By now, you’ve probably heard of CBD. Everyone from celebrities to athletes to politicians has been touting the potential benefits of this hemp-derived health supplement. While the industry has been set ablaze with CBD demand, the FDA has given limited oversight to the industry. As such, the onus is left on the consumer to find a CBD product that’s safe and effective.

If you’re just beginning your CBD journey, there are a few things you need to know. CBD is what is known as a cannabinoid. There are over one hundred cannabinoids found in cannabis. Another cannabinoid is THC. Though the two have similar chemical makeup, they produce different effects. Primarily, CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC. CBD won’t get you high.

CBD purportedly helps with a wide variety of ailments, including anxiety, pain, appetite, sleep, skin conditions, and more. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, more research can be done to prove the many anecdotal reports. With so much anecdotal evidence, it’s easy to see why demand continues to increase.

CBD oils are one of the most popular CBD products. They are simple to take and can be quite potent. They also can come flavored or with added essential oils, vitamins, or minerals. People turn to CBD oils because they are a natural, non-toxic, non-intoxicating alternative to harsher medications. CBD oils are safe and do not have any severe side effects.

Don’t be confused by hemp seed oil. While hemp seed oil is rich in nutrients, it is not CBD oil. You won’t get the same health benefits. Hemp seed oil is made from the hemp seeds, as the name implies; CBD is derived from the leaves and stock of hemp. You’ll find a lot of hemp seed products on Amazon claiming to help with numerous symptoms. Amazon does not sell CBD.

What’s more, any CBD company making explicit health claims is going against FDA regulations. As of the writing of this article, the FDA has not recognized CBD as a cure or treatment for any symptom or condition and does not allow any CBD company to make any such claims. Stay away and report CBD companies that make outright health claims.

It’s best to do your due diligence and research a company and its product. As stated earlier, the FDA does not provide adequate oversight to the CBD industry, so companies are forced to abide by their own standards. The best companies are transparent and thorough. They provide you with as much information they can about their product and their process.

If you’re looking for CBD oils, we’ve made it easy. Here’s a list of our favorite CBD oils and some guidelines to keep you safe and informed.

Best CBD Oil Companies 2020

Balance CBD produces the best CBD oils, period. These oils do not use any animal by-products, are Vegan-friendly, and contain no preservatives, GMOs, or artificial ingredients. Third-party testing is readily available on their website and confirms that these oils are of the highest quality.

Choose CBD Oil in a natural flavor or a range of exquisite and mouth-watering flavors such as strawberry and citrus. If you’re looking for CBD oil with added benefits through terpenes, then check out their Charlotte’s Web Terpene Infused CBD Oil Tincture or their Harlequin Terpene Infused CBD Oil Tinctures.

You can also choose from isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum tinctures. The latter contains the whole-plant benefits of multiple cannabinoids, including less 0.3% THC. This trace amount is not enough to get you high. Broad-spectrum also contains various cannabinoids, excluding THC. Isolate is CBD in its purest form. What we liked about Balance CBD was that they let you decide which extract you want to consume.

Balance CBD also sells CBD oils for dogs, CBD edibles, CBD creams, CBD suppositories, CBD gummies and CBD vape pens. Balance CBD offers discounts to veterans and active service people.

The bottom line is that Balance CBD is a fantastic company that makes the best CBD oils out right now. They are well-reviewed and highly transparent. They have a great selection of flavors, strengths, and types of CBD oils. Every oil does not contain anything artificial and only uses natural, plant-based ingredients. We advise that you read reviews and their COAs.

2. Dani Pepper

Dani Pepper is designed for women by women. That said, anyone can enjoy the benefits of their tinctures. These oils are derived from some of the best hemp stocks in the US that are grown to organic standards. The rest of the ingredients are also natural; there are no GMOs present.

Dani Pepper CBD oils are very healthful. They are gluten-free and Vegan. These oils comply with the 2018 Farm Bill and are safe to use. Full-spectrum CBD in potent strengths makes these some of the most robust oils on our list.

