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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
While there are plenty of CBD oils and tinctures currently on the market, not all of them are created equal.
There are currently no over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and some products may not be as effective or reliable as others.
Knowing how to properly read CBD labels helps you identify quality products. When choosing a CBD product — be it a gummy, oil, or otherwise — there are some key questions to ask yourself when reviewing the labeling. These questions are outlined below, along with definitions of the CBD vocabulary you need to know.
What type of CBD is in it?
First, understand what type of CBD is in the product you’re thinking about trying:
- Isolate contains only CBD, with no other cannabinoids.
- Full-spectrum contains all cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant, including THC.
- Broad-spectrum contains multiple cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant, but it does not contain THC.
Some research has found that when CBD and THC are used together, they produce what’s known as the entourage effect. This means that when used together, they may be more effective than used alone.
Is it an oil or tincture?
CBD oil needs to be created using some sort of liquid. This will dictate whether it is an oil or a tincture.
- CBD oil: made by infusing cannabis in a carrier oil
- CBD tincture: made by soaking cannabis in alcohol and water
Has it been third-party tested?
Currently, the FDA does not guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of CBD products.
However, to protect public health, they
can take actionTrusted Source against CBD companies that make unfounded health claims.Since the FDA does not regulate CBD products in the same way they regulate drugs, companies sometimes mislabel or misrepresent their products. That means it’s especially important to do your own research to find a quality product.
The product’s certificate of analysis (COA) should confirm that it’s free of contaminants and that the product contains the amount of CBD and THC it claims. A COA is an analysis document provided by a third-party lab that ensures everything on the label is accurate.
Beware of any company that promises extreme results, and remember that results may differ. A product that works well for a friend or family member may not have the same effects for you.
If a product does not work for you, you may consider trying another with different ingredients or a different amount of CBD.
What, if any, other ingredients are in it?
Usually, you’ll find hemp, hemp extract, or hemp oil listed as the main ingredient on a bottle of CBD oil or tincture. These ingredients contain CBD.
Sometimes other ingredients are added for taste, consistency, and other health benefits. If you’re looking for a product that has a particular flavor, you might want to look for one with added essential oils or flavorings.
If you’re looking for possible extra health benefits, you might want to look for one with added vitamins.
Where’s the cannabis grown and is it organic?
Look for products made from organic, U.S.-grown cannabis. Cannabis grown in the United States is subject to agricultural regulations.
Organic ingredients mean you’re less likely to consume pesticides or other chemicals.
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:
- is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made with U.S.-grown hemp
- contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
As a part of our selection process, we also considered:
- the company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to an
FDA warning letterTrusted Source - whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Pricing
Most of the products available from this list are under $50.
Where available, we’ve included special discount codes for our readers.
Our pricing guide is based on the value of CBD per container, in dollars per milligram (mg).
- $ = under $0.10 per mg of CBD
- $$ = $0.10–$0.20 per mg
- $$$ = over $0.20 per mg
To get a full picture of the price of a product, it’s important to read labels for serving sizes, amounts, strengths, and other ingredients.
Best-priced full-spectrum CBD oil tincture
Zatural Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
- Price: $
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 300–3,000 mg per 30-milliliter (mL) bottle
- COA: available online
Zatural Full-Spectrum CBD Oil is a full-spectrum CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC. Zatural also has a dosage calculator to help you determine the right amount of CBD for you.
You’ll always want to start a new CBD regimen slowly. This will help you find the right dosage for you since everyone’s needs are different.
Use code “healthline20” for 20% off. One use per customer.
Best full-spectrum tincture
CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
- Price: $–$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 500–2,500 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
This full-spectrum tincture gives you up to 17 mg of CBD and other cannabinoids per serving. CBDistillery products are made using U.S. Hemp Authority certified, non-GMO hemp grown in the United States.
Use code “healthline” for 20% off sitewide, or choose the subscription option for 20% off the first 2 subscription orders and 25% off the 3rd order.
Best CBD oil containing THC
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,800 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
This full-spectrum CBD oil comes from a well-known brand offering relatively inexpensive oils for potency. The company uses U.S.-grown hemp from Colorado.
Charlotte’s Web typically uses hemp extract, coconut oil, and flavorings in the large variety of products they have.
Use code “HEALTH20” for 20% off.
Editor’s pick
Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Price: $–$$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,000–3,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
This full-spectrum CBD oil is U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic and is sold in Original, Citrus, and Mint flavors and has three different potencies.
In addition to oils, the company offers balms, creams, and other products.
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off.
