There's been a lot of attempts in recent years to try and identify the absolute best CBD products on the market. And indeed - there are a lot of really, really good products out there. CBD exploded in popularity in a way that surprised most people in the industry, and this led to a swarm of investors and folks with deep pockets trying to get in on the craze.
The result? A veritable buffet of CBD products that included everything from standard CBD oils and gummies to strange, oddball products like CBD infused beard oil and CBD mouthwash.
Now that we all have a few years' hindsight available, we feel we can now much better sit back and identify products that truly have withstood the test of time — and the mayhem that has more or less resonated within the market for the past 3+ years. There is no question that CBD works, but it's all about finding real, authentic products. The following five are without a doubt my all-time favorites.
Before I jump right into the list, though, let me remind folks what CBD actually is and what some of the basic options are when it comes to identifying a product type that will suit your specific needs.
What Types of CBD Products are Available?
As I briefly alluded to above, there really is almost no end to the different types of CBD products that are out there. In my opinion, however, the following four general product types are the ones you need to know about in order to take full advantage of CBD's benefits, no matter what you're trying to treat.
The gold standard in the industry is, almost undeniably, CBD oil. Oil tinctures have two main benefits: they're fast acting, and they're easy to dose. Standard CBD oils allow users to fine-tune their daily CBD intake, and they allow them to keenly observe how their body is reacting to the presence of cannabidiol and other cannabis/hemp-derived compounds.
Also, since oils are absorbed sublingually via glands in the mouth (mostly below the tongue), they are typically fast-acting and offer potent, reliable effects. This is why many brands recommend consuming CBD oils by placing a serving below the tongue, then waiting up to 90 seconds before swallowing.
Another type of CBD product is topicals. This includes options like lotions, creams, and salves. Topicals are popular for several different uses, including helping with joint and muscle pain and helping with dry, damaged, irritated skin. They're also being used in cosmetics products, including products like fash washes and hydrating lotions.
CBD gummies are of course another CBD product type that has become immensely popular in recent years. Gummies offer one main advantage, and that is that they taste delicious. The effects of gummies (and other forms of edibles) can also be longer-lasting at times compared to oils, but realistically their main draw is the simple fact that they taste so good.
Lastly, "inhalable" products are another CBD product type that are worth mentioning. This mostly includes CBD vape products and products like pre-rolled hemp CBD joints, which are smoked just like a regular joint or cigarette.
Now, let's delve into what I believe are the five best CBD products currently available online and in retail stores.
The Best CBD Products Currently Available
One more thing to note about the following list: the best CBD product is of course subjective to whoever is using the product. Hemp and cannabis products are highly variable in terms of the effects they have on different users, and this has to do with the fact that every person has a chemically unique endocannabinoid system.
In other words, just because a product is listed on here doesn't mean you can (or should) expect to have the same exact experience that I've had when using them.
PureKana - Best Quality CBD Oil
If I had to choose a single CBD product that was "best" in terms of sheer quality, I'd have to go with PureKana CBD oil. This is a brand that's been around almost since day one, and their quality and reputation has never diminished over the years.
Their product range has grown quite extensive since they first started, but my favorite product still after all these years is their standard (Natural) 1,000mg CBD Oil. The oil is virtually tasteless, it's potent, it's reliable, and most importantly, it works.
PureKana products are known for being a little pricey, but in my experience, the cost is more than worth it considering the superior experience you'll be getting overall.
Premium Jane - Best Rated CBD Gummies
To be quite honest, I'm not the biggest fan of gummies. However, I know that millions of people love them, so I felt it was prudent to include a selection here for this category. Even though I don't use them consistently, I have tried tons of gummies products, and by far my favorite ones were Premium Jane CBD gummies. They seem to last for hours, and for me at least, they always worked a charm for helping me fall asleep after a hectic day.
