CBD may be a promising candidate for the future of chronic pain management due to its good safety profile and lack of physical dependence.
According to recent reports from the CDC, an estimated 20.4% (50 million) of adults in the United States have chronic pain that interferes with their work and overall quality of life. CBD’s analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties may provide some physical and mental relief to those who deal with pain.
However, choosing the right product might be challenging due to the abundance of brands on the market. To help you choose your new companion against aches, we have selected, in our opinion, some of the best CBD products for pain relief available on the market.
Best CBD for pain: shortlist
- BATCH — best organic CBD product for pain relief
- NuLeaf — most affordable CBD softgels for pain
- Joy Organics — best beginner-friendly CBD for pain
- R&R CBD — best CBD product for local pain
- Aspen Green — highest strength CBD oil for pain
How we ranked best CBD for pain
The world of CBD products for pain might be challenging. Therefore, we have selected some key features to compile and rank cannabidiol goodies on the market.
We hope our criteria can help you make informed decisions about the right oil, cream or edible for your needs.
| Price | $19.00–$149.99 |
| CBD amount | CBD concentration per serving |
| Format | Topicals, oils, or edibles |
| Certification | COA, USDA, cGMP, and other certification |
| Reviews | Customers’ feedback on the product |
- Price. We evaluated different products and brands regarding their affordability and key features.
- CBD amount. Products can contain different dosages depending on their formula and the type of CBD. We considered CBD products with the exact amount of cannabidiol per serving specified on the product page.
- Format. The cannabidiol market offers various alternatives for different preferences. Additionally, the format may also have an impact on the bioavailability of the product.
- Certifications. CBD is legal according to the 2018 Bill Farm, however, the FDA does not approve products with CBD (with a few exceptions). Independent third-party Certificates of Analysis (COA), as well as USDA or cGMP certifications can help to ensure the safety and quality of a product.
- Reviews. When it comes to selecting the best CBD product for pain, it is key to review customers' satisfaction with the product and other considerations like shipping, support, or packaging.
Best CBD for pain: product reviews
Choosing the best CBD for pain relief and management might be complex and time-consuming.
We have thoroughly analyzed different products so you can select confidently and start enjoying the potential benefits of CBD without the extra hustle.
1. BATCH — best vegan CBD product for pain
BATCH crafts its products in the sunny lands of Wisconsin, where their hemp is cultivated and extracted with sustainable practices to produce high-quality cannabidiol gummies.
The gummies are infused with 25 mg of full-spectrum CBD per gummy and come in three different flavors. They are tasty, vegan, and easy to take without the hustle of measuring. BATCH especially recommends them to those looking for a CBD product to relieve minor aches, stress and anxiety, as well as sleep problems.
The advised amount is a gummy per day. The brand states that you may start noticing the effects within 30–60 minutes, however it may vary depending on individual health characteristics and the type of pain.
It is available for $49.99 and contains 30 servings. It also includes free shipping and a 30-day return policy.
2. NuLeaf — most affordable CBD softgels for pain
NuLeaf CBD softgels, manufactured and produced in Colorado, aim to deliver all the potential properties of full-spectrum cannabidiol to alleviate aches and discomfort in the body.
The softgels have a concentration of 15 mg of CBD per softgels. NuLeaf recommends taking 2 doses a day with water or the beverage of your choice.
After the intake, the CBD will be absorbed and may interact with the endocannabinoid system, providing several benefits like pain and inflammation relief or relaxation and sleep promotion.
The softgels are easy to take and do not have any added flavors. The bottles come in 3 different sizes and, according to the brand, have a longer expiration date than other CBD formats like tinctures and gummies.
It is available for $19 and includes 30 servings. Additionally, it has a 60-day return policy.
3. Joy Organics — best CBD oil for beginners
Joy Organics Tranquil Mint Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture offers a cannabidiol oil with added peppermint and extra virgin olive oils aimed to provide stress and pain relief. Moreover, it is free from toxic substances and thoroughly tested by ISO-certified labs.
This tincture might be the perfect match for beginners in the CBD world. Firstly, due to its focus on customer safety. The brand discloses its manufacturing and production practices throughout the website and is USDA-certified and third-party lab tested.
Secondly, customers can choose between 4 doses of broad-spectrum CBD — 15, 30, 45, or 75 mg. This allows beginners to test different dosages and select the best match for their needs.
The brand recommends the oil to those looking to increase wellness and reduce stress and discomfort in the body. Joy Organics advises taking one serving per day and waiting for the effects to manifest within 15–30 minutes. However, individual response to the product may vary.
It is available from $19 and has a 90-day money-back guarantee.
4. R&R CBD — best topical CBD product
R&R CBD Pain Cream is sourced from locally grown hemp and uses a critical CO2 process to extract all of its rich compounds. FDA approved facilities and the supervision of the Colorado Department of Public Health ensure high manufacturing standards. This makes a unique and safe CBD formula with added ingredients to soothe and relax the skin.
