The human relationship with cannabis is centuries old. But CBD’s popularity seems to have cropped up overnight. CBD products now come in a variety of forms, from oils and tinctures to vegan gummies, products for pet anxiety, and skincare. It’s been picked up by wellness magnate Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop, singer Willie Nelson, and four-time NBA champion John Salley.
But, what actually is CBD?
Its similarities to the more-famous marijuana plant have caused some confusion as to what it is, how it works, and whether or not it’s even legal The good news is CBD won’t get you high like marijuana and it’s not unlawful to use.
But first, here’s a more in-depth explanation of the plant that’s getting national attention.
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound in the cannabis plant that’s proliferated the wellness industry over the past couple of years. Its more famous cousin, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the part of the plant that gets you high. Both share similar effects, though. Consumers are attracted to CBD for its benefits, which range from alleviating anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia to treating post-workout and chronic aches and pains. The added bonus is that hemp-derived CBD can be used freely while states decide on marijuana legalization. The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill last December removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and legalized it for industrial growth, allowing states to grow it for the first time in 50 years.
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Big-name chains now stock CBD — and you may have noticed that some bottles are labeled “full-spectrum.”
CBD is just one of 120 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum CBD products contain hundreds of these cannabinoids. More research is still needed to fully understand the benefits, but it’s believed that full-spectrum CBD can effectively give a sense of calm, target soreness, and contribute to overall wellness.
Many CBD oils come with a third-party lab analysis that breaks down the CBD, THC (CBD contains only trace amounts at 0.3 percent), cannabinoids, and terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbons that are synthesized by the cannabis plant. There are about 140 kinds of terpenes found in the cannabis plant, but there are 20,000 in existence.
Terpenes give marijuana its strong smell, and they’re also the reason behind the unique aroma of pine trees, the bright scent of citrus fruits, and the relaxing effects of lavender. They also act as neurotransmitters, according to Medical Jane. Studies have shown that terpenes can enhance or downplay the effect of cannabinoids, such as increasing dopamine activity or acting as serotonin uptake inhibitors. But, more research is needed to fully understand their effects and how they can be used to treat other medical conditions.
CBD’s popularity just keeps climbing, with new products hitting the market monthly. Here are nine recommendations for vegan CBD oils.
1. PlusCBD™️ Oil
This CBD-Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray from PlusCBD™️ Oil is an easy way to get your daily CBD. It’s formulated with CBD oil made from agricultural hemp grown in Europe using EU-certified hemp seeds, plus high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
CBD has been shown to help calm nerves and relieve an overactive mind, but according to the brand, it comes with additional health benefits as well. All it takes is a quick spritz to deliver a full spectrum of hemp nutrients, including other cannabinoids, fatty acids, and naturally occurring vitamin E. As opposed to THC, there’s no worry of CBD making you high. The 1-ounce bottle contains 100mg of full-spectrum CBD and the 2-ounce has 500 mg. PlusCBD™️ Oil uses a CO2 and chemical-free extraction process that’s safe for the environment.
It comes Unflavored, or you can choose Peppermint or Cafe Mocha for a burst of flavor — whichever suits your taste buds. Flavors are sweetened with monk fruit, a natural sweetener that’s calorie-free. The convenient spray bottle also makes it easy to take on the go.
PlusCBD™️ Oil is the number one selling CBD brand, according to data from wellness-focused data technology firm SPINS. It’s vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and US Hemp Authority Certified. CV Sciences maintains a high standard for quality and tests its CBD products for potency at a third-party lab. All PlusCBD Oil is free from pesticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbiological contamination.
Check it out here.
2. Foria Wellness
Foria’s Basics Tonic is ideal for daily use. The vegan tincture is made with broad-spectrum CBD derived from sustainably sun-grown U.S. hemp. The brand blends it with sustainable, organic MCT coconut oil.
It’s free from pesticides, preservatives, solvents, heavy metals, and additives. The final product is also tested for purity through a third-party lab. Foria also offers “arousal oils,” vape pens, and supplements for menstrual relief infused with CBD or THC.
Check it out here.
3. Rosebud CBD
Rosebud sources its hemp from a small, sustainable, pesticide-free organic farm in Oregon. It comes in three varieties — 350mg, 700mg, and 1000mg –each blended with organic MCT oil. It’s safe to use orally or topically.
Products are tested for potency and terpene profile by the batch at an independent third-party lab. Rosebud CBD is grown, extracted, and bottled in the same facility.
Check it out here.
4. Two Cranes
Attune by Two Cranes is an organic, full-spectrum CBD oil derived from sun-grown hemp harvested in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It’s third-party tested for purity and potency, blended with organic MCT oil, and contains 725mg CBD to help alleviate stress, insomnia, and post-workout aches and pains.
Two Cranes is a K-beauty inspired brand founded by identical twin sisters, Susun Chung and Hanna Yi. One percent of the profits are donated to a charity that aligns with their company ethos, such as Global Orphan Prevention.
Check it out here.
5. cbdMD
cbdMD makes oils, tinctures, vegan gummies, and pet products using U.S.-grown hemp. Like other brands, all CBD products are tested by a third-party lab for purity and potency, whose results are available online. The brand closely monitors all stages of production and prides itself on making effective CBD for consumers.
cbdMD visited three continents, 14 countries, and eight states before settling on a farm. According to the brand, the soil composition, climate, and growing standards yield high-quality hemp plants.
Check it out here.
6. Fab CBD
Made with organically-grown and lab-tested Colorado hemp, Fab CBD produces vegan CBD oils, chews, and topicals. According to the brand mission, the company has more than 25 years of experience in the health, fitness, and supplement industries. Every product is tested through a third-party lab, which breaks down the unique blend of cannabinoids and terpenes. Its oils come in five flavors: Natural, Berry, Vanilla, Mint, and Citrus.
Check it out here.
7. High Falls Hemp
Upstate New York-based High Falls Hemp was founded by Rick and Tricia Weissman as a passion product after they experienced the benefits of hemp. Its sister company, High Falls Agriculture, is research partner of the New York State Department of Agriculture. The brand cultivates high-quality CBD hemp in the hamlet of High Falls, New York. Products include vegan CBD tinctures, pet tinctures, lotion, and softgels.
Check it out here.
8. S.O.L.
S.O.L. was founded by two entrepreneurs who both experienced the benefits of CBD as a natural remedy for anxiety and other health issues. The company makes CBD oil, CBD-infused water, and beauty products including clay masks, moisturizers, and body care. All products are cruelty-free, vegan, and formulated without pesticides, artificial dyes, and perfumes.
S.O.L. uses full-spectrum, U.S.-grown hemp in all of its products.
Check it out here.
9. Shea Brand
CBD wellness and beauty company Shea Brand makes vegan CBD oils, roll-ons for headache and menstrual cramps, and salves to relieve pain. The New York-based brand sources the hemp for its CBD oil from sustainable Colorado farms. It offers full-spectrum hemp oil, so terpenes and antioxidants are left intact.
Shea Brand products are cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and are made with recyclable packaging.
Check it out here.
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