Best CBD Oil – Top 4 Picks for 2023

Since ancient times, the cannabis plant has been cultivated for industrial and medicinal uses, thanks to over 80 chemicals known as cannabinoids. The two main species are Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most abundant cannabinoid and is commonly known for its psychoactive properties, whereas cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive and the second most abundant.

There are different strains of the cannabis plant that produce varying levels of CBD and THC.
Marijuana plants are typically grown for recreational use and contain higher concentrations of THC than CBD. Hemp plants are used for a variety of purposes and contain higher levels of CBD that is extracted to make oil.

To be considered legal in the United States, hemp oil must contain less than 0.3% THC.

CBD oil can have many positive effects on the body, but like all other natural health products, it is important to speak with your physician before starting any new supplements.

Federal and state laws have strict mandates on CBD derived from marijuana, and this form of cannabis may not be legal in all states. For this reason, all the products included on our list are THC-free.

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid found in cannabis plants, including marijuana and hemp. Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds found in plants that help to protect them from pathogens and predators. Recent research has found that these plant-based compounds can also have positive effects on humans.

Ancient Roman and Chinese civilizations have used the cannabis plant for treating several ailments including malaria, gout, and constipation. Before the 1970s, US physicians commonly prescribed Cannabis Sativa for a variety of illnesses until the federal government classified marijuana as a Schedule I illegal substance with no medical value. California became the first state to legalize its medical use in 1996, and many other states soon followed.

There are three main forms of cannabinoids: (1) synthetic cannabinoids that form the basis of pharmaceutical cannabinoid-related products; (2) endocannabinoids that are produced by the human body; and (3) phytocannabinoids, a class of hundreds of compounds that are found in the Cannabis sativa plant, including the two most popular ones, THC and cannabidiol.

The CBD oil sold in the United States is either full-spectrum oil or crystalline isolate. Full-spectrum oil contains a variety of cannabinoids, including THC. Crystalline isolate forms contain primarily cannabidiol, so this form should not cause any psychoactive effects.

CBD oil can be used to treat many health conditions and has become a popular sleep aid because it has been shown in research to reduce anxiety, induce feelings of tranquility, and improve insomnia and other sleep disorders. This oil comes in a variety of forms, including tinctures, capsules, topical creams, sprays, and vapors.

• Tinctures: Tinctures generally contain a stronger concentration of CBD with hemp extract in a carrier oil, often hemp oil. To use, a few drops are placed under the tongue.
  

  ---

• Capsules: Capsule and pill forms feature extract in an easy-to-swallow format that alleviates the unpleasant taste many people dislike. The amount of cannabidiol in capsules is usually less, and absorption is slower since it has to go through the digestive system and be processed in the liver.
  

  ---

• Topicals: Topical creams and lotions can be applied directly to the skin, and are the preferred form for joint and muscle pain, as well as skin conditions.
  

  ---

• Sprays: Oral sprays are lower in concentration than other forms, and can be directly sprayed into the mouth. While sprays can be convenient, the taste may be offsetting for some.
  

  ---

• Vapors: Inhaled vapors are one of the fastest ways to experience effects, as the compounds are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex biological system that is involved in a wide range of physiological and cognitive processes in the body. This system consists of protein receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters produced by the body). Two types of cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system and CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system and peripheral organs.

The ECS regulates a wide range of functions, including mood, appetite, motor activities, and sleep. Aging and various health conditions can decrease the number of endocannabinoids we produce, but restoring depleted levels with phytocannabinoids like CBD can help bring the body back into balance.

Concentration can be a little confusing when it comes to CBD oil because many products are labeled as “hemp oil” or “hemp tincture” instead of cannabidiol. Generally, the amount of cannabidiol is referred to as either CBD or “hemp seed extract” on the bottle. The amount of active ingredient is listed in milligrams (mg).

If a bottle is labeled as “hemp oil” or “Cannabis Sativa seed oil” without any mention of cannabidiol or hemp extract (listen in mg), then this is not CBD oil but is rather hemp seed oil, used as a food product and vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seed oil contains 0% THC and only trace amounts of CBD and is generally used in cooking, beauty products, and some industrial purposes.

Cannabidiol concentration is the amount of CBD (possibly labeled as hemp seed extract) in mg in a bottle of oil (this could be hemp, MCT, or any other type of oil). Most bottles come in 15 mL or 30 mL and will contain varying amounts of cannabidiol. Some products will list the total amount in mg on the front of the bottle (1,000 mg for example) as well as the concentration of mg/mL under the nutrition facts (33 mg/mL, etc.).

While each bottle will have a recommended dose, the amount you should take depends on several factors including the type of oil, concentration, desired effects, and most importantly, your bodyweight.

There are many different strains of the cannabis plant, each with varying levels of THC and CBD. Generally speaking, oil produced from marijuana (cannabis) plants may contain THC levels up to 30% (creating psychoactive effects) and CBD levels of up to 10%. Hemp-based oil must contain less than 0.3% THC to be considered legal and produces CBD levels of 20% and higher.

Hemp-based CBD oil generally falls into one of the following categories:

• Crystalline Isolate: This form contains up to 90% cannabidiol, but is harder to make because all compounds except pure, isolated CBD are removed. Isolate forms are lighter in flavor, making them suitable for cooking, and are best for those with sensitivities to other cannabinoids, such as THC, or for those who regularly undergo drug testing at their place of employment.
  

  ---

• Full Spectrum Oil: Full-spectrum means it contains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This type is often preferred because of a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect” which allows the cannabinoids to work together to become more effective. In a study done in 2005, full-spectrum CBD produced greater anti-inflammatory effects and pain reduction in mice compared to an isolated version.

