At this point, we’ve all heard about cannabidiol, or CBD, and how it can make our lives better.

From chronic pain to sleep deprivation, it sometimes seems as though CBD could be the answer to everything.

And while no substance could possibly treat every disorder and ailment known to man, we’re starting to learn that CBD might come pretty close.

As a substance that’s remarkably versatile, CBD may help with a number of issues, especially those related to inflammation and chronic pain.

However, this is just the beginning of CBD oil’s benefits. Besides chronic pain, CBD may also help manage issues related to lack of sleep, anxiety, depression, and even trouble focusing.In this article, we’re sharing our top-recommended CBD oil tinctures in 2021, specifically for chronic pain, anxiety, sleep, and focus.

 But first, let’s take an in-depth look into what CBD is, and exactly how it can help us live a happier, healthier life.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound that’s found in cannabis. Now, before you start to question CBD’s legal status, it’s important to understand that not all cannabis plants are the kind we associate with marijuana

When we’re talking about the cannabis that CBD comes from, we’re almost always referring to industrial hemp, also known as Cannabis sativa, and more than anything, it’s known for producing materials and textiles, like rope, fabric, and even housing materials!

Industrial hemp is naturally quite low in THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is known for its psychoactive effects that get users high. However, hemp is naturally abundant in CBD.

And while CBD and THC have a few key differences, they’re closely related. In fact, they’re both part of the same group of compounds, which are known as cannabinoids. There are actually over 100 cannabinoids, and many of them possess their own unique properties, but CBD and THC remain the hottest topics (at least for now).

CBD can be extracted from hemp. And once extracted, it can be infused into a number of different products, including oil tinctures.

And as mentioned before, hemp doesn’t just contain CBD, and there are different levels at which hemp is extracted.

CBD’s extraction can be either an isolate, which is just CBD, full-spectrum, which is all of hemp’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and broad-spectrum, which contains all of the compounds in full-spectrum, except for THC. Besides the seizure medication Epidiolex, CBD products haven’t been formally evaluated by theFood and Drug Administration (FDA). If you’re considering taking CBD oil, consult a medical professional to determine whether it’s a safe option for you.

What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil?

So by now, you might be wondering: if CBD oil won’t get me high, what can it do?

It’s true that CBD oil is a non-impairing compound, and any CBD products up for retail must legally contain less than 0.3% THC.Above all, the effects of CBD oil that you should notice will be symptom relief.

While research is still limited, it’s been shown that CBD oil may help with symptoms related to a number of ailments, including chronic and acute pain, epilepsy and seizures, anxiety and insomnia. CBD may even help some individuals retain a better sense of focus (more on this later).

CBD Oil & The Endocannabinoid System

So how does CBD oil work, and how is it so useful for so many ailments?

While CBD’s functions still aren’t fully understood, it’s been theorized that it has a unique relationship with a system in our bodies known as the endocannabinoid system. 

The endocannabinoid system is a series of receptors, enzymes and endocannabinoids that work together to manage key functions of the body, including stress, emotional response, pain, and sleep.

There’s still much to uncover about the endocannabinoid system, but we know that it sends signals with endocannabinoids, which are made by the body. Endocannabinoids are fundamentally very similar to cannabinoids in cannabis, particularly CBD.

And so, the theory behind CBD is that when it enters our bodies, it is attached to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, creating a special kind of influence on the way it affects us.

For instance, pain is reduced when the inflammatory response is inhibited as CBD influences the release of cytokines in the blood, while it may also also reduce the production of cortisol, AKA, “the stress hormone,” which is largely responsible for the stress response.

Later in this guide, we’ll discuss more in depth how CBD oil tinctures can help ease chronic painand anxiety, while honing better focus in the day, and better sleep at night. 

But first, let’s clear up some confusion surrounding CBD tincture oils.

CBD Tinctures vs CBD Oils

So, you might have noticed that some CBD products are labeled “tinctures,” while others are called “oils,” some are even called “tincture oils,” but all of them seem to look the same: tiny little bottles with a squeezable dropper.

So what’s the difference between CBD tinctures and CBD oils?

A CBD oil, or tincture oil, is a CBD extract that’s blended into a carrier oil, while a CBD tincture is a CBD extract suspended in high-proof alcohol.  While alcohol-based tinctures have a much longer shelf life than CBD oils, they typically taste extremely bitter and can make up to 70 percent alcohol.

