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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?
The CBD market is crowded with options, and not all companies jump through the proper hoops. Here are the best CBD brands when it comes to safety, quality, and transparency.
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.
- Top CBD brand for organic full-spectrum products: Cornbread Hemp | Skip to review
- Top CBD wellness brand: Aspen Green | Skip to review
- Top CBD brand for THC-free products: Social CBD | Skip to review
- Top CBD brand for variety: cbdMD | Skip to review
- Top CBD brand for flavored products: Kanibi | Skip to review
- Top CBD brand for beginners: FAB CBD | Skip to review
- Top CBD brand for topicals: PlusCBD | Skip to review
- Top CBD brand for athletes: Just Live | Skip to review
- Top CBD brand for organic broad-spectrum products: Joy Organics | Skip to review
Once you’ve decided to try cannabidiol (CBD), picking a brand is the logical next step. But with countless CBD brands on the market today, you may be wondering where to even begin.
To get you started, we’re sharing our picks of the top CBD brands in multiple categories, including tester feedback about multiple products by each brand.
We chose these brands based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each brand in this article:
- provides proof of third-party testing
- demonstrates transparency about where their hemp is grown
- sells products with no more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- tests their products for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds
As a part of our selection process, we also considered:
- the experience and feedback from testers who’ve tried products by these brands
- certifications and manufacturing processes
- whether the products are certified organic
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, like:
- customer reviews
- whether the company has been subject to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
warning letter - whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Pricing guide
Each brand sells multiple products that vary in price. We based this pricing guide on the average price of products across each brand’s products.
- $ = under $30
- $$ = $30–$50
- $$$ = over $50
Top CBD brand for organic full-spectrum products
Cornbread Hemp
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Organic: yes
- Best for: people looking to benefit from the entourage effect, people who prioritize organic ingredients
- COAs: available online
- Pros: organic, full-spectrum, 30-day guarantee
- Cons: expensive
Cornbread Hemp is a family-owned business that made their name on organic, flower-only, full-spectrum CBD products. It was the first CBD brand in Kentucky to earn the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic seal, which is a big differentiator in the market.
The brand offers a limited line of CBD products but still manages to include all the basics, including oils for pets. Pricing falls into the moderate-to-expensive range, but again, the products are organic and full-spectrum. Plus, Cornbread offers generous discount programs to make CBD more accessible, and they stand behind their products with a 30-day guarantee.
Cornbread Hemp has more than 1,000 5-star reviews on their website, but reviews on third-party sites like Trustpilot are limited. Still, the company has an excellent rating.
What our testers say
- About the CBD Lotion + Menthol: great as long as you’re not bothered by the smell of menthol. “It almost immediately provided an overwhelming cooling/borderline numbing effect on the areas I applied it.” — Melissa Lee, Healthline Market Wellness Editor II
- About the CBD Lotion without Menthol: the menthol option may be better if you need immediate pain relief. “It felt pretty moisturizing and lightweight. It easily absorbs into the skin. I would say it’s primarily best for people who want a moisturizing, lightweight lotion with CBD in it.” — Melissa Lee, Healthline Market Wellness Editor II
- About the Full-Spectrum Gummies in Berry: great for sleep, but some may find the taste bitter. “It did work for sleep for me. It made me drowsy pretty quickly, within an hour or two of having it. It tastes sweet initially, but a second tester reported a strong bitterness that they found unpleasant.” — Candice Abellon, Senior Healthline Editor
- About the Full-Spectrum Capsules: great for those who don’t want to taste the CBD. “These CBD capsules are flavorless, which makes them a good option for people who like the effects of ingestible products but not the flavor. However, the gummies are more bang for your buck.” — Sydney Hanan, Senior Associate at Healthline
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 25% off.
Top CBD wellness brand
Aspen Green
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Organic: yes
- Best for: people looking for USDA certified organic CBD products in higher potencies
- COAs: available online
- Pros: full-spectrum, organic, 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- Cons: smaller selection, higher potencies
Aspen Green is an award-winning, family-owned CBD company based in Colorado. They produce organic, full-spectrum CBD products for people and pets. The company is vocal about the importance of full transparency at every stage, from where and how their hemp is grown to their exact extraction and processing methods to third-party testing results.
