Honest cbdMD Review: Pros & Cons (2024)

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An established brand backed by thousands of reviews, cbdMD offers a wide variety of CBD products at fairly low prices. While the minor cannabinoid content is a bit low, the sleep CBD oil, gummies, turmeric capsules, and freeze gel we tested worked well.

Summary

CbdMD is a solid choice for affordable CBD products, especially if you’re shopping for multi-ingredient formulas for specific goals.

CbdMD Overview

Founded in 2015, cbdMD is one of the best-known American CBD brands. It started out by only selling THC-free CBD products but now also offers full-spectrum options. 

cbdMD has some of the lowest prices in the CBD industry and many product types, strengths, and flavors to choose from. On top of that, it does a great job of providing up-to-date, easy-to-read third-party lab test reports. 

CbdMD also stands out for partnering with notable athletes, like MMA champion Daniel Cormier. Having said that, it has a bit of a “corporate CBD brand.”

CbdMD Product Lineup

cbdMD sells all of the popular product categories, including CBD oil tinctures, gummies, capsules, topicals, and pet products. They’re available in a wide range of strengths and flavors as well as both broad-spectrum (THC-free) and full-spectrum formulas. 

For this review, our product specialist Antonio tested the PM broad-spectrum sleep tincture, broad-spectrum gummies, curcumin CBD capsules, and CBD freezer roller. 

CBD Oil Tinctures

Regular CBD Oil Tincture

cbdMD sells both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum (THC-free) CBD oil. You can choose from strengths ranging from 1500 to 7500 mg and five flavors: natural, mint chocolate, berry, mint, and orange. 

However, the minor cannabinoid levels of these tinctures are a bit low — about 7.5% for the full-spectrum ones and 2% for the broad-spectrum oil. 

Sleep PM CBD Oil Tincture

The PM tincture is designed to support healthy sleep and contains 40 mg of CBD and 10 mg of the sleep cannabinoid CBN per ml. The ingredients list also includes other sleep-supporting ingredients: valerian, hops, lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower, and melatonin. 

Antonio’s experience: Over five nights, a full dropper sent me off to sleep efficiently each time. It’s a gentle yet potent aid, particularly useful after stressful days when unwinding can be challenging. Though the flavor could be improved, it doesn’t detract from its effectiveness.

CBD Gummies

Regular CBD Gummies

Like the tinctures, cbdMD’s gummies are available in broad-spectrum and full-spectrum varieties and several strength options. They come in mixed Strawberry, Orange, Raspberry, and Tropical fruit flavors and are made with vegan ingredients. The full-spectrum gummies have three tropical twist flavors. 

The 50 mg gummies broad-spectrum gummies are certified by NSF, which means they have been tested for THC and 280 known banned substances in sports, making them safe for athletes. 

But again, the minor cannabinoid levels are a bit low.

Antonio’s experience: The broad-spectrum gummies offer a delightful balance of taste and effectiveness. The tropical flavors are downright delicious. After taking three 100 mg gummies consecutively for several days, I experienced noticeable relaxation effects, particularly beneficial after long runs. I also like the organic ingredients and natural coloring agents, although I’d prefer less sugar.

Special CBD Gummies

The special formula gummies contain additional ingredients for specific goals:

• Calming full-spectrum CBD gummies with lemon balm, Chamomile, Valerian, GABA, and L-Theanine for relaxation
• Calming broad-spectrum gummies with the same ingredients plus popular anti-stress herb ashwagandha
• CBD gummies for sleep (broad or full-spectrum) with melatonin, lemon balm, ashwagandha, chamomile, valerian, L-theanine, and GABA
• Apple cider vinegar gummies with B vitamins, pomegranate, and beetroot extracts
• Immunity gummies with elderberry, vitamins C, D, E, zinc, and selenium

This huge variety makes it easy to pick gummies that fit your needs.

CBD Capsules & Softgels

Regular CBD Softgels

These full and broad-spectrum gelatin CBD softgels come in high potencies of 50 mg and 100 mg. The broad-spectrum capsules are also certified by NSF.

Special CBD Capsules

These capsules and softgels contain additional ingredients for specific benefits:

• Broad and full-spectrum sleep capsules with the same formula as the sleep oils: 40 mg CBD/10 mg CBN alongside valerian, hops, lemon balm, chamomile, passionflower, and melatonin
• Focus capsules with added cannabigerol (CBG), patented ingredients Magtein, EnXtra, and Huperzine, plus the memory-boosting herb bacopa 
• Calm capsules with CBG, saffron, l-theanine, lemon balm, chamomile, green tea, and rhiodiola
• Capsules with turmeric extract and bioperine (to improve absorption)

Antonio’s experience: As a regular turmeric consumer and an avid runner, I found the curcumin capsules to be a great addition to my recovery routine. I took two capsules daily for four days following my 5K runs; my knees and joints felt notably better throughout the week.

However, labeling the ingredients as a ‘proprietary blend’ leaves me wanting more information about the amount of CBD, CBG, and CBN. Knowing the exact composition would give a better sense of the potential benefits.

CBD Topicals

cbdMD also sells three topical products designed for pain relief: 

• CBD recovery cream with pain reliever histamine dihydrochloride, soothing herb arnica, and joint health ingredient MSM 
• Same recover formula as a pump
• CBD freezer roller with menthol and arnica for cooling relief

However, third-party tests show very low levels of minor cannabinoids (~1%).

Antonio’s experience: The cbdMD freeze roll-on is a practical and effective solution for isolated pain spots. As an endurance athlete, I’ve found it particularly beneficial for my knees, ankles, and psoas. The roll-on mechanism ensures easy application without the messiness of creams or lotions.

