CBD oil has become ubiquitous. Everywhere you look, from gas stations to juice shops, you can find someone selling CBD (cannabidiol) products.
If you’re a CBD-beginner and you search online for the best CBD oil, you can become quickly overwhelmed. Which products are legitimate and contain the potency the label claims? Which are truly full spectrum CBD oil tinctures, and which are only claiming to be, because of the perceived benefit?
Quick disclaimer: Nothing on this site should be considered medical advice–ALWAYS check with your physician before trying any kind of product and remember that the FDA has not evaluated any information on this website (or on the websites we link to below that sell cbd products). For this post we collaborated with both a medical doctor and a plant scientist to ensure this guide provides the most accurate information possible.
The Best Full Spectrum CBD Oil of 2021
Jump to: My Favorite CBD Tincture – SabaiDee, Super Good Vibes Hemp Extract +1000mg
* Last updated October 26th 2021
The medical information on this page was reviewed by Ankush Patel, MD
The botanical information on this page was reviewed by Kristen Peach, PhD
Our CBD Oil Rating System Explained
Since CBD remains mostly unregulated, it’s essential to know what to look for before you buy CBD products. Every product we mention goes through a rigorous review process.
Here are the main points we look at with every CBD brand we review:
Quality of Product
I want to make sure we’re recommending only the highest-quality CBD products available. This means looking at how a company grows and sources its hemp, what their extraction process looks like, and what other steps they take between planting the seeds and bottling the oil.
Because anyone can create a CBD product and brand it with descriptive labels, we dig deep and spend time giving you information about the difference between terms like:
full spectrum (contains many cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils naturally found in the plant)
broad spectrum (contains many of the same cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils as full spectrum, except for THC),
pure CBD Isolate (contains ONLY cannabidiol a.k.a. CBD)
We explain how cannabinoids and terpenes work and why that might impact which CBD product is the best for you. We’ll also explain why we selected these full spectrum CBD oils in particular.
Value of Each Tincture
It’s important to us that you get the best value for your money. We’ll weigh the cost of every bottle with the quality of the oil and additional benefits. We also evaluate the best ways to save depending on the brand, like buying in bulk or taking advantage of special promotions they offer.
Transparency in Ingredients, Purity, and Phytocannabinoids
Since the CBD industry isn’t legally required to to follow specific regulations or guidelines, we’ve chosen to favor brands that are as transparent as possible and make their information easy to access. We evaluate how much information a brand discloses on their website about their process, their story, and how they publish their third-party lab testing results.
Overall Customer Experience
When you leave our site and go to try a new brand, we want you to continue to have a fantastic experience. We look at how brands interact with and treat their customers. We’ll let you know what you can expect from the overall customer experience, including their return policies, shipping information, and level of customer support.
We don’t make our recommendations lightly. We want CBD to be as accessible as possible to those who need it. We intentionally recommend a range of brands that meet people’s unique needs.
Why do we care? Our team does this because each of our lives has been changed by using one or more of these products. Research into the benefits of Cannabis sativa is ongoing, but individual customer experiences can tell you a lot.
We care about great full spectrum CBD oil because we use it and love it.
So let’s dig in to our picks for the top-rated CBD oil brands.
(Please note that although I may receive an affiliate commission if you visit one of these brands we recommend and make a purchase, I received no compensation to either list or influence the rankings of these particular tinctures, and try to remain as impartial as possible. We stand behind our recommendations).
Rather than try and list 20+ CBD oils and overwhelming you like most sites trying to JUST collect affiliate revenue, I’m only listing the one, best CBD oil I’ve tried. I’ve tried almost every major brand on the market in my time working in the CBD and cannabis industry, and this is the best one I’ve found. Enjoy.
SabaiDee, Super Good Vibes 1000mg+ Organic Hemp Extract
🌟 Our pick for Best All-Around CBD Oil
Quality- 10/10
SabaiDee is a California-based company that locally sources their hemp from responsible farmers in Colorado. They use a proprietary extraction method and purification process to refine their oil before bottling and shipping. The refined oil is then infused into high-end MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil as a medium of delivery.
