Paul JamesUpdated on October 28, 2024
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Pain relief is the number one reason people shop for CBD oils. But with so many on the market, it can be difficult to determine which is best for you.
According to Statista, the number one reason people use cannabidiol (CBD) is for pain relief. And with that, it comes as no surprise that CBD oils are one of the most-purchased products for people struggling with pain. If you’re curious about how entire states are beginning to embrace CBD as a form of pain treatment, make sure to check out our article detailing Florida’s shift towards CBD pain treatment.
CBD oils are one of the most popular products on the market (due to their bioavailability and precise dosing) and are a great solution for those looking towards CBD for pain.
However, due to their popularity, the market is now saturated with CBD tinctures, some of high-quality and some of low. Throughout this article, we’re going to look at the best CBD oils for pain and give you a better idea of how CBD may help you. If you’re interested in any of these products, we offer coupon codes to help you save!
How Can CBD Oil Help with Pain?
As of this time, the majority of research concerning CBD for pain and inflammation is through animal studies – meaning we don’t have a completely clear understanding of how it affects humans. However, this research suggests CBD may be optimal for a number of different types of pain, including:
Most researchers agree that CBD’s effects on pain are due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a neuromodulatory system responsible for a number of day-to-day functions, including pain.
In fact, the ECS has an influence over every part of pain processing pathways. Endocannabinoids (naturally made chemical compounds inside of us) help to act as a “brake” for pain-signaling neurotransmitters – in turn, reducing pain. But outside influence from chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant may help to provide further relief.
Most notably, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been found to have a stronger effect on pain than CBD. This is likely due to its influence on CB1 receptors in the ECS – the very receptors responsible for pain-signaling from the brain to the body. However, one study suggests patients receive further pain relief when taking a combination of THC and CBD.
Still, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that CBD in and of itself can also help. For example, some research has revealed CBD may inhibit MAGL and FAAH, two enzymes that are responsible for humans feeling pain.
Top 8 Best CBD Oils for Pain
OUR TOP PICK
NuLeaf Naturals
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
300mg - 6000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
30mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$23.99 - $287.20
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.05 - $0.08 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Made using a high-quality full-spectrum extract of organic hemp
Can be purchased in other cannabinoid formulas (i.e. CBG or CBN)
Free 2 to 3 day US shipping on all orders
Cons
Total CBD ranges determine size of product, not potency
It’s no secret that NuLeaf Naturals offers some of the highest-quality CBD oil on the market. Using a full-spectrum CBD extract, this oil is bound to give you all the benefits of the hemp plant through the entourage effect. Not to mention, it can be purchased in sizes ranging from 300mg CBD to 6000mg!
What makes this tincture perfect for pain is the fact that you have a lot of freedom in dosing. Those who need a smaller dose can opt for lower CBD ranges, such as 300mg to 900mg. On the other hand, those in need of higher strengths can buy concentrations ranging from 1800mg to 6000mg.
Admittedly, the difference in CBD range doesn’t change the potency per serving (30mg across the board). But with a dropper, you have the freedom to experiment around with doses – choosing to take more or less and finding the right amount for you.
BEST FORMULA
CBDfx
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum or broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
500mg - 6000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
16.66mg - 100mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$39.99 - $199.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.03 - $0.08 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (broad-spectrum)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Can be purchased in a variety of formulas and potencies
Offered in a selection of bundle sets
60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Different formulas come in different extract types
When it comes to the best CBD oils for pain, CBDfx stands out due to its unique formulas. More specifically, its Wellness 2:1 Tincture featuring CBD and cannabigerol (CBG). While more research is necessary, early studies have found CBG may act as an anti-inflammatory and reduce pain.
However, CBDfx takes this tincture a step further by combining this with broad-spectrum CBD along with the antioxidants curcumin and coenzyme Q10. Furthermore, this CBD oil incorporates a proprietary terpene blend for increased absorption and efficiency.
