The market for CBD products is booming, worldwide as consumers discover its efficacy in treating a wide variety of symptoms and supporting overall wellness. In the USA alone, the market for CBD was worth a massive $2770 million, and it’s estimated that it will grow to as much as $5770 million by 2028.
Yet the fact is that many consumers are still unaware of its proven benefits, not clear about what makes it different from illegal cannabis, or just confused by the plethora of different options on the market.
So in this article, we’ll take it step-by-step, and explain everything you need to know to help you decide if CBD Oil will support your lifestyle, and review some of the leading suppliers in the US to help you choose the best CBD Oil for you.
Top 5 CBD Oil Brands
We’ve chose five of the best brands on the market for our review. Each one has particular strengths so choose according to your priorities.
#1 Best Overall – FAB CBD
#2 Most Potent – NuLeaf Naturals
#3 Best Full Spectrum – Plus CBD
#4 Best Broad Spectrum – Premium Jane
#5 Most Flavors Option – Lazarus Naturals
What We Considered While Rating the Brands of CBD Oils
Hemp Source & Quality
To create great products, the starting point has to be great raw materials. So we looked at where each brand grows or sources its cannabis, and the growing methods they use- for example, is it farmed without the use of pesticides or herbicides, is it non-GMO, and does it have organic certification?
Extraction Method
The way the active CBD compound is extracted from the leaves has a significant impact on quality of the finished product. Is it obtained using chemical solvents, or at low temperature, using ambient CO2?
CBD Type
There are three main types of CBD: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate. The difference between them is explained in detail below.
3rd Party Results
Testing by independent 3rd party laboratories is essential to guarantee the purity of the oil and to confirm the percentage of CBD. Results should be easily accessible to customers.
Potency
Knowing how much pure CBD is in each product (mg/ml) will help you compare prices.
Return & Shipping Policies
Does the supplier have a clear and fair return policy? Do they offer free shipping – if not can that add to the cost? Do they offer fast delivery and will you be able to track your order?
Price
Are their prices in line with other brands? It’s not always about being the cheapest -do they offer a good price/quality ratio?
Brand Reputation
We also took a look at the history and values of each brand. How environmentally responsible are they? Do they support any social initiatives and how do they contribute to the well-being of the communities around them?
5 Best CBD Oil to Buy and Try in 2021
We’ve chosen five of the best-known online brands to compare and we review the strengths and weaknesses of each one.
Wisconsin-based FAB CBD has been providing nutritional, health, and skincare products, since 2017. Their range offers support for stress regulation, exercise recovery, joint stiffness relief, and other types of pain. CBD Oils, gummies, topical creams salves, and even dog treats are all available. Their oils come in a range of delicious flavors.
Hemp Source & Quality
FAB CBD’s products are made from an organically grown source in Colorado. They’re non-GMO and pesticide-free.
CBD Type
FAB products are all full-spectrum, which means they benefit from the synergistic effect of the various compounds found in cannabis leaves – their effect on the human body is stronger than when only CBD is present. However, THC levels remain below the legal limit of 0.3%.
Extraction Method
FAB CBD uses solvent-free CO2 extraction. In other words, they use the CO2 from the air we breathe to extract the beneficial molecules, including botanical terpenes.
3rd Party Results
ProVerde Laboratories produce FAB CBD’s detailed batch reports which are available on their website.
Potency
FAB CBD uses MCT Oil, derived from coconuts as its carrier oil. CBD is fat-soluble and is most effective when taken with saturated fat.
If you’re just starting with CBD, a recommended dose would be 10mg per day. As you become familiar with the product, the dose can be adjusted.
Return & Shipping Policies
FAB CBD ships to all 50 states. Order tracking via UPS. Free shipping on orders over $99.
30 day full money-back guarantee if their product doesn’t meet your expectations
Price
- 300mg Full spectrum CBD oil: $39
- 600mg Full spectrum CBD oil: $59
- 1200mg Full spectrum CBD oil: $99
- 2400mg Full spectrum CBD oil: $129
Available in citrus, mint, berry, vanilla, and natural flavors.
