Everyone has a different reason to incorporate CBD into their lives. Whether they use CBD to help tackle a difficult health issue like chronic pain, or simply want to take it to help reduce stress and anxiety, CBD offers a natural way to help manage a number of problems.
One issue for anyone new to CBD is figuring out the best CBD oil to buy. The good news is we’ve done all of the hard work for you. Our guide to the best CBD oil brands for sale online will point you to some of the most trusted brands on the market and will highlight some of their specific products. We’ve also included helpful information about the benefits of CBD oil and how much to take. Here are our choices for best CBD oil.
Our Top Picks
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. No brand ever has a say in our coverage and no placements are sponsored. We trust these products.
- Best Overall – Cornbread Hemp
- Best CBD Oil for Sleep – Spruce
- Strongest CBD Oil – CBDistillery
- Best Full Spectrum – R+R Medicinals
- Best All-Natural CBD Oil – NuLeaf Naturals
What is CBD Oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound that comes from the marijuana and hemp strains of cannabis. If you purchase CBD products that are crafted solely from the industrial hemp plant, then there will be less than 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in them. THC is a very well-known compound of the cannabis plant that causes people to feel a euphoric high when smoked or ingested.
While hemp is a part of the cannabis plant family, it contains less than 0.3 percent of THC. Marijuana is a variety of cannabis that has well over 0.3 percent of THC.
Unlike THC, CBD will not cause users to feel high in any way. Products that are crafted from the cannabis plant will contain both CBD and THC in them. However, all full spectrum CBD products that are sold within the United States must legally contain less than 0.3 percent THC. CBD carries its own therapeutic and medical benefits as it interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body.
How We Chose the Best CBD Oils
To create our list of the best CBD oil online, we evaluated each brand and product on six specific categories.
- Type of CBD — Does the CBD oil contain full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate extract?
- Strength — How many total milligrams of CBD does each dose of CBD oil contain?
- Source — Does the company use all-natural and organic hemp grown in the USA?
- Flavor — Does the oil come in multiple flavors? Is it flavored using natural ingredients?
- Transparency — Does the brand offer accessible third-party lab test results and information about their extraction process?
- Customer Experience — What do actual customers say about the product and the buying experience?
The Best High-Quality Extracts of 2022
Best Overall: Cornbread Hemp
cornbreadhemp.com
- CBD – Full Spectrum
- Strength – 25 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source – Kentucky
- Flavor – None
Why buy: We love Cornbread Hemp’s Distilled CBD oil for a lot of reasons. It’s USDA certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, and made from Kentucky-grown hemp. They also use a unique flower-only full spectrum CBD extract, meaning they don’t use any stems, leaves, or stalks, for a cleaner CBD oil with a brighter taste. This CBD oil is great for promoting a sense of calm throughout the day without drowsiness.
Strongest Full Spectrum: Spruce CBD
takespruce.com
- CBD – Full Spectrum
- Strength – 25 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source – Kentucky and North Carolina
- Flavor – Peppermint
Why buy: We love this strong, full spectrum, lab-grade CBD oil from Spruce. It includes organic hemp seed oil and natural flavors, no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives, and is made from a consistent, quality supply of hemp extract grown on farms in North Carolina and Kentucky. We like that this product is organic, vegan, and gluten-free. Spruce also offers an Extra Strength option that contains 80 mg of CBD per 1 mL dropper.
Best for Anxiety: CBDistillery
thecbdistillery.com
- CBD – Full Spectrum
- Strength – 83 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source: Colorado
- Flavor: Natural
Why buy: We like CBDistillery because they offer both full spectrum and broad spectrum oils, as well as CBD isolate products. They also have affordable pricing for higher-strength oils, including their 2500 mg formula that offers 83 mg of CBD per serving. Their Colorado-grown CBD oil is U.S. Hemp Authority Certified, non-GMO, third-party lab tested, and comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.
USDA Organic: R+R Medicinals
rrmeds.com
- CBD – Full Spectrum
- Strength – 33.33 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source – Colorado
- Flavor – Fresh Mint
Best for Discomfort: NuLeaf Naturals
- CBD – Full Spectrum
- Strength – 30 mg CBD per serving
- Hemp source – Colorado
- Flavor – Natural
Why buy: NuLeaf Naturals makes strong, concentrated CBD oils that all come in 30 mg CBD per mL. We like that this consistent concentration across bottle sizes makes dosing easier. Plus, these products are made using a Co2 extraction process that removes the CBD from 100% organic hemp plants. Each batch is third-party lab tested with easily-accessible test results through their website.
The Research on CBD Oil
In 2014, the Agricultural Act, or Farm Bill, was passed that allowed the legalization of cultivation activities of hemp. Because of this, the hemp industry was able to explore many new and innovative ways of growing hemp.The House and the Senate then passed the 2018 Farm Act that removed hemp, which is defined as a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC, off of the Schedule 1 Controlled Substances list from Congress.
CBD that comes from marijuana plants is still subject to individual state laws. However, CBD products that are sourced from industrial hemp can be both purchased and consumed in all 50 states as long as the hemp has been cultivated according to the Farm Act.
CBD is potentially beneficial compound because it interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system. Everyone has an endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The body’s endocannabinoid system is located in the brain, nervous system, organs, connective tissues, glands, immune cells, and other areas of the body. The two internal receptors, CB1 and CB2, that influence the brain and the immune system interact with endocannabinoids to help the body regain balance or homeostasis.
