10 Best CBD Oils of 2024: A Guide for the Discerning Consumer

The CBD market is flooded, and every bottle promises the same relief—pain-free days, anxiety-free nights, and blissful sleep. But choosing the best CBD oil is no small feat. After extensive research, we’ve identified the best CBD oils of 2024, balancing quality, transparency, and effectiveness. Below, find the top contenders and why they stand out in this overcrowded wellness market. That said, if you’re less interested in our criteria, methodology and other details and want to get straight to the point, our top pick for the best CBD oil of 2024 is Colorado Botanicals. 

Why CBD Oil is Booming in Popularity

CBD oil has emerged as a powerhouse in natural wellness, offering relief for a spectrum of issues—chief among them pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. According to Harvard Health Publishing, CBD may interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating inflammation and pain (Harvard Health, 2021). This potential makes CBD an attractive alternative for those managing conditions like arthritis and neuropathy. And unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce a high, offering the therapeutic without the intoxication.

CBD’s rising popularity also owes itself to the increasing demand for natural remedies. From anecdotal evidence to scientific studies, CBD oil has gained traction as a possible aid for anxiety reduction, calming the mind by influencing serotonin receptors. For those who avoid pharmaceuticals, CBD oil has become a staple—more than a product, it’s a lifestyle choice for managing stress, pain, and more.

Why So Many CBD Oils? A Market Explained

Since the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD, the industry has been inundated with products. Brands—from wellness giants to small startups—saw an opportunity to enter a fast-growing market, eager to capture the attention of wellness-conscious consumers. With so much potential, CBD oil quickly became a mainstay for its versatility, ease of production, and appeal across demographics.

Producing CBD oil is comparatively straightforward. Hemp, a fast-growing crop, can be farmed on a large scale, while extraction methods like CO₂ extraction make it possible to produce high-quality CBD oil in bulk. The result? A highly competitive market where brands must differentiate themselves, whether through unique formulations, added ingredients, or niche market targeting.

The variety of formulations and branding in the CBD oil market also adds to the abundance. Today’s products cater to specific needs—sleep blends, oils with added melatonin or essential oils, and even products with niche flavors or packaging designed for targeted consumer bases. This customization allows companies to stand out in a crowded market and appeal to different wellness priorities, leading to the proliferation of CBD brands and options.

Why Choosing the Right CBD Oil Can Be Overwhelming

Choosing the best CBD oil can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, with numerous brands claiming top-tier quality. The lack of standardized quality and potency regulations means that CBD oils can differ significantly in effectiveness. Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD oils each have unique effects, depending on the blend of cannabinoids, and finding the right match can be especially confusing for new users.

Product labeling adds to the challenge. While some products accurately advertise high CBD concentrations, others use labels to mislead, selling oils with fillers or inferior quality. Without a clear, universal labeling standard, comparing products becomes difficult. Reputable brands typically provide third-party lab test results, but even that’s not always a given—leaving many consumers without a clear way to verify the quality and purity of the product they’re purchasing.

Personal factors—such as body chemistry, desired effects, and tolerance levels—further complicate choosing the right CBD oil. Dosage needs can vary widely, and finding the ideal product often requires trial and error. Between brand transparency, product formulation, and individual health goals, selecting the right CBD oil is a delicate balancing act.

Criteria for the Best CBD Oils of 2024

Source of Hemp: The Backbone of Quality CBD

The best CBD oils start with high-quality hemp. The source impacts everything from safety to potency, and hemp grown under strict standards—like those in the U.S. and EU—is generally free from harmful contaminants. Here’s why the source of hemp matters:

• Regulatory Standards: Hemp grown in the U.S. and EU must meet stringent agricultural standards, ensuring a cleaner, safer product. These regions enforce controls on pesticide and herbicide use, soil quality, and cultivation methods.
• Soil Quality: Hemp is a bioaccumulator, meaning it absorbs substances from its environment. Nutrient-rich soil yields healthier hemp, while poorly maintained soil can lead to contaminated products.
• Pesticide and Herbicide Use: High-quality hemp farming prioritizes organic practices, minimizing harmful chemicals. CBD oils made from organic hemp are less likely to contain pesticide or herbicide residues.
• CBD Potency and Composition: Quality hemp has a robust cannabinoid profile, including beneficial compounds like terpenes and minor cannabinoids. These compounds enhance effectiveness through the “entourage effect,” where elements work synergistically.

Choosing CBD oils from trusted sources ensures consumers get a safe, potent product that aligns with their wellness needs.

