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The cannabis plant contains more than 100 active compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most common of these active ingredients. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid, CBD is non-euphoric and non-impairing, meaning it doesn’t cause a “high.”
Researchers are continuing to investigate the potential benefits of CBD.
CBD is available in numerous concentrated forms, including:
- oils and tinctures
- gummies and edibles
- pills and capsules
- lotions and creams
- vapes
In this article, we list our 2021 CBD recommendations for topical and oral use. We break them down by category to help you decide which brand may be best for you.
CBD concentrates for vaping
We’ve chosen to exclude CBD concentrates that are intended for vaping (wax, shatter, crumble) due to the known health risks of vaping.
How we chose
Each of our CBD concentrate recommendations for 2021 has undergone extensive vetting based on criteria we think is indicative of safety, quality, and transparency.
Quality control
Each product on our list:
- is made by a company that provides proof that their products are third-party tested by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made with U.S.-grown hemp
- provides a certificate of analysis (COA) showing it contains no more than 0.3 percent THC
- is free of pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to their COA
Brand reputation
We evaluated the brand reputation and trustworthiness by:
- analyzing customer reviews
- checking for
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letters - reviewing their standing with the Better Business Bureau
- considering:
- customer reviews
- whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
- whether the company has had previous lawsuits filed against them or currently has unresolved lawsuits
- whether the company uses deceitful marketing claims or markets themselves toward children
Manufacturing processes and ingredients
Other factors that influenced our decision include:
- company certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- presence of additional ingredients
- value
About oral and topical CBD concentrate
CBD concentrates are made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant. Many people take CBD to help them relax without the euphoric effects associated with THC.
3 types of CBD concentrate
There are three types of CBD concentrate:
- CBD isolate: a highly concentrated form of CBD without the other active compounds in the cannabis plant
- Full-spectrum CBD: contains all of the active compounds in cannabis, including psychoactive THC (the amount of THC should be under 0.3 percent, which is not enough to produce a high*)
- Broad-spectrum CBD: contains all the active compounds of the cannabis plant except for THC
*It’s worth noting that hemp with less than 0.3 percent THC, when made into a tincture, gummy, or capsule, can result in as much as 2 milligrams per mL (mg/mL) THC, which may produce a euphoric feeling in some people.
According to a
The entourage effect
Some people think that taking CBD and THC together may cause an entourage effect, where the benefits of CBD are heightened. There’s
Potential benefits of CBD
Some of the potential benefits of CBD include:
- reducing anxiety and depression
- improving sleep
- reducing pain and inflammation
lowering blood pressure - improving symptoms of irritable bowel disorder
- reducing seizures in people with epilepsy
- helping manage cancer symptoms
Only FDA-approved form of CBD
The only
Important to buy from reputable brands
It’s important to buy CBD products from a reputable brand, as there’s a high potential for mislabeling since they’re not FDA regulated. Reputable brands should provide testing results from a third-party lab and clearly label the amount of CBD in each serving.
CBD is
- fatigue
- changes in appetite
- diarrhea
- weight changes
Consulting a healthcare professional
When taking CBD, it’s a good idea to consult a medical professional to learn how much you should use to treat your condition.
In general, it’s a good idea to start with a small dose and slowly increase the amount you take as you learn how it affects you. It’s also a good idea to start with a conservative dose when switching brands.
A word about price
CBD isn’t inexpensive, but prices can vary widely. Usually, products that contain more CBD are more expensive than products with less CBD. However, this isn’t always the case and other factors can affect the price, including:
- hemp origin
- third-party testing
- additional ingredients
- the type of CBD
- branding and markup
In general, prices range from about $0.05 to $0.20 per mL of CBD; however, you may find some products outside of this range.
Insurance companies in the United States don’t cover CBD at this time, even with a prescription. However, a little CBD goes a long way. If you’re using a small dose, you may find that it lasts for a long time.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $30
- $$ = $30–$60
- $$$ = over $60
Best all-around CBD concentrate
Joy Organics CBD Gummies
Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
CBD type: Broad-spectrum
CBD form: Gummies
CBD potency: 10 mg per gummy
CBD per container: 300 mg
Each one of Joy Organics’ gummies contains 10 milligrams (mg) of CBD. The gummies come in packs of 30, and you can find them in two flavors: strawberry lemonade or green apple.
They’re broad-spectrum CBD and contain a full profile of cannabinoids without THC. They’re also gluten-free and vegan friendly.
Pros:
comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
can access lab testing results by scanning QR code on package
free shipping in the United States
Cons:
only one container size
only 10 mg of CBD per gummy
How to use: For general health maintenance or minor issues, 5 to 50 mg per day may be appropriate.
Price: $$
Use code “healthcbd” for 15% off.
Best CBD concentrate for sleeping
Sagely Naturals Drift & Dream Body Oil
CBD type: Broad-spectrum
CBD form: Body oil
CBD potency: 1 mg per mL
CBD per container: 100 mg
Drift and Dream Body Oil is quick-drying and lightweight so you can apply it right before going to bed. It also contains essential oils like lavender and geranium to help relieve stress and make you feel relaxed.
It’s vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
Pros:
contains a blend of essential oils
relatively cheap
lightweight and quick drying
Cons:
only 100 mg of CBD in the bottle
How to use: Apply as needed before bed.
Price: $
Best CBD concentrate for pain relief
Lazarus Naturals CBD Massage Oil
CBD type: Full-spectrum
CBD form: Massage oil
CBD potency: 50 mg per tablespoon
CBD per container: 200 to 1,600 mg
Lazarus Naturals CBD Massage Oil contains 50 mg of CBD per tablespoon to help with pain relief. The jojoba, almond, and coconut oil in this massage oil may also help keep your skin moisturized.
Most of the hemp used in this product comes from farms in Oregon.
Pros:
200 mg containers are fairly cheap
contains organic jojoba oil
non-GMO
lab results available for each batch
Cons:
may contain gluten
How to use: Start with a small amount of CBD and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved.
Price: $–$$$
Best CBD concentrate for anxiety and depression
Sunday Scaries CBD Gummies with Vitamins
Use code “healthline20” for 20% off
CBD type: Broad-spectrum
CBD form: Gummies
CBD potency: 10 mg per gummy
CBD per container: 200 mg
Along with 10 mg of CBD, each gummy also contains vitamin D and vitamin B12, which are two common nutrient deficiencies. Both vitamin D and vitamin B12 are critical for proper brain function and play a role in supporting your mental health.
These gummies come in orange, cherry, pineapple, lemon, and apple flavors.
Pros:
includes vitamin D
includes vitamin B12
relatively cheap
Cons:
only 10 mg of CBD per gummy
only 20 gummies per container
How to use: Take two to three gummies when you feel agitated or on edge.
Price: $
Use code “healthline20” for 20% off.
CBD concentrate for cancer-related side effects
CBDfx Gummies, Turmeric & Spirulina
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 15% off.
CBD type: Broad-spectrum
CBD form: Gummies
CBD potency: 5 mg per gummy
CBD per container: 300 mg
Some research suggests that CBD may help people with cancer manage symptoms of the disease and side effects of treatment. CBD shouldn’t be used as a replacement for traditional cancer treatment, but it may play a supportive role.
CBDfx gummies contain turmeric and spirulina to support your overall health. Turmeric and spirulina both have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They’re also thought to have anticancerous properties, but more research is needed to fully evaluate their potential.
Pros:
contains spirulina
contains turmeric
GMO-free and vegan
Cons:
only 5 mg of CBD per gummy
How to use: Take two gummies per serving or as needed.
Price: $$
Use code “Healthline” for 15% off.