They also have a rewards program for loyal customers. In addition, if you review them on FB, Instagram, Twitter – or even share their posts, you can also earn additional rewards points for discounts on future purchases
Brand Reputation
The company’s mission is to help consumers by creating the best products on the market. They want to be pioneers, helping a new generation of people to live a preventative wellness lifestyle through the science, innovation, and premium supplementation. The company is a member of the Hemp Industries Association, and supports several good causes such as Make-a-Wish and 3 Wishes, for children in need.
Pros
- Great range of flavors
- Quality raw materials
- Easy to use website with lots of useful info
- Great rewards program
Cons
- No free shipping on orders under $99
Final Thoughts
Fab CBD has already been featured on Laweekly.com as #1 CBD oil. And overall, The brand lives up to the high expectations it sets for itself. Great product range, interesting flavors, commitment to quality, and social responsibility. Highly recommended especially if you’re just getting started – and chances are, you’ll become a loyal customer.
#2 NuLeaf Naturals – Most Potent
Founded in 2014, NuLeaf Naturals have emerged as one of the leaders in the US CBD market. Their products include organic full-spectrum CBD, CBC, Delta 8 THC, CBG, and CBN in oil, capsule, and salve form. They also offer a range of pet products. Featured on many respected websites, they are highly reputable.
Hemp Source & Quality
Grown in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. NuLeaf Naturals control the entire lifecycle of the production process – from the seeds to the extraction, to the final product. Their organic CBD is free of pesticides, herbicides, mold, fungi, heavy metals, mycotoxins and is glyphosate residue-free.
CBD Type
NuLeaf Naturals offer a range of full-spectrum CBD products.
Extraction Method
They use a combination of advanced extraction methods to obtain a complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and other beneficial phytonutrients. This yields a more potent blend and requires no harsh chemical solvents.
3rd Party Results
Their testing guarantees that all their products contain the optimal amount of cannabinoids and terpenes. To find information about a product you’ve bought, just check out their ‘Batch Lookup’ page.
Potency
All their CBD Oil offers 30 mg per serving. Dosing instructions are included with each purchase.
Return & Shipping Policies
Free fast (2-3 day) shipping within the USA. They ship internationally to 40 countries.
Unused products can be returned within 30 days for a full refund minus shipping costs. In the event of a faulty product, all monies will be refunded.
Price
Full Spectrum CBD Oil comes in a range of sizes, with a potency of 30 mg per serving:
- 300mg $29.99
- 900mg $79
- 1800mg $149
- 3000mg $199
- 6000mg $399
Please note that these prices reflect discounts in place at the time of writing.
Brand Reputation
With an ISO and cGMP certification ensuring they consistently exceed the highest regulatory requirements NuLeaf Naturals place a high value on their reputation for quality and consistency. 23000 + customer reviews, with an overall rating of 4.9, confirm that the brand and the CBD Oil are highly respected by customers.
In terms of community support and social responsibility, we’re impressed by the assistance programs that they offer for specific groups such as veterans and active military personnel, first responders, medical providers including nurses, those in low-income households, individuals on long-term disability, and non-profit groups and organizations.
Pros
- Range of full-spectrum CBD-related products including Delta-8 combinations
- Available in stores across the USA as well as online
- Handy subscription service saves time on repeat orders
- Extensive assistance programs to make their products accessible to special groups.
- GMP/ISO certification
Cons
- What’s not to like? NuLeaf Naturals have a loyal fanbase and given the quality of product and service, it’s not hard to see why.
Ratings
Rated in 2021 as one of the best CBD Oil for pain relief by sflcn.com. It’s not surprising that NuLeaf Naturals has established itself as one of the leading suppliers of organic CBD Oils. They have a solid track record and you can be confident about the contents and quality of their products.
#3 Plus CBD – Best Full Spectrum
Plus CBD Oil was founded in 2012 by parent company CV Sciences. Their CBD oil formulas are available in an array of products including sprays, capsules, softgels, gummies, balms, lotions, creams, skin serums, and roll-ons.
Their CBD Drops come in 3 flavors: natural, peppermint, and goji/blueberry. These have the advantage of being faster-working than other ingestibles, and you can control the dosages more easily.
Hemp Source & Quality
Always made from true agricultural hemp and not hybridized marijuana. True hemp plants contain more than just CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes. Their full-spectrum hemp extracts contain CBD and over 500 other bioactive compounds such as fatty acids and Vitamin E, the same building blocks that our brains and bodies use to produce our own endocannabinoids. No GMOs, no gluten. However, unlike most other brands, they don’t specify whether their hemp is grown and harvested in the USA.
