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CBD and hemp extracts have been proving to be a viable, natural alternative for people seeking pain relief, inflammation reduction, anxiety relief, and more. From busy moms at home to professional athletes, many are adopting CBD as a non-psychoactive, natural remedy to daily stressors.
With the many brands to choose from out there, it is hard for new customers to identify what makes a brand “high quality” or “trustworthy,” let alone which is the best CBD oil. One of the factors that sets some of the top brands in the industry apart is USDA Organic Certification on their hemp and product lines. Only a handful of companies have achieved this impressive certification, which is often synonymous with quality and care. An instantly recognizable logo, USDA Organic signifies that a certified hemp brand has gone through a rigorous supply chain audit to ensure Organic farming, extraction, and handling processes are in place.
For instance, American organic hemp farms are prohibited from synthetic pesticide or herbicide use, as well as inorganic fertilizers. As we know, plants do a very good job of soaking up nutrients from the soil, so checking out Certificates of Analysis for the products you purchase is an important step in verifying their safety. Most of the top organic CBD brands out there publish their CoA’s freely online for the public to view and cross-reference product batches.
If you’re unsure of where to start with organic CBD oil, we’d suggest starting with the brands below that all have at least some USDA Certified Organic products. Even if you’re already familiar with CBD, these brands were selected after looking at a wide variety of companies as top-notch organic CBD brands in the industry. You’d be surprised, too, just because they’re organic doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll break the bank looking out for your health, either!
Top 5 Organic CBD Brands:
2.FOCL’s Premium Full Spectrum Drops
4. Joy CBD
5. Spruce
How Was The Organic CBD List Made?
To decipher what the best Organic CBD brands are, we decided to come up with a list of criteria for our research. First, we ran through a list of the most popular brands of CBD that we could think of, as well as what newcomers were making waves. Second, we looked through the details of each brand, coming up with a list of commonalities as well as distinct product features that are considered innovative for the industry. Finally, we looked into what the experts and influencers were saying on Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit, as well as scientific journals and magazines.
For our final list of criteria, we narrowed down the list of Organic CBD brands based upon the biggest key factors. Here's what we ended up choosing:
● Where the hemp was sourced from.
● The type of extraction process used (including isolates, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum).
● The products available, including topicals and other special blends.
● How the brand is perceived by fans and experts.
● If the products are made in the USA or outsourced.
● The dosage of CBD that is available.
● How transparent they are about what's in their products and how their testing results came out.
● How their reviews sound - including if there are any red flags.
Finally, we took into account trying the product- either ourselves or asking trusted sources who have used these products as well.
#1: Best Value: R&R Organic CBD
R&R CBD Oil is one of the fastest-growing brands in hemp because they’re known for their high performance and affordable products, incredible customer service, and amazing customer reviews (they have hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google). It’s evident why they’re becoming known for their tagline - “The CBD that Works.”
Not only is their farm and supply chain USDA Organic certified, but their entire operation is in Colorado. This was an important qualification step for us, as they are one of the only brands we could find that truly do everything locally. This is not only environmentally responsible but also ensures a higher quality product due to higher quality, local relationships.
They use supercritical CO2 extraction on their proprietary Cherry strain of USDA Certified Organic hemp, yielding an unparalleled profile of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients in their products, which translates into guaranteed performance. Their 1000mg Fresh Mint Tincture is their best seller and of incredible value at $49.99 for a Full-Spectrum product. R&R boasts impressive levels of CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN, CBL, and more in their products, so you can truly feel the entourage effect. They also publish third party certificates of analysis on their site for every batch they make, so you can verify the potency and safety of their CBD products. They also just launched one of the nation's only Organic CBD Gummies - if you're one for a sweet tooth, be sure to check out their Organic 25mg Gummies.
Highlights:
● Full and Broad Spectrum (THC-Free) USDA Organic Products
● Affordable pricing - often 50% less than larger brands that aren’t Organic
● US Hemp Authority Certified
● Veteran, Employee, and Black-owned company
● Amazing customer service
#2: FOCL’s Premium Full Spectrum Drops
FOCL’s Premium Full Spectrum Drops are something everyone should have in their house who is avid about their overall daily wellness. Made with extracts from the whole hemp plant for optimal effect. Enjoy greater focus, more restful sleep, and a feeling of ease throughout the day with these CBD drops. FOCL uses organic ingredients whenever possible and sources only the finest Premium Full-Spectrum CBD. These drops come in 1000mg and 3000mg sizes and in three delicious flavors (Mint, Natural & Orange Cream).