Also note that CBD oil tinctures may also be referred to as “hemp oils,” which usually indicates that you’re dealing with full-spectrum hemp oil, which contains not only CBD, but all of the plant’s naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

However, it’s generally best to steer clear of hemp seed oil. 

While hemp seed oil is a great source of healthy fats and nutrients, it’s very low in CBD since it’s derived from the seeds. Hemp oil that’s rich in CBD will come mostly from hemp’s leaves, stems and flowers.

Side Effects of CBD Oil

So what are the side effects of CBD oil tinctures?

Generally speaking, CBD is well-tolerated by most people, and side effects in CBD oil appear to be quite rare.

Nonetheless, side effects do occasionally occur, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, reduction in appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. However, this appears to be more common when too high a dose is taken, and it’s one of the biggest reasons why proper dosing is essential.

It’s also important to note that CBD may cause adverse drug interactions, especially with medications like beta blockers, blood thinners, seizure medications, and certain painkillers. If you are on any kind of prescription drug, and plan to take CBD, make sure to speak with your physician about your potential risks.

How to Dose CBD Oil

When it comes to CBD oil tinctures, the dosage is going to be a major factor. Take too much CBD, and you may experience side effects, plus you can build a tolerance faster.But take too little, and you might not even feel anything!
So how to determine CBD oil dosage?Ultimately, there is no universal CBD oil dosage, since there is no universal type of human. Everyone is different, and will have different needs based on their body chemistry, weight, metabolism, and reason for taking CBD oil.However, there is a go-to rule of thumb with any CBD product: always start out low and work your way up.

20-40 mg tends to be a solid starting range; 20 mg may be most suited for those looking to

relax, while 40 mg is better for those trying to treat chronic pain.
If the dosage still feels too low after a week, try increasing the dosage by 3-5 mg, and continue
to do so on a weekly basis until you start to feel an improvement in your symptoms.

Things to Consider Before Buying a CBD Oil

Rest assured that we did not choose our favorite CBD oils at random. Careful research and thought was put into each choice.

That being said, it’s important to us that our readers have a glimpse into our thought process when we consider the best CBD oils for 2021:

  • Where Was The Hemp Sourced?
  • When it comes to a CBD oil tincture’s quality, the hemp source is going to say a lot, as will the plant’s cultivation and extraction methods. While some growers may use non-GMO methods, others go to great lengths to avoid pesticides and herbicides for an organic crop.
  • Type of Extraction
  • People tend to be especially confused about the different types of CBD oil tinctures out there. There’s CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD.

    Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all of hemp’s naturally occurring compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This includes THC, but all CBD products must legally keep their THC under 0.3%.

    Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all of hemp’s naturally occurring compounds except for THC.

    CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD oil, where CBD is the only hemp-derived compound present.

  • Potency
  • When a CBD oil tincture has a higher CBD content, that means it’s potent. And while potent CBD oils tend to be more expensive with each concentration, your product is likely to last a lot longer and it allows for more flexible dosing.

  • Third-Party Lab Testing
  • Any CBD oil company worth your time and money should conduct third-party testing on every batch of their CBD. This is when an independent, un-affiliated lab is hired to analyze the CBD from a brand for quality, possible side effects, and any potential contaminants in the soil.

    Companies who conduct third-party testing should also back up their results with a certificate of analysis for each batch, which should be readily available on the CBD company’s website.

  • Company Reputation
  • It’s no surprise that the best CBD oils tinctures come from the companies with the best ratings. These are the companies that offer a quality selection of CBD oil tinctures at a wide range of potencies. The best CBD oil tincture sellers also tend to have friendly, knowledgeable customer service reps that can help you find the right products for your needs, and they can guide you through the motions if something goes wrong.

    Best CBD Oils for Chronic Pain

    Millions of Americans suffer from sort of chronic pain, from fibromyalgia, to arthritis, to an old injury.

    It’s no surprise, then, that chronic pain relief is one of the biggest reasons people buy CBD oil tinctures. But how does CBD oil help with pain?

    For starters, it’s important to understand that CBD has extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties, and so many cases of chronic pain and illness are inflammatory by nature.

    Looking through a more specific lens, CBD has been confirmed in clinical studies to reduce levels of cytokines in the body, which cause inflammation, as well as inhibit certain actions of T-cells to reduce pain.