CBD Type
Plus CBD full-spectrum oils come in 3 distinct types.
Raw Formula Extract: Also contains CBDA, which is similar to CBD, but has a range of different effects. It’s especially useful for gut health, and also for anyone who doesn’t respond to regular CBD.
Total Plant Complex Extract: Preferred by those looking for the full benefits of a complete hemp extract, PlusCBD Total Plant Complex CBD extract contains a nutritious blend of hemp plant compounds to promote an improved quality of life. This extract contains a wide selection of cannabinoids, terpenes, and fatty acids that make it so powerful.
Gold Formula Extract: This is their most potent hemp extract formula. The distillation process takes 10 kilograms of regular strength extract and concentrates it down to 3 kilograms of Gold Formula extract, concentrating hemp’s active ingredients in the process. For those who find that they need higher levels of cannabinoids to reach the health outcomes, that they’re looking for.
Extraction Method
CO2 extraction, chosen for its safety, environmental friendliness, and it’s ability to pull out the wide array of bioactive molecules available in the hemp plant.
3rd Party Results
Product information using the QR Code printed on every PlusCBD™ Oil label. This links to a dedicated landing page that contains information on each batch of the product, ingredient profiles, and 3rd party verified certificates of analysis, including DNA.
COAs are also accessible on the website.
Potency
Plus CBD drops provide 10mg of CBD per serving, while Maximum Strength Formula provides 25mg per serving. Plus CBD Drops 500mg Unsweetened are less potent with 5mg per serving.
Return & Shipping Policies
Free shipping on orders over $45, within 1-2 business days, using Autoship. Refunds if the product is returned within 30 days (minus shipping).
Price
Plus CBD Drops:
- 250mg $31.99
- 750mg $59.99
Plus CBD drops, Maximum Strength Formula:
- 1500mg $119.99
Brand Reputation
Rated by Leadreport as one of the top 10 brands for accuracy and transparency. They also won a coveted WholeFoods Natural Choice Award in 2020.
Pros
- Awesome educational videos, articles, podcasts, and webinars
- Rewards program
- Drops are available in 3 flavors and different strengths
Cons
- More ‘corporate’ and less of a ‘family’ business that’s just grown.
Ratings
You can be sure of getting a premium quality product from this highly reputable brand.
#4 Premium Jane – Best Broad Spectrum
Based in Scottsdale AZ, the Premium Jane company was founded by Jeff Yauck. Their core values are passion, knowledge, and quality materials. Their products are made from some of the industry’s purest strains of industrial hemp, and their range includes oils, gummies, capsules, bath bombs, and more. Oils come in an amazing range of flavors including citrus, lemon/lime, chocolate, chocolate mint, and peach.
Hemp Source & Quality
They grow and harvest their organic, non-GMO hemp, in strain-specific microclimates in Kentucky, USA.
CBD Type
Full-spectrum CBD and Delta8+ CBD oils, tinctures, salves, gummies, bath bombs, day and night creams, facial cleansers, and scrubs.
They also offer a range of broad spectrum products, eg 3000ml Broad-spectrum Peach Nectar flavor oil ($199), for consumers who want assurance that their oils do not contain THC.
Extraction Method
Their CBD is extracted at low temperatures, using high pressure and ambient CO2. No harsh chemical solvents are used so the process is environmentally friendly and carbon-neutral whenever possible.
3rd Party Results
There’s a certificate of analysis (COA) page, where you can search for information, verified by independent 3rd party testing by product name and batch number.
Potency
Ranges between 7.5mg and 37.5mgs per serving.
Return & Shipping Policies
- 3-9 working days. Free shipping on all orders within the USA.
- You can request a full refund (minus shipping costs) if you return a product within 30 days.
Price
- 300mg Citrus CBD Tincture $48 (7.5mg CBD per serving)
- 600mg Citrus CBD Tincture $188 (15mg per serving)
- 1000mg Lemon/lime CBD Tincture $124 (25mg per serving)
- 3000mg Lemon/lime CBD tincture $199 (37.5mg per serving)
Brand Reputation
Rated as excellent by over 1200 TrustPilot reviewers. The company demonstrates active corporate responsibility by offering special discounts to active military personnel, veterans, and several groups of disadvantaged Americans.
