The Best CBD Oils of 2024: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

By | Updated on March 7, 2024

Medically reviewed by
Abraham Benavides

Evidence Based 17

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Many CBD oils contain less CBD than advertised or have low minor cannabinoid levels, greatly reducing their effectiveness. Others are simply too expensive. That’s why finding an affordable, high-quality CBD product isn’t easy.

To help you make an informed choice, I compared dozens of leading brands and more than 100 CBD oils. I personally tested each tincture and judged it based on third-party lab test results, effects, hemp source, potency, formula, customer reviews, price, and other criteria.

10 Best CBD Oils

It’s hard to choose just one CBD oil that will work for everyone. That’s why I broke down my picks into ten useful categories.

CBD Glossary

  • Hemp: cannabis variety with high CBD and low THC levels (no more than 0.3%).
  • Terpenes: aromatic plant compounds with various beneficial properties (1).
  • Minor cannabinoids: CBN, CBG, CBC, and other beneficial cannabinoids found in smaller amounts in hemp. They may work in synergy with CBD.
  • Full-spectrum: whole-plant hemp extract containing multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This form of CBD is about four times more potent than pure CBD (2).
  • Broad-spectrum: whole-plant hemp extract similar to full-spectrum CBD, but with THC removed (may contain trace amounts).
  • CBD isolate: pure CBD without any other hemp compounds.

Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture (Best Overall & Value)

lazarus naturals high potency CBD oil

5/5

CBD Potency50 mg/ml
Volume15-120 ml
Total CBD750-6000 mg
Cost per mg CBD $0.02-0.03
TypeFull-spectrum
Flavors3
Third-Party TestsView report

Pros: 

  • Exceptionally low price
  • Free shipping over $50
  • Multiple flavors and bottle sizes
  • USDA organic certification

Cons:

  • No subscription option

My top pick goes to Lazarus Naturals. Its full-spectrum CBD tincture is the most effective and affordable CBD oil I’ve ever used.

It costs only 2-3 cents per mg of CBD, which is much cheaper than average. It’s hard to find high-quality CBD oil at this price. There’s also an assistance program and free shipping on orders over $50.

This high-potency, USDA organic-certified tincture comes in classic, strawberry lemonade, and chocolate mint flavors.

Lazarus Naturals is an employee-owned brand with complete control over every step of the manufacturing process. It grows most of its USDA organic hemp on a farm in Central Oregon.

My experience: I’ve gone through multiple bottles of the classic (natural) flavor. It has a hempy taste and some of the strongest effects I’ve felt from any CBD oil, with a notable boost in relaxation and improved mood. The effects are strong for about 4 hours and taper off for another 2 hours. This is my favorite CBD product, bar none.

R&R CBD Full-Spectrum Tincture (Strongest)

R&R full-spectrum CBD tincture 2500 mg

5/5

CBD Potency167 mg/ml
Volume30 ml 
Total CBD5000 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.03
TypeFull & Broad-spectrum
Flavors2
Third-Party TestView report

Pros: 

  • Exceptional potency
  • Free shipping over $60
  • Two flavors
  • USDA organic

Cons:

  • THC-free oil only available in 1000 mg

Some people need to take more CBD to get the effects they’re looking for. In that case, you need to use an extra high-potency product like this full-spectrum tincture from R&R.

It carries 167 mg CBD per ml; most other brands go no higher than 66 mg/ml. This affordably-priced CBD oil is certified organic by the USDA, another sign of excellent quality.

R&R is one of the best CBD brands I’ve reviewed, providing a great combination of quality, transparency, and price. It’s also certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, highlighting its commitment to strict hemp manufacturing standards.

My experience: I’ve tested the 2500 mg fresh mint version of this tincture, finding it to have potent relaxing and calming effects that helped me sleep. The mild mint taste was nice as well.