Extraction Methods: Purity, Potency, and the “Entourage Effect”

The extraction process is pivotal to a CBD product’s purity and efficacy. High-quality extraction methods, like CO₂ extraction, ensure that the product is free from unwanted compounds and maintains a full cannabinoid profile. Here’s why extraction matters:

• Purity and Safety: Extraction determines whether harmful residues—such as solvents, metals, and contaminants—are present. CO₂ extraction is particularly clean, producing a safe product.
• Potency and Cannabinoid Profile: Methods like CO₂ extraction preserve cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which enhance potency and support the entourage effect.
• Chemical-Free Process: Solvent-free extractions avoid chemicals like butane or propane, resulting in a purer product.
• Consistency and Quality Control: Techniques like CO₂ extraction allow for precise control, ensuring consistent quality batch after batch.
• Environmental Impact: CO₂ extraction is sustainable, with a low environmental footprint. Eco-conscious brands often choose this method to align with green practices.

A well-executed extraction method shows a brand’s commitment to quality and responsibility, resulting in a safer, more effective product.

Third-Party Testing: The Gold Standard for Transparency

Third-party testing is essential for verifying a product’s quality and purity. Reputable brands offer Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from independent labs, ensuring that what’s on the label matches what’s in the bottle. Here’s why third-party testing matters:

• Confirms Product Content: Independent labs verify the actual CBD and THC content, ensuring consumers receive the potency advertised.
• Detects Contaminants: Labs screen for heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and solvents. Hemp absorbs chemicals from the soil, so testing is essential to ensure a contaminant-free product.
• Validates Purity: Testing guarantees that the product is free from additives and unwanted compounds, reassuring consumers about its safety.
• Guarantees Compliance with Legal Standards: Testing ensures the THC content meets legal limits, especially important in regions with strict regulations.
• Builds Brand Trust: Brands that offer lab results are more accountable, allowing consumers to independently verify claims and instilling confidence in the product.

Third-party testing is a must for any reliable CBD brand, offering consumers peace of mind that they’re purchasing a high-quality product.

Transparency and Reputation: A Mark of Integrity

Transparency and reputation are vital in a market where regulations are still catching up. Quality CBD brands openly share details about sourcing, extraction, and testing, establishing trust with consumers. Here’s why transparency and reputation are important:

• Trustworthiness: Transparent brands disclose information about sourcing, ingredients, and testing, ensuring consumers can trust the product.
• Quality Assurance: Reputable brands follow ethical production practices, offering assurances of quality and safety.
• Ingredient Disclosure: Brands that list all ingredients and concentrations allow consumers to make informed choices, especially important for those with allergies or sensitivities.
• Consumer Safety and Accountability: Transparent brands provide lab results for each batch, letting consumers verify purity and potency.
• Long-Term Credibility: Brands that maintain quality and ethical standards build customer loyalty, creating a reliable reputation in the market.

In the CBD industry, where trust is paramount, transparency and reputation offer consumers confidence in the products they choose.

Best CBD Oil Reviews: Our 2024 Recommendations

The CBD hemp oil market has a lot of competition, making it hard for untrained eyes to determine what CBD oil is best. We, on the other hand, believe that the product falls on a quality spectrum.

As we review the best CBD oils in 2024, remember that the brands on our list are not necessarily the best for everyone. What you find most effective determines the “best” CBD brand. Our list is a guideline, with any of the following brands being excellent choices.

1. Colorado Botanicals – Best CBD Oil & Highest Rated

Colorado Botanicals sets the bar for CBD quality. Their proprietary purification process retains beneficial compounds like terpenes, and third-party lab results confirm the oil’s potency. Known for transparency, the brand is a favorite among those seeking reliable, effective CBD.

• Highlights: Non-GMO, vegan, organic, 60-day return policy.
• Potency: 300 mg to 3000 mg per bottle.
• Best For: Pain relief, relaxation, everyday wellness.

2. CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

CBDistillery’s full-spectrum oil is a top choice for those seeking potent pain relief. With U.S.-grown hemp and comprehensive lab testing, this oil supports the “entourage effect” through its complete cannabinoid profile.

• Highlights: U.S.-grown hemp, third-party tested.
• Potency: 500 mg to 5000 mg per bottle.
• Best For: Pain, inflammation, daily support.

3. Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil

Charlotte’s Web offers a mild CBD option, ideal for beginners or those looking for gentle anxiety relief. Their full-spectrum oil is sourced from Colorado-grown hemp and rigorously tested.

• Highlights: Known for quality, widely trusted.
• Potency: 7 mg to 60 mg per serving.
• Best For: Relaxation, mild anxiety.

4. Green Roads Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil

Green Roads, created by pharmacists, is a popular choice for THC-free relief. It’s a broad-spectrum oil, meaning it contains other cannabinoids without THC, making it ideal for anxiety without psychoactive effects.

• Highlights: Pharmacist-founded, broad-spectrum.
• Potency: 300 mg to 1500 mg per bottle.
• Best For: Anxiety, mild sleep support.