This is another brand that's grown considerably over the years, and there are now an assortment of flavors and potencies currently available. You'll have to have a look at the brand's online store yourself, as things like flavor preferences are far too subjective to merit issuing a personal opinion. If you're a gummies fan, though, this is 100% a product worth trying if you haven't already.
CBDistillery - Best Affordable CBD Product
Ok so this CBD product type doesn't fall anywhere into the four main categories I listed above. That being said, if you're looking for what is simply the cheapest CBD product out there, it's got to be CBDistillery CBD Lip Balm.
Maybe I'm biased because I suffer from chronically chapped lips, but this lip balm is powerful, effective, and it really offers tangible benefits in terms of helping my lips heal and feel better. And at less than ten bucks last time I bought a stick, it's one of the few products out there that's more than worth its price tag.
Welltiva - Best Tasting CBD Product
This was an interesting choice for me. While most would consider the "best tasting" CBD product to be one that offers a classically delicious flavor like mint or berry, I prefer when things are kept 100% natural. Welltiva CBD Hemp Oil is made on a small rural Colorado farm, and the thing that I like best about it is that it's simple and remains explicitly true to what CBD is - a cannabis-derived plant compound.
As such, my consideration is that cannabis-derived plant compounds should actually taste like, well, cannabis. And this is where Welltiva thrives. If you're looking for something that's as real as it gets, this is a great option - and you'll feel good knowing that you're supporting a small family run operation.
CW Hemp - Best High Potency CBD Product
One of the ongoing difficulties with hemp-derived CBD products is that it's hard to find a truly high potency option. PureKana and Premium Jane do offer options in the 2,500 and 5,000mg range, but personally my favorite high potency oil is the CW Hemp (Charlotte's Web) Original Formula.
Charlotte's Web is arguably the most popular CBD brand of all time, but they have in fact stood their ground in terms of maintaining product quality and not selling out. If you've tried other CBD products before with little to no avail, be sure to try out the CW Original Formula. It's potent, powerful, and it seems to work when other similar products simply do not.
Are CBD Products Legal
Even in this day and age, whether or not CBD products are legal probably depends on who you ask. But yes - for all intents and purposes, CBD products made from hemp are legal and available across the USA.
The legality of CBD stems from legislation in the Hemp Farming Act of the U.S. Farm Bill. This Act legalizes the cultivation and manufacture of hemp, of which most CBD products are of course derived. The ongoing "gray area" stems from the fact that the Hemp Farming Act does not explicitly mention CBD.
However, since CBD is a naturally-occurring compound in hemp - a plant that is legal under federal law - it stands to reason that CBD is indeed legal as well.
How to Choose the Best CBD Products
When trying to find your own personal best CBD products, the first and foremost thing to look for is that the product has a verified lab report. All the big brands nowadays lab test their products, but still, if you're shopping at a place like a gas station or grocery store, you may come across products that do not come with this all-important report.
Likewise, be sure and take the time to read plenty of CBD product reviews. While articles like this are of course important for helping get you going in the right direction, there is never any substitute for reviews as it gives valuable insight into tangible, everyday effects that other people have experienced.
What Are The Benefits of CBD Products
The benefits of CBD products are immense. While clinical trials are still lacking on most CBD products, there is an abundance of research that supports the use of CBD for:
- Pain relief
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Inflammation
- Joint pain
- Sleep difficulties
- Appetite
Summary on the Best CBD Products
All in all, the best CBD products on the market are the ones that have withstood the ever-rigorous test of time. The five products listed above all share a common trait that they're exceptionally well made, and in my opinion, there is never a substitute for quality.
Do your research, find out which CBD product type is most applicable for you and your needs, and choose a product accordingly. The benefits of CBD are very real indeed, but only if you afford yourself the opportunity to use an authentic, well made product.
About the Author
Dylan Baker is a writer and content editor for WayofLeaf.com. Previously a biology teacher, Dylan has transitioned his extensive knowledge of cannabis and CBD products to numerous online publications, offering insight into the practical, real-life effects of CBD and other cannabis and hemp-derived compounds.