Five CBD Full-Spectrum CBD + THC Oil (Best Full-Spectrum)

five CBD full-spectrum cbd oil citrus

5/5

CBD Potency50-100 mg/ml
Volume30 ml
Total CBD1500-3000 mg
Cost per mg CBD $0.03
TypeFull-spectrum
Flavors2
Third-Party TestsView report

Pros: 

  • Rich in minor cannabinoids and terpenes
  • Multiple flavors and strengths
  • Low price

Cons:

  • No natural flavored option

If you’re looking for the most effective CBD oil possible, I recommend going with Five CBD.

What makes its full-spectrum CBD oils different is the high 5:1 ratio of CBD to minor cannabinoids. That means you’re getting over 20% minor cannabinoids, whereas most full-spectrum tinctures typically have only 5-10%. On top of that, third-party tests also show high amounts of terpenes.

And at only 3 cents per mg of CBD, this CBD oil is of the cheapest on the market. You can pick from mint chocolate and citrus flavors. Five CBD gets its name from the high ratio of CBD to minor cannabinoids in its products.

My experience: I tested the 100 mg/ml citrus-flavored tincture, taking a full dropper during the evening. I liked the taste and started feeling relaxed, upbeat, and chill about 20 minutes later. The effects lasted for a couple of hours.

Medterra Ultra Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil (Best THC-Free)

medterra broad-spectrum cbd oil

5/5

CBD Potency33-67 mg/ml
Volume30 ml
Total CBD1000-2000 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.05-0.06
TypeBroad-spectrum
Flavors3
Third-Party TestsView report

Pros: 

  • Two strengths and three flavors
  • U.S. Hemp Authority-certified
  • Rich in minor cannabinoids and terpenes

Cons:

  • Can be cheaper

Some people prefer THC-free* products due to drug tests, extreme sensitivity to THC, or other reasons. If that’s you, I recommend Medterra’s ultra broad-spectrum CBD oil.

Most broad-spectrum tinctures contain 3-6% minor cannabinoids, whereas this CBD oil is guaranteed to have over 10% (CBD to minor cannabinoid ratio of 10:1). Better yet, Medterra’s broad-spectrum tincture contains high levels of terpenes, adding even more potent effects to CBD. It’s available in two strengths and three flavors: unflavored, citrus, and chocolate mint.

Medterra is a leading CBD vendor based in California. Its products are certified by the US Hemp Authority, highlighting its commitment to strict quality standards.

My experience: I tested out the citrus 2000 mg version of the tincture. It had a pleasant mild orangey taste and noticeable effects that kicked in about 20 minutes later. I felt relaxed and chill for several hours.

*Although highly unlikely, it’s possible to test positive on a drug test when using a THC-free product repeatedly due to trace amounts of THC

NuLeaf Naturals Full-Spectrum CBD Oil (Best Reputation)

nuleaf-naturals-cbd-oil

5/5

CBD Potency60 mg/ml
Volume5-100 ml
Total CBD300-6000 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.04-0.06
TypeFull-spectrum
Third-Party TestsView report

Use coupon code CBDTHINKER for 20% off

Pros: 

  • Over 20,000 satisfied customer reviews
  • Free shipping

Cons:

  • No flavored options

If you’re looking for high-quality CBD oil from a reputable brand, Colorado’s NuLeaf Naturals is a great choice. Founded in 2014, it’s one of the oldest and most trusted CBD brands.

Its CBD oil has over 20,000 satisfied customer reviews with an average rating of 4.9/5 stars — the best feedback I’ve seen from any CBD oil. Nuleaf’s products are sourced from organic Colorado hemp and tested by a third-party lab for purity and potency.

My experience: This was one of the first CBD oils I ever tried back in 2018. It has a natural, earthy, hempy taste. I felt relaxed and uplifted about 30 minutes after taking a full dropper. I also felt a little high from taking an ~80 mg dose so I didn’t use such large doses anymore.