Recent scanned lab reports of the Super Good Vibes product reveal high levels of CBD, along with Cannabidivarin (CBDV), another non-intoxicating cannabinoid—at about 12mg per 30mL. The report also shows lots of excellent terpenes, including: pinene (α-pinene); myrcene (β-myrcene); eucalyptol, limonene; isopulegol; caryophyllene (β-caryophyllene); humulene (α-humulene); guaiol; and bisabolol (α-bisabolol). While there is some variation in lab reports across batches, SabaiDee aims to keep variation below 10% to maintain maximum consistency.
What do these various cannabinoids and terpenes do for your body? We collected a breakdown for you in a section below, but–spoiler alert!, they offer up a huge range of potential benefits.
Value – 9/10
Their prices range from $48.95 – $249.95, depending on the potency of the oil you choose. The cost of CBD comes to around $0.12 mg, which is a pretty standard cost for many CBD brands. For thrifty shoppers, they offer a Great Vibes Bundle:$135.12 for a two-pack — a great option for the daily CBD user.
Transparency – 10/10
SabaiDee discloses a lot of information about their production process as well as their lab test results. They test every batch of oil in-house before sending it to a third-party lab. They also publish their lab results directly on their website.
Customer Experience – 10/10
One of the things we love about SabaiDee is that for every bottle purchased, they plant a tree in North America. They offer free US shipping and a happiness guarantee on all of their products. If you’re not satisfied, you can always reach out to their team to request a refund via email (hello@getsabaidee.com) or phone: 310.526.3381
Our Favorite All Around CBD Oil Tincture
Looking at the third-party reviews for SabaiDee’s organic CBD-rich hemp extract, its easy to see why it came out on top in our ratings. People love the fresh mint taste, are wild about the speed with which they experience symptom relief, and appreciate the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The reviews show that people take Good Vibes hemp oil for a variety of conditions, from managing anxiety to arthritis, chilling out and de-stressing at the end of a long day, and more.
Quick Summary: Why I Love SabaiDee:
- Made from 100% organic hemp
- High Potency
- Full Spectrum
- Free US Shipping
- Works quickly
- Social give-back program
(use code FULLSPECTRUM for 15% off)
What is CBD Oil?
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound extracted from hemp and cannabis plants. Your body has an endocannabinoid system that works to regulate things like sleep, pain, anxiety, and your immune system. CBD helps those systems to function more effectively. CBD oil is usually made by combining CBD extract with natural ingredients such as coconut oil (or other natural oils) as a method of delivery.
CBD and hemp oil has recently risen in popularity because people want to avoid the psychoactive properties of THC. Most users feel it helps find some relief from migraines, pain relief, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
CBD is also legal in all 50 states, making it an accessible alternative in places where THC is still illegal. CBD vapes have also become a popular method of consumption, but we recommend full spectrum oils as a great place to start, because it is easier to control the amount of CBD being consumed (start small!).
We’ve got a more in-depth post on What is CBD Oil and the effects of CBD here.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Derived from hemp, full spectrum CBD oils typically contain at least trace amounts of THC as well as various other terpenes and cannabinoids. These natural plant components, including CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol) , CBC (cannabichromene) , and CBD (cannabidiol), remain in the extract by design—when the THC is stripped away completely, the other fatty acid components in the plant lose some of their efficacy.
Here are Many of the Minor Cannabinoids Founds in Full Spectrum Tinctures:
CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
Like CBD research, much research on CBDV is focused on seizures. Recent research in mice suggests that CBDV may be able to help treat the genetic Rett syndrome and similar diseases, neurological defects, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and nausea. Additionally, a recent pilot study in humans showed that CBDV may provide some relief for certain individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD),
CBC (Cannabichromene)
Several studies have shown that in mice CBC (cannabichromene) may fight cancer, prevent pain and inflammation, help defend against the oxidative stress caused in the brain by disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, and (in humans) even treat acne.
CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN may be a powerful antibacterial agent against a variety of antibiotic-resistant strains of MRSA (Staphylococcus aureus). CBN may also be an appetite stimulant, a neuroprotectant, an anti-inflammatory, and reduce intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma. Although you may have seen press about CBN having heavy sedative effects, research does not support that claim.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
CBG may also be used to reduce intraocular pressure from glaucoma,and decrease inflammation from inflammatory bowel disease. In mice, CBG has been shown to be neuroprotective against Huntington’s disease, it may help fight colon cancer, work as an antibacterial agent ( including against MRSA), treats cachexia, and prevents the muscle contractions that characterize some bladder dysfunction disorders.