Aspen Green sells a limited selection of CBD oils and topical products, including body creams, butters, balms, and oils. Their potencies are on the higher end, something that’s reflected in higher price points. Remember, though, that these are USDA certified organic products.
Aspen Green offers generous discount programs for low income households, members of the military, first responders, medical professionals, teachers, students, people with disabilities, and people who are unemployed. The company also has a rewards program for more savings.
Reviews are fairly limited on the Aspen Green website, but they’re overwhelmingly positive. There are more than 200 product reviews, and 95% are 5 stars.
What our tester says
- About the Full-Spectrum CBD Oil: a good option for CBD oil beginners, but know that the unflavored option tastes quite earthy. “It helped me to physically relax and reduced my stress levels. I felt relaxed as if I had just taken a nice warm bath. I felt the stress of the day wash away! The citrus flavor is my favorite out of the three that I tried.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
- About the Pain Relief Body Balm: a must-try for pain relief. “I used it specifically for lower back pain from sciatica. I noticed immediate relief from the intense pain I was having. It has relieved my pain better than other topical CBD products that I’ve tried.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
Top CBD brand for THC-free products
Social CBD
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum, isolate
- Organic: no
- Best for: people who want to avoid THC
- COAs: available online
- Pros: broad-spectrum and isolate products, reasonable price point
- Cons: no full-spectrum products
Social CBD is a well-known CBD brand with a reputation for high quality products for physical and mental stress relief. The company makes broad-spectrum and isolate products with hemp grown in Oregon, and they have a wide range of offerings. That includes tinctures, gummies, capsules, topicals, pet products, and bundles.
Social CBD has discount programs for veterans, first responders, and students. It also offers a loyalty program so customers can earn points for discounts. If you opt for a subscription, you can save 30% on your orders.
There are more than 4,000 reviews on Trustpilot, with an average of 4.6 stars.
What our testers say
- About the Balance CBD Gel Capsules: great for on the go but not for beginners. “I enjoyed the 33.33-mg CBD dose per capsule, which is more than I’d recommend for beginners (start low and slow by following the manufacturer’s instructions). No strange odors came from the bottle or gel capsules, and it was nice to take a capsule and go!” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
- About the Original CBD Gummies, Peach Mango or Red Raspberry: nice for those new to CBD, easy to dose. “I enjoyed these gummies. They aren’t coated in sugar (like some other CBD gummies on the market) and the lower dose of 12.5 mg CBD per gummy is great for beginners.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
Use code “health20” for 20% off.
Top CBD brand for variety
cbdMD
- Price: $–$$$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum, full-spectrum
- Organic: no
- Best for: people looking for the best deals and a wide range of products
- COAs: available on product pages
- Pros: wide variety of product types, bundles available
- Cons: no full-spectrum or isolate products
With oils, gummies, topicals, softgels, beverages, bath products, and more, cbdMD specializes in broad-spectrum CBD.
Pricing runs the gamut, though if you bundle two or three items, you can save up to 25%.
Reviews are really positive on the cbdMD site, but a little more mixed on third-party sites like Trustpilot.
What our testers say
- About the CBD Gummies: effective and a good choice if you want multiple flavors in one bottle. “I noticed feeling relaxed, less stressed, and able to gently drift off to sleep.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
- About the CBD Oil Tincture: more effective than other oils, but choose your flavor wisely. “The Orange flavor is OK, but it definitely has a bit of a chemical-y aftertaste. I found that taking it with food helped reduce the aftertaste. I do think it helped with my anxiety. When I’m anxious, my shoulders really tighten up. I felt like this oil helped relax me a bit.” — Corie Osborn, Healthline Senior Editor
- About the CBD Freeze Roller: great for acute pain. “You can reapply without it getting sticky or pilly. I really like the way it feels on my neck and lower back. It produces a cold, numbing sensation that decreases pain upon application. The only problem is that the numbing sensation doesn’t last longer than 15 minutes or so. It would probably bring more relief to someone with an acute injury, like a pulled muscle or sprained ankle, than to someone with chronic pain.” — Corie Osborn, Healthline Senior Editor
Top CBD brand for flavored products
Kanibi
- Price: $$
- CBD type: full-spectrum, isolate
- Organic: no
- Best for: people who don’t like the taste of hemp
- COAs: available online
- Pros: reasonably priced, good potency and flavor options
- Cons: no broad-spectrum products
Kanibi is a premium CBD company that emphasizes quality above all else. Their products are made in micro batches with organically grown U.S. hemp and no artificial colors, flavors, dyes, or sweeteners. The company double tests every product they sell, and the lab reports are readily accessible on their website.
