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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?
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We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is derived from the cannabis plant.
Alongside CBD gummies, CBD oils and tinctures are some of the most common forms of CBD you’ll find as you shop.
They come in three types:
Full-spectrum: contain all other plant compounds like terpenes and other cannabinoids and trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Broad-spectrum: contain all the plant compounds except THC
Isolate: contain only CBD isolated from all other plant compounds
Broad-spectrum and isolate are intended to be truly THC-free. Full-spectrum products may contain more THC within the legal limit — likely not enough to make you feel high but enough to provide benefits associated with the entourage effect.
That being said, all CBD products are at risk of containing trace amounts of THC, which is why it’s best to buy from brands that make certificates of analysis (COAs) available. You’ll be able to see the testing results that show no THC detected, if that’s essential for you.
Now for the fun part: Here are the best CBD oils our team recommends after vetting and testing.
Our evidence-driven reviews and comparisons break down the top CBD oils, gummies, creams, and more so you can feel confident choosing what’s right for you.
We selected these CBD oils based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. We’ve also tested most of the oils and continue testing month to month to provide feedback on our experience and how they affected us.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
Our experts have carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products to make sure everything we feature meets our standards. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products on Healthline.
In addition, to select the CBD gummies on this page, we have:
evaluated 460+ CBD oils and tinctures from 85+ different CBD brands
Share on PinterestHealthline tester using CBD dropper during product testing
Shake the bottle before use to ensure the ideal consistency. Use a dropper — many products will come with one — to place the oil under your tongue.
For maximum absorption, hold it under your tongue for 30 seconds to a few minutes before swallowing.
To determine how many drops to take, follow the recommended dose provided by the manufacturer or your doctor.
Start with a small dose. Over time, you can increase the dose and frequency until you achieve your desired results. But be sure to talk with a doctor before making changes to the recommended dose.
Appropriate serving sizes for CBD vary greatly depending on individual factors, such as:
intended use
body weight
metabolism
body chemistry
Doses should be taken at least 4 to 6 hours apart. You can take CBD at any time of day. If you’re using it to improve sleep, take it before bed.
The immediate effects of CBD usually take effect within 30 to 90 minutes, but long-term results may take several weeks to achieve.
You can also mix CBD oil into drinks and food, but this may affect absorption.
Store CBD oils and tinctures in a dry, cool place away from direct heat and sunlight. Make sure the cap is closed tightly after each use. It is not necessary to refrigerate the product, but it may help prolong its shelf life.
Avoid touching your mouth with the dropper to prevent bacterial contamination and preserve the quality of the oil.
CBD is also available in capsules or gummies or infused into skin care products, such as lotions and salves. CBD skin care products can be absorbed into the skin and do not need to be washed off.
Yes. Most CBD oils are safe to use orally and topically. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure, though.
Some people find that applying CBD directly to the hands and wrists with arthritis helps reduce pain.
No, you do not need to take CBD oil with foods. But if you don’t like the taste, you may find that ingesting CBD oil by mixing it with a beverage gives it a better taste.
Yes. But if you’re thinking of increasing the dose, just make sure to do so slowly. Some people may also prefer to take it only as needed for aches and pains.
While research into the benefits of CBD is still ongoing, there’s promising evidence that it may help with:
sleep
chronic pain
PTSD and other mental health conditions
stress and anxiety
Most people are unlikely to experience issues when taking CBD, but minor side effects can occur, such as:
diarrhea
fatigue
weight and appetite changes
If you’re trying CBD for the first time, it’s best to err on the side of caution and start with a small dose. Most people find that 20 mg is a good starting point. You can try increasing the dose by 5 mg until you start to feel the effects.
Wait several hours before taking more CBD or increasing the dose. CBD can take some time to produce noticeable effects.
Evidence suggests that CBD is pretty safe to use, though it may cause mild side effects in some people. If you’re taking any prescription drugs, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before mixing CBD with your current medications.
Because CBD isn’t rigorously regulated, it’s important to buy only from reputable sources. This helps ensure that you’re consuming the safest version of the product available.
CBD is generally well tolerated and safe to use, though negative reactions, such as fatigue and digestive issues, are possible.
Talk with your healthcare professional before taking CBD if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have any medical conditions, or take any OTC or prescription medications or supplements.
CBD is legal in many parts of the United States, but most manufacturers require you to be at least age 18 years old to purchase their product. It may not be legal in all countries.
Check your local laws before buying CBD. When buying online, confirm with the manufacturer that it’ll ship to your area, but also check local laws.
Since CBD products can contain trace amounts of THC, it’s still possible for them to show up on a drug test. Avoid taking CBD products if this is a concern.
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.
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.
Last medically reviewed on May 28, 2024
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Crockett J, et al. (2020). A phase 1, randomized, pharmacokinetic trial of the effect of different meal compositions, whole milk, and alcohol on cannabidiol exposure and safety in healthy subjects. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/epi.16419