This cream is specially tailored to those with aches and pains as it contains a high dosage of CBD that can act locally in discomforted areas. Additionally, the cream can be used in massages to induce relaxation and destress the mind. The brand does not recommend its application on wounds or cuts in the skin.
The cream is tested in third-party labs and does not include artificial fragrances, dyes, or other harmful compounds. Customers can check the certificate of analysis under the desired product description.
It is available from $55 and includes 3 types of potency and a 60-day return policy.
5. Aspen Green — most concentrated CBD oil for pain
The hemp in Aspen Green is cultivated in Colorado and extracted with critical CO2 practices delivering a sustainable full-spectrum CBD oil — vegan, non-GMO, and free from harmful chemicals.
The oil is crafted with organic ingredients like turmeric, ginger and rosemary extracts, known for their anti-inflammatory properties which may be beneficial for easing muscle and joint aches. Additionally, it is cherry flavored.
Relief Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil has a high CBD amount per dropper, therefore it is recommended to start with ¼ of a dropper daily and increase the dosage eventually until 1–2 droppers are consumed per day. The product should be held at the back of the gum line for 120 seconds or longer, then swirled around like mouthwash before swallowing. Additionally, the brand recommends consuming the oil with fats, such as omega fat or a scoop of peanut butter to enhance the experience.
It is available for $149.99 and includes 4000 mg of CBD and 75 mg of THC per bottle. It includes free shipping and a 60-day return policy.
Comparison of the best CBD products for pain
| Product | Price | Type of CBD | Amount of CBD per serving | Certification | Flavor | Review |
| BATCH | $37.49 | Full-spectrum | 25 mg | COA, cGMP, and Leaping Bunny | Blueberry, raspberry, and mango | BATCH CBD review |
| NuLeaf | $19.00* | Full-spectrum | 30 mg | COA and cGMP | Unflavored | NuLeaf CBD review |
| Joy Organics | $55.96* | Broad-spectrum | 15 mg | COA and USDA | Mint | Joy Organics CBD review |
| R&R CBD | $55.00* | Full-spectrum | 83.8 mg | COA and USDA | N/A | N/A |
| Aspen Green | $149.99 | Full-spectrum | 133 mg | COA, cGMP, and USDA | Cherry | Aspen Green CBD review |
* — prices vary depending on the product size.
What to look for before purchasing a CBD product for pain
There is an abundance of brands promising to conduct miracles on aches, inflammation, and discomfort in the body.
However, we are aware that miracles do not usually happen. Therefore, we have compiled some criteria to help you understand what you need to look for to purchase a suitable CBD product for pain.
Potency
The potency of CBD refers to the concentration of cannabidiol in the product. It is measured in mg and can be calculated per serving or as the total amount of cannabidiol in the product.
There are different types of potency — low, medium, or high. The latter is often associated with more effects on the body. However, research suggests that CBD may affect individuals differently based on several factors like weight, health condition, and more.
In any case, we encourage a consultation with a physician to find out what is the best CBD product for chronic pain and the right dosage for you.
Format
The extensive landscape of cannabidiol aims to satisfy the needs and preferences of multiple consumers. From oils to bath bombs and even pet snacks, CBD comes in all shapes and forms.
Some formats like tinctures are tailored for individuals who look to ease general pain, while others, such as creams, are more focused on targeting specific areas of the body.
The format of consumption might also have an impact on the effects of CBD on individuals. Different products have different bioavailability. CBD oils applied sublingually tend to have a quick effect on the body, while oils, softgels, or gummies tend to take more time to manifest.
Brand transparency
The majority of CBD products are not regulated by the FDA. This creates problems with the ethical standards of brands, especially when so many products claim to be the holy grail of pain handling, and even declare to be an optimal treatment for certain health conditions. Consumers should be very cautious with CBD suppliers and ensure they follow strict criteria when it comes to quality and safety.
One of the best ways to know if a brand is transparent is to check whether certifications from third-parties are available on their website. Some of the most common ones are Certificates of Analysis (COA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and ISO-certified labs.
Ingredients
Another element to be cautious about before purchasing CBD products is ingredients.
Firstly, not all CBD products are free from chemicals. Customers should always review the testing of products and ensure that they are free from ingredients that may be a hazard towards health.
Secondly, it is important to ensure that products do not employ ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or side effects. For instance, some edibles might include nuts or coconut oil, and some creams may contain elements like apricot extract.
Research on CBD and pain management
Although the exact mechanism of action for CBD in pain relief is unknown, some promising evidence suggests that it may interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system present in our bodies which play a role in pain perception.
Animal models have demonstrated that cannabidiol may have an anti-pain effect, as well as reduce pain-related inflammation. Gel with CBD has been shown to mitigate pain in neuropathic pain, itchiness, and cold sensation.
Furthermore, patients who try cannabidiol report decreased pain, improved sleep quality, and less fatigue in several types of pain-related conditions. However, it is important to note that most studies have been conducted with high doses of CBD and THC, therefore, results may not correlate to the use of CBD products at home.