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
CBDA is unusual because most cannabinoids bind directly with either the CB1 or CB2 receptors, but CBDA interacts with the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme—which is associated with inflammation from infection and injury. This is why CBDA relieves pain and inflammation: it blocks COX-2 enzymes. It’s worth noting that aspirin and many other NSAIDS (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen block this enzyme as well. However, these drugs (nonselective NSAIDS) can have unpleasant side effects like ulceration and bleeding that dont exist with CBDA.
CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)
CBGA may help people with diabetes reduce trouble with comorbidities, may assist in regulating metabolism, and may help fight colon cancer.
And additional research suggests that multiple cannabinoids together create the entourage effect which may help treat mood disorders and other issues.
Here Are Some of the Main Terpenes Found in Full Spectrum Oil:
Terpenes are the chemical plant compounds responsible for producing aromas. They have proven therapeutic effects in the human body. Here is a little bit of detail about the most common terpenes found in CBD products.
Myrcene
Myrcene lends fragrance to cardamom, clove, basil, lemongrass, hops, mango, and thyme and may have analgesic (pain relief), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits. The administration of β-myrcene may be a safe alternative treatment for cardiac tissue damage after a stroke.
Limonene
Limonene lends aroma to fruits like grapefruits, limes, oranges, and lemons, as well as plants like mint, rosemary, and juniper. This terpene may relieve anxiety, relieve depression, act as an anti-inflammatory, fight cancer, be neuroprotective against Alzheimer’s disease, and protect the respiratory system.
Caryophyllene
Also found in cinnamon, black pepper, hops, cloves, rosemary, oregano, and other edible herbs and green, leafy vegetables, caryophyllene offers plants hoppy, clove, spicy, peppery, woody, warm, notes. This terpene interacts directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system via the CB2 receptor to treat pain, including chronic pain, as an anti-inflammatory, tissue repair treatment, as a neuroprotective against stroke, as an antibacterial, including for certain resistant strains, and as an antimicrobial.
Caryophyllene also has powerful anti-cancer properties, and may possibly prevent ovarian cancer proliferation, suppress glioblastoma tumors, and contribute to other forms of chemoprevention.
Linalool
Linalool is among the world’s oldest known sleep aids and boasts a host of medical properties. These include anti-anxiety effects, anti-fungal/antimicrobial effects (especially against Candida), antibacterial, both gram positive and gram negative effects, stress relief, anticonvulsant effects, antidepressant effects, insomnia treatment anti-inflammation, anti-asthma, and anti-cancer (colon cancer, and general cancer cell proliferation have both been studied).
Pinene
Pinene is what gives a pine tree or other conifer its distinctive smell, but it’s also what’s behind the aromas of dill, basil, hops, or parsley. Pinene brings a list of therapeutic qualities to the table, including anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, treatment of asthma, topical antiseptic, promotes alertness and short term memory retention, and anti-cancer.
Humulene
Humulene is found most often in hops, and is also present in black pepper, basil, coriander, clove, ginseng, ginger, sage, and some varieties of wood. Humulene offers many benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties, allergy and asthma treatment, and anti-cancer, in several studies, and confirming traditional uses.
Nerolidol
Nerolidol is found in neroli, tea tree, lemongrass, ginger, lavender, jasmine, and other highly fragrant plants. It offers a number of benefits, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, protecting the kidneys from specific injury, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-parasitic, , antimalarial, and antileishmaniasis (destroying protozoa of the genus Leishmania), sedative, and may be an effective treatment for endometriosis. Nerolidol may also improve the performance of topical drugs because it can enhance their penetration.
Bisabolol
Bisabolol is commonly found in German chamomile and the South American candeia tree, and offers numerous benefits, including: anti-inflammatory effects, especially mitigating gastric damage from inflammation, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-parasitic effects, and anti-cancer effects in several studies of different cancers, and neuroprotective effects.
