Charlotte’s Web CBD Review: A Top-Tier Choice (2024)

By | Updated on November 19, 2024

Evidence Based 3

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Charlotte’s Web is the largest and one of the oldest American CBD brands. It makes full-spectrum CBD products from its own proprietary varieties of hemp and has played an important role in cannabis reform. I tested its CBD oil, gummies, and topical products, all of which worked well.

Summary

Charlotte’s Web is a pioneer of the CBD industry and remains a top-tier choice today. Its products are sourced from high-quality, USDA-certified organic hemp; the ones I tested had potent effects.

Pros

  • Thousands of positive reviews
  • Everything is done in-house
  • Hemp Authority and other certifications
  • Proprietary, USDA-organic hemp varieties
  • Full & broad-spectrum products
  • One of the largest & oldest CBD brands

Cons

  • Lacks extra-high potency CBD tinctures

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Products 4.5/5
The products are potent and effective and there’s a good variety to choose from. The only thing missing is extra high-potency tinctures.
Price & Value 4/5
The prices are close to average, but you’re getting good value thanks to the high-quality organic hemp extracts rich in minor cannabinoids, plus bulk deals and a subscription option.
Hemp Quality 5/5
Charlotte’s Web grows its own proprietary varieties of hemp on USDA-certified organic farms.
Third-Party Testing 4.5/5
The products are tested for potency and contaminants and the results are mostly solid, showing good minor cannabinoid levels.
Customer Service & Reputation 5/5
Charlotte’s Web is among the most trusted brands in the business. It’s transparent, experienced, has humble beginnings, and holds Hemp Authority and other certifications.

Charlotte’s Web CBD Overview

One of the pioneers of the American CBD industry, Charlotte’s Web was founded in 2014 by the seven Stanley Brothers: Josh, Joel, Jesse, Jon, Jordan, Jared, and J. Austin. 

The Colorado-based brothers developed a proprietary strain of hemp that would become the foundation for the company’s products in 2011. In 2012, they were approached by Paige Figi, who was looking for a natural remedy for her daughter Charlotte’s debilitating seizures.

Their CBD oil significantly improved Charlotte’s seizures, which is how the hemp strain (and the company) got its name. Charlotte’s story was featured on CNN in 2013 and played a big part in expanding the use and acceptance of CBD and cannabis in the US, with many families moving to Colorado to access CBD oil. In that sense, Charlotte’s Web has played a pivotal role in getting CBD where it is today.

Since then, Charlotte’s Web has grown to be the biggest CBD brand in the US by market share and you can find its products in mainstream retail stores like Publix. It’s also expanding into Canada, Israel, the U.K., and even China.

The company controls every step from seed to sale, growing its unique hemp strain on USDA-certified organic farms.

CBD Glossary

  • Hemp: cannabis variety with high CBD and low THC levels (no more than 0.3%).
  • Terpenes: aromatic plant compounds with various beneficial effects (1).
  • Minor cannabinoids: CBN, CBG, CBC, and other beneficial cannabinoids found in smaller amounts in hemp. They 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.

Charlotte’s Web CBD Product Lineup

Charlotte’s Web focuses mostly on full-spectrum CBD oil, gummies, capsules, topical, and pet products. There are also some broad-spectrum (THC-free) options.

CW products I received and tried out for a few weeks.

For my unbiased review, I tested out the 60 mg/ml CBD oil, CBD cream, back and neck relief ointment, and recovery gummies. 

CBD Oils

CBD Oil

charlotte's web cbd oil

5/5

CBD Potency17-60 mg/ml
Volume10-100 ml 
Total CBD510-4000 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.03–0.08
TypeFull-spectrum
Flavors3
Third-Party TestView report

This USDA-certified organic CBD oil is made with CO2 extraction and comes in two strengths and three flavors: orange blossom, lemon twist, and mint chocolate. The third-party tests show 9.6% minor cannabinoids, which is pretty good.

My experience: I tested out the mint chocolate high-potency (60 mg/ml) tincture, taking a full dropper during the day. I felt relaxed with an improved mood within 20 minutes, with the effects lasting for a few hours. The taste was nice as well.

Original Formula CBD Oil

charlotte's web original formula cbd oil

5/5

CBD Potency50 mg/ml
Volume30-100 ml 
Total CBD1500-5000 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.04–0.06
TypeFull-spectrum
Flavors2
Third-Party TestView report

These were the first CBD tinctures offered by Charlotte’s Web. Unlike the regular CBD oils, they’re made in small batches with isopropyl alcohol extraction, which is supposed to retain more terpenes.

They’re available in natural and mint chocolate flavors. Third-party tests show good minor cannabinoid levels (~11%).

My experience: I bought and tested the mint chocolate original tincture. The flavor was a pleasant mix of earthy and minty chocolate, and I felt relaxed and calm within 30 minutes.