CBDfx has a selection of other tinctures currently on the market, including their popular Calming Oil and Unwind Mushroom + CBD Drops. Not to mention, if you’re looking for more of a kick with your pain-relieving experience, CBDfx is one of the few CBD companies offering Delta-9 THC tinctures.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Green Roads
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
25mg - 1500mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
10mg - 50mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$2.99 - $149.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.10 - $0.12 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (broad-spectrum)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Can be purchased in two different formulas: a standard CBD oil and a sleep tincture
Comes in two different extract types
Can be purchased in sample sizes for those looking to try
Cons
Pricier compared to competitors
Green Roads has a large selection of CBD oils to choose from – each of which comes in a unique extract type, potency, and flavor. Truly, there’s something here for everyone which is one of the reasons these products made it on our list.
In terms of pain relief, we highly recommend their full-spectrum CBD oil in 1500mg. This comes loaded with all the beneficial elements of the hemp plant, from cannabinoids to terpenes to other phytonutrients. Not to mention, at 50mg per serving, you’re bound to feel the effects of this tincture.
However, if you’re looking to avoid THC, Green Roads has similar options in a broad-spectrum formula. Since broad-spectrum CBD contains absolutely no THC, this is a better option for those looking to avoid failing a drug test.
Finally, if you’re new to CBD and have never tried it previously, you can always opt for one of Green Roads’ sample packets. These are a single dose of either full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD for $2.99.
BEST FLAVORS
cbdMD
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
300mg - 7500mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
10mg - 250mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$29.99 - $209.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.03 - $0.09 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (broad-spectrum)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
One of the largest assortment of potencies on our list
Best flavors compared to competitors
Can be purchased in two extract types
Cons
Free shipping only available on orders of $59.99 or more
cbdMD is known for its selection of high-quality CBD oil that comes in a variety of potencies (ranging from 10mg to 250mg). Naturally, as someone looking for help with pain relief, you’ll likely garner more benefits from the higher strengths.
If you’re looking for flavor in a CBD oil, cbdMD has you covered with four unique tastes: Natural, Berry, Orange, and Mint. While this isn’t the most versatile in the industry, we found cbdMD’s flavors to be the most tasteful – completely obliterating that “earthy” taste often associated with hemp.
The majority of cbdMD’s CBD oils come in a broad-spectrum CBD extract (including their Sleep Tincture which includes melatonin). However, they also offer a full-spectrum CBD oil in strengths of 750mg to 3000mg and flavors of Natural or Mint Chocolate.
BEST VALUE
Lazarus Naturals
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum and isolate
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
750mg - 6000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
20mg - 50mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$24.00 - $120.00
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.02 - $0.03 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (isolate)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Cheapest CBD oil on our list (on a per milligram basis)
Comes in a variety of cannabinoid formulas
Versatile selection of flavors
Cons
Free shipping only available on orders of $50.00 or more
Lazarus Naturals has quite a collection of CBD oils that are designed using different cannabinoid formulas. For example, they offer a standard full-spectrum CBD oil in either 20mg or 50mg per dose. However, they also offer a CBD oil containing CBG and cannabinol (CBN) for sleep.
In terms of pain relief, we found their CBG/CBD oil tincture most effective. This comes in a full-spectrum blend of CBD and CBG at 25mg each (per serving). Beyond the entourage effect, customer reviews sight this tincture as an optimal solution for inflammation, pain, and nausea.
However, we recommend you take a look at Lazarus Naturals’ full selection of CBD oils in order to get a better idea of their options. If you find that CBD oil isn’t helping you, you can always opt for their CBG isolate oil – one of the few on the market.
Joy Organics
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
450mg - 2250mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
15mg - 75mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$44.95 - $129.95
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.06 - $0.10 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (broad-spectrum)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Not all extract types can be purchased in the same flavors
Joy Organics has developed a positive reputation within the industry due to its high-quality CBD extracts. And that’s put on full display with their selection of CBD oils. These can be purchased in potencies ranging from 15mg to 75mg (per serving) in either a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extract type.