    And while it’s still not fully understood how CBD treats pain and inflammation, it’s widely theorized that this has a great deal to do with the endocannabinoid system. 

    To refresh from earlier, the endocannabinoid system is a series of receptors, enzymes, and transmitters that work together to maintain functions in the body like mood, stress, pain, appetite, and sleep. The endocannabinoid system sends messages through transmitters known as cannabinoids, which is what CBD is. It’s been theorized that when CBD enters the body, it is absorbed by CB1 receptors and influences the endocannabinoid system from there.Consequently, CBD may be able treat the symptoms of chronic pain conditions such as:

    • Arthritis
    • Back pain
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Migraines
    • Osteoarthritis
  • NuLeaf
  • As a company founded in 2014, NuLeaf CBD is acknowledged as one of the veteran brands in CBD. And with years of experience and proprietary genetics, NuLeaf has cultivated an exceptionally concentrated CBD oil tincture with a full-spectrum profile.

    Due to their high potency, NuLeaf is a crowd favorite for those with chronic pain, yet they’ve still managed to keep their prices impressively affordable. On top of that, they offer an impressive range of 300-6,000 mg, so there is truly an option for everyone.

    Every one of their products undergo third-party lab testing, and their facilities are in line with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certifications, ensuring that their products are freeof pesticides and heavy metals.

  • FAB CBD
  • Fab CBD is a company known for offering full-spectrum CBD oil tinctures that are both potent for all of your chronic pain needs, and downright delightful to enjoy. With flavors like berry, vanilla, citrus and mint, Fab CBD gives users the option to avoid hemp’s natural flavor, which simply doesn’t appeal to everyone.  And while there is still a fair aftertaste to these oils, the flavors certainly enhance them.

    Fab CBD is beloved as a brand that’s both simplistic and versatile: while their products are carefully curated and easy to navigate, customers use them for everything from chronic pain management to stress relief.

    And while Fab CBD is still a fairly new company, it’s abundantly clear that they’re not just here to cash out on the CBD industry; rather, they’re in it for the long haul.

    Fab CBD keeps their work transparent to the public by freely offering all reports on extraction, third-party testing, and manufacturing processes.

    Fab CBD sources their hemp from Colorado, which is grown organically, pesticide-free, and non-GMO, and their potencies range from 300 mg at $39 to 2400 mg at $129. They also offer free shipping for orders over $89, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

  • Lazarus Naturals
  • Lazarus has garnered wide acclaim as a CBD company with a dedication for quality products that are highly accessible to the public.
    Like almost every CBD company, Lazarus Naturals claims on their “About Us” page that their mission is to make CBD available for everyone, but they truly walk the walk. For starters, their CBD oils, which come in both full-spectrum and THC-free options, are made with organic, Oregon-grown hemp.

    Their CBD oil tinctures come in a range of 15 mL bottles containing 750 mg (at only $24) up to 120 mL containing 6,000 mg (at $120). On top of that, they offer their CBD oil tinctures in an array of flavors we haven’t seen anywhere else, like Yuzu, French Vanilla Mocha, Blood Orange, Mango Pineapple, and Chocolate.

    But perhaps what makes Lazarus so exceptionally appealing for chronic pain sufferers is their special assistance program, which offers a 60% discount to veterans, individuals with disabilities, and low-income households.

    Best CBD Oils for Anxiety

    Normally, anxiety occurs in stressful or unfamiliar situations, such as a new job or a presentation in front of an audience.

    But for people with anxiety disorders, anxiety may occur unexpectedly, and accompanied with symptoms such as nightmares, panic attacks, and excessive worrying. Anxiety can be highly debilitating, and it can make even some of the simplest tasks feel daunting beyond belief.

    While it’s important to seek out professional help for mental health conditions, CBD has been shown in clinical studies to help with anxiety disorders while promoting a sense of calm.

  • JustCBD
  • Founded in 2017, JustCBD aims to provide high-quality CBD products at reasonable prices. Additionally, the team works hard to be transparent about the company’s process and manufacturing practices. On the website, you can find a detailed list of ingredients, as well as third-party Certificates of Analysis for each product. 

    JustCBD offers a wide range of products including gummies, vapes, edibles, pet care products, skincare products, and more. 

    However, the CBD oils are the brand’s staples. You can opt for the full-spectrum CBD oil or go for one of the two flavor options — coconut or hemp seed oil — if looking for a broad-spectrum CBD oil. 