Kanibi has full-spectrum and isolate CBD oils in a range of flavors. Some are standard, like Cinnamon and Lemon Lime, but others are pretty out of the box. Skittles or Choco Mint, anyone? Flavored oils like these are a good choice if you don’t like the earthy flavor of hemp.
Kanibi’s products are moderately priced. You can also buy their oils and gummies in two and three packs to save. Plus, the company offers military and veteran discounts, as well as a referral program.
You’ll find glowing reviews of Kanibi on their website, and feedback online is generally positive.
What our tester says
- About the Cooling Gel Roll: a great cooling product when it comes to easy application. “The roll-on gel is a nice way to keep your hands free of having to touch gel when applying, and you can be precise about where you are putting it.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
- About the CBD Pure Isolate Oil: a more expensive product that wins you over in the flavor department. Referring to the Skittles flavor: “The taste is fantastically wonderful. Nothing compares to this flavor. There’s no bad aftertaste or lingering dry mouth. It helped me fall asleep rather quickly, and when taken at a lower dose, I felt very relaxed.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
Use code “Healthline10” for 10% off your first order. One-time use only.
Top CBD brand for beginners
FAB CBD
- Price: $–$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Organic: no
- Best for: people looking for a wide range of products and potencies
- COAs: available online
- Pros: non-GMO ingredients, good selection of products and potencies, reasonable price point
- Cons: no isolate or broad-spectrum options
FAB CBD launched in 2017 with a mind to creating a product line with something for everyone. According the company, they pay particular attention to people who are new to using CBD. They offer a wide range of products and potencies. The CBD oils, for example, come in four strengths and five flavors.
However, there are no options for broad-spectrum or isolate products.
FAB CBD sells their products as one-time purchases or via subscription through their discount club. Sign up for regular delivery, and you’ll get 20% off every purchase.
The company appears to have a big, happy customer base. There are more than 2,600 reviews on the FAB CBD website, with an overall rating of 4.9 stars.
What our tester says
- About the CBD Gummies: may be a good fit for a more advanced isolate CBD user. “At 25 mg per gummy, I did find it effective in reducing my anxiety. I suggest cutting in half for beginners.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
- About the CBD Body Salve: great for on the go. It’s more potent and portable than the brand’s CBD cream. “Initially it heats, and then cools. It’s in a stick form, like a deodorant. I noticed that it relieved the pain quickly and allowed me to relax.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
- About the CBD + CBG Oil: power couple, but it may be best for intermediate CBD users. “At a higher potency of 20 mg CBD and 20 mg CBG, I noticed faster relaxation. I had never used CBG before and really enjoyed the relaxing effects it had on my body.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
Use code “healthline” for 15% off.
Top CBD brand for topicals
PlusCBD
- Price: $$–$$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Organic: no
- Best for: people who want a lot of options for products and potencies, people looking to benefit from the entourage effect
- COAs: available online
- Pros: good range of full-spectrum products, 90-day money-back guarantee
- Cons: no options for broad-spectrum or isolate products
PlusCBD was founded in 2014, making it a well-established CBD company with a reputation for a science-forward approach, along with a commitment to safety and third-party testing. The company sells a range of hemp extracts and “science-based wellness products.”
