% free of additives and contaminants. Obviously, it’s also third-party tested.
It contains 600mg of CBD and 20mg per daily serving, which is a great balance for those who’re after the entourage effect but don’t want higher doses.
On the other hand, if you could do with an extra concentration boost, you can try their 1000mg tincture. Not quite ready? Their 300g option is a much more comfortable choice for beginners.
Whatever dose you go for, CBDPure manages to keep the prices absolutely fair, making CBD accessible to more and more people.
7. Mana Artisan Botanics
A delicate explosion of flavors, directly from Hawaii.
Pros:
- Uses organic Hawaiian ingredients
- Perfectly balanced combination of flavors
- Choice between macadamia and MCT coconut oil, 300 and 600mg
Cons:
- No actual flavor options
Mana is the Hawaiian word for belief and intention or the sharing of one’s knowledge, which is exactly what this conscious company is about.
With over 20 years of experience when it comes to farming and CBD, its small team focuses on creating a product that’s perfect for consumers while being kind to its farmers.
They only use local organic ingredients and choose them with synergy in mind to craft enhanced fragrances and flavors.
This tincture, in particular, is a well-rounded experience for the senses. Imagine the combination of sweet vanilla, organic hemp, and the freshest Hawaiian turmeric, infused in local macadamia nut oil or MCT coconut oil. Dreamy, right?
This CBD tincture is a great help for mental clarity and an alleviation of the symptoms of anxiety and depression, but it can also make physical pain more bearable.
If you’re after a stronger dose, you should try their Hemp Oil 3X. New to the world of CBD and aren’t ready to invest in more concentrated options? Then stick to their Hemp Oil Intro.
Otherwise, this standard bottle containing 300mg of phytocannabinoids per ounce is a balanced compromise.
8. Receptra Naturals
This mighty CBD tincture that focuses on pain relief is here to prove the ‘no pain, no gain’ mantra wrong.
Pros:
- Best CBD oil for pain
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Pleasant berry flavor
Cons:
- No flavor options
This company started when founder Rusty Smith tried to use CBD to overcome the pain of a knee injury, so we’re not surprised that this tincture focuses on pain relief.
However, while Smith struggled to find a tincture that was as effective as they all claimed to be, you now get a cheeky head start!
This Serious Relief + Turmeric tincture consists of a balanced blend of organic ingredients like avocado oil and comes in a pleasant Fresh Berry flavor.
It alleviates discomfort, promotes a faster recovery, and complements healthy lifestyles. We’ve found that it also results in a positive impact on metabolism.
Do you like the sound of Receptra Naturals but need help with anxiety and stress, instead?
We recommend their Serious Relax + Lavender formula. Trouble falling asleep? Opt for their Serious Rest + Chamomile tincture.
9. Zion Medicinals
A strong and effective full-spectrum CBD tincture made from people who genuinely care.
Pros:
- Tangible results, especially when using CBD oil for pain relief
- Spagyric process
- Fractioned coconut oil
Cons:
- On the pricey side
Zion Medicinals was born when Brian tried everything he could to provide relief from pain and insomnia to his wife suffering from Lyme disease.
Thanks to his success, they then created this company to help more people find physical, mental, and emotional balance through the best CBD oils.
Our favorite is their powerful 1000mg organic spagyric tincture.
What sounds like a complicated term simply refers to burning their leftover plant matter in order to create distinctive white ash.
Filtered into the hemp’s mineral salts, it’s then added to the extract to increase its medicinal properties.
This full-spectrum tincture also includes the terpene compounds responsible for the odors that act in synergy with the rest of the ingredients. Plus, it’s made with fractioned coconut oil.
An investment, for sure, but with impeccable results.
10. Avida Spearmint
Pesticide-free and family-owned, get ready for the most potent broad-spectrum oil currently on the market.
Pros:
- Organic hemp grown on their family farm
- 3rd party-tested and THC free
- Refreshing mint flavor
Cons:
- No flavor options
Thanks to the meticulous way in which they craft their terpenes profile, the Avida Spearmint is an aromatic and refreshing CBD tincture that’s perfect for those who aren’t too comfortable with THC.
We haven’t seen anything quite like it, as it’s a proprietary blend of real spearmint extract, terpenes, and natural phytocannabinoids.
It’s all sourced from their family-owned farm using organic hemp, and always tested by other labs.
The focus of this company is on helping its customers achieve mental clarity, general wellness, and, most importantly, a holistic balance in their life.
It’s available in 500, 1500, and a whopping 3000mg strength.