Receptra Naturals Serious Relief Tincture (Best for Pain)

receptra naturals serious relief tincture

5/5

CBD Potency33-66 mg/ml
Volume15-60 ml
Total CBD500-4000 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.05-0.07
TypeFull-spectrum
Third-Party TestsView report

Pros: 

  • Added anti-inflammatory turmeric
  • Free shipping over $75

Cons:

  • Lacks higher potencies

The serious relief tincture from Receptra Naturals is my top pick for pain and inflammation relief. What makes it so effective is the addition of turmeric, a popular anti-inflammatory herbal ingredient that may help with arthritis and other inflammatory issues (3,4).

Receptra’s full-spectrum CBD oil has a mint berry flavor and two potencies: 33 mg/ml and 66 mg/ml. You can start with the 33 mg version; if it’s too weak you may need the stronger one.

Founded in 2015, Receptra Naturals is another vertically integrated, top-tier brand out of Colorado. It grows its organic hemp on a family-owned farm.

My experience: I took two full droppers of the 33 mg/ml tincture when I was feeling sore from a workout. The berry taste was pleasant. As for the effects, I did feel some soreness relief and relaxation within 40 minutes. In retrospect, I should’ve gone for the higher-strength version.

CBDfx CBD + CBN Sleep Tincture (Best for Sleep)

cbdfx sleep tincture

4.5/5

CBD/CBN Potency38 mg/ml
Volume30-120 ml
Total CBD+CBN1150-4600 mg
Cost per mg$0.04-0.06
TypeBroad-spectrum
Third-Party TestsView report

Use coupon code FXSAVINGS15 for 15% off

Pros: 

  • Sleep formula with melatonin and CBN
  • Free shipping

Cons:

  • Not full-spectrum
  • Low in minor cannabinoids

If you’re taking CBD oil for sleep, I recommend the CBD+CBN sleep tincture from CBDfx. While not a full-spectrum product, this CBD oil is formulated specifically for sleep. 

It contains pure CBD and cannabinol (CBN), a minor cannabinoid that may enhance the sedative effects of other cannabinoids (5). There’s also a blend of relaxing terpenes and melatonin, the most evidence-backed sleep aid (6).

The tincture is available in five bottle sizes with 1000-4000 mg CBD and 150-600 mg CBN. CBDfx is a popular, California-based brand known for innovative products. It uses organic Kentucky hemp and provides comprehensive third-party test results of its products. 

Sample of CBDfx’s sleep tincture I received for my review.

Upstate Elevator Supply Co. Hemp Tincture (Best Hemp Source)

upstate elevator full-spectrum cbd oil

5/5

CBD Potency50 mg/ml
Volume30-60 ml
Total CBD1500–3000 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.03
TypeFull-spectrum
FlavorsPeppermint, Lemon
Third-Party TestView report

Use coupon code THINKER for 15% off

Pros: 

  • Proprietary, USDA-organic hemp cultivars
  • Low price

Cons:

  • No natural flavor option

CBD oils are made from hemp, so plant quality plays a big role. The best hemp source I’ve seen from any brand goes to Vermont’s Upstate Elevator Supply Co. The company grows its own cultivars of high-quality organic hemp suited specifically for Vermont, which is quite rare in the CBD industry.

Better yet, the hemp farm is also certified organic by the USDA. Upstate’s full-spectrum CBD oil is flavored with peppermint or lemon and comes with a low price tag.

Founded in 2017 in Vermont, Upstate Elevator Supply Co. is a reputable, high-quality CBD brand.

My experience: I tested the lemon tincture, which had a mild, pleasant taste. I felt relaxed and upbeat within 30 minutes, with the effects being comparable to other high-quality tinctures I’ve tried.