Guaiol
Guaiol, also called champacol, is found in conifers like cypress pine and the Guaiol tree, a tropical guaiacum evergreen. This terpene offers several important benefits: antimicrobial effects, anti-cancer in several studies, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and insect repellant.
Valencene
Unsurprisingly, Valencene can be found in Valencia oranges and other citrus, and offers a number of benefits including anti-inflammatory and treatment of dermatitis.
Phytol
Phytol is ubiquitous in plants as a component and decomposition product of chlorophyll. Phytol is found naturally in both green tea and in cannabis. This terpene is well-studied as an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and for its antinociceptive effects.
Cannabinoids work naturally with the endocannabinoid system that can be found in every mammal. This system is made up of cannabinoid receptors that each person has throughout their brain and body. These receptors promote homeostasis and healing once activated through something called the “entourage effect”. Full spectrum CBD plant extracts can help produce this effect.
The CBD Entourage Effect
When compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis or hemp work together, the reaction is called the entourage effect. The entourage effect allows your body to experience optimal benefits from the hemp or cannabis plant by ingesting all of the terpenes, cannabinoids and other components of the plant.
However, although full-spectrum CBD products and medical marijuana products contain some similar compounds and produce a similar entourage effect, CBD does not produce any feelings of being “high” or psychoactive effects. Full spectrum hemp oil cannot get you high.
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is CBD extracted from the cannabis plant in its purest form. The CBD isolate crystals are extracted into a powder to be used in CBD products and contains up to 99.9 percent pure CBD
This CBD extraction process leaves other cannabinoids and compounds (including THC) behind. That means the CBD isolate typically has no terpenes or other plant compounds in it. CBD isolate is the cleanest, purest form of CBD available.
What are the Implications of Using CBD Isolate?
People use CBD isolate for several reasons, but the main ones are:
- it’s cheaper
- it can be used to make your own CBD oil and other products
- you can use it to take very high doses of CBD, no matter how sensitive the drug tests might be for your job.
It’s a 100% safe option. While CBD is legal and FDA regulated, private employers can still administer the drug tests of their choice, and some are more sensitive than others.
How To Choose The Right CBD Oil For You
No question, this can feel overwhelming.
There are a lot of different details to consider when choosing a CBD product. We want to help you make the best choice possible, so let’s go over a few factors to keep in mind that will help you settle on the right product for you.
CBD Concentration
Knowing why you want to use CBD oil will help you decide what concentration(or potency) to choose. CBD tinctures and oils often contain other carriers within the oil, but the strength of the oil itself will determine its potency. Concentrations can range anywhere from 100mg per serving to 2,500mg per serving.
Some people do require doses that high. As always, start low and go slow to find out what concentration works for your body.
We recommend that you start with a lower concentration if this is your first experience with CBD and work your way up. Once you begin to feel some relief, you know you’ve found the right blend for you.
Also, keep in mind that CBD effects are cumulative so you may not feel the effects until after you’ve used it consistently. In fact, at least one of our testers went from using multiple bottles of one brand monthly down to just part of one monthly after consistent use and cumulative build-up.
Cost of CBD Tincture
The cost of CBD tends to increase with blends of higher quality and concentration. It’s essential to find a balance between what works for you and what is within your budget. If you’re a new CBD user, it might help to choose a less expensive, lower concentration tincture until you decide it’s right for you. On the other hand, each of our testers is a regular user, and we all agree: buying a higher concentration blend regularly is the bargain way to go, no matter the brand.
If you know you will be using CBD regularly, purchasing a higher concentration blend will allow you to use less per dose and help you get more use out of a single bottle.
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract or CBD Isolate
CBD is already playing a massive role in health and wellness for millions of people all over the world who use it for a wide range of benefits. As the research on the benefits of CBD continues, we’ll likely see even more ways people are using it to improve their lives.
We predict many more CBD brands will emerge in the market, and people deserve access to great products and clear information.We hope that as more readers pay attention to cannabinoids and terpenes in full spectrum CBD oils like these, they will begin to understand what is important to them as consumers.
[Remember, before you add CBD or anything else into your daily routine, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about how it could interact with your current symptoms or other medications. Don’t skip this step in self-care.]