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The best cannabidiol (CBD) oils are organic, third-party tested, and available in various strengths and flavors. Here, we review a list of CBD oils, with firsthand editor reviews and vetting from our team of medical experts.
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.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
In this section, we list some key factors to consider that can help someone choose the best CBD oil for their needs.
Transparent third-party testing
Medical News Today only features products that undergo third-party testing. Companies must also provide easy access to the results of these tests.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products before they go on sale, third-party tests show exactly what a product contains.
This is a necessary safety measure to consider when buying CBD products, as some companies mislabel their products or exclude ingredients from labeling. They may also make extreme or unfounded health claims about their products.
People need to avoid products that promise to cure any illness and know that CBD will affect people differently.
U.S.-sourced CBD
Although the FDA does not regulate CBD products, it is illegal for people to use Cannabis sativa plants containing more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the United States, according to the 2018 Farm Bill.
To ensure they are buying products that adhere to this law, people can prioritize buying products that use United States-grown hemp.
Many companies grow organic hemp in the United States. These crops must comply with several agricultural regulations alongside the cap on THC content.
If a product holds U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification, it means the crop is grown to federal guidelines that concern:
soil quality
pest and weed control
additive use
Companies offering USDA organic hemp must have grown the crop in soil that has not had prohibited substances applied to it for 3 years. These substances include synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
As such, organic hemp may be less likely to expose people to chemicals and pesticides from the growing process.
In addition, it is important to check the local regulations regarding CBD. For example, different U.S. states have different legislation about CBD.
Allergens and medication interactions
It may be a good idea to consult a doctor before taking CBD, especially for people who take medication or have allergies. For example, CBD oils often contain coconut MCT oil, making it unsuitable for people with a tree nut allergy.
People taking medication or supplements with a warning about interactions with grapefruit need to speak with a doctor before trying CBD, as there may be interactions at higher doses. One example would be cholesterol drugs, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor).
Speaking with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD or other cannabis products is always advisable. This is especially true for people who take medications or supplements regularly. A doctor can review their medications for potential interactions to decrease the risk of adverse events.
Research states that CBD may interact with the following drugs and substances:
antiepileptic drugs
antidepressants
opioid pain relievers
acetaminophen
alcoholic substances
Cost-effectiveness
CBD oils can be expensive. A person can consider how often they will need to replenish their supply to ensure they get the most cost-effective option for their budget.
People should always start at the lowest possible dose of CBD and increase it slowly until they feel the desired effect.
CBD oils will contain a dropper for easier dosing. Squeezing the pipette will draw the oil into the tube. Then, people should drop the oil in the tube underneath their tongue, holding it there for around 20 seconds before swallowing it.
Most people will start feeling the effects within a couple of hours. However, several factors may influence this, such as a person’s weight and whether or not they have an empty stomach.
CBD oil may have various health benefits. However, research is still ongoing, and most CBD research concludes that further investigation or larger-scale studies are necessary.
Some potential benefits of CBD oil include:
Reducing pain and inflammation: A small 2020 study found that CBD oil reduced pain in individuals with peripheral neuropathy. Other 2020 research stated that CBD has reduced pain and inflammation in animal studies and some clinical studies, but its effectiveness may depend on the CBD dose and spectrum. The authors also note that there are very few studies looking into the effects of long-term CBD use.
Helping depressionand anxiety symptoms: Research from 2020 stipulates that trials show CBD may have promising results in individuals with anxiety, depression, and psychosis. However, the researchers say that further larger-scale studies need to take place to confirm these results.
Sleep benefits: A 2019 review states that many studies into CBD showed positive effects on sleep. However, the researchers say these studies have limitations, including small sample sizes and sleep being the secondary rather than the study’s primary outcome.
The difference between CBD oils and CBD tinctures lies in the manufacturing process.
For CBD oil, manufacturers infuse carrier oil with CBD to create the product. For a CBD tincture, manufacturers soak cannabis in alcohol and glycerin.
People may find that full-spectrum CBD oil provides the most noticeable effects. However, full-spectrum oils may not suit everyone because they contain THC.
Whether people choose full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD oil, they should start with small doses and work up to get their desired effect.
Doctors are unlikely to recommend CBD oil to their patients until research has confirmed it is safe and appropriate for health concerns such as anxiety, pain, or sleep problems.
There is only one FDA-approved CBD product. It is called Epidiolex, and it is for rare and severe types of epilepsy.
A wide variety of high quality CBD oils are on the market. These products may benefit people looking to reduce stress, improve sleep, and ease pain and inflammation.
The FDA does not regulate consumer CBD products, so people need to research the product that best suits their needs and ensure it has undergone third-party testing.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Garcia-Gutiérrez MS, et al. (2020). Cannabidiol: A potential new alternative for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/10/11/1575
Xu DH, et al. (2020). The effectiveness of topical cannabidiol oil in symptomatic relief of peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793418/