Haven’t actually got a problem with THC? Then you could also try their full-spectrum oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is CBD oil good for?
CBD oil is good for many health-related reasons. The most popular CBD oil benefits are its pain-relieving properties and help against insomnia as well as mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
2. How long does it take for CBD oil to work orally?
It can take as little as 15 minutes for CBD oil to work orally if you take it as drops under your tongue.
However, if you ingest it as capsules, it could take up to six hours because it needs to be broken down by the liver before it can enter your bloodstream.
3. How to know the dosage of CBD oil to use?
To know the dosage of CBD oil to use it’s always important to check what your bottle says because the right dosage changes depending on its concentration and strength.
4. Does CBD oil make users feel sleepy?
CBD oil doesn’t usually make you feel sleepy, but it helps against insomnia thanks to its relaxing effect.
However, drowsiness is a rare side effect that could occur when consuming CBD in high doses (especially if the company wasn’t honest about its concentration) or when you’re quite new to it.
5. Does CBD oil get you high?
No, CBD oil does not get you high. Although it’s derived from the same plant family as marijuana, it usually doesn’t contain THC, the cannabinoid responsible for that effect.
When it does, it must be less than 0.3% by volume, which isn’t enough to affect your brain.
6. Does CBD oil make users drunk?
No, CBD oil doesn’t make users drunk. Because it lacks THC, it can be considered the sober cousin of other marijuana-based products.
7. How does CBD oil make you feel?
CBD oil makes you feel more relaxed and less anxious while also helping relieve pain. That’s why it’s particularly useful against insomnia, anxiety, depression, and body pain in general.
8. Is CBD oil safe for everyone?
In general, CBD oil is safe for everyone since side effects are extremely rare and mild, and can even be administered to kids, albeit in smaller doses.
However, if you want some extra peace of mind or are currently taking specific medications, we recommend checking with your family doctor first.
9. Is it safe to use CBD oil everyday?
Yes. Not only is it safe to use CBD oil everyday, but that’s also the best way to ensure tangible results!
Taking a daily dose is what helps maintain a consistent level of CBD in your system, promoting its effectiveness.
10. What is the downside of CBD oil?
CBD oil hasn’t got any serious downsides, as its side effects (like fatigue, dizziness and changes in appetite) aren’t common and are usually quite mild. The only potential downside of CBD concerns an increase in liver enzymes.
Again, that’s extremely rare and there isn’t enough research about it, but it could potentially result in liver damage if not kept under control.
11. How often should I take CBD oil?
How often you should take CBD oil depends on its strength and whether or not you’re used to it. We always recommend checking the instructions on each specific product. Still, for the best results, you should take it every day to keep it in your system and maximize its efficacy.
12. Is CBD oil bad for your liver?
CBD oil isn’t necessarily bad for your liver. However, a study showed that 10% of its participants had increased liver enzymes as a result of using it.
It’s rare, there isn’t enough research about it, and it’s unlikely to cause actual problems, but it should still be monitored if that’s the case with you.
13. How much CBD oil should I take for pain?
How much CBD oil you should take for pain depends on the type of tincture that you’re using, its strength, your weight, and whether or not you’re used to it.
In general, we recommend taking 1-6mg per 10lbs of body weight, but it’s always better to check what each product says.
14. Can CBD oil be used with other medicines?
Yes, CBD oil can be used with other medications, except those with a grapefruit warning which can lead to a higher concentration of CBD in your blood.
Also, because CBD is metabolized by the CYP450 family of enzymes, medications that inhibit it will prevent your CBD oil from actually being effective.
If you’re taking other medications, you might want to ask your family doctor.
15. What happens if you use too much CBD oil?
If you use too much CBD oil, you won’t get high nor have serious side effects. Most people won’t have any side effects at all, whereas some others might experience diarrhea, fatigue or a change in appetite.
16. How many drops of CBD oil should I take?
As a general rule, you should take a couple of drops of CBD oil twice a day.
However, it really depends on its strength and what you’re trying to treat. Make sure you check what the manufacturer recommends.
17. Are there any medical studies about CBD oil?
There is some research on CBD oil, but, at the moment of writing this article, there aren’t any major medical studies.
18. Is CBD oil legal where you live?
CBD oil is legal in all US states if it’s hemp-derived, whereas in other continents it really depends on the countries as they often have different regulations.
In some of them, it’s still illegal, whereas in others you might need a prescription to access it.
The best way to find out is to research whether CBD oil is legal in the specific country you live. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you!