Customers can find full-spectrum CBD sprays, drops, topicals, capsules, and pet products in different potencies, sizes, and bundles. While pricing is comparable to higher than competitors, PlusCBD has a dedicated coupons page and a loyalty program.
PlusCBD has positive feedback online. At the time of publication, there are 4,481 reviews on Trustpilot, a third-party review platform, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
What our tester says
- About the Pain Relief Penetrating Cream: quick and effective relief. “I felt immediate cooling and heating sensations, and I noticed that my lower back pain was relieved for over 30 minutes.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
- About the Pain Relief Sport Recovery Stick: easy to apply but has only mild effects. “I used this recovery stick on tense shoulder muscles. I’m a fan of the product in stick form, for ease of application. I noticed only mild relief, and the effects didn’t last long for me.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
- About the Pain Relief Arthritis Cream: strong scent with a cooling sensation. “I found this cream to have a strong menthol scent and loose consistency. I noticed that it cooled quickly, within the first 5 minutes after application. I felt mild relief for about 30 minutes.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor II
Use code “healthline40” for 40% off.
Top CBD brand for athletes
Just Live
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum, isolate
- Organic: no
- Best for: people looking to avoid THC
- COAs: available on product pages
- Pros: THC-free, lots of options
- Cons: expensive
This athlete-founded CBD company offers gummies, topicals, tinctures, and supplements that are free of THC. Athletes Alex Morgan and Klay Thompson represent the brand, and the company is committed to full transparency to ensure completely compliant, high quality products.
Just Live offers discount programs for many groups, including first responders, teachers, students, older adults, and real estate agents, among others.
Reviews of Just Live products are overwhelmingly positive on and off the company website.
Top CBD brand for organic broad-spectrum products
Joy Organics
- Price: $$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Organic: limited collection
- Best for: people looking to avoid THC, people who prioritize organic ingredients
- COAs: available online
- Pros: organic, no THC, great reviews
- Cons: few full-spectrum options
Joy Organics creates broad-spectrum CBD products that are extensively tested and well reviewed. The company is committed to transparency at every stage, with the results of internal and third-party lab testing readily accessible.
Joy Organics has a wide range of products, including a collection of organic products. Most of the company’s products are formulated without tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But since they’re broad-spectrum, they do still contain beneficial terpenes and flavonoids, plus other cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN).
There are also options for CBD products with THC.
Prices are in the moderate range, particularly given the number of USDA certified organic products. Plus, Joy Organics offers a number of discount programs for qualifying consumers.
Reviewers sing the company’s praises online, not only in regard to the quality of the products, but also the customer service.
What our tester says
- About the Organic CBD Salve: a great nongreasy topical. “I used the product before bed to help with dry, cracked fingers. I’ve also been using it in the morning to help with shoulder pain. It has a very pleasant lavender and eucalyptus scent that reminds me of a spa.” — Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition and Fitness Editor
- About the Premium CBD Gummies: great if you prefer an organic gummy. “I took it in the mid-morning to help with stress. It has a pleasantly sweet strawberry flavor, though I noticed a slightly bitter aftertaste. I would recommend it for readers who are interested in an organic gummy that’s easy on the stomach and doesn’t get stuck in your teeth.” — Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition and Fitness Editor
Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off.
| CBD brand | Price range | CBD types available |
|---|---|---|
| Cornbread Hemp | $$$ | full-spectrum |
| Aspen Green | $$$ | full-spectrum |
| Social CBD | $$ | broad-spectrum, isolate |
| cbdMD | $–$$$ | broad-spectrum, full-spectrum |
| Kanibi | $$ | full-spectrum, isolate |
| FAB CBD | $–$$ | full-spectrum |
| PlusCBD | $$–$$$ | full-spectrum |
| Just Live | $$$ | broad-spectrum, isolate |
| Joy Organics | $$ | broad-spectrum |
While anecdotal evidence is easy to find, clinical evidence about the effectiveness of CBD is limited. Still, there is research linking CBD to:
It’s important to note that CBD isn’t a cure-all, and we’re still only beginning to explore how exactly it works to help these and other conditions.