Fab CBD Full-Spectrum CBD Oil (Best Flavors)

fab-cbd-full-spectrum-mint-tincture

5/5

CBD Potency20-80 mg/ml
Volume30 ml
Total CBD300-2400 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.05-0.10
TypeFull-spectrum
Flavors5
Third-Party TestsView report

Use coupon code OLEINIKGLEB for 20% off

Pros: 

  • Five flavor options
  • Four strengths

Cons:

  • None

If you dislike the hemp taste of full-spectrum CBD oil, I recommend Wisconsin’s Fab CBD. Its CBD tinctures come in five flavors: natural, citrus, mint, vanilla, and berry.

They’re also available in three strengths. Fab CBD’s products are sourced from organic Colorado hemp and comprehensively tested by a third-party lab to verify their purity and potency.

My experience: I tried the highest strength (2400 mg) mint tincture. The flavor was nice and not too overpowering. I felt relaxed and calm 25 minutes after taking a full dropper, with comparable effects to other quality CBD oils I’ve tried.

Lazarus Naturals CBD Pet Tincture (Best Pet CBD Oil)

lazarus naturals pet cbd oil

5/5

CBD Potency20 mg/ml
Volume30-120 ml
Total CBD600-2400 mg
Cost per mg CBD $0.03
TypeFull-spectrum
Flavors2
Third-Party TestsView report

Pros: 

  • Exceptionally low price
  • USDA organic certification

Cons:

  • Only one potency

If you’re looking for CBD oil for your dog or cat, I recommend Lazarus Naturals. Its full-spectrum pet tincture has an incredibly low price without sacrificing quality. In comparison, most pet CBD oils cost over 10 cents per mg of CBD.

With a potency of 20 mg/ml, it’s great for cats and dogs alike. You can choose the USDA-certified organic classic version or the salmon one, which is better for joint health.

How I Chose And Tested CBD Oils

I personally tested over 100 CBD oil tinctures from dozens of brands for at least a few days, making sure to take tolerance breaks. From there, I settled on the 10 best ones based on the following factors:

  • Third-party testing (to verify the CBD content and lack of contaminants)
  • Effects (to compare different tinctures and choose the best ones)
  • Type of CBD (to get the best effects)
  • Product potency (to get the best effects)
  • Formula (for specific benefits)
  • Hemp quality (to get a high-quality product)
  • Company reputation (to verify the company can be trusted)
  • Price (to get a good deal)

Read on for a full explanation of how I used these criteria to find the best CBD oils on the market. You can also use these tips to choose high-quality CBD products on your own.

cbd oils tested and considered
Some of the CBD oils I tested and considered for this list.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party tests are necessary to confirm the safety and potency of CBD oil. They’re the best way to protect yourself from low-quality products that contain little CBD, too much THC, or carry contaminants. 

Performed by an independent lab, these tests check the levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids in CBD oil products. They can also check for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and other contaminants. 

Pesticide and heavy metals tests are important for CBD oil because it’s made from hemp, a plant that can absorb heavy metals and other contaminants from the soil (7). 

All reputable CBD brands send their products for third-party testing and posting the test results (called certificates of analysis, CoAs) online. If these test results are not available, that’s a major red flag.

I check the test results for all the products I review to make sure they contain advertised levels of CBD, the correct type of CBD, and zero contaminants. For full-spectrum products, I also check the concentrations of minor cannabinoids (and terpenes, if they’re tested).

Type of CBD

As I mentioned earlier, there are three types of CBD:

  • CBD isolate: pure CBD without anything else.
  • Full-spectrum CBD: a whole-plant hemp extract containing all of the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other active compounds. This includes a small amount of THC (0.3% or less).
  • Broad-spectrum CBD: Same as full-spectrum, but with THC removed.

Research suggests that whole-plant cannabis preparations, such as full-spectrum CBD extract, are more effective than isolated CBD. 

This isn’t surprising since cannabis contains nearly 150 different cannabinoids and 150 terpenes that contribute to its health effects (8,9).

For example, one research paper looking at the use of CBD for epilepsy found that full-spectrum CBD extracts were up to 4 times more potent and less likely to cause side effects than pure CBD (2). 

