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Shopping for CBD can feel intimidating, simply because there are so many choices. How do you know if a brand is reputable and that the 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 may be a brand worth considering. Here’s what to know about their products, reputation, quality, and manufacturing practices.
Founded in 2014, PlusCBD is a CBD brand marketed by a company called CV Sciences, which is based in San Diego, California. The company specializes in hemp extracts and “science-based wellness products.”
They offer a wide range of full-spectrum CBD products, including sprays, drops, capsules, topicals, and a line for pets.
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
This is a good option for people who want a safe, third-party tested product. PlusCBD offers a wide range of CBD products, so there are plenty of options for people who may be looking for specific consumption methods or doses.
Those who are new to CBD have options for low per-serving doses in many products, including gummies, softgels, and oils. PlusCBD also offers high dose CBD products for people with more CBD experience.
Keep in mind that these are full-spectrum CBD products, so they’re not a good fit for people who want to avoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
PlusCBD is a well-known, top-selling CBD brand on the market, and their products can be found at retail locations across the United States. The company takes a science-forward approach to their CBD products, which gives it a level of credibility that consumers find reassuring. In fact, it’s the first CBD company to receive the
One thing that differentiates PlusCBD from other brands is the source of their 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 them 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 (CO2) 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 traceable from seed to self.
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 their products are tested through outside facilities.
The company does have their 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 sells full-spectrum CBD products, including:
- softgels
- gummies
- oils
- sprays
- topicals
- pet CBD oil
Potencies vary from low to maximum strength. That’s reflected in the price point, which varies between about $15 to $155 for individual products. That 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 to 2 business days. PlusCBD doesn’t currently ship internationally.
The company is clear about their 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 4 reviews.
PlusCBD also has positive reviews for various products on their website.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $35
- $$ = $35–$100
- $$$ = over $100
Pain Relief Muscle Cream
- Price: $
- CBD potency: 1,000 milligrams (mg) per 4-ounce (oz) tube
- COA: available online
This topical CBD cream is designed to address muscle pain, stiffness, and soreness. It’s made without fragrances, dyes, sulfates, phthalates, polyethylene glycols, or parabens. Camphor and menthol offer additional pain relief.
On the PlusCBD website, there are just 4 reviews, but they’re all 5 stars. Customers report the cream rubs in well without feeling greasy and penetrates for deep relief.
Pain Relief Penetrating Pain Cream
- Price: $$
- CBD potency: 1,000 mg per 2-oz tube
- COA: available online
This CBD topical is designed for deeper relief from joint, muscle, and neuropathic pain. Like the muscle cream, it has 1,000 mg of CBD, plus camphor and menthol, but it’s designed to penetrate more deeply.
It’s made with non-GMO and vegan ingredients, with no dyes or fragrances.
There are more reviews for this product, and feedback is generally glowing. People praise this penetrating cream for its rapid and long lasting effects.
Our tester says…
Healthline editor Christy Snyder used this cream on her lower back after a Pilates session. She felt immediate cooling and heating sensations, and her pain was relieved for over thirty minutes. Of PlusCBD’s topicals she tried, this was her favorite and the one she found most effective.
Pain Relief Arthritis Cream
- Price: $$
- CBD potency: 750 mg per 2-oz tube
- COA: available online
PlusCBD formulated this cream specifically to alleviate the joint pain associated with arthritis. The company says it relieves minor aches and pains in the back, hands, feet, and other joints. Like the muscle and penetrating creams, this one also contains camphor and menthol for a cooling then warming sensation that offers short-term comfort.
There are just nine reviews, but people with arthritis say it works really well to reduce pain. One reviewer describes the scent as a little intense at first.
Our tester says…
Healthline editor Christy Snyder tried out this cream, finding it to have a strong menthol scent and loose consistency. She noticed a cooling sensation occurred within the first five minutes after application. She felt mild relief for about thirty minutes afterwards.
Pain Relief Sport Recovery Stick
- Price: $$
- CBD potency: 750 mg per 1-oz tube
- COA: available online
This is a new offering from PlusCBD. It’s an anti-inflammatory and analgesic cream conveniently packaged in stick form for on-the-go relief from aches and pains related (but not limited) to physical activity. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone with an active lifestyle can keep this handy for localized pain relief.
Five 5-star reviews describe this recovery stick as powerful, effective, and long lasting.
Our tester says…
Healthline editor Christy Snyder tried this recovery stick on tense shoulder muscles. She liked the stick format for ease of application. Christy felt a slow response to the cream and only mild relief. The effects didn’t last long for her.
CBD Gummies
- Price: $
- CBD potency: 10 mg per gummy
- COA: available online
These vegan, gluten-free gummies are made with no artificial flavors or sweeteners. They use organic sugar and organic tapioca syrup, but only contain 3 grams of sugar per serving.
PlusCBD gummies contain 10 mg of CBD per gummy. They come in two flavors: Cherry Mango and Citrus Punch.
More than 100 reviews put these gummies at 5 stars. Customers report that they work well to promote relaxation and taste great.
CBD Oil 1500 mg, Peppermint
- Price: $$$
- CBD potency: 25 mg per serving
- COA: available online
This is one of PlusCBD’s maximum strength CBD oils. It’s one of the company’s highest potency products. The oil is flavored with peppermint and sweetened with monk fruit. It uses extra virgin olive oil as a carrier oil.
PlusCBD uses a pump top instead of a dropper, which makes it easy to administer a dose that works for you. There are only a few dozen reviews, but people note that they enjoy the flavor and consistency.
CBD Oil 250 mg, Unflavored
- Price: $
- CBD potency: 10 mg per serving
- COA: available online
This is one of PlusCBD’s extra strength CBD oils — a good balance of CBD, terpenes, minor cannabinoids, and fatty acids. This unflavored version is sweetened with monk fruit. You can also get the same dose in peppermint.
It’s gluten-free, vegan, and made with non-GMO ingredients.
There are well over 450 reviews, and the product has an average 4.6 rating. People say it has helped improve their sleep quality, muscle and joint pain, and ability to relax.
| Brand | Price | 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 |
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, like a non-CBD pill.
- Gummies: Gummies are also precisely dosed. Just chew and swallow.
- Oils: PlusCBD uses a pump instead of a dropper top for their 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. 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.
Is PlusCBD a good brand?
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.
Is PlusCBD safe?
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 their test results.
If you’re new to CBD, you may wish to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before purchasing.
PlusCBD has a wide range of CBD product offerings, including topicals, gummies, oils, and more. The company makes their 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.