Pros
- Great flavors to choose from
- Environmentally responsible
- Website clean and easy to use
Cons
- Not available in physical stores – online only.
- No rewards program – unless you’re an ‘influencer’ with over a million followers on social media!
Ratings
Overall, we love Premium Janes’s brand values and their passion for the quality of their CBD products. Already acknowledged as one of the country’s top brands on respected sites such as Forbes, we’d love to see them in locations around the US!
#5 Lazarus Naturals – Most Flavors Option
Many consumers now want to know that the brands they choose share their values in terms of commitment to the environment and social responsibility. Founded in 2014, Lazarus Naturals have the mission of making quality CBD products accessible to all – their motto is ‘Prices down, potency up’.
They offer a full range of CBD products, including a specific sleep collection. Choose from exotic flavors including mango/pineapple, chocolate mint, French vanilla mocha, Yuzu, blood orange and, winter mint.
Hemp Source & Quality
Grown in central Oregon, their hemp is pesticide and GMO-free, In 2020 they certified 120 acres as organic and have plans to extend this soon.
CBD Type
Most of their products are full-spectrum, but they also offer isolates (THC-free).
Extraction Method
They use cryogenic ethanol to extract the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids – although pure ethanol is non-toxic and biodegradable, it’s still not as environmentally friendly as CO2 extraction.
3rd Party Results
Test results are available on each product page.
Potency
Oils come in 2 potencies: high 50mg/ml, and standard 20mg/ml. They don’t specify a serving size, which can range from 50mg – 250mg. They suggest starting with 50ml and gradually increasing the dose.
Return & Shipping Policies
There’s a shipping charge, via UPS.
30 returns (minus shipping). They offer a 90 day free returns policy in case of a defective product.
Price
- THC-Free, High Potency CBD Oil Tincture (30ml) – $40
- Full Spectrum High Potency CBD Oil Tincture (60ml) – $70
- Full Spectrum Standard Potency CBD Oil Tincture (30ml) – $20
- Full Spectrum Standard Potency CBD Oil Tincture (60ml) – $34
Brand Reputation
These guys walk the talk and their fans love them for it! Discounts of up to 60% for military, veterans, those with long-term disability or limited means.
They support numerous community causes such as the ACLU Foundation of Oregon, NAACP, the Dig Deep Navajo Water Project, the Epilepsy Foundation, Women in Need, and America’s Vet Dogs.
In 2020, they converted part of their production facility to making hand sanitizer for medical centers and institutions, donating it free to 40 local food banks and homeless shelters.
Pros
- Great quality products at an affordable price
- Available in multiple locations across the USA
- Support environmental and community causes – put their money where their mouth
Cons
- No rewards program for regular customers.
Ratings
Lazarus is really one of the best CBD oil manufacturers, this company gains kudos for its range of flavors, great pricing, and assistance programs. Perfect choice for socially conscious consumers.
What Is CBD Oil & How Does It Work?
CBD Oil is derived from one of over 100 chemical compounds in the leaves of marijuana or hemp plants.
The psychoactive substance associated with recreational cannabis use is a totally distinct compound, also known as THC.
It doesn’t matter how much CBD you take, or how you ingest it, you won’t feel any intoxicating or euphoric effect – although CBD has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and reduce pain.
It’s still not entirely clear how CBD works in the human body, but research suggests that it activates serotonin receptors, which are involved with a range of functions including anxiety, addiction, appetite, sleep, pain perception, nausea, and vomiting.
CBD also interacts directly with vanilloid receptors which influence pain perception, inflammation, and body temperature.
The Medicinal Properties of CBD Oil
CBD is being used to treat a whole range of health conditions and research is continuing to uncover new uses. Benefits already confirmed by studies include:
- Pain management, including that from sciatic nerve pain, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and surgical incisions
- Reduction in anxiety and depression
- Reducing acne, due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties
- In conjunction with THC, is being used to treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy and MS
- CBD may also benefit heart health by reducing blood pressure and preventing heart damage
Other potential medical benefits are being researched, including diabetes prevention as well as anti-psychotic and even anti-tumor effects.
