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There are many choices when shopping for CBD, so how do you know if a brand is reputable and its products are safe and effective?
You’re right to be cautious. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t ensure the safety, quality, or efficacy of any CBD product, which means it’s up to you to do a little homework before making a purchase.
PlusCBD is one brand worth considering. The company was founded in 2014 by CV Sciences and is based in San Diego, California.
It offers a wide range of full-spectrum CBD products, including capsules, gummies, topicals, and oils. We found all of the products we tried to be effective for sleep, relaxation, or pain relief, but we were not always a fan of the taste.
PlusCBD offers full-spectrum CBD products, which are not a good fit for people who want to avoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If that’s you, you can explore our picks for broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate products instead.
If you prefer full-spectrum CBD, you have options for low or high per-serving doses in many products. There are also plenty of options for people looking for specific consumption methods, such as gummies, capsules, oils, and topicals.
PlusCBD’s products are also not organic. If you prefer to use organic products, consider checking out Joy Organics.
Pros
- wide range of full-spectrum CBD products
- comprehensive third-party testing for safety and purity
- non-GMO ingredients
- rewards program for perks and discounts
- 90-day return window
Cons
- full-spectrum CBD doesn’t appeal to all customers
- returns exclude shipping charges
- some hemp is sourced from Europe
- not organic
- contains additional ingredients in the oils, such as silica and monolaurin
| Brand | CBD type | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| PlusCBD | full-spectrum products | no assistance programs, but there is a loyalty program |
| Joy Organics | isolate, broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and THC products | discounts for veterans, teachers, students, first responders, medical workers, and those who need financial assistance |
| Lazarus Naturals | isolate, broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBG products | a 60% discount to veterans, people on long-term disability, and low income households |
| Charlotte’s Web | isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum products | discounts for veterans, first responders, students, teachers, and nurses |
| CBDistillery | isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum products | discounts for veterans, active military personnel, and first responders |
| FAB CBD | broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBG products | no assistance programs, but there is a loyalty program |
PlusCBD is a well-known, top-selling CBD brand. Its products can be found online and at retail locations across the United States. The company takes a science-forward approach to its CBD products, which gives it a level of credibility that consumers find reassuring. In fact, it’s the first CBD company to receive the FDA’s
One thing that differentiates PlusCBD from other brands is the source of its hemp. Some of the company’s hemp is grown in Europe from European Union certified hemp seeds.
According to PlusCBD, sourcing from both U.S. and European partner farms gives it the materials needed to produce such a wide range of CBD products.
PlusCBD doesn’t appear to have received any
Quality is a major focus for PlusCBD. The company’s products are made using carbon dioxide extraction. This method doesn’t use solvents or chemicals, so some say it makes for a cleaner final product.
Transparency is a key component of a reputable CBD company, and PlusCBD products are processed, produced, and tested in compliance with the
Third-party testing
The company’s CBD products are tested at multiple stages throughout the manufacturing process and are traceable from seed to the final products.
All product pages include details about extraction processes, detailed ingredient lists, directions for use, frequently asked questions specific to the product, and links to both customer reviews and comprehensive certificates of analysis (COAs).
One thing we noted is that the COAs accessible from the PlusCBD website aren’t from third-party labs, even though PlusCBD says its products are tested through outside facilities.
The company does have its own stringent in-house quality control measures. This includes using a validated testing method on the raw extract upon its arrival to PlusCBD’s facility in San Diego. PlusCBD uses a high performance liquid chromatography system to determine cannabinoid content.
Another round of in-house tests looks for contaminants, including solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals, with a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry machine. The company says samples are also sent to third-party labs for contaminates testing via conventional microbiological techniques.
PlusCBD’s full-spectrum CBD products include:
- softgels
- gummies
- oils
- sprays
- topicals
- pet CBD oil
Potencies vary from low to maximum strength. That’s reflected in the price point, which varies from around $30 (starting with the lowest dose of gummies) to $180 (for the company’s reserve collection oils). Most products fall in the $50–$80 range, which puts PlusCBD in the mid-to-high price range for CBD companies.
However, PlusCBD has a dedicated coupons page that consumers can check for the latest deals and savings. Signing up for a subscription on a particular product is another way to save.
The company also offers a loyalty program. Consumers can become members of PlusPOINTS to earn points on purchases for discounts and rewards.
PlusCBD offers several shipping methods. UPS ground shipping is free, or you can upgrade to UPS 2-day shipping for a fee. Processing time is typically 1–2 business days. PlusCBD doesn’t currently ship internationally.
The company is clear about its return policy. All PlusCBD products can be returned within 90 days of the delivery date for a full refund, excluding shipping charges. Products that are damaged during shipping will be replaced, but customers must contact the company to submit a claim within 72 hours of delivery.
On third-party platforms like Trustpilot, PlusCBD has very positive reviews. With more than 4,400 reviews on Trustpilot, the company has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
PlusCBD isn’t currently accredited with the Better Business Bureau. Neither is parent company CV Sciences, but the company does have a 4.5-star rating. However, there are only four reviews at time of publish.
PlusCBD also has positive reviews for various products on its website.
To choose the right CBD product, consider why you’re taking CBD in the first place. Topical products are designed for localized relief, while oral products offer full body effects. That’s a good option if you’re looking for pain relief or assistance with anxiety or sleep.
Personal preference plays a role too. For example, you may want a flavored option to mask the taste of natural hemp, which can be a little earthy.
Using CBD appropriately depends on the product. Here are some guidelines:
- Softgels: These liquid capsules are precisely dosed and taken orally.
- Gummies: Gummies are also precisely dosed. Just chew and swallow.
- Oils: PlusCBD uses a pump instead of a dropper top for its CBD oil. Check the product label for guidance on how many pumps equal a specific dose.
- Sprays: CBD oral sprays from PlusCBD are easy to use — just open your mouth and press down on the spray top. Check the product label for guidance on how many sprays equal a specific dose.
- Topicals: PlusCBD sells CBD creams, balms, and roll-ons. These products are applied directly to the skin for on-the-spot relief.
Remember to consider potency when you take CBD. CBD dosage can be tricky, as everyone metabolizes it differently. It’s best to start with a low dose and slowly increase over time until you find what works for you.
CBD is generally considered safe, but some people do experience side effects. These include:
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
- tiredness
A
Speak with your doctor or healthcare professional before trying CBD if you currently take any medications. Some medications may interact with CBD.
It’s important to also avoid CBD if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
PlusCBD has a good reputation. It’s a well-known CBD brand with lots of positive feedback online. It offers a wide range of full-spectrum CBD products in a mid-to-high price range. While it doesn’t third-party test, it carries out rigorous in-house testing and makes COAs available.
CBD, in general, is considered safe and has minimal side effects. Products from PlusCBD specifically are tested for contaminants and potency, and the company prioritizes full transparency with its test results.
If you’re new to CBD, you may wish to consult with your doctor or trusted healthcare professional before purchasing.
PlusCBD has a wide range of CBD product offerings, including topicals, gummies, oils, and more. The company makes its product testing results available clearly and has a good reputation.
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.