Independent lab testing ensures that the amount of CBD and THC is the same as on the label. The customer experience is fun as there are informative articles on female health on the site. The price is very affordable, especially relative to other female-focused brands. Don’t just limit yourself to their CBD oil. They also have other exciting products, like their orgasm enhancer.

3. NuLeaf Naturals

Hailing from Colorado, NuLeaf Naturals uses whole-plant extracts from hemp stocks that they grow themselves using organic, sustainable practices. However, there’s a very distinct earthy hemp taste. These oils contain only two ingredients, and the packaging is just as simple.

These oils are on the higher end of the potency spectrum, making them more suited to more severe conditions. These full-spectrum oils start at 240 mg up to 4,850 mg. Some people may be put off by the lack of flavors and straightforward packaging.

NuLeaf Naturals makes our list for their selection of potencies. You’re bound to find a dosage that fits your budget. These oils are free of additives, chemicals, and toxins. You can find their COAs directly on their site.

4. Lazarus Naturals

These “consciously crafted CBD” oils are derived from hemp grown in their own non-GMO farms in their home state of Oregon. They also do all the extractions inhouse. Lazarus Naturals makes our list because they provide discounts for people with disabilities, military members, and those with low-income. This commitment to social responsibility keeps them firmly on our list.

While their selection is small, their oils are relatively inexpensive. Flavors include Wintermint, Blood Orange, Tropical Breeze, and Flavorless. These full-spectrum CBD oils use organic plant-derived oils. It should be noted that only a portion of their hemp farms is organic; however, they’re looking to be fully organic by 2022.

Along with the deep discounts for certain groups like low-income families, Lazarus Naturals also offers free shipping to all. Both in-house and independent testing ensures excellent quality. They also provide different concentrations from 750 mg up to 6,000 mg.

5. CBDistillery

Using 99% pure CBD isolate, CBDistillery uses THC-free oils, which is perfect for those concerned with drug tests or having THC in their system. There’s also full-spectrum options with no more than 0.3% THC, which is not enough to get you high but may be enough for a false positive depending on the drug test’s sensitivity. CBDistillery put in the research by asking 2,000 customers whether they felt calm after using CBDistillery products. A whopping 88% said that the products helped with anxiety.

Since 2016, CBDistillery has been producing CBD products from non-GMO industrial hemp that they grow using natural farming techniques. Choose from a variety of dosages; however, there’s no choice for flavors as the only option is flavorless.

CBDistillery has a great customer experience with free shipping and regular discounts. On the downside are the prices that lean towards the higher end of the price spectrum. Also, the lack of variety may frustrate those that don’t like the taste of hemp.

6. Spruce

Spruce leans into the purity of their products by going flavorless. They offer some of the highest potency oils on the market. Not only do they use CBD derived from domestically grown hemp, but they pride themselves in forming relationships with the farmers and hemp suppliers.

Spruce uses full-spectrum CBD and offers a variety of strengths. They also provide a max potency of 2,400 mg of natural CBD. They specialize in small-batch CBD production. While they’re known for potent oils, many inexperienced CBD users may not want to begin with these strengths.

People who are Vegan and gluten intolerant have no problem taking these oils. Spruce does not use any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives. Keep in mind that a lot of people have said that the higher potencies are very bitter. Also, these oils are relatively expensive.

7. Joy Organics

Based in Colorado, Joy organics is family-run. These oils are made in the US and are rigorously tested both in-house and independently. They pride themselves in being transparent, so you know how their oils are made. Joy Organics uses organic extra-virgin olive oil for a smooth experience.

These oils come in four flavors: orange bliss, tranquil mint, summer lemon, and natural. Using proprietary hemp strains organically grown in the US, Joy Organics ensures purity and potency by conducting both internal and third-party testing.