Potential Health Benefits of CBD Oil Backed by Research Studies
There are multiple studies that show CBD may be helpful in managing the following conditions:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Symptoms Related to Cancer
- Headaches
- Sleep Issues
- High Blood Pressure
In light of these findings, more people are seeking CBD as a natural, safe, and effective way to help them deal with painful and sometimes debilitating health conditions.
How CBD Oil Works
The ECS interacts with naturally occurring compounds in the body as well as with the compounds found within the cannabis plant, including CBD, to help relieve issues stemming from various health conditions. The endocannabinoid system has a very large impact on the brain, nervous system, and our emotional and psychological well-being. CBD is now used for a great many reasons and to help manage a number of health issues.
The Difference Between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate
Full spectrum CBD contains all of the phytochemicals naturally found in the cannabis plant. This means that full spectrum CBD contains CBD, THC, trace cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils. By law, all full-spectrum products must contain less than 0.3% THC. We typically recommend full spectrum CBD oils as they can offer the biggest potential benefit through the entourage effect of all the included plant compounds and cannabinoids.
Broad spectrum CBD contains many of the same secondary cannabinoids as full spectrum extracts, but does not have any THC. The THC is completely removed after the initial extraction process. A good way to think about broad spectrum products is that they are somewhere in between full spectrum oils and CBD isolates.
Lastly, CBD isolates are exactly what the name implies. In CBD isolate products, CBD is separated away from all of the other compounds. When you purchase CBD isolate products, you are getting the purest form of CBD in the highest concentration per serving. People who choose to use CBD isolate benefit solely from the effects of CBD, or cannabidiol.
How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for You
CBD oils come in many different strengths and flavors. And while flavor is purely a matter of preference, strength is another story. Typically, if you are new to CBD, it’s recommended for you to begin with the lowest potency first until you can gauge how your body will react to the oil. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for the best CBD oil.
What to Look For
Lab Testing – The most important thing to look for in CBD products is proof of independent third-party lab testing. This will ensure that the product is safe and contains the right amount of CBD.
Concentration – Make sure you know the amount of CBD in the oil and how much is each 1 mL serving. This is important so that you know exactly how much CBD you are taking each time.
Carrier Oil – CBD oils use carrier oils that allow you to ingest the hemp extract as a tincture. Common carrier oils include coconut oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil. Check which one a brand uses in case you have any food allergies.
Hemp Source – The quality and purity of any CBD oil is directly related to the source of the hemp. We recommend brands that use industrial, non-GMO hemp grown organically in the U.S.A.
How to Read Labels
When you compare CBD oils, be sure to check the label for certain key pieces of information. The label should always include the following:
- Type of CBD – The brand should clearly indicate whether the CBD oil is full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate.
- Strength – Always check to see how many milligrams of CBD the oil contains per 1 mL dropper. Many brands include a dosage guide on the label to help you measure the right amount.
- Certifications – It can be helpful to look for seals of approval or certification from industry groups like USDA organic, non-GMO, U.S. Hemp Authority, and more.
- Test Results – Again, always check for proof that the CBD oil has undergone independent lab testing. The best CBD brands will include a QR code on the label that links directly to the test results.
How to Use
CBD products come in many different options. There are oils, sprays, creams, gummies, capsules, vapes, and much more. Typically, sublingual options are the best. These will be oil tinctures or sprays. Begin by taking a small dose, around 5 mg of oil, once a day for a week. That dose will equal about a half a dropper full of oil. After a week has elapsed, check to see how you are feeling. If you feel that you are not getting the relief that you seek, then increase the dose to another half dropper full twice a day. This will now equal a total of 10 mg of CBD oil a day. Stay with this dose for another week before doing a check-in to gauge how you are feeling.
Repeat these steps until you achieve your desired results. Likewise, go slow with the different oil potencies until you find the strength that works best for your needs.
Depending on what you are using the CBD for, another option might be better for you. For example, if you have muscle aches and pains, then a topical cream will be your best option. If you have an active lifestyle and need to take your CBD on the go, then gummies will work the best for you. The choice is completely up to you.
Safety & Side Effects
Just like with any natural supplement or treatment method, there can be some mild side effects associated with CBD oil. Some of the more common side effects that people have reported include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
CBD can also negatively interact with prescription medications. A good way to check if it will potentially negatively mix with your current prescription is to go by the grapefruit warning rule. If you cannot eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice or other citruses while on your medication, then you should not mix CBD with it.
Grapefruit contains compounds called furanocoumarins that bind with specialized enzymes located within the gut. When these compounds bind with the enzymes, they lower the body’s ability to break down and eliminate drugs from the system. Therefore, too much of the drug will be in the bloodstream which can lead to toxic levels over time.
CBD is very similar to grapefruit in that it also binds with those same enzymes and can therefore cause the very same issues. Once the enzyme is neutralized, it can take days for its function to return back to normal.
If you have any questions about CBD, or if you currently take any prescription medications, be sure to consult with your doctor before you add CBD to your wellness routine.
Takeaway
To find the best CBD oil online, it’s important to do your research and to go with trustworthy and transparent brands. Use our guide to the best brands of CBD oil to find the right hemp extract option for your health and wellness needs.
Remember, if you still have questions regarding CBD then you might want to schedule a consultation appointment with your primary care physician or healthcare provider for further guidance.
Marc Lewis aims to help people access the scientific consensus on natural health topics in a simple and direct format. His perspective on CBD as a natural remedy has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, MarketWatch, and Yahoo.