Refocus and calm your body’s endocannabinoid system to help it naturally better manage stressors like anxiety, sleeplessness and physical pain. Get the most out of your CBD—and your life—with FOCL’s Premium Full Spectrum CBD Drops.
#3: Most THC: Cornbread Hemp
Cornbread Hemp grew into one of the top organic CBD brands in America because of their commitment to high quality full spectrum CBD products with the most THC allowed by federal law. Cornbread Hemp makes their products with their Flower-Only™ extraction process using organic sugarcane ethanol to make CBD oils and gummies with 50mg CBD and 2mg THC per serving. Because it’s Flower-Only, Cornbread Hemp does not need add any flavoring to their CBD oils.
Cornbread Hemp’s entire organic supply chain is based in Kentucky, which has one of the best climates in the world to grow hemp. So not only does Cornbread prioritize organic and sustainable farming practices, their location near the UPS Worldport in Louisville makes for fast shipping nationwide.
Cornbread Hemp is family owned and operated, and they pride themselves on the quality of their products and their commitment to their customers. That’s why they offer a 30-day “no questions asked” money back guarantee. The company has more than 2,000 reviews on their website, and over 75 percent of their reviews are five stars.
Highlights:
● 2mg THC per serving, along with 50mg CBD
● Flower-Only™ extraction process
● USDA certified organic
● 30-day money back guarantee
● Excellent customer service
● Family owned and operated in Kentucky
● Fast shipping
#4: Best Product Variety: Joy Organics
Joy Organics is another Colorado-based USDA Organic hemp brand that made our list. Founded in 2018, they offer a wide range of products that earned them the “best product variety” spot in our ranking. They offer lotions and salves, bath bombs, and the typical CBD products like tinctures and softgels.
While not all of their products are USDA Organic certified, it’s clear they’re working towards getting an entire product line that holds this standard, and the majority of their products are Organic. They are a unique company in that they have a family focus, and offset shipping emissions with neutrality built-in.
Highlights:
● Woman-owned company
● Great product variety
● Broad Spectrum focus with 0.0% THC
● 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
#5: Highest Potency: Spruce CBD Drops
When it’s time for high potency CBD drops, we love the extra-strength version of Spruce full-spectrum oil. Spruce is organic, vegan, and gluten-free. And even though it’s delivering a maximum hemp bomb in the form of organic hemp seed carrier oil holding more CBD without preservatives, sweeteners, or artificial flavors, it still tastes great.
So, what do we mean by high-potency? In a one-milliliter serving, Spruce packs an impressive 80 milligrams of CBD—and that’s a lot.
Honestly, it’s not just potency that makes us love Spruce. It’s also pure quality in every drop. Spruce offers antioxidants, cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other natural plant components in higher concentrations than most competitors, for a more fragrant, tastier experience overall, not just better symptom management—although you get that, too.
And if you’re not satisfied, Spruce delivers a money-back guarantee.
What Is CBD?
CBD is shorthand for cannabidiol, one of the cannabinoids, compounds that occur naturally in cannabis. Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). What we know so far about CBD is really encouraging, although more research is certainly needed. CBD shows promise for treating conditions such as anxiety, pain, and epilepsy.
What Is a Tincture?
People often use the terms CBD oil and CBD tincture interchangeably, but these are different products. Both CBD oil and CBD tincture have similar appearances and uses; these thick liquids marketed for sublingual consumption have CBD suspended in them. Both are usually sold with graduated droppers in tinted glass bottles.
But CBD tinctures and CBD oils carry and deliver cannabinoids differently. CBD oil carries or suspends the cannabinoid CBD in a carrier oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, hempseed oil, or MCT oil.
CBD tinctures are created by extracting cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa plant matter by soaking it in high-proof alcohol and then diluting or suspending it in alcohol-based or glycerin-based solution. That solution is itself then in a standard carrier oil. So both CBD tincture and CBD oil do use carrier oil, but CBD tincture also retains some extraction solution—although it is safe to consume.
CBD drops might be either CBD oil or CBD tincture.
CBD Oil vs Hempseed Oil
CBD oil and hemp oil or hempseed oil are not the same. Actually, there is no CBD in hempseed oil. CBD oil is made from the flower, bud, stems, and leaves of the cannabis plant, which all might contain cannabinoids, while hempseed oil is extracted from hemp seeds which do not produce the compounds.