There are multiple strengths, the highest being 1350, which is lower than some of the other oils on our list.

8. Fab CBD

This lifestyle brand has colorful, hip packaging. Sourced from organically grown hemp in Colorado, Fab CBD provides full-spectrum CBD oil. Choose from flavors, including Natural, Mint, Vanilla, Citrus, and Berry. Strengths also range from 300 mg to 2,400 mg.

Third-party lab tests are available right on the site. Plus, oils are made to order, which means that you receive the freshest oil that Fab CBD can produce. Their non-GMO hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD is paired with fractionated coconut oil.

While these oils are on the more affordable end, their flavored oils may contain allergens. People have also called some of their flavors a bit overwhelming.

9. Medterra

Using 99% pure CBD isolate, Medterra’s CBD oils abide by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Pilot Program’s rigid guidelines. Their oils stand out because they don’t have a smell, color, or flavor. People who are sensitive to taste or smell may find this to be a suitable option.

Medterra uses organically grown hemp to produce isolate and broad-spectrum oils. These oils are guaranteed THC-free, which may be ideal for people who must undergo regular drug testing. Medterra’s oils come in 1,000 mg or 2,000 mg, or 500 mg, 1,000 mg, or 3,000 mg MCT oils.

Broad-spectrum oils include helpful terpenes, including CBC, CBDV, CBN, and CBG. Flavors include strawberry mint and citrus. Medterra also provides their third-party COAs directly on the site, so you can be confident in receiving a quality product.

10. Discreetly Baked

Rounding off our list is a luxury brand that doesn’t have a luxury price tag. Discreetly Baked has some of the tastiest flavors on our list, including Mandarin Orange and Tropical Mango. These flavors are made with natural ingredients. There are no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or GMOs.

These oils pack a punch of tremendous flavor, which is a complete pleasure for those that don’t enjoy the taste of natural tinctures. Discreetly Baked has beautiful, vibrant packaging. The eye-catching design has been featured in a few distinguished design publications.

While the packaging is well-regarded, the CBD oil is third-party lab tested for safety and satisfaction. The experience screams luxury. Plus, shipping is fast, and customer service is friendly and informative.

How to choose the best CBD oil

There has been a tidal wave of CBD oils in the last few years since deregulation, The FDA has yet to regulate the market adequately. This lack of oversight has meant multiple misleading, inferior, and sometimes dangerous products becoming available.

Savvy shoppers look at both customer and critical reviews as well as do due diligence on both the product and the company. Companies to look for have a team with a credible history and are very transparent. An ambiguous company may be intentionally trying to hide something.

Also, look for information about the ingredients and the process of how the products are made. To start, you want CBD derived from American industrial hemp stocks grown to organic standards with no more than 0.3% THC. American hemp has to be grown to the regulations of the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp grown outside the states may not follow the same health and safety protocols. Also, transporting international hemp may introduce impurities and pollutants. Additionally, CBD products must contain 0.3% THC to be legal in all 50 states.

It’s imperative that a company uses independent lab testing to verify what exactly is in their products. Watch out for companies that do not post relevant Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for batches made within the last year. Third-party lab testing lets you know the exact amounts of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids in your product. Some COAs also verify what terpenes are in your product and what harmful products are present like pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and contaminants.

When you know the potency and purity of your CBD product, you will inherently know the quality and can then calculate the value. When you’re satisfied with the value, you’re getting, or price per milligram, other factors to consider are customer service and social responsibility.

For example, what is a company’s return policy? Do you get free shipping? Is there a discount for veterans or service people? Look to see if a company’s policies are in line with your principles. Also, keep in mind that the FDA does not recognize CBD as a cure or treatment for any symptom or condition. So, if a company is marketing itself as such, it is false advertising and should be not only avoided but also reported.

It may seem overwhelming, but believe us it’s not! That’s why we’ve made choosing a CBD oil a whole lot easier. Using the standards outlined above, we’ve selected a list of the best CBD companies. We’ve also answered some of the most common questions that pop up when shopping for CBD oil.

