CBD Oil Review: 10 Best CBD Oil Products in 2022

How we determined the best CBD oil brands

Here are the factors we used to compare and review the top CBD companies.

Type of CBD

There are three types of CBD: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum oils have all the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC. Because of this combination, full-spectrum formulas tend to have stronger potencies. Broad-spectrum and CBD isolate products are both THC-free, but unlike broad-spectrum, CBD isolate doesn't contain any secondary cannabinoids.

Hemp source

Hemp source is important to note since American-grown hemp has stricter safety and purity standards throughout the planting, harvesting, and manufacturing processes than overseas hemp. Organic and natural farming practices also ensure the hemp is free of pesticides.

Extraction method

The extraction method a company uses impacts the final product. CO2 extraction is preferred because it produces a very potent and pure CBD blend and is also more environmentally friendly.

Price

To compare the prices of different CBD tinctures, we divided cost by the total amount of CBD in each bottle to find the cost per milligram of CBD. The brands were then labeled using the following ranges:

$ = Under $0.06 per milligram of CBD
$$ = Between $0.07 and $0.10 per milligram of CBD
$$$ = Between $0.10 and $0.12 per milligram of CBD
$$$$ = Over $0.12 per milligram of CBD

Lab testing and certifications

Before being sold to consumers, quality CBD products undergo third-party lab testing with the results easily accessible online and on the packaging. We also looked for brands that earned at least one of the following certifications:

• National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification
• ISO 9001 certification
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification
• U.S. Hemp Authority certification

How does CBD work in the body?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates a number of other systems in the body by controlling the release of various compounds. The body's natural cannabinoids assist with this regulation by binding to CB1 receptors, as does CBD and other plant-based cannabinoids. That's why CBD is used by some people to help manage mood, sleep, and pain. CBD works indirectly in the ECS by inhibiting the inactivation of anandamide, which is a neurotransmitter. This leads to activity on the CB1 receptors and the release of serotonin, also known as the "feel-good" hormone. As a result, CBD is sometimes used to reduce anxiety.

What can CBD help me with?

Various research shows that CBD may be able to help manage stress, sleep issues, and certain types of pain.

CBD for sleep and anxiety

A 2019 retrospective case study looked at the effects of CBD on sleep and anxiety symptoms. Results showed that nearly 80% of participants who took 25 milligrams of CBD oil daily for one month in capsule form saw reduced anxiety scores and improved sleep.

Another 2019 study found that CBD oil may help treat symptoms of social anxiety disorder. Symptoms were measured using the Fear of Negative Evaluation Questionnaire and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Participants who took 300 milligrams of CBD oil daily for four weeks saw significantly decreased social anxiety scores on both scales compared to those who took a placebo.In addition, a literature review analyzing the results of eight studies that researched the effects of CBD on anxiety determined that doses between 6 milligrams and 400 milligrams of CBD per day showed promise as an effective alternative treatment for anxiety.

CBD for pain

Research shows that the CB2 receptor, found mostly in the tissues and cells of the nervous system, aids in slowing down the body's chronic inflammatory processes. This anti-inflammatory property can help manage pain.A 2018 study tested the benefits of CBD for people who have multiple sclerosis (MS) and found that it reduced fatigue, spasticity, and pain in some patients. A review of previous research on the efficacy of cannabis-based medicines also determined that CBD might be effective for chronic pain treatment, especially neuropathic pain, which includes MS. But before you start taking CBD oils for pain, consult your doctor to make sure it's the best path for you.

How do you take CBD?

CBD is available in a variety of forms. You can take CBD oil as drops under the tongue or in the form of capsules. If you don't like the taste of CBD tinctures, CBD gummies might be a better choice for you. CBD topicals, like creams, can also be applied directly to pain points.

Not all CBD products take effect at the same rate. CBD gummies and capsules must work their way through the digestive system, which could take one to two hours. On the other hand, CBD oils or sprays that you place under your tongue and topicals smeared on the skin may take just 15 to 45 minutes to start working. Ask your physician for advice on which CBD product to try for your specific needs.

How is CBD dose determined?

CBD doses, or strengths, are measured in milligrams of CBD per serving. For oils, this is typically expressed as milligrams of CBD per 1 milliliter dropper. If you prefer CBD gummies, look at the packaging to see how much CBD is in one gummy or one serving of gummies.

Appropriate doses of CBD differ from person to person. How much you should take depends on a number of different factors, including your height, weight, and whether or not you've used CBD before. Talk to your doctor to determine the amount of CBD you should start with, and pay close attention to the recommended serving size on each product.

Are there any side effects to CBD?

Some people may experience mild side effects from CBD, which typically result from taking too much CBD at one time. They include:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite

CBD can also negatively interact with certain prescription medications, which may result in liver damage if taken at high doses. Talk to your doctor before incorporating CBD into your daily routine.

With the exception of the seizure medication Epidiolex, CBD products are not currently evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consult your primary care physician before adding CBD oil to your routine to determine whether it's a safe choice for you.

Can CBD oil be personalized?

Every person will respond a bit differently to CBD oil, so no one product is going to be right for everyone. You may have to try different products, different CBD spectrums, and different forms of CBD to find a formula that works for you.

Takeaway

Look for brands that include independent third-party lab testing. Choose products that use natural or organic ingredients and US-sourced hemp. Check to see what type of CBD the tincture includes to know if it includes THC. Lastly, select an appropriate concentration or strength based on your experience with CBD and your needs.

Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD, is a registered dietitian, freelance writer, health editor, and founder of LighttrackNutrition.com. She has been a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2010 and has over a decade of experience in the nutrition and dietetics industry.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before consuming or using any of the products mentioned on this site. For additional information read Health.com's editorial standards and guidelines.

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