How To Use The CBD Oil for Maximum Effect
It’s easy! Just place a few drops of the tincture under your tongue for up to a minute. If you don’t like the taste, choose one of the many flavored oils on the market, or just add to your favorite smoothie!
The dose will depend on the potency of the oil you’re using, so follow the manufacturer’s guide to get you started, then adjust from there.
Health Benefits of Using CBD Oil
Many people are taking a proactive approach to their wellness and using CBD oil to enhance their lifestyle.
It’s effective in reducing muscular aches and pains, especially after exercise, but also provides powerful relief for sciatica and other chronic pains.
It can help you to get a good night’s rest, especially when paired with melatonin. As it’s an anti-inflammatory, it may reduce the symptoms of acne and skin flare-ups. There’s even research suggesting that CBD may help with addiction, making it easier for smokers to quit.
Why does the Quality of the Hemp Matter in CBD Oil Products?
The quality of the raw materials is fundamental to any product we’re talking about. Whether it’s the ingredients you use in a recipe, or the steel you use to build an aircraft.
First, it’s important to know where the hemp is grown? In the USA where all agriculture is subject to regulations, or from various untraceable sources overseas?
Next, is it pesticide-free? Are GMO seeds used? Is the farm certified as organic? To obtain the highest quality oil, and get the greatest effects, you should be looking for the best plants grown in the best conditions.
Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate: Which is Best?
There are around 120 compounds in the cannabis plant. The two most common are THC (which produces the ‘high’ associated with recreational use) and CBD, which has no mind-altering effects. When buying CDB, you’ll have three main choices.
- Full-spectrum CBD products are the best choice for most users because they produce the strongest effect. None of the cannabinoids are removed during the refining process. That means that a small amount of the intoxicating compounds such as THC remain (less than 0.3%). As all the cannabinoids work in synergy, the overall effect is increased.
- Broad-spectrum CBD products have had the THC removed. Other compounds remain so they can still produce the powerful synergistic ‘entourage effect’. Broad-spectrum products are the best choice for consumers who don’t want any trace of THC in their bodies, for personal or indeed professional reasons.
- Isolate CBD products are 99%+ pure CBD. All other compounds are removed during the refining process. They are not as potent or as effective as full or broad-spectrum CBD but can be useful for anyone sensitive to products containing multiple compounds.
Key Differences Between Cheap & Premium Brands of CBD Oil
Premium brands will use organic farming methods and be pesticide and GMO-free. Cheaper brands may source their hemp from outside the USA, from multiple sources, and have lower quality control standards overall.
Premium CBD will come with extensive reporting from gold-standard 3rd party labs, cheaper products may have only basic analysis, or produce in-house lab results only.
And of course, other factors differentiate between cheap and premium brands. Transparency about their brand and history and the information on their website. Customer service will vary. Look out for hidden costs (such as shipping) that add to the cost of your orders – premium brands tend to ship free.
Known Side Effects of Using CBD Oil
CBD hasn’t been shown to cause serious side effects. However, everyone’s body is different, so exercise caution when you first use CBD oils. Build up the frequency and amount gradually.
To be cautious, don’t use CBD in the following cases:
- Pregnancy: studies are limited, so to be safe pregnant and lactating mothers are advised not to use CBD oil.
- Schizophrenia: to reduce the risk of any interaction with other drugs
- Smoking: if you are prone to breathing problems, persistent cough, or bronchitis.
If you’re using prescription medications, you should discuss your intention to use CBD products with your medical practitioner, especially to avoid any unwanted interactions with your current prescriptions.
Legal Issues Surrounding CBD Oil
Providing that the THC content of any CBD Oil product you buy is less than 0.3%, no legal issues are surrounding the sale, purchase, or use of CBD oil in the USA.
Final Thoughts
More and more consumers are turning to CBD oil to support their wellness and an active lifestyle. And it’s not due to fancy marketing, it is due to word of mouth. CBD works, sometimes in a way that nothing else seems to. And unlike many traditional pharmaceuticals, it’s all-natural and there are no side effects to worry about.
The good news is also that as the market booms, there are a great number of high-quality suppliers, across the USA. And they’re competing to outdo each other in terms of great products and value for money.
So, when you’re going to start using CBD for the first time, do a little research, and you’ll definitely be able to find a great supplier with the best products for your needs. Have fun, and enjoy the many benefits that CBD products will bring for you and your family.