Best potency option CBD oil
CBDfx Calming Tincture
- Price: $–$$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,000–6,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
This naturally flavored CBD oil contains a blend of terpenes designed to instill calm. The full-spectrum tincture is available in several potencies suitable for all types of CBD users, from beginners to pros.
The formula is also vegan, gluten-free, and organic.
Besides oils, CBDfx sells many other products, including topicals, gummies, and capsules.
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off.
Best gluten-free CBD oil
CBDMD CBD Oil Tincture
- Price: $–$$$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 300–7,500 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
CBDMD CBD oil tincture is a great gluten-free option. It’s also vegan. Available in two sizes and six concentrations, this CBD oil gives customers the option to tailor their purchase to their exact needs.
This oil is created with MCT oil. It’s available in Orange, Berry, and Natural (unflavored).
Best organic CBD oil
FAB CBD Oil, Natural
- Price: $$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,200 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
FAB CBD uses organically grown plants from Colorado to create their products.
The full-spectrum CBD oil is available in four strengths and five flavors. We recommend the 1,200 mg potency in Natural flavor since it’s the only option with a COA online.
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off your first purchase.
Best vegan CBD oil
Absolute Nature CBD Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Drops
- Price: $–$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 500–1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
Absolute Nature CBD Tinctures are made with non-GMO hemp grown in Colorado. The company extracts their CBD along with other naturally occurring compounds to enhance absorption.
Gummies, soft gels, and other products are also available.
Use code “HEALTHLINE40” for 40% off.
Best isolate CBD oil
Read our review of Absolute Nature CBD.
Kanibi Isolate CBD Oil Tincture, Skittles
- Price: $
- CBD type: isolate
- CBD potency: 750 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available on product page
This fruity-flavored CBD oil has no hemp flavor. If you’re concerned about ingesting THC, this tasty tincture might be a good choice. As an isolate, it contains zero THC. If you’re looking for something more potent, consider the version that has 1,500 mg per 30-mL bottle.
Kanibi uses 100% U.S.-grown hemp and sells a variety of other products, including broad- and full-spectrum options.
Use code “HEALTHLINE10” for 10% off.
Best for topical use
Lord Jones Royal Oil
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
Lord Jones Royal Oil is made up of only two ingredients: broad-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD extract and pure grapeseed oil. This means it’s free of additives, flavoring, and colorings.
Lord Jones Royal Oil is intended for multiple uses. It can be used in skin care and makeup routines.
Best-tasting CBD oil
Joy Organics Tropical Sunrise: Organic Full Spectrum CBD Tincture with THC
- Price: $
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 450–2,250 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
Joy Organics CBD oil is certified organic and made with hemp from U.S. farms. This Tropical Sunrise flavor is meant to evoke vacation vibes and has a pineapple coconut flavor.
This full-spectrum product is available in multiple strengths and contains organic MCT and sunflower oil in addition to CBD. Aside from CBD oils, the company also sells topicals, gummies, soft gels, and more.
Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off.
Best high potency tincture
Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture
- Price: $
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- CBD potency: 1,500 mg per 30-mL bottle
- COA: available online
Lazarus Naturals CBD oil is made from hemp grown in Oregon. The company has a high level of transparency regarding the sourcing, manufacturing, and third-party testing of their products.
In addition to oils, Lazarus Naturals offers tinctures, capsules, topicals, and other products.
Use code “Healthline10” for 10% off your first order. One-time use only.
When you’re shopping for a CBD oil, here are the first things to consider:
Potency
Are you new to CBD or are you fairly experienced? If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to opt for a lower potency CBD oil that offers fewer milligrams of CBD per dose.
Always make sure to check the label and serving size. It can differ from brand to brand — and even from product to product in a brand’s lineup.
CBD source
Isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum? That’s a good question.
Isolate products offer pure CBD with no additional cannabinoids or cannabis plant compounds. They’re a good choice if you want to completely avoid THC.
But because they don’t contain other plant compounds, they may be less effective than broad- and full-spectrum products. Because full-spectrum products contain small amounts of THC and other cannabis plant compounds like terpenes, they may work better than CBD alone. That’s due to the entourage effect.
Ingredients
Your best option is to opt for CBD made from U.S.-grown hemp and organic ingredients.
Since there’s little research on how CBD interacts with other supplements and vitamins, we recommend staying away from CBD products that contain additional active ingredients.
Third-party testing
Because the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products like it does other things, it’s important to do your own research and check whether a product has been tested in a third-party lab.
By comparing the product’s COA with the label, you can verify whether the labeling is accurate in terms of potency. The COA should also show information about contaminant testing.