One of the ways Joy Organics stands out among the competition is its unique flavor selection. They currently offer tinctures in Fresh Lime, Tranquil Mint, Orange Bliss, Super Lemon, Tropical Sunrise, and Unflavored. However, it’s worth mentioning that not all their flavors can be purchased in either broad-spectrum or full-spectrum.
CBDistillery
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
450mg - 2500mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
15mg - 83.33mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$32.00 - $240.00
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.05 - $0.06 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (broad-spectrum and isolate)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
One of the largest selections of CBD oils on our list
CBD oils can be purchased in a variety of formulas and potencies
60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Large selection of CBD oils may be overwhelming to newcomers
Some flavors are limited edition
CBDistillery has one of the largest selections of CBD oils on the market. To begin with, they’re one of the few companies that offer their tinctures in all 3 extract types – giving you a convenient one-stop-shop if you’re looking to try them all.
However, what allows CBDistillery to stand out is its different formulas. Personally, we found their Raw Synergy CBDA Oil Tincture to be a great solution for pain relief. Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) is pretty much CBD in its raw form and some studies indicate it helps relieve inflammation.
The best CBD oils for pain are those that incorporate other all-natural pain-relieving supplements or those that come in a higher strength.
Are CBD Oils Best for Pain Relief?
Depending on the type of pain you struggle with, CBD oil may not be the best option for you. In fact, when it comes to certain types of pain relief, many prefer a CBD topical as they allow you to target specific areas of the body. For example, if you struggle with back pain, it’s likely you want a product that’s going to send the CBD directly to your back.
CBD creams, lotions, and salves are great for these types of pain. Not to mention, many are made with a variety of other all-natural ingredients (such as menthol and camphor) that can help further relieve pain.
Still, it’s important to note that CBD topicals will not provide you with the best bioavailability. This is simply due to the fact that CBD has a difficult time penetrating through the skin. Therefore, when it comes to overall pain relief and garnering the most bioavailability, CBD oil remains a much better option.
FEATURED PRODUCT: Medterra Pain Relief Cream
If you’d prefer to try a CBD cream over a CBD oil, we highly recommend Medterra’s Pain Relief Cream. Each bottle is infused with menthol, arnica, and either 500mg or 1000mg of hemp extract – a great option for those who struggle with joint pain or arthritis.
Since CBD isn’t approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), there are no standards when it comes to dosage. However, thanks to the fact that this industry has been around for some time, we have a much better understanding of how much CBD you should take.
When it comes to pain relief, stronger tinctures usually work better. Of course, this all depends on the type of pain your struggle with and its severity – for example, someone struggling with mild pain won’t need as much CBD as someone struggling with chronic pain. Still, strengths ranging from 50mg to 100mg per dose tend to work better at relieving pain.
It’s also important to consider your body weight when it comes to dosage. Generally speaking, the more you weigh, the more CBD you’ll need in order to feel the effects. To give you some perspective, a person of 150 pounds (lbs) will want to take around 45mg of CBD.
Finally, the last thing to consider is tolerance. If you’ve been taking CBD for a long period of time, it’s likely your body has become accustomed to the substance. This is okay and simply requires you to take more in order to feel the initial effects.
If you’re new to CBD and notice you don’t feel anything off your initial doses, you may simply need to increase the amount you’re taking. If so, we recommend the “go slow” approach – only increasing by a bit each time. Since CBD has very few side effects attached to it (see below), you’re safe to consume larger amounts (i.e. around 100mg) at a time).
If you still aren’t garnering the effects you’re looking for, you may simply need a higher-strength CBD oil.