This is a great example of the  “entourage effect” — the fact that cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other active hemp compounds work in synergy (1).

That’s why I recommend using full-spectrum CBD products whenever possible. 

Meanwhile, if you need to avoid THC, you should choose a broad-spectrum CBD oil, since it will maintain the same entourage of beneficial compounds, but without THC.

Potency

Potency or strength refers to the amount of CBD in one millimeter (ml) of oil. The higher the number, the more CBD you’re getting per drop. Generally speaking, CBD oils have three potency levels:

  • Low: 10-20 mg/ml
  • Medium: 20-40 mg/ml
  • High: 40+ mg/ml

You’ll notice that all of the oils I recommend here are high-potency. There are three reasons why: 

  1. Some people find that they need to take large doses of CBD to get a noticeable effect. 
  2. Even if you don’t require large doses, potent CBD oil is convenient because you’ll need to take fewer drops. That’s a big advantage because you can’t effectively use more than 1-2 ml of CBD oil at a time since you have to hold it under your tongue.
  3. You get more CBD in total, so you end up paying less per mg and get a longer-lasting supply. 

Formula

When recommending CBD oil for a specific benefit, I also look at additional ingredients. For example, if you’re taking CBD oil for sleep then formulas with additional CBN could be more effective than regular tinctures.

Similarly, if you’re taking CBD oil for pain, additional anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric can add to the benefits of CBD.

Hemp Quality

Since CBD is extracted from hemp, how and where this hemp is grown is also important. 

I only recommend CBD oils made from sustainably and organically-grown hemp cultivated in states like Colorado, Kentucky, Oregon, or European countries. 

I also give preference to vertically integrated companies that grow and extract their own hemp because that gives them more control over product quality and consistency. In contrast, most CBD brands buy hemp or finished extracts from other producers.

It’s also good if you can find brands with USDA organic certification or U.S. Hemp Authority certification.

Company Reputation

The brands I recommend have overwhelmingly positive customer reviews that help verify that you’re getting effective CBD oil and good customer service.

They’re also transparent about their hemp source, third-party testing results, the people behind the company, and provide other helpful details to build trust with customers.

Price

CBD oil is not cheap, so I also consider the price. I make it easy to tell if you’re paying a low, average, or high price by comparing the price per milligram (mg) of CBD for different products.

Generally speaking, there are three tiers of CBD oil prices:

  1. Low: $0.04 or less per mg
  2. Average: $0.05-$0.10 per mg
  3. High: $0.11+ per mg

I also consider free shipping deals, subscriptions, assistance programs, and other discounts.

Did you know? When it comes to CBD oil, a high price doesn’t necessarily mean a better product. There are plenty of affordable brands that beat out pricier companies in quality. 

CBD Oil Dosage

Everyone’s ideal CBD oil dosage is different. It depends on your body weight, genetics, the benefits you’re looking for, and the kind of product you’re taking. 

As such, it’s best to follow the “start low and go slow” approach suggested by health experts (10).

Start with a small dose of CBD (10-15 mg) and pay attention to the effects over the next two hours. If you don’t notice anything, gradually increase the dosage over time until you start to feel the desired effects.

For example, you might take 10 mg of CBD. If it doesn’t seem to do anything after two hours, you can try 15 mg. Repeat this until you find the dose that works for you.

As a general rule of thumb, most people take 20-50 mg doses of full-spectrum CBD. This is generally dosed once or twice per day, depending on your routine and daily needs.

How to Use CBD Oil

Place the desired number of drops under your tongue. Hold for at least a minute but ideally 3 minutes or more and then swallow. The longer you hold the oil, the more CBD can be absorbed into your blood vessels. 

CBD oil takes about 15-40 minutes to start working (11) and its effects typically last for about 4-6 hours. 

You can either take CBD oil regularly or as needed. For example, taking CBD oil every day in the morning and evening would work well for someone looking to improve a chronic condition. 