Best CBD Products: A list of frequently asked questions

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol and is something called a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are natural chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are over 100 cannabinoids, and each is being researched for its potential effects on the human body.

More research is needed to determine the exact effects of CBD. It’s widely thought that CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system, which maintains homeostasis. In other words, CBD may help keep your body’s inner harmony. In that sense, it may have a hand in regulating many vital functions like mood, appetite, pain, and immunity.

How much does CBD Oil Cost?

CBD oil can be expensive, as a consumer there is no need for you to pay large amounts for your product. Profit margins in this industry are high, it’s no secret that some CBD companies make a lot of money. However, there are CBD companies out there that do not want to rip off customers.

CBD Company Cost of CBD per Milligram Balance CBD $0.03 Dani Pepper $0.05 NuLeaf Naturals $0.09 Lazarus Naturals $0.05 CBDistillery $0.06 Spruce $0.11 Joy Organics $0.07 Fab CBD $0.09 Medterra $0.06 Discreetly Baked $0.06

In general, the rule is the higher milligram you buy, the cheaper the CBD oil is. We created a guide for how the most popular CBD costs per milligram for each of the companies on our list.

The differences may not seem like a lot, but they add up. For example a 2,500mg tincture at Spruce would cost $275. Whereas a 2,500mg tincture at Balance CBD costs $94.99.

There are a lot of methods CBD companies use to confuse customers, so if you want to know if you’re getting the best deal simply divide the total milligram by the price.

What is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum is one of three types of CBD extract. This type utilizes the whole plant, hence the name “full-spectrum.” The full range of cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids are said to work together synergistically to create the “entourage effect.” This full-spectrum includes THC. The exact level of THC–and each cannabinoid–depends on what type of strain of cannabis it is extracted from.

What is Broad-Spectrum CBD?

Broad-Spectrum is a CBD extract that is between full-spectrum and isolate. It is basically full-spectrum CBD but without any THC. Many people still want the “entourage effect,” but without having any THC in their system. People do not want THC because of its psychoactive properties.

What is Isolate CBD?

CBD isolate is exactly as it sounds, CBD isolated in its purest form. All other cannabinoids are processed and distilled out of the extract. This type of CBD is 100% THC free. You can find CBD isolate crystals or powder as oil uses a base liquid to suspend CBD.

What are the benefits of CBD oil?

While there’s a mountain of anecdotal evidence, CBD research continues with conclusive findings being mainly from animal studies. The results of these studies are in line with what people are reporting anecdotally. People use CBD for:

Sleep

Mood

Anxiety

Stress

Inflammation

Pain

Arthritis

Fibromyalgia

Depression

Benefits of CBD are not limited to this list, however it should be made clear that the FDA has not approved CBD for the prevention or cure of any disease or symptom. You should also avoid buying CBD from companies that make outlandish health claims. While there is a lot of anecdotal evidence out there, scientific studies are still ongoing. Talk to a doctor before taking CBD, especially if you’re taking other medications, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How to use CBD Oil for pain?

CBD does not alter your state of mind but rather enhances your body’s ability to utilize endocannabinoids. CBD interacts with compounds in the endocannabinoid system. Specifically, it influences pain regulation by stopping anandamide from being absorbed. When levels of anandamide increase in the bloodstream, a person won’t feel as much pain.

While there’s substantial anecdotal evidence, studies have been promising regarding CBD’s effectiveness in pain relief. What’s particularly encouraging is the use of CBD as an alternative to habit-forming opioids.

A study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that CBD can be an effective anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. It also indicates that users didn’t build up a tolerance, which means that the dosage could stay the same.

A 2018 review looked at studies done between 1975 to March 2018 to see CBD’s effect on pain, including fibromyalgia, cancer pain, and neuropathic pain. The studies found no adverse side effects and, more importantly, found that CBD could help manage pain. In other words, CBD has the potential to be an effective pain reliever that doesn’t cause intoxication or dependence.