    The oils are available in one size of 30ml bottle and six different strengths: 50mg, 100mg, 250mg, 550mg, 1000mg, 1500mg. They are manufactured using a unique formula that is fast-acting and potent. You’ll need only one dropper to unwind and feel relaxed. 

    Headquartered in the US, JustCBD ships worldwide and offers a 30-day return policy.

  • CBDistillery
  • CBDDistillery believes that everyone should have access to CBD, but more than this, they believe that customers deserve the CBD oil that works best for them. That’s why they offer their CBD oil tinctures in a number of different formulations and extractions, like their full-spectrum blends, their broad-spectrum blends, their CBD isolates, and CBD/CBG formulations. They even have CBD oils for pets!

    CBDistillery also goes the extra mile on quality, as well: on top of sourcing organic hemp from Colorado, which is CO2 extracted, CBDistillery’s products are also certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority. And of course, each batch is third-party tested by an independent lab.

  • Cheef Botanicals
  • While Cheef Botanicals itself is a fairly new company that was founded in 2019, it was created under experience guidance. Cheef’s founders are long-time cannabis enthusiats with over 25 years of experience in the food industry, and they’ve backed up their passion for hemp with some of the most potent CBD oils on the market.

    With the sourcing of hemp from experienced, Colorado-based farms, Cheef Botanicals has created a line of CBD oil tinctures in a range of 300-3,000 mg, and they even come in a series of value packs for a better bang for your buck.

    And when it comes to their products, Cheef Botanicals is particularly noted for their transparency and honesty, and their lab testing reports are readily available under their “Why Cheef?” tab. Additionally, they also offer a wealth of information on CBD, such as how to take it and what to do when shopping CBD oils for the first time.

    Cheef Botanicals also pledges to create products that are completely vegan, organic, and free of harmful additives. All orders in the United States come with free shipping, and Cheef offers all customers a 30-day money back guarantee.

    Best CBD Oils for Better Sleep

    A growing number of people are turning to CBD to help them get a better night’s sleep.

    We’ve all had a night of tossing & turning here and there, and whether it’s an issue related to lifestyle, or a severe condition such as insomnia, trouble with sleep is a highly prevalent issue inthe United States.

    According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over 70 million Americans suffer from some sort of sleep disorder, and consistently poor sleep can lead to a plethora of other disorders, not to mention lower productivity and weakened cognitive function.

    More and more people are finding that CBD can be helpful for promoting a good night’s sleep, and research shows that CBD may help with a number of sleep related disorders including insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, and hypersomnia.

    And based on anecdotal evidence, it’s also been suggested that CBD works well in tandem withmelatonin to help prepare the body for rest.

  • Royal CBD
  • Royal CBD is another rare company that actually commits to their ideology, which is clear in the way that they only use premium ingredients, and they’ve created a CBD oil that tastes so clean and light, it’s hard to believe that it’s full-spectrum hemp.

    When Royal CBD was created in 2018, they only sold THC-free gummies and full-spectrum CBD oils. The following year, they quickly expanded to CBD topicals and capsules. To this day, they now offer CBD honey sticks and CBD for pets! And it doesn’t look like they’ll stop growing anytime soon; they only continue to add more products every few months, which are always created with organic, Colorado-grown hemp, which is sourced via CO2 extraction for a pure, residue-free product.
    And if you thought Royal CBD is one of those companies that just presents itself as a luxury brand with high-end packaging, think again: not only are their products potent, but they stay transparent with their manufacturing processes and formulations through frequent reports.

    Royal CBD offers free shipping on all orders, and they offer a standard 30-day return policy

  • HempBombs
  • HempBombs is an especially popular CBD brand with a specialty for CBD extracts that are 99%pure, and you can buy them as oil tinctures, vape oils, capsules, or gummies.

    HempBombs is a little different from the rest of these companies because they actually source their hemp from European farms, but we’re willing to make an exception on this one; the hemp is sourced from organic farms and CO2 extracted for the utmost purity, and it’s plain to see that their oils are high-quality.

    HempBombs’ CBD oil is also different from most of these companies because they primarily offer oils with 0 THC, which makes it especially appealing to those who wish to completely avoidTHC altogether. 

