Top-rated Full-Spectrum CBD Oils: 8 Reviewed Options for the Year 2025
CBD oil, derived from the cannabis plant, has gained significant attention for its potential benefits in managing pain, anxiety, and sleep problems. Full-spectrum CBD oils, in particular, are praised for their synergistic effects, known as the "entourage effect." This effect is attributed to the combination of CBD with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the oil, enhancing its therapeutic impact [1][4][5].
However, full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive component, up to 0.3%. While this amount is generally non-intoxicating for most, it can cause psychoactive effects in sensitive users and may show up on drug tests [1][2][3][5]. Side effects from full-spectrum CBD may include fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, dry mouth, drowsiness, potential drug interactions, especially with medications that have a grapefruit warning, and concerns about liver injury and reproductive effects [1][2][3][5].
For these reasons, it's essential to follow the instructions on the packaging to determine how often and how much to use CBD oil. Additionally, considering what flavor you may prefer and whether you are allergic to any ingredients is advisable.
For CBD beginners, people on other medications, or those avoiding THC, starting with low doses of broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate is often advised before trying full-spectrum oils to assess personal tolerance and avoid unwanted side effects [1][4][5].
Full-spectrum CBD oil products are available in various potencies and at prices that suit a range of budgets. For instance, Cornbread Hemp Whole Flower CBD Oil is USDA-certified organic and available in three strengths. On the other hand, CBDistillery ahhh Distilled Full-Spectrum CBD Oil, 5,000 mg, is high in potency. Joy Organics Full Spectrum CBD Oil, Tropical, is an affordable option, while NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Oil offers multiple strength options.
When ingesting CBD, it can be taken orally, added to food, drinks, or smoothies. Topical application is also an option for pain relief. When applied topically, CBD oil penetrates the skin to access cells and tissue beneath, allowing it to interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system.
It's crucial to buy CBD products from reputable brands and consider the potency, flavors, certifications, price, and your budget when buying CBD oil. For those who want to avoid THC, broad-spectrum or isolate CBD products are available.
While the benefits of full-spectrum CBD are promising, more high-quality research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. The CDC states that scientists still have much to learn about CBD, and a person may wish to speak with a doctor before using CBD [6].
The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws.
It's worth noting that the CDC recommends that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding not use CBD products, as they may harm the fetus [6].
Lastly, when taking CBD oil sublingually, it is absorbed faster than when swallowed. This method allows CBD to bypass the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream more quickly, potentially accelerating its effects.
References:
[1] Russo, E. B. (2019). The therapeutic entourage effect of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol. British Journal of Pharmacology, 178(20), 3668–3678. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.14673
[2] Iffland, K., & Groopman, J. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
[3] Bergamaschi, M. M., Queiroz, R. H., Zuardi, A. W., & Crippa, J. A. S. (2011). Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis Sativa Constituent. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 17(42), 5333–5349. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612717426150526111108
[4] Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18–041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041
[5] Iffland, K., & Groopman, J. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2(1), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). CBD (Cannabidiol) and the Epidiolex Drug Products. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/index.html
- For individuals with autism who are seeking natural alternatives for managing symptoms such as anxiety and sleep problems, CBD, derived from the cannabis plant, might be an option worth considering, given its potential benefits in health-and-wellness and mental-health areas.
- The science surrounding CBD and its impact on sleep is not fully understood, but some research suggests that full-spectrum CBD oils may aid sleep due to the entourage effect, which refers to the synergistic effects of CBD with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
- For fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts, incorporating CBD into their pre- or post-workout routine could potentially reduce inflammation and help with recovery, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.
- It's essential to consult a doctor before starting a CBD regimen, especially for those concerned about drug interactions or potential side effects like fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite, dry mouth, drowsiness, or reproductive concerns, as well as for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