CBD oil is not the same as hempseed oil, which is sometimes labeled as hemp oil.
CBD oil is made from the flower, bud, stems, and leaves of the cannabis plant. Hempseed oil is made from hemp seeds and does not contain any CBD.
Hempseed oil can be used topically for skin health, and it can be taken orally as a supplement or food additive.
CBD oil may be taken orally, or it can be added to balms and moisturizers and applied topically.
Shake the bottle before use to ensure the ideal consistency. Use a dropper — many products will come with one — to place the oil under your tongue.
For maximum absorption, hold it under your tongue for 30 seconds to a few minutes before swallowing.
To determine how many drops to take, follow the recommended dose provided by the manufacturer or your doctor.
Start with a small dose. Over time, you can increase the dose and frequency until you achieve your desired results. But be sure to talk with a doctor before making changes to the recommended dose.
Appropriate serving sizes for CBD vary greatly depending on individual factors, such as:
- intended use
- body weight
- metabolism
- body chemistry
Doses should be taken at least 4 to 6 hours apart. You can take CBD at any time of day. If you’re using it to improve sleep, take it before bed.
The immediate effects of CBD usually take effect within 30–90 minutes, but long-term results may take several weeks to achieve.
You can also mix CBD oil into drinks and food, but this may affect absorption.
Store CBD oils and tinctures in a dry, cool place away from direct heat and sunlight. Make sure the cap is closed tightly after each use. It is not necessary to refrigerate the product, but it may help to prolong its shelf life.
Avoid touching your mouth with the dropper to prevent bacterial contamination and preserve the quality of the oil.
CBD is also available in capsules or gummies or infused into skin care products, such as lotions and salves. CBD skin care products can be absorbed into the skin and do not need to be washed off.
Can CBD oil be applied topically to help with pain?
Yes. Most CBD oils are safe to use orally and topically. Always check the manufacturer guidelines to be sure, though.
Some people find applying CBD directly to areas like hands and wrists with arthritis helps reduce pain.
Do I need to take food with CBD oil?
No, you do not need to take CBD oil with foods. But if you don’t like the taste, you may find ingesting CBD oil by mixing it with a beverage gives it a better taste.
Can I use CBD oil daily?
Yes. But if you’re thinking of increasing the dose, just make sure to do so slowly. Some people may also prefer to take it only as needed for things like aches and pains.
What are the benefits of CBD?
While research into the benefits of CBD is still ongoing, there’s promising evidence that it may help with:
- sleep
- chronic pain
- PTSD and other mental health conditions
- stress and anxiety
What are the side effects of CBD?
Most people are unlikely to experience problems when taking CBD, but minor side effects can occur, such as:
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- weight and appetite changes
How do I choose a CBD strength?
If you’re trying CBD for the first time, it’s best to err on the side of caution and start with a small dose. Most people find that 20 mg is a good starting point. You can try increasing the dose by 5 mg until you start to feel the effects.
Keep in mind that you should wait several hours before taking more CBD or increasing the dose. CBD can take some time to produce noticeable effects.
Is CBD oil safe?
EvidenceTrusted Source suggests that CBD is pretty safe to use, though it may cause mild side effects in some people. If you’re taking any prescription drugs, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before mixing CBD with your current medications.And since CBD isn’t rigorously regulated, it’s also important to buy CBD from reputable sources to help ensure you’re consuming the safest version of a product out there.
CBD is generally well tolerated and safe to use, though negative reactions, such as fatigue and digestive issues, are possible.
Talk with your healthcare professional before taking CBD if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have any medical conditions, or take any OTC or prescription medications or supplements.
CBD has the potential to interact with medications, including those that also interact with grapefruit.
Some
researchTrusted Source also suggests that consuming CBD with high fat meals could increase your risk for side effects. This is because high fat meals can increase CBD blood concentrations, which can increase the risk of side effects.Carefully read the ingredient list if you’re allergic to coconut oil or have any other possible allergies.
CBD is legal in many parts of the United States, but most manufacturers require you to be at least 18 years old to purchase their product. It may not be legal in all countries.
Check your local laws before buying CBD. When buying online, confirm with the manufacturer that they’ll ship to your area but also check local laws.
Since CBD products can contain trace amounts of THC, it’s still possible for them to show up on a drug test. Avoid taking CBD products if this is a concern.
Researchers do not yet know all the benefits or risks of CBD use. Results may be slow and subtle, and they may vary among people. You may wish to track your results using a journal so you can see the effects over time.
Want to learn more about CBD? Click here for more product reviews, recipes, and research-based articles about CBD from Healthline.
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.
