Since the federal legalization of hemp in 2018, many people are turning to hemp-derived CBD for chronic pain relief. While more research and human studies are needed, early scientific evidence and clinical data from animal studies strongly indicate the potential of hemp-derived CBD products to treat pain, inflammation, and other types of discomfort.
An active ingredient derived from the cannabis sativa plant, cannabidiol CBD offers a host of possible health benefits. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to alter pain perception, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. Plus, CBD won’t make you high. It’s not addictive, and its pain-relieving effects can last for hours. One of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of this compound is by consuming CBD tinctures or oils. These nonprescription CBD products are easy to use and deliver fast-acting results, making them ideal for managing chronic neuropathic pain, arthritis pain, and other types of pain.
With so many CBD oils to choose from, it’s important to be a discerning shopper. To help you select the right product for your needs, we’ve curated a list of the best options available. Whether you’re looking to replace or supplement other medications, our top picks have you covered! Keep reading to explore the potential benefits of CBD and discover why so many healthcare providers recommend CBD oil for treating pain conditions.
Summary of the Best CBD Oils for Pain
- Best Overall: CBDfx CBD + CBG Wellness Tincture
- Best-Tasting: Soul CBD Oil Drops
- Best for Joint Pain: Medterra True Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
- Best for Evening Use: Cornbread Whole-Flower USDA Organic Hemp Oil
- Best for Athletes: Pure Spectrum Cannabidiol CBD Oil
Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD is making big waves in the cannabis industry thanks to the many potential wellness benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the possible advantages of using CBD oil.
Chronic Pain Relief:
CBD oil can interact with the nervous system to block pain signals. This, in turn, may help relieve chronic pain and symptoms of chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, herniated discs, fibromyalgia, cancer-related pain, migraines, chronic neuropathic pain, and pain resulting from tuberous sclerosis complex (a rare genetic disease).
Acute Pain Relief:
CBD oil may alleviate or lessen acute pain from headaches, bruises, sore muscles, orthopedic injuries, muscle spasms, and recent surgeries.
Inflammation Relief:
Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory responses, further contributing to their pain-alleviating effects. This makes CBD a helpful remedy for inflammatory conditions, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as various types of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
Sleep Support:
Pain can keep you awake, but CBD can relax your body and mind so you can drift off to sleep comfortably. Its potential to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality makes CBD a great option for treating sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Reduced Anxiety:
CBD is also thought to have anti-anxiety properties. Whether or not your anxiety is related to your pain, CBD could calm symptoms such as sweaty palms and racing thoughts.
Reduced Acne:
Thanks to its skin-drying and anti-inflammatory effects, cannabidiol CBD is gaining recognition as a possible treatment for acne and similar skin conditions.
Best CBD Oils for Pain
1. Best Overall: CBDfx CBD + CBG Oil Wellness Tincture
What we love:
CBDfx knows that CBD works its magic best when it’s combined with other compounds from cannabis plants. That’s why its CBD + CBG Tincture is formulated with a 2:1 ratio of CBD and CBG, making it a potent, pure, and effective choice for anyone struggling with chronic or short-term pain. Plus, it contains curcumin and coenzyme Q10, both powerful antioxidants. With four strengths to choose from, this oil is suitable for first-time CBD users and experienced customers alike.
Third-party lab-tested and guaranteed solvent-free, this tincture has been medically reviewed and is made with vegan and gluten-free ingredients. Its exclusive blend of terpenes aids in absorption, yielding effective and fast-acting results.
Many customers love using this CBD oil for arthritis and chronic joint pain and report feeling more flexible after taking it. We also saw glowing reviews from gym-goers who say this oil reduces muscle soreness and speeds up recovery after hard workouts.
Pros:
- Vegan-friendly and gluten-free
- 60-day, money-back guarantee
- Antioxidants to reduce inflammation
- Medically reviewed and third-party lab-tested
Cons:
- Strong hemp taste
Specs:
- CBD Type: Broad-spectrum CBD
- Strength: 500 mg, 1,000 mg, 2,000 mg, 4,000 mg, or 6,000 mg CBD per bottle
- Size: 1 ounce (30 mL) or 2 ounces (60 mL) per bottle
- Flavor(s): Unflavored
2. Best-Tasting: Soul CBD Oil Drops
What we love:
If you’re looking for a tincture that tastes as great as it works, we recommend trying Soul CBD Oil Drops. They come in seven incredible flavors, so there’s something tasty for everyone. The Orange and Lemon-Lime flavors are perfect for citrus lovers. For something sweeter, try the Pineapple-Mango or Sex on the Beach flavors. These oils are made with CBD isolate, so they’re completely THC-free and won’t produce any psychoactive effects.