Safety and Side Effects of CBD Oil
Compared to other analgesic medications, CBD oil is a much safer alternative. Most users don’t report feeling any side effects from it. However, some people have reported experiencing mild bouts of:
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Low blood pressure
Weight and appetite changes
Admittedly, in higher strengths, CBD oil is more likely to cause certain side effects – most notably, fatigue. With that in mind, if you’re new to CBD oil, it’s best to try it at night when you don’t have any responsibilities. From there, you can determine whether or not it’ll benefit you through daytime use.
If you’re currently on prescription medication, we highly recommend consulting your doctor before taking CBD oil. While rare, CBD oil has been found to have negative interactions with certain drugs.
Furthermore, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid CBD oil altogether. As of this time, we simply don’t have enough research to confirm its safety.
How We Chose the Best CBD Oils for Pain
When determining the best CBD oils for pain, it was important for us to consider the following criteria:
Certificate of Analysis
In order to verify what’s in a CBD product, reputable brands are transparent about their Certificate of Analysis (CoA). These are third-party lab tests that will reveal a number of aspects of the CBD and hemp plant it came from, including its cannabinoid profile and whether or not it contains any contaminants, such as heavy metals or pesticides.
Throughout our article, you’ll find we ensured all companies featured had a lab report to show. The best brands will run each batch of their product through these third-party labs in order to keep their CoA updated.
Customer Reviews
Truly, customer reviews are the best way to understand whether or not a product holds up to how it’s advertised. The more reviews, the better. Not to mention, since most people purchase CBD for pain, it’s likely you’ll find whether or not a particular CBD oil is the best option for you in that regard.
Extract Type
CBD comes in three extraction types, each of which has slightly different effects. For our list, we made sure to include at least one of each:
Full-Spectrum – Contains all of hemp’s naturally ocurring cannabinoids and other phytonutrients. Best for the entourage effect.
Broad-Spectrum – Contains all of hemp’s cannabinoids except for THC. Best for those who may need to avoid THC altogether.
CBD Isolate – Pure CBD and no other cannabinoid. Best for those looking to see how CBD alone treats them.
Ingredients
Most CBD oil is only made with two ingredients: a carrier oil (usually MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil) and hemp extract. We made sure the companies featured on our list had sourced their ingredients responsibly, practiced organic methods, and offered varieties to those with dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free and vegan.
However, some CBD oils are made using other all-natural supplements that may help in managing pains. If you’re not familiar with these supplements, we highly recommend you do a bit of research to get a better idea of how they’ll affect you.
Potency
As discussed, higher-strength CBD oils tend to work better for pain relief. For this reason, we made sure to include companies that had total CBD ranges in the thousands of milligrams (mg). These come with anywhere between 50mg to 250mg per dose – an amount you’ll likely need in order to feel the effects.
Pricing
It’s no secret that CBD oil can be expensive. That’s why we tried to feature low-priced (but high-quality) brands on our list. Admittedly, the price of a product can give you some insight into a company’s reputation. The more CBD costs, the more time and resources a brand is likely putting into its product.
In order to help with the cost, all the products featured in this article contain coupon codes to help you save. Not to mention, many of these brands also have subscription services, loyalty programs, and assistance programs for further savings!
Paul James is a seasoned cannabis and CBD writer and expert. He is a mental health blogger who advocates CBD as a natural alternative to prescription medications. You can read more about this and other natural alternatives on his blog: https://bedlamite.co/."
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to use CBD oil is to take a full dropper and place it under your tongue. Let the oil sit there for about 30 seconds – CBD has an easier time reaching your bloodstream within your mouth rather than the digestive system, giving you more bioavailability. After this 30 seconds, you can swallow it and wait for the effects to kick in (usually takes between 15 to 45 minutes).
If you’re in a legal state and want to take THC for pain as well, it’s important to ensure you’re taking the right ratio. While there’s only so much research looking into this, a general one-to-one ratio tends to work for most people.
CBD oil’s effects should be felt within 15 to 30 minutes upon ingestion. However, when it comes to joint pain, many people find a CBD topical is more efficient as it allows them to target specific joints.