You can use hemp extract topically to improve the health of your skin or take hempseed oil orally with food or as a supplement.
Is CBD Oil Right For Me?
Most people tolerate CBD well and overall it is safe to use, although negative side effects such as fatigue and digestive issues are possible. Some research indicates that consuming CBD with high-fat meals may increase CBD concentrations in the blood, and produce more side effects.
Talk to your doctor before starting CBD if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have pre-existing medical conditions, or if you already takes OTC medications, prescriptions, or supplements. In fact, it’s smart for anyone to talk to a healthcare provider before starting a CBD regimen. CBD may interact with medications, including cholesterol drugs that interact with grapefruit.
Especially if you have any allergies, always read the ingredient list of any new product. If drug testing is a serious worry, avoid taking CBD products since it’s still possible for full-spectrum CBD oil products to show up on a drug test as they contain trace amounts of THC.
CBD is legal in most parts of the US for those at least 18 years old, but this isn’t true everywhere. Check local laws before buying CBD, especially when you’re buying online and you’ll need the seller to ship to you.
What Do CBD Drops Do?
Researchers are still confirming the range of benefits of CBD oil tinctures. Track your progress, because results vary. To see the effects over time, keep notes in a journal or an app.
Benefits of CBD Drops
Research shows that CBD drops may be able to help treat stress, relieve sleep issues, and soothe pain. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has found that cannabinoid-based drugs may help treat anxiety, appetite and weight loss from HIV or AIDS, chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, and sleeping problems, among other issues.
CBD for Sleep and Anxiety
A case study from 2019 on CBD, anxiety, and sleep found that almost 80% of participants who took 25 milligrams of CBD oil in capsule form every day for one month reported improved sleep and reduced anxiety. Another CBD study from 2019 found that participants who took 300 milligrams of CBD oil every day for four weeks reported significantly decreased social anxiety scores.
An additional analysis of results from 8 studies on CBD and anxiety found that taking CBD every day in doses between 6 milligrams and 400 milligrams is an effective alternative anxiety treatment.
CBD for Pain
Research shows that the CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, found mostly in the tissues and cells of the nervous system, can help manage pain and slow chronic inflammation in the body due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2018 study on multiple sclerosis and CBD found that CBD reduced fatigue, spasticity, and pain for some patients. Different research also found that CBD might effectively treat other forms of chronic pain, and neuropathic pain in particular. However, as always, before you start taking CBD drops for pain, consult a healthcare provider.
How Does CBD Work in the Body?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) controls the release of compounds, regulates the body, and manages bodily systems. Natural cannabinoids in the body bind to CB1 receptors to assist with this regulation, similar to how THC, CBD, and other plant-based cannabinoids work. This is why CBD is so effective for managing mood, sleep, and pain for so many people.
CBD works indirectly in the ECS by inhibiting anandamide inactivation. Anandamide, a neurotransmitter, can improve mood by prompting the release of serotonin. This is why many people use broad-spectrum CBD oil and full-spectrum hemp products to reduce anxiety and stress.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD are among hundreds of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBD drops are made with CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, or full-spectrum CBD. More on all three below.
But for now, full-spectrum CBD products retain the whole cannabis plant and its components‚ such as vitamins, smaller organic molecules called terpenes, and other cannabinoids—including trace amounts of THC. Research indicates that it may be more beneficial to health to combine cannabinoids and terpenes than to use isolated plant compounds.
A 2018 study on breast cancer cell cultures showed that THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes taken together had combined anti-tumor effects that were superior to those of pure THC. Similarly, a 2018 meta-analysis found that CBD-rich extracts produced better therapeutic effects and fewer side effects compared to extracts that contained only CBD.
How to Choose the Best CBD Drops
Despite their ubiquity, CBD products are not all the same, and because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate over-the-counter CBD products, you should shop with care.
Only buy CBD oil from reputable, transparent brands with detailed websites. Avoid online marketplaces, especially Amazon—at least until they overhaul the platform and permit CBD product sales officially. For now, due to existing rules, CBD products on Amazon are likely fake.
Make sure there are no pending lawsuits or warning letters from the FDA against the brand you are considering. And check the product ingredients closely for both allergens and beneficial added ingredients.
