8 Best CBD Oils to Try in 2023

• Best broad-spectrum: Joy Organics Tranquil Mint CBD Oil Tincture | Skip to review
• Best full-spectrum: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil | Skip to review
• Best vegan: Spruce Lab Grade CBD Oil | Skip to review
• Best for dosing accuracy: Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD RSO | Skip to review
• Best organic: Absolute Nature CBD Oil Drops | Skip to review
• Best GMP compliant: Zatural Full Spectrum CBD Oil | Skip to review
• Best for relaxation: Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil | Skip to review
• Best fast-acting oil: 3Chi Natural CBD Oil | Skip to review

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.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. All tester reviews are provided by Candace Abellon, Healthline Editor, who received products for free from the manufacturer.

The following table compares the CBD oils in this article:

The most effective CBD oil differs from person to person based on their goals and reasons for using it.

Very little research suggests whether full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD is the most effective.

While full-spectrum CBD offers the benefits and effects of all the compounds, terpenes, and flavonoids in CBD, known as the entourage effect, it may be too potent for beginners. It also contains THC.

For people looking for potent effects, full-spectrum CBD may be most effective.

People looking for milder effects without exposure to THC would likely find broad-spectrum and isolate CBD most effective.

Some research suggests sublingual administration may be one of the most effective ways of absorbing drugs, although the study does not focus on CBD administration.

Sublingual administration means people place a drug, such as a liquid spray or drop, under their tongue, allowing it to absorb into the bloodstream through venous drainage.

Therefore, CBD oils and tinctures may be the most effective form of CBD in terms of how quickly the body can absorb it — and how quickly people may feel its effects. However, there is limited research focusing on CBD to back this up.

It is also worth considering the possible benefits of alternative CBD forms. People with some health concerns may benefit from CBD oil, whereas others may benefit from a CBD cream, for example.

CBD products are also available as gummies, gel capsules, and pills.

In this section, we list some key factors to consider that can help a person 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 should 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% THC in the United States, according to the 2018 Farm Bill.

To make sure they are buying products that adhere to this law, people can prioritize buying products that use U.S.-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 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. Different U.S. states, for example, 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.

A person should avoid CBD if any medication or supplement they take has a warning about interactions with grapefruit. 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 ensure there are no risks of interactions.

Research stipulates that CBD may interact with the following drugs and substances:

• anti-epileptic drugs
• antidepressants
• opioid analgesics
• acetaminophen
• alcoholic substances

Cost effectiveness

CBD oils can be expensive. A person can consider how often they will need to replenish their supply to make sure they are getting the most cost effective option for their budget.

Learn more about how to shop for CBD.

Hemp oil comes from the plant’s seeds. CBD oil comes from its flowers, stems, and leaves.

Hempseed oil can contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fats and fatty acids, which some research suggests may benefit cardiovascular health. It also contains some antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and tocopherols.

Learn more about the benefits of hempseed oil.

CBD oil is often marketed as a remedy to help reduce anxiety, ease pain and inflammation, and improve sleep. Some research supports this.

For instance, a 2020 study from New Zealand reports that CBD helped improve anxiety symptoms after 3 weeks of treatment.

Another 2020 study looking into the benefits of full-spectrum CBD on pain and inflammation concluded that CBD was a promising option for this therapeutic purpose. Researchers write this may be due to CBD’s ability to suppress receptors like TRPA1, which senses pain.

However, many more scientific studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of hempseed and CBD oil.

Learn more about the difference between hempseed and CBD oil.

Oils vs. tinctures

A CBD oil infuses cannabis in a carrier oil, such as MCT, coconut, or sunflower seed oil. Some products use other carrier oils, such as grapeseed oil. Buyers should be aware of the type of carrier oil a company uses because they can be allergens to some people.

Learn more about the difference between MCT and coconut oil.

Companies make CBD tinctures by soaking cannabis in alcohol and glycerin.

Learn more about CBD tinctures.

Anyone considering using CBD oil for the first time should discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional.

Taking CBD oil is relatively straightforward, but a person should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, it will involve these steps:

1. Shake the bottle before use.
2. Use the dropper to place a specific number of drops under the tongue. Do not let the dropper touch the mouth. This may contaminate the oil.
3. Hold the oil under the tongue for 1–2 minutes before swallowing.

It is also possible to mix CBD oil into food and drinks, such as yogurts and juices. However, this may affect the potency.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, people taking CBD oil for arthritis pain should notice the effects within 15–45 minutes. Long-term results may become apparent within a few weeks or months.

A person should always begin with a small CBD oil dose and, if necessary, increase the dose and frequency over time. People can also take CBD at any time. For better sleep, it is best to take it before bed.

Learn more about CBD dosing.

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of CBD oil:

In general, CBD oil is a relatively low risk product. Common side effects, which may be dependent on doses, include:

• appetite changes
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• sleepiness

Because CBD can cause drowsiness, driving or operating heavy machinery while taking it is not advisable.

It is also worth noting that a 2019 animal study in mice suggests that taking significant quantities of CBD may increase the risk of liver toxicity. However, this may not apply to humans.

People should discuss their reasons for trying CBD with a qualified healthcare professional. A healthcare professional may know of a more suitable, effective option with more research backing up its safety and benefits for particular conditions or health concerns.

People should not use CBD products as an alternative to medical treatment. The FDA has not approved CBD oils as treatments for any health conditions.

Below, we answer the most common questions about CBD oils.

What is the difference between CBD oil and CBD tinctures?

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.

What’s the most effective type of CBD oil?

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.

What CBD oil do doctors recommend?

There is only one FDA-approved CBD product, called Epidiolex. It is for rare and severe types of epilepsy.

There is not enough research for doctors to recommend CBD for any other condition.

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.