5. NuLeaf Naturals Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

NuLeaf Naturals is a high-potency, no-nonsense oil focused on severe pain and inflammation. With organic hemp extract and only two ingredients, it’s as clean as it gets.

• Highlights: Highly concentrated, third-party tested.
• Potency: 300 mg to 6000 mg per bottle.
• Best For: Chronic pain, inflammation.

6. Medterra Isolate CBD Oil

Medterra’s CBD isolate oil is free of THC, ideal for those looking for targeted relief without any psychoactive effects. Sourced from Kentucky-grown hemp, it’s pure and effective.

• Highlights: Pure CBD isolate, zero THC.
• Potency: 500 mg to 3000 mg per bottle.
• Best For: Sleep, targeted relief.

7. Lazarus Naturals High-Potency CBD Tincture

Affordable yet potent, Lazarus Naturals delivers full-spectrum relief in flavors like chocolate mint. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality.

• Highlights: Full-spectrum, great value.
• Potency: 750 mg to 6000 mg per bottle.
• Best For: Chronic pain, affordability.

8. Joy Organics Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil

Joy Organics offers a broad-spectrum oil with zero THC, ideal for daily focus and mood support. USDA-certified organic, it’s a trustworthy choice for wellness seekers.

• Highlights: USDA organic, THC-free.
• Potency: 450 mg to 2250 mg per bottle.
• Best For: Focus, mood enhancement.

9. Penguin CBD Oil

Penguin’s flavored CBD oil is great for those seeking stress relief with a hint of flavor. With Oregon-grown hemp, it’s a high-quality option for the taste-conscious consumer.

• Highlights: Flavor variety, Oregon-grown hemp.
• Potency: 250 mg to 2500 mg per bottle.
• Best For: Anxiety, stress relief.

10. Five CBD Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

Five CBD’s full-spectrum oil includes a unique 5:1 ratio of CBD to minor cannabinoids, offering enhanced relaxation. It’s designed for a powerful full-body effect.

• Highlights: Strong entourage effect.
• Potency: 1500 mg to 6000 mg per bottle.
• Best For: Full-body relaxation, stress relief.

Choosing the Right Type of CBD Oil

Selecting the best CBD oil isn’t about one-size-fits-all; it’s about aligning a product’s strengths with personal needs. Whether it’s pain, anxiety, or sleep support, these top CBD oils of 2024 provide high-quality options for various wellness needs. A combination of careful sourcing, clean extraction, and rigorous testing ensures these products deliver on their promises.

What’s the Difference Between Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and Isolate?

• Full-Spectrum: Contains all cannabinoids, including trace THC, providing a comprehensive “entourage effect.”
• Broad-Spectrum: THC-free but retains other cannabinoids, offering balanced benefits.
• Isolate: Pure CBD, ideal for those avoiding THC entirely.

How Do I Choose the Right Strength?

Start low and increase gradually. Begin with a low dose, observing effects, and adjust until you find the optimal strength.

Does CBD Oil Show Up on Drug Tests?

CBD itself won’t, but full-spectrum products with trace THC might. Those concerned should choose broad-spectrum or isolate.

Is Hemp Oil the Same as CBD Oil?

No. Hemp oil is derived from seeds and lacks cannabinoids, while CBD oil is made from hemp’s flowers and contains CBD.

Does FDA Approval Matter?

Approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can matter when choosing a CBD oil, but it’s not a necessity for most CBD consumers—here’s why:

1. FDA-Approved CBD Products Are Limited: To date, the only FDA-approved CBD product is Epidiolex, a prescription medication for rare forms of epilepsy. This approval guarantees that Epidiolex meets strict standards for safety, efficacy, and quality, but it’s intended for specific medical conditions, not general wellness.
2. Quality Standards: FDA approval would ensure rigorous standards for safety and consistency, but most CBD products on the market today operate as supplements, which the FDA does not regulate as strictly. Instead, reputable CBD brands rely on third-party testing to verify the quality, purity, and potency of their products. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from independent labs are critical for verifying these claims, especially since FDA oversight is limited.
3. Consumer Safety and Compliance: An FDA-approved product must meet specific safety standards, so it would eliminate any concerns about contaminants, mislabeled ingredients, or false claims. However, in the absence of FDA oversight, transparency from brands, clear labeling, and independent testing are essential for ensuring that the product is both safe and effective.

While FDA approval isn’t a current standard for CBD oils, choosing brands that prioritize transparency, third-party testing, and clear ingredient disclosure can offer a similar level of confidence for most wellness-focused consumers.

Why Choose CBD Oil Over CBD gummies, Lotions, or Other Edible or Topical Dosing Methods?