It’s essential to confirm testing and quality control. The best CBD products come with up-to-date, comprehensive certificates of analysis (COAs) from reputable labs. This COA from third-party lab testing will reveal THC and CBD levels and testing for contaminants such as solvents, mold, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Type of CBD
There are three types of CBD extracts available:
● CBD isolate is only pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids, isolated from the industrial hemp plant.
● Broad-spectrum CBD retains all cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant except THC, such as CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN. There is no trace of THC in broad-spetrum CBD products.
● Full-spectrum CBD products retain the components of the whole cannabis plant and its terpene and cannabinoid profile, including THC and all other naturally occurring cannabinoids.
As explained elsewhere, research indicates that cannabinoids like THC and CBD used together produce the entourage effect, so they may be more effective combined rather than singly.
The best full-spectrum CBD oil brands also offer chlorophyll, flavonoids, fatty acids, fiber, proteins, and terpenes and other plant nutrients. Full-spectrum formulations often achieve higher potencies thanks to these natural combinations.
Hemp Source
US-grown, organic hemp is ideal. All US-grown cannabis, whatever its intended use, is subject to strict agricultural regulations as well as purity and safety standards that control cannabis planting, harvesting, and manufacturing. This includes hemp. Natural and organic farming processes produce plant products that are less likely to retain pesticides and other chemicals.
Extraction Method
The extraction method affects the environment and how likely solvents and other residue are to occur in the final product. CO2 extraction and alcohol extraction are the best for producing potent, pure CBD products and the most environmentally friendly.
Affordable Price
Find the most affordable CBD drops and compare prices by dividing the cost of the product by the total amount of CBD in each bottle to find the per milligram cost of CBD.
Other Ingredients
One of the best ways to find the CBD drops that are right for you is to look at other ingredients. Many brands add other ingredients to CBD drops for flavor, consistency, and extra health benefits. This is another reason why the accessibility of complete ingredient lists is so important.
If the taste or dietary uses are in your goals, look for natural essential oils like lemon or peppermint. Some brands even create more complex tastes like mixed berries, vanilla orange, or mint chocolate using natural flavors and other organic ingredients. Or if added health benefits is more your goal, look for added botanicals or vitamins with known health benefits such a vitamin E or aloe vera.
Lab Testing and Certifications
A robust regimen of third-party lab testing happens for high-quality CBD products before they ever see the public, and trustworthy sellers make those results easily accessible online and print them on their packaging. Brands that earn one or more of these certifications are most recommended:
● Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification
● National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification
● U.S. Hemp Authority certification
Although the FDA does not regulate the safety, effectiveness, or quality of OTC CBD products, when CBD companies make unfounded health claims, they take action to protect public health. Ensure any company you’re considering is pushing only quality products by looking for letters against them from the FDA.
How to Take CBD Drops
Shake the bottle before each use to achieve an even dose and the right consistency. Using the graduated dropper place the CBD drops under your tongue. For maximum absorption, hold them under your tongue for at least 30 seconds before swallowing.
Follow your doctor’s instructions or the manufacturer’s recommended dose. Start low and go slow, as they always say. Be sure to talk with your doctor before you make any changes in dosage.
Individual factors such as body chemistry, body weight, intended use, and metabolism affect which CBD serving sizes and doses are right for the person. You can increase your dose and/or frequency over time until you get the results you want.
Keep at least 4 to 6 hours between doses. Take CBD any time, and before bed to enhance sleep.
Typically, CBD produces effects in 30 to 90 minutes. It is also possible to consume your CBD drops in your food, but this might take it longer to absorb. It may take several weeks for full results of a daily CBD regimen to show.
Store CBD drops away from heat and out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Close the cap tightly after each use. Do not place your mouth on the dropper which contaminates it. You can prolong shelf life by refrigerating CBD drops, but it is not usually necessary.
CBD is also comes in the forms of gummies and capsules, and infused into salves, lotions, balms, and other skincare products. Details like dosing vary depending on the form your CBD products come in.
Side Effects
Some people experience mild side effects from CBD, typically from excessive doses, that may include reduced appetite, nausea, fatigue, irritability, dry mouth, and diarrhea. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers CBD safe.
CBD can interact negatively with certain prescription drugs, so talk to your doctor before adding CBD to your routine if you take other medications, even over the counter.
Final Thoughts
There’s no time like the present to add CBD drops to your wellness routines, and these five brands are a great place to start! We hope our look at the best CBD drops to use in 2022 has been informative. The convenience of CBD drops along with the range of choices makes it a great way to try CBD. Which kind do you like best?