Lastly, CBD has shown some improvement in cancer-related chronic pain, and some small studies report that it might also be a good support for pain in other pain-related conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and back pain.
Types of CBD
It might be tricky to understand the lingo of the CBD world. We are here to help you understand this fascinating vocabulary and make informed decisions before choosing the right CBD type for you and purchasing any product.
- Full spectrum. Type of CBD that is extracted from the hemp plant with all of its compounds, including THC.
- Broad-spectrum. Type of CBD extracted from the hemp plant and treated to exclude THC from its elements.
- Isolate. Type of CBD that only contains pure cannabidiol.
- CBD. Compound present in hemp and suggested to have therapeutic properties and a safe profile of consumption.
- THC. Major psychoactive component of cannabis and often linked with the "high" effects of cannabinoids.
- CBG. Compound in the hemp plant from which other types of cannabinoids, including CBD, are derived from.
- Hemp. Cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% of THC in dry weight. The law prohibits cannabis from containing more than this specific percentage.
How to use CBD for pain management
Due to the still understudied nature of CBD, there is no standard dosage or recommendations for its use. Therefore, it is usually a Wild West situation where each provider will have different suggestions on how their product should be consumed.
For instance, some providers encourage consumers to take one or two servings per day, while others recommend individuals to apply as much as they would like in the case of creams or lotions. However, individuals should be cautious with the overall amount of CBD consumed.
Even though there is not a golden standard, some research has pointed out that different routes of administration have different effects on the body.
Topicals and sublingual products will most likely reach blood circulation faster and have a quick effect on the body compared to chewable options that go through the digestive tract. Additionally, some small studies have pointed out that consuming CBD together with food may be absorbed in higher concentrations, especially if taken with a higher-fat meal.
Side effects and contraindications of using CBD for pain
Initial studies suggest that CBD makes a promising candidate for the future of pain management. This is because, unlike THC, CBD is known for the lack of physical dependence.
However, the consumption of cannabidiol has been linked with mild and moderate side effects like somnolence, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. In higher quantities, it has also been connected with increased heart rate and elevated liver function.
Additionally, some formats might have specific recommendations like topicals that are not recommended to be applied on wounds or cuts.
In any case, if you would like to start consuming any CBD product, we encourage a visit to the doctor to discuss potential dosage and other considerations for your specific needs.
CBD for other issues
Some studies have pointed out that CBD may be a beneficial sleep aid, with one study demonstrating a positive effect of CBD-rich softgels for sleep in people with chronic pain. Some products may help with sleep problems but individuals should proceed with caution on dosage and in what cases CBD for sleep should be taken.
Additionally, some evidence suggests cannabidiol as a novel approach to anxiety disorders due to its potential to induce anxiolytic effects when administered in healthy volunteers and individuals with seasonal affective disorder. Combining CBD with a self-care routine might be a good ally to address anxiety symptoms.
Lastly, CBD has been suggested as a support for neuropathic pain due to its potential impact on receptors involved in this condition. CBD products may be very helpful to manage this condition due to the combination of cannabidiol with added ingredients that may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Best CBD for pain: conclusion
While more research is needed, CBD has been proposed as a promising candidate for pain relief. Its potential therapeutic properties may reduce and alleviate aches but also help to balance the mind.
Usually, the ones who live side to side with pain know the stress and anxiety that comes with their condition. CBD may help to induce a calm and soothing sensation, helping to improve your quality of life.
All the brands that made it to the list offer high-quality products that disclose their manufacturing practices and take into consideration the well-being of their consumers. We hope you can find the best CBD for pain and relaxation that can assist in your day-to-day life.
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FAQ
What is the best CBD for pain?
Depends. Many factors play a role in determining the best CBD for pain. The most important ones are format, type of pain, CBD type, and dosage. We encourage you to consider and review all of them before purchasing any CBD product.
Is CBD better than pain pills?
No. CBD may be a good support to manage pain but should never be used as a treatment. If you are experiencing aches or other discomfort in your body, it is always best to consult with your doctor on the best medication for you.
How much CBD is good for pain relief?
Currently, there is no consensus on the dosage. CBD research is still in its infant stages and the FDA has not regulated these types of products. Additionally, it is suggested that cannabidiol may have different effects depending on weight, health condition, etc.
What medications should not be taken with CBD?
There is evidence that CBD may have a negative outcome combined with immunosuppressants, chemotherapy drugs, antiepileptics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. In any case, we encourage a visit with your doctor to inquire about the usage of cannabidiol in your specific case.
- Best Practice & Research Clinical Anesthesiology. Use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain.
- Postgraduate Medicine. Evaluation of the effects of CBD hemp extract on opioid use and quality of life indicators in chronic pain patients: a prospective cohort study.
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action.
- Anesthesia. Initial experiences with medicinal extracts of cannabis for chronic pain: Results from 34 ‘N of 1’ studies.
- Cochrane Library. Cannabis‐based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain in adults.
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