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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.
The best cannabidiol (CBD) brands rely on third-party testing to verify the purity and quantity of ingredients, use natural ingredients, and provide products for a range of uses and budgets.
This article discusses CBD and provides a list of top brands that sell CBD products. It also examines the effectiveness of CBD and the safety precautions a person can consider.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high-quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage.
Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage.
Third-party labs:MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
Available certificate of analysis:MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis following receipt of its third-party lab results.
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.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Hemp source: Some companies source hemp responsibly. People may wish to consider the environmental impact of a company’s harvesting and manufacturing process. Plus, not all CBD brands use U.S.-grown hemp, instead importing it from other countries.
Speed: Some products may work more quickly than others. How quickly a person would like to feel the effects of their CBD product may influence the type of product they choose.
THC content: People who wish to avoid THC should not choose products with full-spectrum CBD.
Legality: CBD and THC regulations vary by state, so make sure a product is legal before purchasing it.
Dosage: People should only buy products that have clear dosage instructions. A person should not buy a CBD product that does not state how much CBD a serving contains.
Unsupported health claims: Some CBD brands make health claims regarding their products. Currently, the FDA has only approved one CBD product for medical use. A person should not buy products that claim to cure serious diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, or mental health conditions. Anyone concerned about their health should speak with a doctor.
Scientific data on the safest and most effective ways to use CBD is limited. However, early studies suggest that CBD may help relieve symptoms of conditions such as:
Ingestible products, such as CBD oils, capsules, and gummies, may work better for relaxation and easing stress than topicals. Topicals are typically better suited to treating minor aches and pains and soothing the skin.
People interested in using CBD should start slowly, using small doses and slowly working up until they find the dose that works for their needs. Buyers should always discuss CBD with a doctor before they try it.
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids present in the Cannabis sativa plant. Another cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that produces the feeling of being “high.” Some C. sativa plants contain minimal THC.
Research states that CBD is nonintoxicating. According to the authors, its beneficial effects include the reduction of seizures, pain, and inflammation. In addition, a few studies suggest it may:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee CBD products like other drugs or dietary supplements. As a result, companies may sometimes mislabel or misrepresent their products. For this reason, a person should ensure they do their research and find a product of good quality that is right for them.
Legalities concerning CBD are complex. While C. sativa plants containing lessthan 0.3% of THC are no longer a controlled substance under federal law, some states may still prohibit its use.
However, some CBD products do not come from the hemp plant and may contain higher THC levels. These remain illegal in many areas of the U.S.
A small Canadian study indicates that treatment with CBD might have a beneficial effect on pain, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. However, it is not advisable to assume CBD products are safe and effective.
However, the FDA notes that CBD does have the potential to cause liver damage and drowsiness, interfere with other medications, and affect fertility.
Moreover, some animal studies suggest CBD may harm the liver and central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. The NCHR also states the dosage of CBD on product labels is sometimes inaccurate, which could add to the potential harm.
The FDA cautions that there is a need for further research into several CBD safety concerns, such as the effects of its long-term use or the dosages that may trigger risks.
Efficacy
Studies show CBD is effective in treating epilepsy, and the FDA has approved it to treat certain seizures. Research has not yet proven CBD’s value for other conditions.
A 2020 review examining clinical trials to determine the efficacy of CBD found low quality evidence to support its use for anxiety and moderate evidence for its use for psychosis.
The authors of the review also reported that researchers should conduct more extensive clinical trials to confirm the effectiveness of CBD for:
Below are answers to common questions about choosing the best CBD brand.
What is the safest CBD brand?
The safety of CBD products may depend on the company’s quality control processes and commitment to third-party testing. Other contributing factors include the potency of CBD and any additional ingredients that may be allergens for some people.
Check for interactions with any medications or supplements.
Discuss CBD use with a healthcare professional first.
Start with small doses and watch for side effects.
Only use CBD products tested by independent third-party labs.
How do you know if a CBD product is high quality?
A CBD product is more likely to be high quality if:
The manufacturer relies on testing from independent third-party labs.
A person can easily see the test results.
The company provides clear information about potency and other ingredients.
The company is a member of certification and industry self-regulation organizations.
The company provides clear information about its farming practices.
What are the best types of CBD products?
The best type of product depends on what a person is looking for. Someone who wants relief from muscle aches may benefit more from a topical CBD product, while someone who wants better sleep might prefer an ingestible CBD product, such as gummies or ingestible oils.
Researching the characteristics of different CBD products can help a person choose one that is right for them.
Will CBD get you “high”?
CBD alone will not produce the “high” that people commonly associate with cannabis.
The cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the psychoactive properties in CBD, although companies cannot legally sell products containing over 0.3% THC.
People wishing to avoid THC in their CBD products should choose CBD isolate.
Is CBD oil the same as hempseed oil?
No. CBD oil is made from all the parts of hemp and cannabis plants, which includes the leaves, stalks, and flowers, unless stated otherwise. Hempseed oil is made from the seeds of hemp only.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
CBD containing THC can produce positive drug test results. This includes full-spectrum CBD and, in some cases, broad-spectrum CBD, which can contain trace amounts of THC.
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