    However, these CBD oils are still highly potent, which is especially helpful to those seeking the ultimate sleep support. Currently, they offer a range from 300 to 4,000 mg per bottle, and they’reknown to deliver on some exceptionally tasty flavors like Orange Creamsicle, Acai Berry, Watermelon, and Chocolate Mint, as well as their Natural Hemp flavor.

  • Joy Organics
  • Joy Organics is a family business started by Joy Smith, who had had her own tried and true experience with CBD for her struggles with sleep, and other health-related issues.

    For those who seek the experience of the entourage effect, but wish to avoid THC altogether, Joy Organics makes a great option, since all of their CBD oils are broad-spectrum. Joy Organics uses CO2 extraction to source their CBD from organic hemp grown in Colorado, and they come in a range of 4 different potencies.

    Now, before we go into the potency range, note that Joy Organics lists their potencies a little differently: rather than list the amount per bottle at the top, they state the amount per serving. 

    And while this might cause some confusion initially, it may be a much more straightforward way for some to dose their CBD, especially if you’ve ever struggled to calculate the amount of CBD in a 30 mL dropper.

    That being said, Joy Organics’ CBD oil tinctures come in the following potencies:

    • 15 mg/serving (450 mg/bottle)
    • 30 mg/serving (900 mg/bottle)
    • 45 mg/serving (1350 mg/bottle)
    • 75 mg/serving (2250 mg/bottle)

    Joy Organics offers their CBD oils in a particularly summery spread, with flavors such as Summer Lemon, Orange Bliss, Tranquil Mint, and their natural option.

    Best CBD Oils for Focus

    Are there days where caffeine just doesn’t cut it?

    Maybe you’re done with the jitters that come with your second (and third) cup of coffee, or maybe you’d like to cut it out altogether.

    A lot of us are now taking our work and classes home, and amidst so many other changes, it can be a major shift for many people. And of course, this is especially true for those who’ve noticed that they tend to struggle with focusing on their own.

    And while there’s little research on the subject, CBD might actually help some individuals focus better. This is little understood why, but it’s been theorized that CBD works by reducing hyperactivity and stabilizing energy levels, improving overall focus.

    And while CBD is certainly known for possessing calming properties in a way that’s similar to THC, it won’t make you feel groggy or sleepy, so it’s perfect for both early-morning crunch times and late-night study sessions.

  • CBD Essence
  • CBD Essence was created by husband and wife duo Don Ballou and Suzie Salah after their many combined years of experience in the health & wellness sector. 

    Believing that CBD was their true calling in wellness, Ballou and Salah left their day jobs to focus on small-batch CBD products with a premium background.

    CBD Essence is especially unique because they refine their full spectrum oils over a period of 6 years, resulting in a formula that’s remarkably absorptive.

    These CBD oil tinctures come in a potency range of 300-2400 mg, and offer flavors like Cinnamon, Vanilla, Peppermint, Mango, Grape, and Lemon, and each product has the certificate of analysis from a third-party lab on their page.

  • Spruce
  • Spruce CBD is a family-owned business with an emphasis for highly-concentrated, full-spectrum, all-natural CBD oils that feature wholesome, plant-based ingredients that make customers happy.
    Currently, Spruce offers three categories of CBD products with streamlined varieties. But when it comes to maintaining focus, we especially recommend the 2400 mg oil, which has the essential minerals and potency levels to give your mind the jumpstart it’s waiting for.

    Spruce sources their CBD from large, organic farms based in the U.S. through CO2 extraction, creating an oil tincture that absorbs quickly. Spruce is also exceptionally thorough with their testing; not only do they conduct third-party testing, but also their local manufacturing lab

  • Green Roads
  • Green Roads is known as one of the most legitimate brands on the market. Not only have they been around since 2012, but it’s certified by a licensed pharmacist, as well!

    This long-beloved CBD company offers an ever-changing, truly vast range of products, includinga spa collection, CBD chocolate & coffee, and CBD for pets, but their CBD oil tinctures are exceptionally classic.

    Their CBD oil tinctures are quite varied, available in both broad and full-spectrum extractions at a range of 300-1500 mg. Flavors include their natural option, as well as Apple Kiwi Bliss and Mint Breeze.

    Green Roads’ CBD oils are both potent and made with high-quality, organic ingredients that are non-GMO, CO2-extracted, and tested by a third-party lab. And as a highly potent CBD oil, Green Roads’s 1500 mg CBD oil is a great choice for mental clarity.

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