This product is made from organically farmed hemp and is 100% gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Plus, it’s sweetened with stevia, making it suitable for those concerned about sugar intake. It can be consumed directly or added to your favorite foods and beverages to make homemade edibles. Since it’s third-party lab-tested for purity and potency, you can relax, knowing that your CBD oil is top-quality.
Many customers like using these CBD drops to manage chronic pain in the daytime. They say the tincture makes them feel less drowsy than full- or broad-spectrum CBD products. Reviewers who use these drops for cancer pain report an added benefit of reduced nausea. The Peppermint flavor, in particular, can help calm a queasy stomach.
Pros:
- Made from organic hemp
- Convenient, portable packaging
- Lab test results available for customer review
- No THC or mind-altering effects
Cons:
- May be too mild for experienced users
Specs:
- CBD Type: CBD isolate
- Strength: 500 mg, 1,000 mg, or 1,500 mg CBD per bottle
- Size: 1 ounce (30 mL) per bottle
- Flavor(s): Sex on the Beach, Raspberry Lemonade, Watermelon-Mint, Pineapple-Mango, Lemon-Lime, Peppermint, Orange
3. Best for Joint Pain: Medterra True Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
What we love:
Joint pain often responds quite well to nonprescription CBD products. Whether your joint pain is caused by arthritis or another condition, we suggest trying Medterra True Full-Spectrum CBD Oil. With its full-spectrum formula, this oil contains CBD and THC and is high in terpenes and minor cannabinoids, enhancing CBD’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Made with organically grown hemp, every batch of this oil is tested in a third-party lab to verify potency and safety. Available in two strengths, two flavors, and three sizes, it’s thoughtfully packaged in a portable bottle with a built-in dropper for effortless administration. Make a one-time purchase or subscribe to enjoy monthly or bi-monthly deliveries and a discount.
Many customers with joint pain find that taking this tincture in the evening helps them sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling less stiff. Several reviewers mention using this product as a substitute for medical cannabis, reporting a reduction in chronic pain with daily use.
Pros:
- Made from organically grown hemp
- Includes CBD and THC for a synergistic effect
- Sweetened naturally with stevia extract
- Discounts available for subscribers
Cons:
- Don’t use while operating heavy machinery
Specs:
- CBD Type: Full-spectrum CBD
- Strength: 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg CBD per bottle
- Size: 0.5 ounce (15 mL), 1 ounce (30 mL), or 2 ounces (60 mL) per bottle
- Flavor(s): Citrus, Chocolate Mint
4. Best for Evening Use: Cornbread Whole-Flower USDA Organic Hemp Oil
What we love:
Cornbread Whole-Flower Hemp Oil is an excellent choice if your pain keeps you up at night or interferes with sleep. Formulated to alleviate pain and promote relaxation, this tincture contains no artificial flavorings or preservatives. It comes in three potencies, making it easier to control your dose, and every batch is tested in a third-party lab to ensure purity and potency.
Whether you’re seeking pain alleviation, better sleep, or a combination of the two, this calming oil has you covered. It’s USA-made with organic, locally grown hemp flower and backed by the company’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and restrictions.
Customers say this full-spectrum oil relaxes them and helps them get a good night’s sleep. It’s a popular choice for back pain, cancer pain, and fibromyalgia. Most reviewers take it about an hour before bedtime and say the effects last until morning.
Pros:
- No preservatives or artificial flavors
- Sourced from organic, Kentucky-grown hemp
- High in terpenes and other hemp compounds
- Typically ships within 24 hours
Cons:
- Contains coconut oil, which is a common allergen
Specs:
- CBD Type: Full-spectrum CBD
- Strength: 375 mg, 750 mg, or 1,500 mg CBD per bottle
- Size: 0.5 ounces (15 mL) or 1 ounce (30 mL) per bottle
- Flavor(s): Unflavored
5. Best for Athletes: Pure Spectrum CBD Oil
What we love:
Athletes often struggle with muscle soreness after difficult workouts. They may also experience joint pain or muscle pain due to old injuries. If you’re in this boat, Pure Spectrum CBD Oil is a great pick. With the potential to block pain signals and alter pain perception, this tincture can provide potent relief from aches and soreness. And since it’s THC-free, you won’t have to worry about psychoactive effects or feeling sluggish during your workouts.