I appreciate the inclusion of natural ingredients such as menthol, arnica flower, yerba mate, and aloe known for their topical pain relief properties. However, be prepared for a potent menthol aroma.

Delta-9 THC Products

Delta 9 Gummies

CbdMD’s delta-9 THC gummies come in several varieties:

• Full-spectrum 10 mg delta 9 gummies in blue razz and cherry flavors
• Relax gummies with 5 mg delta 9 and 5 mg CBD
• Elevate gummies with 5 mg delta 9 and 5 mg CBD
• Uplift gummies with 5 mg delta 9, 25 mg CBD, and 25 mg caffeine

Thanks to this variety, you have plenty of flavors, effects, and cannabinoid ratios to choose from. All of the gummies are made with vegan ingredients.

Delta 9 Capsules & Tablets

These capsules and tablets are designed to provide a small dose of delta-9 THC combined with full-spectrum hemp extract. The capsules contain 1 mg of delta-9, 10 mg of CBD, and smaller amounts of other beneficial cannabinoids. Meanwhile, the cranberry orange-flavored tablets carry 2.5 mg delta-9 with 10 mg CBD.

CBD for Pets 

CBD Oil for Dogs

cbdMD sells CBD oil for dogs in two formulas:

• Regular broad-spectrum CBD oil in natural and peanut butter flavors and five strengths
• Calming CBD oil in one 250 mg strength with calming herbs valerian root, passion flower, lemon balm, and chamomile, plus melatonin

But again, the minor cannabinoid levels shown on third-party test reports are quite low for a broad-spectum product (~1%).

CBD Chews for Dogs

The dog treats come in three formulas:

• Standard hard chews
• Hip & joint soft chews with added glucosamine HCL, chondroitin, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids for joint health
• Calming soft chews with added chamomile, passion flower, and L-tryptophan for relaxation

I also like the impressive levels of minor cannabinoids shown on third-party test results (~13%).

Price & Value

The easiest way to compare the value of CBD products is to divide the total cost by the amount of CBD. For example, if you have a 1500 mg CBD oil that costs $100, its price per milligram (mg) of CBD would be 100/1500 = $0.07. 

You also have to consider that the prices vary by product type.

Here’s a breakdown of cbdMD’s prices:

• CBD oil: 2-4 cents per mg of CBD
• Gummies: 2-9 cents per mg
• Capsules: 2-7 cents per mg
• Topicals: 3-5 cents per mg
• Pet products: 5-20 cents per mg

These are some of the lowest prices in the CBD industry. You can also get an additional 25% savings and free shipping by subscribing to monthly deliveries. cbdMD also has a generous 40% discount for military, veterans, first responders, emergency personnel, and people with disabilities. 

All in all, you’re getting good value with cbdMD. Still, many of their products contain low levels of minor cannabinoids, making them less effective.

Hemp Source and Production Process

According to cbdMD, its CBD products are made from American-grown hemp sourced from all across the country. 

Unfortunately, the company doesn’t provide any concrete details besides that, such as which state the bulk of the hemp comes from or which extraction process it uses. 

Third-Party Testing

CbdMD sends its products for independent testing to SC Labs, one of the most reputable, accredited cannabis & hemp-testing labs in the country. The test results show the levels of cannabinoids, terpenes (a nice bonus), and check for pesticides and other common contaminants. 

You can see the test results attached to each product page and on the dedicated lab results page.

Third-Party Test Results

I always look at third-party lab test results to confirm that CBD companies sell safe, accurate, and effective products. Specifically, I check for:

• CBD content, which should be within 10% of the label (3)
• The levels of THC and minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN
• Terpene content (if tested)
• Whether the CBD type (full, broad-spectrum, or isolate) is accurate
• Whether there are any contaminants

The third-party certificates of analysis (CoAs) are up-to-date, comprehensive, and easy to read. Here’s a closer look at the two specific test results:

• The 1500 mg full-spectrum CBD oil CoA shows 1594 mg of CBD, which is accurate (6% more), several terpenes, which is also great, but only 7.6% minor cannabinoids, which is a tad low for a full-spectrum product.
• The 100 mg broad-spectrum CBD gummies CoA found ~7115.5 mg of CBD in total, which is 18% higher than the advertised 6000 mg total. Also, the minor cannabinoid levels are quite low (1.7%) for a broad-spectrum product. 

Overall, cbdMD’s products are fairly accurate and the extent of the testing is impressive. But, many products contain relatively low minor cannabinoid levels.

Shipping & Returns

cbdMD offers free US shipping on orders over $59.99. The company also has a 60-day money-back guarantee, which is great to see.

Customer Service & Reputation

CbdMD has nearly 10,000 customer reviews, most of which are positive, and the reputation of an established, well-known CBD brand. 

I also found another cool thing about cbdMD: its chief science officer Sibyl Swift spoke at a 2023 Congress hearing about the FDA’s failure to regulate CBD. She argued that hemp-derived products like CBD are safe and should be regulated as dietary supplements. It’s good to see companies that advocate for positive change.

Having said that, cbdMD has a bit of a “faceless company” feel because it doesn’t reveal any team member names. It also has a generic mission statement.

My Verdict: Solid Choice for Affordable CBD, But Can Be More Effective

On the whole, cbdMD is a solid CBD company. There are many affordable products to choose from. I’m particularly fond of the multi-ingredient formulas designed for specific goals, like improving sleep. 

Having said that, the biggest issue is that the minor cannabinoid levels of most products are quite low. I expect high-quality full-spectrum products to carry 10+% minor cannabinoids, while broad-spectrum ones should have at least 5%. 

Because of this, cbdMD’s products are not as effective as the ones offered by some other leading brands, like Lazarus Naturals or Upstate Elevator. CbdMD also needs to be more transparent about its production process.