However, using CBD oil for pain has not been cleared for use by the FDA. Remember, CBD oil is not not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any ailment.

How to use CBD Oil for anxiety?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety is the most common mental health disorder, with one in thirteen people globally having an anxiety disorder. The problem is that anti-anxiety medications can be very addictive or have very troubling side effects.

Some believe that CBD affects serotonin signals, which is noteworthy because a lack of serotonin may cause anxiety. Drugs known as SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are the standard prescription for anxiety. These drugs can have adverse side effects, whereas CBD does not.

How exactly CBD affects our brain is still not known. However, a 2015 study “strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”

A more recent 2019 study found that teenagers with a social anxiety disorder who took CBD had reduced symptoms. This outcome was comparable to the effects of Paroxetine, which gets commonly prescribed for the same condition.

Another 2019 study found that out of the outpatients of a mental health clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado, who were given CBD, 79.2% of them experienced an improvement in their anxiety in the first month. After two months, 78.1% of them experienced added improvement relative to the first month.

There have been promising animal studies that found CBD to reduce stress. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says this can be encouraging for people who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

CBD may also help with post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, or insomnia stemming from anxiety. More research is needed to understand what role CBD can play against anxiety.

However, remember using CBD oil for anxiety has not been medically proven by the FDA.

How to use CBD oil for depression?

CBD may affect the serotonin receptors in the brain, which is significant because low serotonin levels mark depression. While CBD doesn’t increase serotonin levels, how your brain responds to existing serotonin may change.

CBD does not cure depression, but its interaction with serotonin receptors may mitigate symptoms.

A 2018 review found that “CBD was shown to have anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective properties.” In other words, CBD may have some positive effects on depression. Additionally, a 2019 study done on rats found that, relative to other medications for depression, CBD acts quickly and lasts a long time.

Anxiety is closely tied to depression, and some studies have found that CBD may also provide some relief for anxiety. A 2011 study found that CBD decreased levels of social anxiety. A 2017 study found that CBD could have positive effects on panic disorders.

People are encouraged by the fact that CBD has not shown the same side effects as popular antidepressant medication. These side effects may include sexual dysfunction and insomnia.

While these studies have been promising, we need more research on CBD’s effects on depression. Talk to your doctor before trying CBD. It may interact with other medications. Do not stop taking your antidepressant medication without talking to your healthcare provider because you could suffer significant side effects.

Using CBD oil for depression has not been medically proven. Remember, as always it is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any ailment.

How to use CBD Oil for sleep and insomnia?

Our bodies need sleep to function. Sleep is essential for mood, energy, and other things critical to our health. Numerous things can affect sleep negatively and even cause insomnia:

anxiety

caffeine

chronic pain

depression

environmental factors

mental health disorders

physical conditions

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

restless leg syndrome

We currently do not know how CBD affects sleep. CBD may affect both serotonin receptors and GABA receptors. Serotonin regulates mood and anxiety. GABA receptors soothe a busy mind. CBD’s interactions with both serotonin and GABA receptors may explain why it may aid in sleep.

CBD sleep studies have had mixed results as it has been shown to both improve sleep and cause sleep disturbances. Every person reacts differently to cannabis, which may explain why there are conflicting reports that CBD both promotes sleep as well as energizes.

There were more neutral findings in a 2018 trial. It found that CBD did not affect the sleep-wake cycle. Studies have found that CBD can benefit those that suffer from disturbances in REM sleep. A 2014 study found just that in those with Parkinson’s disease and a 2019 study found that it helped 38% of participants with PTSD.

There’s a 2017 study that found that “preliminary research into cannabis and insomnia suggests cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia (…) CBD may hold promise for REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness.”

CBD may help with how long you sleep for as well as how long it takes to fall asleep.