THC-Free CBD Oil

4.5/5

CBD Potency25 mg/ml
Volume30 ml 
Total CBD750 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.07
TypeBroad-spectrum
Third-Party TestView report

This mint chocolate-flavored broad-spectrum (THC-free) CBD oil comes in a medium strength.

CBD Capsules

5/5

CBD Potency25-50 mg
Capsule Count60
Total CBD1500-3000 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.04-0.05
TypeFull-spectrum
Third-Party TestView report

These straightforward full-spectrum capsules are made with vegan ingredients. Third-party tests show 8.5% minor cannabinoids, which is a pretty good result.

My experience: I took three 15 mg capsules (now discontinued) during the day. They look like CBD oil swishing inside a translucent shell. About 70 minutes later I started to feel relaxed in the body & mind, with the feeling lasting for a few hours.

CBD Gummies

Special Blend Gummies

Charlotte's Web recovery cbd gummies

4/5

Potency5 mg
Gummy Count30-90
Total cannabinoids150-450 mg
Cost per mg$0.07-0.20
TypeFull-spectrum & isolate
Formulas4
Third-Party TestView report

These vegan gummies combine a small amount of CBD with other active ingredients designed for specific benefits:

  • Sleep gummies with added melatonin to help with sleep
  • Stay asleep gummies with 10 mg of pure CBN per piece
  • Recovery gummies with turmeric and ginger to help with recovery from exercise-induced inflammation
  • Calm gummies with added lemon balm to help with stress and promote relaxation
  • Immunity gummies with added vitamin C, D3, and astragalus to support immune function and overall wellness

The variety is nice, but the price is a bit steep. I’d also like to see higher CBD levels per gummy.

My experience: I tested the recovery gummies since I go to the gym regularly, taking 4-6 pieces for a few days. The texture and taste of the gummies were a little weird but still tasty. It’s tough to say if they did anything different from the basic ones, but I did feel more relaxed and less sore. 

Standard CBD Gummies

charlottes-web-wellness-gummies

5/5

Potency7.5-12.5 mg
Gummy Count60
Total cannabinoids450-900 mg
Cost per mg$0.09-10
TypeFull & broad-spectrum
Flavors2
Third-Party TestView report

CW’s gummies are available in full-spectrum (raspberry lime) and THC-free (mango lime) varieties. They’re made with vegan and mostly organic ingredients and natural flavoring. 

Broad-Spectrum NSF Gummies

4.5/5

Potency12.5 mg
Gummy Count30-60
Total cannabinoids375-750 mg
Cost per mg$0.07-0.08
TypeBroad-spectrum
Formulas4
Third-Party TestView report

These vegan gummies are broad-spectrum (THC-free) and certified by NSF for sport, which means they’re safe for athletes to take because they’re guaranteed free of banned substances (like THC) and contaminants. They contain 12.5 mg CBD per gummy and come in several varieties:

  • Endurance, with added beetroot and green tea extract
  • Brain support with lion’s mane extract
  • Rest gummies with passionflower extract
  • Muscle recovery with tart cherry

As before, I’d like to see more CBD per gummy.

Regular CBD Topicals

charlotte's web hemp cbd cream

5/5

CBD Potency~10.5 mg/g
Volume0.5-2.5 oz (28-71 g)
Total CBD150-750 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.05-0.10
TypeFull-spectrum
Third-Party TestView report

Charlotte’s Web topicals combine full-spectrum CBD with other popular topical ingredients like menthol:

  • CBD cream for moisturizing and supporting skin health, with aloe vera, coconut oil, sea buckthorn oil, and other skincare ingredients
  • CBD balm with 150-450 mg CBD for joint and muscle relief with menthol, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil
  • CBD balm stick with 525 mg CBD for targeted relief
  • CBD cooling gel for pain relief with 510 mg CBD, menthol, and arnica

My experience: I tried the CBD cream, which had a nice hempy fragrance and a cooling, moisturizing feeling on the skin. It’s not greasy and feels lightweight. I used it mostly as a moisturizer but also on the knees and other joints to help with workout soreness.

CBDMEDIC Topical Line

charlotte's web cbdmedic back and neck pain relief ointment

4.5/5

CBD Potency15-20 mg/g
Volume30-40g
Total CBD600 mg
Cost per mg$0.05
TypeIsolate
Third-Party TestView report

The CBDMEDIC topicals line is formulated for relief, with 600 mg of pure CBD plus additional ingredients for different types of pain:

  • Back and neck pain relief ointment with 15% menthol, 10% arnica, and other ingredients.
  • Arthritis aches and pain relief ointment with 10% camphor, 10% menthol, and more.
  • Active sport pain relief stick with 10% camphor and 15% menthol, plus other ingredients.

My experience: I applied the back/neck pain cream to my upper back and shoulder area when I was feeling sore. I felt strong cooling and warming relief within minutes, which lasted for a few hours. This was one of the stronger CBD topicals I’ve tried.