Like any rising health trend, many companies are rushing CBD products to the marketplace with varying levels of quality. Unsuspecting consumers may choose the most affordable option without any understanding of marketing gimmicks, quality, or concentration. Finding a reputable product that has been sourced and extracted properly, and undergone 3rd-party testing is important to ensure purity and quality.

The way in which CBD oil is extracted from hemp plants can depict a lot about the product. Many manufacturers rely on extraction and processing techniques that involve toxic materials such as propane and butane. Safer methods use ethanol or carbon dioxide to remove unwanted materials.

While using liquid solvents (alcohol, butane, ethanol) for extraction and processing is a simple and inexpensive method, traces of impurities may remain and some solvents also remove chlorophyll which makes a greener oil with a bitter taste. Carbon dioxide extraction uses a three-chamber system under specific temperature and pressure, minimizing the risk of contaminants.

It is important to pay attention to where hemp is grown and what type of soil is used since plants could become contaminated with harmful toxins. Many manufacturers grow their crops using organic farming practices, without any herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals.

Many companies perform laboratory testing on their final product to ensure quality, consistency, and purity. These results may be mentioned on the bottle, and full reports can usually be found on their website. Third-party testing involves having an outside company perform many of these same tests to validate results and confirm accuracy.

Other factors to pay attention to include concentration, additional ingredients, and full-spectrum versus crystalline isolate form. Some companies may add sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavoring to mask the bitter taste, so it is important to check the ingredient label to avoid any unwanted additives.

CBD oil is a plant-based product with a higher safety profile than marijuana, but like any substance, there are some risk factors to be aware of.

CBD oil can make you feel very drowsy, which is the desired effect if you are suffering from insomnia or any other sleep disorder. It is important to be aware of the dangers of driving and operating heavy machinery as the risk of being involved in an accident is greatly increased while using this supplement.

• Dry Mouth: Many hemp and marijuana-based products can lead to dry mouth. Cannabinoids may alter salivatory receptors in the lower jaw leading to “cotton mouth.” The best remedies for dry mouth are drinking more water, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy.
  

  ---

• Diarrhea: Larger doses may cause loose stools thanks to endocannabinoid receptors in the gut. Starting at the lowest possible dose and titrating up slowly is the best way to prevent diarrhea.
  

  ---

• Blood Pressure Changes: Lowering blood pressure is a common side effect to be aware of as this could cause some people to become dizzy or lightheaded. For those on blood pressure medication, it is important to speak with your physician before taking this supplement as you may need to adjust your dosage.
  

  ---

• Appetite: Many cannabinoids may cause you to feel hungrier than usual, so choosing healthy options like fruits and vegetables rich in fiber could help to prevent unwanted weight gain and curb cravings.

If your place of employment requires drug testing, then full spectrum CBD oils may not be the best option due to their THC content. While they only contain trace amounts of THC, this may still lead to a failed drug test. Crystalline isolate oils contain no THC and should not interfere with drug testing.

The medicinal use of cannabis has become a widely disputed topic. Physicians and natural healers considered this plant a part of the American pharmacopeia for centuries until it was removed from the US Dispensatory in 1942. By the 1970s, US Congress declared that cannabis has no medical value and rendered it an illegal substance.

In light of the decision that this plant-based substance has “no currently accepted medical use,” the FDA classified it as a Schedule I drug with the potential for high abuse. Because of this, scientific research in the US was mostly limited to studying the harmful effects of marijuana.

In 1964, the molecular structure of THC was discovered, followed by the identification of CB1 receptors in 1988. These discoveries paved the way for more research showing that cannabis does have a direct effect on the body and could be used for positive health purposes.

By 1996, California became the first state to legalize botanical cannabis, and many others soon followed. While marijuana-based cannabis is still illegal at a federal level, certain states have legalized use for recreational and medicinal purposes.

CBD is not usually derived from marijuana based on cultivation that has resulted in its low cannabidiol content. The government considers “hemp” to be any member of the cannabis family that has less than 0.3% THC and “marijuana” to be any cannabis plant with THC content over 0.3% THC.

In 2018, a bill was passed classifying CBD with 0.3 percent THC as legal in all 50 states, however, federal laws do not preempt state laws. This means that local and state laws may still prohibit the sale of industrial hemp products despite legalization at the federal level. Below is a chart outlining the various guidelines for both hemp and marijuana-based products state-by-state.

*Both hemp-based and marijuana-based products are legal in the District of Columbia

These laws are constantly changing, and the guidelines listed above do not constitute legal advice. Before purchasing any marijuana or hemp-based products, it is important to review the laws in your state and contact local representatives for any additional questions or concerns.

With hemp-based CBD oil now legal in all 50 states, it is much easier to find products through one of the following retailers:

In states where marijuana use is legalized, dispensaries are the primary place where people can purchase products. In states where marijuana is permitted for medical use only, a prescription is required and must be filled at a pharmacy. Hemp-based CBD oil is available in dispensaries as well as health supplement stores and some head shops.

Most CBD oils are available for purchase from online retailers. Purchasing online may be the only option in states with higher restrictions, and these establishments are the best place to find the widest product range. Most online retailers provide product reviews so you can compare different oils, and many also offer free shipping.

Buying directly from the manufacturer is another way to get the full customer service experience and help with any questions or concerns without needing to go to a physical location.

The cost of CBD oil can vary based on the quality and sourcing of the product. One way to compare products is to review the price per milligram. To determine this number, simply take the total price of the oil and divide by the total number of milligrams (mg) in the bottle (not per dose) of cannabinoid (sometimes listed as hemp extract). For example, a 50 dollar bottle with 600 mg in the bottle would be 50 ÷ 600 = $0.08 or 8 cents per mg.

CBD oil can sometimes have a bitter taste, so many companies have flavored their product to make it more palatable.