Made with non-GMO ingredients, organic CBD extract, and MCT oil for enhanced absorption, this product brings quick results for timely pain relief. The regular-strength option is ideal for daily use, while the high-strength options are great for extra-rough days. This tincture has a money-back guarantee for your peace of mind, and subscribers receive a 15% discount.
Some reviewers like taking this oil before strenuous practices or difficult games, and others take it in the evening as a part of their recovery process. While it’s a favorite among athletes, this oil also gets great reviews from those struggling with acute pain due to headaches, menstrual cramps, and irritable bowel syndrome. Many buyers keep a bottle in their desk or bag to treat pain as needed.
Pros:
- No THC or mind-altering effects
- Formulated for easy absorption
- Third-party lab-tested
- Covered by a money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Tastes like hemp
Specs:
- CBD Type: Broad-spectrum CBD
- Strength: 500 mg, 1,250 mg, or 2,500 mg CBD per bottle
- Size: 1 ounce (30 mL)
- Flavor(s): Unflavored
How We Picked the Best CBD Oils for Pain
To ensure all the CBD oils we recommend to our readers are truly the best in the industry, we put a lot of effort into comparing the various CBD extract oils offered by top brands. Here are the main features and qualities we focused on while reading reviews and researching these products:
Reported Effectiveness
We focused on reviews written by customers struggling with pain. Some of the CBD oils we selected are ones that customers found effective for specific types of pain, as well as more versatile remedies that reviewers praised for offering a broader spectrum of pain management.
Ease of Use
All CBD products on this list come in dropper-top bottles, making them easy to use and administer. The bottles are leak-resistant and sized with portability in mind.
Ingredient Quality
Every CBD oil featured here is made from organic hemp; this reduces the risk of pesticide residues appearing in the final product. We also chose only lab-tested products to ensure potency and purity.
Company Policies
The companies mentioned in this article offer fair return policies, excellent customer service, and discounts to make their products more affordable and accessible to buyers.
How To Find The Best CBD Oils for Your Pain Symptoms
When shopping for CBD oils for pain management, keep the following essential factors in mind:
Lab Reports
Lab testing demonstrates that a CBD product contains what’s stated on its label. It also shows that the product is free from contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and bacteria. Look over the available lab reports before buying a particular CBD product. For your safety, it’s best to only purchase from retailers with lab-tested products and make the lab reports available for buyer review.
Ingredients and Ingredient Quality
Look at the ingredients in the CBD oil you’re considering and make sure you’re comfortable consuming them. Some CBD oils contain preservatives or artificial flavors, which you may not want to ingest. For chronic pain management, many customers prefer CBD made with organic, non-GMO ingredients. The best CBD companies are happy to tell you where they get their hemp and what they put in their oil. Steer clear of products without an ingredient list; there’s no way to ensure they’re safe.
Potency
CBD oils come in many strengths. The more potent the oil, the more CBD you’ll get in each dose. If you’re new to CBD, start with a less-potent oil, such as one that contains 500 mg or 750 mg of CBD in a 1-ounce bottle. If you have to take multiple droppers of this oil, you can buy a more potent one next time.
Flavor
The best CBD oil for pain is one you look forward to taking. Many CBD oils have a natural hemp taste. People often find this taste a bit strong and unusual the first few times around, but they soon get used to it. If you don’t like the taste of hemp, you can look for flavored CBD oils. There are several great options that taste like citrus, berries, or even chocolate. Just be aware that these oils often contain added sweeteners.
Reported Effects
Make sure the oil you choose gets positive reviews from others who struggle with pain similar to your own. For instance, if you have neuropathic pain, choose an oil that others with neuropathic pain seem to like. If you have arthritis pain, choose an oil that gets good reviews from arthritis patients.
How To Use CBD Oil for Pain Relief
The best way to use CBD oil for pain is to place the oil under your tongue, hold it there for about a minute, and then swallow. Sublingual dosing allows some of the CBD to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream via the capillaries beneath your tongue, leading to faster relief and effects. You should feel the CBD beginning to work within 30 minutes. If you swallow the CBD oil right away, it’ll take longer to feel the effects. Alternatively, you can add the oil to your favorite foods and beverages, but this will also result in delayed effects.