Choosing CBD oil over other forms like gummies, lotions, or capsules often comes down to three key factors: bioavailability, dosing flexibility, and speed of effects. Here’s why oils may have the edge:

1. Higher Bioavailability and Faster Absorption: CBD oil is typically taken sublingually (under the tongue), which allows it to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This method bypasses the digestive system, leading to faster absorption and higher bioavailability than edibles like gummies, which must first be broken down by the digestive tract. For those seeking quick relief, particularly for anxiety or acute pain, oils can often provide faster and more efficient effects.
2. Precision and Flexibility in Dosing: CBD oils offer flexibility in dosing, allowing users to adjust their intake drop by drop to find the ideal amount. This customization isn’t possible with gummies or capsules, where the dosage is fixed per piece. For users who require specific doses, oils are an ideal choice, as they allow precise control over intake based on individual needs.
3. Versatility in Use: Unlike topicals, which only work locally (great for targeted relief but limited to the skin’s surface), CBD oil can be used both sublingually and added to foods or drinks, offering versatility. This adaptability makes CBD oil an excellent all-around option, whether you want systemic relief or a more experimental approach with edibles or drinks.

While edibles like gummies are convenient, and lotions are useful for targeted skin relief, CBD oil provides a balanced solution with quick absorption, precise dosing, and flexible use, making it a preferred option for those looking for a versatile and effective CBD experience.

How Much Do the Amounts of Active Ingredients in CBD Oil Vary, Generally Speaking?

The amounts of active ingredients in CBD oil—primarily cannabidiol (CBD) itself—can vary significantly depending on the brand, product type, and concentration. Generally speaking:

1. CBD Concentration Ranges: CBD oils are typically offered in concentrations ranging from as low as 100 mg per bottle to as high as 5000 mg or more. Lower concentrations, like 100-300 mg, are usually geared towards beginners or those seeking mild effects. Higher concentrations, like 1000-5000 mg, cater to users with higher tolerances or more pronounced wellness needs, such as chronic pain management.
2. Types of CBD Extracts: The active ingredients can also vary based on whether the oil is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate:
   • Full-spectrum contains a range of cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, trace THC), terpenes, and flavonoids, leveraging the “entourage effect,” which may enhance CBD’s effectiveness.
   • Broad-spectrum also includes multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but is THC-free.
   • CBD isolate contains only pure CBD, without additional cannabinoids or terpenes.
3. Variation Due to Formulation and Intended Use: Some products include added active ingredients like melatonin for sleep, curcumin for anti-inflammatory effects, or adaptogens for stress relief. These blends vary by brand and are designed to enhance specific effects.
4. Discrepancies Between Labels and Actual Content: Due to inconsistent regulations, there can sometimes be discrepancies between labeled CBD content and actual content in the product, which is why third-party lab tests are essential for ensuring that consumers are getting what’s advertised.

These variations mean it’s crucial for consumers to check both concentration and formulation to select a product that best matches their wellness needs, as well as to look for products with third-party lab reports for accuracy.

What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil?

High-quality CBD oil offers several key benefits, primarily due to its purity, potency, and safety. Here’s what sets a premium CBD oil apart:

1. Effective Relief and Consistency: A high-quality CBD oil is more likely to deliver consistent and reliable relief for pain, anxiety, sleep issues, and inflammation. Quality oils typically contain accurately labeled CBD concentrations, providing dependable effects with each use, which is essential for managing chronic symptoms.
2. Enhanced Absorption and Bioavailability: Premium CBD oils often use clean extraction methods, like CO₂, that preserve cannabinoids and terpenes, maximizing bioavailability. This means more CBD and other beneficial compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in stronger, more immediate effects.
3. Safety and Purity: High-quality oils undergo third-party testing to verify purity and potency, ensuring they’re free from contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents. This testing guarantees that the oil meets high safety standards, which is crucial in a largely unregulated market where low-quality products may pose health risks.
4. “Entourage Effect” with Full-Spectrum Oils: High-quality full-spectrum CBD oils contain a rich profile of cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, trace THC) and terpenes that work synergistically to enhance therapeutic effects. This “entourage effect” can amplify the oil’s benefits, providing more effective relief compared to CBD isolate.
5. Transparency and Trustworthiness: Trusted CBD brands provide transparent information about sourcing, extraction, and lab results. This transparency ensures users can verify what they’re consuming, offering peace of mind and confidence in their product choice.

In short, a high-quality CBD oil delivers more consistent relief, stronger effects, and better safety, making it a valuable choice for those seeking effective and reliable wellness support. In an industry overflowing with options, these CBD oils stand out for their quality, transparency, and effectiveness. Choosing the right oil means navigating a maze of claims, but with a guide like this, finding the best CBD oil becomes a matter of informed choice.