A 2013 study done on rats found that “CBD appears to increase total sleep time, in addition to increasing sleep latency in the light period of the day of administration.”

Racing thoughts and general anxiety can make it difficult to sleep. A 2019 study found that CBD affected both anxiety and insomnia. In the first month, sleep improved for 66% of participants in the study and worsened for 25% of participants. In the next month, 56% saw additional improvement, and 26% worsened.

Every person has a different distribution of cannabinoid receptors, which creates an individual response to CBD. Dosages not only vary because of this but also because each product has different concentrations of CBD and cannabinoid profiles. Dosages and the time you take your CBD depends on what type of sleeping problem you have, your weight, and your body chemistry. We recommend to begin with a low dosage and slowly increase until you find the dosage that works for you.

Be aware that the effects of CBD may not be felt immediately, and it may take over a month. It’s critical to find out why you’re having sleep problems. Talk to your doctor about what you’re experiencing. CBD oil has not been proven to help with sleep or insomnia. It is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any ailment.

Will CBD get me high?

No, CBD will not get you high. This is a common misconception. CBD has a similar chemical makeup to THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Both are cannabinoids, but only THC gets you high.

What is CBD oil made of?

CBD oils will be different from brand to brand, as each has a proprietary formulation. Generally, CBD extract has to be suspended in a carrier oil. These carrier oils can range from medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil or fractionated coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, hemp seed oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.

Along with carrier oils, companies may add either natural or artificial ingredients to enhance taste or health benefits. Additives may include sunflower oil, turmeric, vitamin E, cinnamon, fruit juice concentrates, stevia, cane sugar, honey, or plant extracts like vanilla, mint, or other essential oils.

Is CBD legal?

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD derived from American industrial hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC is legal in all 50 states. The key is to ensure that you’re CBD products are legal is knowing the THC levels. Some companies may use CBD derived from hemp grown outside of the states. These companies run the risk of using inferior hemp stocks because other countries may not have the same stringent requirements as the US. Also, hemp products that are imported have more opportunities to get mixed with contaminants.

How do you use CBD oil?

The most popular way to take CBD oil is sublingually, which means under the tongue. This method allows CBD to enter your bloodstream quicker than if it were digested.

Most CBD oil bottles come with graduated droppers so you can precisely dose. Before using the oil, shake the bottle to ensure the oil is adequately mixed. Use the dropper to draw your dosage and then drop the amount under your tongue. Hold the oil under your tongue for 30-60 seconds. Don’t let the dropper touch your tongue to avoid any contamination that would harm the integrity of the oil.

Finding the right dosage is a matter of trial and error. Several factors determine your perfect dose. These factors include your size, how often you take CBD, and your body chemistry. Follow the directions on the label, and a good rule of thumb is to start with a low dosage, monitor the results over ten days, and increase as needed. You can also take CBD oil with food or beverages, but this may affect the results.

Where to buy CBD oil?

You purchase CBD oil online, or in stores. We recommend that you buy your cannabidiol products online. This ensures that you are able to compare the different brands that you see, and verify the CBD companies lab results. Also, as we’re currently living in a global pandemic, it might not be the best idea to go to buy “CBD near me” in a store, especially if you are suffering form an underlying health condition. Ordering CBD oil products online also means that you can look out for the best discounts, a lot of retailers have regular sales.

CBD Oil Amazon. Should I buy it on prime?

No. You should not buy CBD oil on Amazon. Amazon prohibits the sale of cannabinoid, therefore any product that you do end up buying from Amazon will most likely be hemp oil. The hemp oil sold on Amazon does not contain any CBD at all, and is actually hemp seed oil which is essential cooking oil.

Remember to buy your CBD products online from reputable retailers who independently lab test their products through a third party.

If you’re a wholesaler of CBD and looking for companies that you can whitelabel from or buy in bulk, then check out this article on the best bulk suppliers of CBD oil.

What other CBD products can I use?