The best CBD oils are organic, third-party tested, and available in a range of strengths and flavors. Here, we list the best CBD oils our medical experts vetted and provide hands-on reviews from editors.
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.
All tester reviews are provided by Healthline editors Candice Abellon and Christy Synder, who received products for free from the manufacturers.
The following table compares the CBD oils in this article:
In this section, we list some key factors to consider that can help a person choose the best CBD oil for their needs.
Transparent third-party testing
Medical News Today only features products that undergo third-party testing. Companies must also provide easy access to the results of these tests.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products before they go on sale, third-party tests show exactly what a product contains.
This is a necessary safety measure to consider when buying CBD products, as some companies mislabel their products or exclude ingredients from labeling. They may also make extreme or unfounded health claims about their products.
People should avoid products that promise to cure any illness and know that CBD will affect people differently.
U.S.-sourced CBD
Although the FDA does not regulate CBD products, it is illegal for people to use Cannabis sativa plants containing more than 0.3% THC in the United States, according to the 2018 Farm Bill.
To make sure they are buying products that adhere to this law, people can prioritize buying products that use U.S.-grown hemp.
Many companies grow organic hemp in the United States. These crops must comply with several agricultural regulations alongside the cap on THC content.
If a product holds USDA organic certification, it means the crop is grown to federal guidelines that concern:
- soil quality
- pest and weed control
- additive use
Companies offering USDA organic hemp must have grown the crop in soil that has not had prohibited substances applied to it for three years. These substances include synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
As such, organic hemp may be less likely to expose people to chemicals and pesticides from the growing process.
In addition, it is important to check the local regulations regarding CBD. Different U.S. states, for example, have different legislation about CBD.
Allergens and medication interactions
It may be a good idea to consult a doctor before taking CBD, especially for people who take medication or have allergies. For example, CBD oils often contain coconut MCT oil, making it unsuitable for people with a tree nut allergy.
People taking medication or supplements with a warning about interactions with grapefruit should speak to a doctor before trying CBD, as there may be interactions at higher doses. One example would be cholesterol drugs, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor).
Speaking with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD or other cannabis products is always advisable. This is especially true for people who take medications or supplements regularly. A doctor can review their medications for potential interactions to decrease the risk of adverse events.
- anti-epileptic drugs
- antidepressants
- opioid analgesics
- acetaminophen
- alcoholic substances
Cost effectiveness
CBD oils can be expensive. A person can consider how often they will need to replenish their supply to make sure they are getting the most cost effective option for their budget.
Learn more about how to shop for CBD.
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