Canine Products

Hemp Extract Drops for Dogs

charlotte's web dog cbd tincture

4.5/5

CBD Potency17 mg/ml
Volume30-100 ml
Total CBD510-1700 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.09-0.12
TypeFull-spectrum
Flavors2
Third-Party TestView report

This dog CBD oil comes in unflavored and chicken flavors. I’d prefer to see another higher-potency version for large dog breeds. Also, the price is way too inflated for something almost identical to regular CBD oil.

Chews for Dogs

charlotte's web dog cbd chews

5/5

CBD Potency2.5 mg
Chew Count30-60
Total CBD200 mg
Cost per mg CBD$0.23-0.27
TypeFull-spectrum
Formulas3
Third-Party TestView report

CW’s dog chews come in four formulas:

  • Calming chews with valerian root, passionflower extract, and chamomile, three herbs with calming effects
  • Hip and joint chews with joint supplements glucosamine, chondroitin, and anti-inflammatory turmeric
  • Skin & allergy support with biotin, nettle leaf, burdock root, and marshmallow root

While I like the formulas, the price is a little high. 

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 = 7 cents. The prices also vary depending on the type of product.

For Charlotte’s Web, here’s what you’re paying per mg:

  • CBD oil: 3-8 cents per mg of CBD
  • Capsules: 4-5 cents per mg
  • Gummies: 7-20 cents per mg
  • Topicals: 5-10 cents per mg
  • Pet products: 9-27 cents per mg

These prices are close to average or a bit cheaper than average for their respective categories. While you can certainly find cheaper options, you’re still getting decent value with Charlotte’s Web because:

  • Its hemp is grown on USDA-certified organic farms
  • The company is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, the leading third-party certification program for the hemp industry
  • Most products are rich in minor cannabinoids, making them more effective
  • You can get 20% off by subscribing to scheduled deliveries and ~30% off on gummies by buying in bulk

Hemp Source and Production Process

Charlotte’s Web is vertically integrated, which means it controls every part of the production chain. The company grows hemp on USDA-certified organic farms and even tests the soil and water before planting.

The hemp is also tested as it grows to ensure the right cannabinoid/terpene profile before being extracted with carbon dioxide (CO2), the leading method of CBD extraction. The only exception is CW’s original formula CBD oil, which is made through Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) extraction. 

For now, only the full-spectrum CBD oil is USDA-certified organic, since the seal can only be used for products that are not only grown and extracted organically but also contain over 95% organic ingredients. 

Charlotte’s Web is also certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, the leading hemp industry certification awarded to brands that follow strict guidelines. 

Third-Party Testing

Charlotte’s Web sends its products for third-party potency and contaminant testing to SC Labs, one of the most reputable American cannabis & hemp testing labs, and Eurofins, a reputable French testing lab.

You can see all of the tests available on the certificates of analysis (CoAs) 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 levels, which should be within 10% of the label (3)
  • The levels of minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBC
  • THC levels
  • Terpene levels (if tested)
  • Whether the CBD type (full, broad-spectrum, or isolate) is accurate
  • Whether there are any contaminants

I checked the available reports for most of Charlotte’s Web products. Most CoAs showed accurate CBD levels and type of extract, as well as relatively high amounts (~10%) of minor cannabinoids.

I added two CoA screenshots above to give you a quick glimpse:

  1. The 1800 mg wellness CBD oil test shows about 67.8 mg/ml, which is 13% higher than advertised. It also found 9% minor cannabinoids, a solid result. 
  2. The 5 mg sleep gummies report found 5.45 mg per gummy (9% more) and 6% minor cannabinoids, which is a bit low but still decent. The tests also found 1.8 mg of melatonin per gummy, which is close to the advertised 1.5 mg.

All in all, the testing is extensive, up-to-date, and the minor cannabinoid levels are pretty good.

Shipping & Returns

Charlotte’s Web ships throughout the US with free shipping on orders over $50. You can return products for a full refund within 30 days. 

Customer Service & Reputation

Charlotte’s Web is one of the oldest and most reputable CBD brands out there.

It also holds two notable third-party certifications: the U.S. Hemp Authority, awarded to brands that follow strict hemp industry guidelines, and B Corp, signifying transparency and a focus on social and environmental impacts. 

The company’s humble beginnings are also inspiring: The Stanley Brothers helped push cannabis reform and used hemp to help people with serious medical issues. On top of that, Charlotte’s Web works with multiple charitable organizations, such as Women’s Bean Project, Adaptive Training Foundation, and Garden to Table

The Verdict: Effective Products From a Trusted Brand

Charlotte’s Web is a top-tier CBD company. It has an inspiring backstory, a good variety of effective full-spectrum products, uses its own varieties of organic hemp, does everything in-house, provides complete third-party tests, and has been around since the beginning of the CBD industry.

All the products I tried were effective. CW has also brought its prices down since the last time I reviewed it, which is great to see.

My main suggestion is to offer an extra high potency (80+mg/ml) tincture for folks with high dosage requirements.

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

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