Meanwhile, someone who deals with occasional sleeplessness or an anxiety attack might only take CBD when they need it. 

Safety and Side Effects

According to research, CBD is a safe compound with few and minor side effects. Chronic use and high doses of up to 1500 mg per day have been repeatedly shown to be well tolerated by humans (12).

Even the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded in its 2018 report that CBD is “generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.” (13)

The most common side effects of CBD include:

  • Feeling tired or drowsy
  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Low blood pressure 
  • Lightheadedness

CBD can also interact with enzymes that metabolize the majority of prescription medicines. This means it can reduce or strengthen their effects (14).

The likelihood of these side effects increases with higher doses of CBD. Most studies have evaluated very large doses of CBD (>400mg), which may not be necessary for your overall wellness needs.  That means these side effects are unlikely to happen for most regular CBD users.

The long-term effects of cannabinoids including CBD have yet to be studied, and special populations should exercise caution. Always talk to a physician before starting a CBD regimen for any reason to avoid potential complications.

CBD Oil FAQs

For a closer look at these and other questions and tips, check our comprehensive, science-based CBD 101 guide

References

  1. Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects.” British journal of pharmacology 163.7 (2011): 1344-1364.
  2. Pamplona, Fabricio A., Lorenzo Rolim da Silva, and Ana Carolina Coan. “Potential clinical benefits of CBD-rich cannabis extracts over purified CBD in treatment-resistant epilepsy: observational data meta-analysis.” Frontiers in neurology 9 (2018): 759.
  3. Daily, James W., Mini Yang, and Sunmin Park. “Efficacy of turmeric extracts and curcumin for alleviating the symptoms of joint arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.” Journal of medicinal food 19.8 (2016): 717-729.
  4. Hewlings, Susan J., and Douglas S. Kalman. “Curcumin: a review of its effects on human health.” Foods 6.10 (2017): 92.
  5. Karniol, Isac G., et al. “Effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol in man.” Pharmacology 13.6 (1975): 502-512.
  6. Auld, Fiona, et al. “Evidence for the efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of primary adult sleep disorders.” Sleep medicine reviews 34 (2017): 10-22.
  7. Montoya, Zackary, et al. “Cannabis Contaminants Limit Pharmacological Use of Cannabidiol.” Frontiers in Pharmacology 11 (2020): 1439.
  8. Citti, Cinzia, et al. “A novel phytocannabinoid isolated from Cannabis sativa L. with an in vivo cannabimimetic activity higher than Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol.” Scientific reports 9.1 (2019): 1-13.
  9. Booth, Judith K., and Jörg Bohlmann. “Terpenes in Cannabis sativa–From plant genome to humans.” Plant Science 284 (2019): 67-72.
  10. Lucas, Catherine J., Peter Galettis, and Jennifer Schneider. “The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids.” British journal of clinical pharmacology 84.11 (2018): 2477-2482.
  11. Russo, Ethan B. “Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain.” Therapeutics and clinical risk management 4.1 (2008): 245.
  12. Iffland, Kerstin, and Franjo Grotenhermen. “An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies.” Cannabis and cannabinoid research 2.1 (2017): 139-154.
  13. WHO. Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. June 7, 2018.
  14. Brown, Joshua D., and Almut G. Winterstein. “Potential adverse drug events and drug–drug interactions with medical and consumer cannabidiol (CBD) use.” Journal of clinical medicine 8.7 (2019): 989.
  15. Niesink, Raymond JM, and Margriet W. van Laar. “Does cannabidiol protect against adverse psychological effects of THC?.” Frontiers in psychiatry 4 (2013): 130.
  16. Citti, Cinzia, et al. “Cannabinoid profiling of hemp seed oil by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry.” Frontiers in plant science 10 (2019): 120.
  17. VanDolah, Harrison J., Brent A. Bauer, and Karen F. Mauck. “Clinicians’ guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Vol. 94. No. 9. Elsevier, 2019.

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