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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

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?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • 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.
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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.

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. Clinical studies are examining CBD’s potential benefits for managing pain, inflammation, neurogenerative diseases, and its ability to ward off tumors.

CBD is available in numerous concentrated forms, including:

In this article, we list our 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.

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Each of our CBD concentrate recommendations 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

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 2016 study, the amount of THC in edibles can vary across single products and batches of products, making it difficult for users to know exactly how much THC they’re consuming.

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 limited evidence to back the entourage effect, but it can’t completely be ruled out until more research is performed.

Potential benefits of CBD

Some of the potential benefits of CBD include:

Only FDA-approved form of CBD

The only FDA-approved form of CBD is a prescription drug called Epidiolex. It’s used to treat two rare forms of epilepsy. The FDA can’t guarantee the safety or effectiveness of other CBD products. However, they do take action against companies that make claims that aren’t scientifically backed.

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 generally considered safe, but it can cause general side effects such as:

  • 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.

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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
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Best all-around CBD concentrate

Joy Organics CBD Gummies

  • Price: $$
  • 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
  • 10 mg of CBD per gummy may be too low of a potency for more advanced users
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Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off.

Shop now at Joy Organics

Best CBD concentrate for pain relief

Lazarus Naturals CBD Massage Oil

  • Price: $–$$$
  • CBD type: full-spectrum
  • CBD form: massage oil
  • CBD potency: 50 mg per tbsp
  • 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
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Best CBD concentrate for arthritis

Papa & Barkley Releaf Body Oil

  • Price: $$
  • CBD type: full-spectrum
  • CBD form: massage oil
  • CBD potency: varies by size
  • CBD per container: 400 mg

Papa and Barkley Releaf Body Oil contains a blend of CBD, essential oils, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. The hemp used in this product comes from farms in Colorado. It can be used to massage a sore muscle or cover your body from head to toe.

Pros

  • contains essential oils
  • all-natural ingredients

Cons

  • only comes in one size
  • may contain traces of nuts
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Best CBD concentrate for high blood pressure

Papa & Barkley Releaf Drops

  • Price: $$
  • CBD type: full-spectrum
  • CBD form: tincture
  • CBD potency: 30 mg per drop
  • CBD per container: 450 mg or 900 mg

A small 2017 study suggests that the stress- and anxiety-reducing properties of CBD may help lower blood pressure. More research is needed to determine how CBD may lower blood pressure and benefit heart health.

Papa and Barkley Releaf Drops are made from all-natural ingredients and hemp sourced from Colorado farms. One serving is one full eyedropper, and you can use it anytime you feel stressed or anxious. It’s available in two container sizes and is vegan-friendly, soy-free, and gluten-free. You can get it in two flavors: natural or lemongrass.

Pros

  • two size options
  • 30 mg of CBD per drop

Cons

  • may contain traces of nuts
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CBD concentrate for creativity

PlusCBD Oil Hemp Gummies

  • Price: $
  • CBD type: full-spectrum
  • CBD form: gummies
  • CBD potency: 5 mg per serving
  • CBD per container: 50 mg or 150 mg per container

Plus CBD Oil Hemp Gummies come in two flavors: cherry mango and citrus punch. They don’t contain any artificial ingredients, and they’re non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free.

Pros

  • relatively cheap
  • two container size options

Cons

  • only 5 mg of CBD per gummy
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Shop now at PlusCBD

CBD ProductType of CBDPrice
Joy Organics CBD Gummiesbroad-spectrum$$
Lazarus Naturals CBD Massage Oilfull-spectrum$-$$$
Papa & Barkley Releaf Body Oilfull-spectrum$$
Papa & Barkley Releaf Dropsfull-spectrum$$
PlusCBD Oil Hemp Gummiesfull-spectrum$

When shopping for CBD, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the following:

  • CBD type: The entourage effect suggests CBD and THC work better together than on their own, which is why you might get more bang for your buck with full-spectrum products. That said, broad-spectrum and isolates are solid options for people who prefer to avoid THC.
  • Third-party testing: Since the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD like they do other substances, there are a lot of CBD products on the market with inaccurate and misleading labels. To make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for, look for products that come with a COA from a reputable third-party lab.
  • Ingredients: A quality company will be open about where they source their hemp and how they manufacture CBD products. Opt for products made from organic, U.S.-grown hemp.

Is it safe to use CBD daily?

Yes. It’s safe to use CBD every day, and many people find they get the best results when taking it daily.

When is the best time to use CBD?

You might need to experiment to find the timing that works for you. Timing might also depend on why you’re taking CBD. Is it to relax before bed and help you sleep? Taking it at bedtime might be the best option.

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

Because many CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, it’s possible for them to show up on a drug test. However, it’s not likely. Still, if you need to undergo regular drug testing for whatever reason, you may want to opt for CBD isolate, a pure form of CBD, or skip CBD altogether.

CBD is linked to a variety of potential health benefits, such as helping manage pain, anxiety, and inflammation.

Over-the-counter CBD products aren’t regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to do your research before using one. Reputable brands will provide proof of third-party testing and clearly label the amount of CBD in each serving.

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 legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so 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.