Additionally, there’s more animal research on CBD than there are human studies. Experts need more human studies to confirm its effectiveness.
Understanding indicators of a quality CBD brand helps you avoid companies that cut corners. As you navigate the CBD market, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Third-party testing: Look for current, comprehensive COAs from third-party labs that confirm cannabinoid potency and confirm a given product has passed contaminant testing.
- Transparency about hemp cultivation and manufacturing processes: Reputable CBD companies are often exceedingly proud of the sources of their hemp and their cultivation methods. If a company isn’t up front about where they get their hemp or how they manufacture their products, make sure to do some digging to figure out why.
- Company reputation: It’s simple to
search online to confirm whether a CBD brand has received an FDA warning letter or been involved in any lawsuits. You can also get an idea of what real customers and reviewers think about a company and their products. Spend some time browsing reviews and poking around a brand’s website before buying. If you see unverified health claims or lots of bad reviews, it’s worth exploring other brands.
Pro tip: If you’re shopping on Amazon, don’t be fooled by any products that claim to contain CBD. At this time, CBD isn’t for sale on Amazon, so any “CBD” products you see there are likely just hempseed oil.
Since CBD comes in different forms, taking it correctly depends on the product you’re using. These include:
- Oils and tinctures: CBD oils and tinctures are used sublingually, or beneath the tongue, but can also be added to foods and drinks. Effects from sublingual consumption can be felt all over the body and usually come on quickly.
- Pills and capsules: CBD pills and capsules are swallowed whole. This option also offers a full-body effect, but because absorption happens via the digestive system, it takes longer to feel the effects.
- Edibles: You can find CBD in products like gummies, teas, and more. They’re easy to dose and discreet to carry with you.
- Topicals: These products are massaged directly into the skin for localized effects.
Some people may experience side effects when taking CBD. These include:
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite and weight
It’s a good idea to speak with a doctor or healthcare professional before trying CBD, especially if you’re already taking any medications. CBD can interact with certain medications, particularly medications with a grapefruit warning.
It’s also important to be mindful about ingesting CBD products alongside high fat meals, which
If you’re trying a topical CBD product for the first time, apply a small test patch first to gauge your reaction before using it widely.
How much CBD should you take?
Proper dosage varies, depending on the product, and it’s often a process of trial and error. Our dosage guide is a good place to start, and it’s also wise to check the packaging for a suggested dose.
Keep in mind that body weight, body chemistry, product type, and potency will all influence the appropriate dose. In general, it’s best to begin with the lowest dose you can and build from there.
Will CBD get you ‘high’?
The “high” that’s associated with cannabis comes from THC. This cannabinoid causes psychoactive effects characterized by pleasure, euphoria, or heightened sensory perception.
CBD doesn’t cause the same kind of effects, but it can help you feel more relaxed or reduce anxiety, which may make you feel more uplifted. Still, it doesn’t mean you’re “high.”
Keep in mind that full-spectrum products contain some THC. If you take a large enough dose of a potent enough product, you could be ingesting enough THC to cause an intoxicating effect.
Is CBD oil the same as hempseed oil?
No. While both are derived from the cannabis plant, hempseed oil is made from the hemp seeds themselves, which contain no CBD. CBD comes from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the hemp plant.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
No. CBD itself doesn’t show up on drug tests. But taking large enough amounts of full-spectrum CBD products, which contain small amounts of THC, could lead to a positive drug test.
Is CBD oil FDA approved?
At this time, the FDA has approved only one CBD product, Epidiolex, which is used to treat seizures. Over-the-counter CBD products aren’t FDA approved.
Finding a reputable CBD brand takes a little effort. It’s important to research your options and opt for companies that are committed to safety, purity, and quality. If you’re interested in trying CBD, the brands outlined in this article have earned our recommendation for exactly that.
Be sure to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before trying CBD.
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.
Jessica Timmons has been a freelance writer for more than a decade. She writes, edits, and consults for a great group of steady accounts and the occasional one-off project, all while juggling the busy lives of her four kids with her ever-accommodating husband. She loves weight lifting, really great lattes, and family time.