Whether you’re interested in taking CBD oil to replace or supplement pain medications, it’s a good idea to consult with the health professionals who manage your care. Let your medical providers know about any prescription medications, supplements, or other medications you’re taking to ensure there won’t be any unwanted drug interactions. Your doctors will also be able to help you determine your ideal dosage and answer any questions you may have about the safety and side effects of CBD use.
Other Types of CBD Products
While CBD oil is a great choice for pain relief, it’s far from the only CBD product on the market. Here are some other types of CBD-infused products that can help control your pain.
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are chewy edible treats that contain CBD. They’re easy to chew and typically produce effects within an hour of consumption. Many customers prefer CBD gummies because they taste good and are easy to take discreetly. However, gummies usually contain sugar, which some people try to avoid.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are dietary supplements that can be taken like any other pill. Simply swallow one with a glass of water, and you can bypass the taste of hemp. Some CBD capsules contain other natural herbs with pain-relieving properties and health benefits. For instance, you may see some that contain turmeric or black pepper extract. These multi-ingredient capsules can offer enhanced benefits and synergistic effects. On the downside, CBD capsules can’t be divided, which can make it difficult to control your dose.
CBD Balm
CBD can be absorbed through the skin. Applying CBD-infused balms, lotions, or other topicals to your skin is a good way to manage joint and muscle pain. Plus, transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation. CBD topicals provide fast, targeted pain relief and are quite popular among those with arthritis, joint pain, and neuropathic pain. The only drawback is that you need to let the balm dry and absorb before putting clothing over the treated area.
If your pain is isolated to a smaller area, you may prefer a CBD balm that comes in a roller bottle. This makes it easy to apply the product without getting it all over your hands.
CBD Vapes
CBD can also be absorbed through the lungs. When you inhale CBD, it kicks in within a few minutes. CBD vapes can be a good way to enjoy rapid relief from acute pain or a flare-up of chronic pain. CBD vape juices come in pleasant flavors that taste like fruits and desserts. CBD’s effects wear off faster when it’s vaped than when it’s ingested. Also, vaping can be harsh on the lungs and may not be the best choice for those who have respiratory conditions.
If you’re new to vaping CBD for pain, consider trying a disposable vape pen first so you can throw the whole device away when it’s empty. If you decide vaping is your preferred way to manage chronic pain, then you can invest in a nicer, reusable CBD vape pen.
FAQ
Is CBD legal?
This depends on where the CBD is sourced from. CBD derived from the cannabis plant is federally illegal, as are marijuana-derived CBD products. CBD derived from hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC is legal on a federal level, according to the 2018 Farm Bill.
How much CBD oil should I use?
That depends on the strength of your CBD oil, your desired effects, and your tolerance level. If you’re new to CBD, 10 mg is a good starting dose. Check your product label to see how much oil you need to take to reach a 10 mg dose. See how you feel a few hours after taking the oil. If the effects aren’t strong enough, try a higher dose next time. Keep increasing your dose by 5 or 10 mg until you find the amount of CBD that controls your acute or chronic pain adequately.
How fast does CBD oil work?
If you place CBD oil under your tongue and hold it there before swallowing, you should feel the effects within 30 minutes (often much sooner). If you swallow the oil without letting it sit under your tongue first, you can expect it to take effect in about an hour.
Is CBD oil the same as medical cannabis?
No, CBD products are different from medical cannabis and medical marijuana products. CBD products are typically THC-free or only contain small traces of THC and can be purchased without a medical cannabis card. Medical cannabis and medical marijuana products are typically much higher in THC and can only be purchased by those who have a medical card. State medical marijuana laws and medical card requirements vary.
Conclusion
If you struggle with acute or chronic pain, CBD oil is an incredible remedy to consider. While more research and human studies are needed, there’s substantial evidence and clinical data from animal studies and clinical trials indicating the efficacy of CBD for pain relief. It can be a helpful remedy for treating chronic neuropathic pain as well as pain resulting from cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and other medical conditions. It’s natural, unlikely to cause side effects, and can relieve pain while also helping you relax and combat stress. Give one of the above products a try, and experience the pain-relieving effects of CBD for yourself. You’ll feel like a whole new you!
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