Best CBD Oil for Pain 2021: Top 10 Brands & Buyer’s Guide

CBD Oil For Pain Relief: Does it really work?

CBD oil for pain relief is one of the most researched areas of CBD. Doctors, scientists, pharmacists and researchers all over the world have been looking into the effects of CBD on pain. In this article we’ll provide a review of some of the most cited research carried out, here are some of the CBD studies that we will talk about:

• Chronic Pain
• Migraine & Headaches 
• Fibromyalgia 
• Back pain
• Arthritis
• Irritable bowel syndrome 
• Inflammation
• Menstrual Pain

Best CBD Oil for Pain

So without further ado, here is a list of the 10 best CBD oils for pain relief to buy this year!

#1. Balance CBD

Balance CBD oils are finely crafted using natural ingredients in small batches. The company uses premium ingredients and supercritical extraction. The result is pure, powerful and potent CBD oils.

Whether you’re looking for THC-free CBD isolate or the synergistic benefits of the entourage effect of full spectrum, Balance CBD has got you covered. Look no further than Balance CBD’s line of Harlequin Terpene Infused, Charlotte’s Web Terpene Infused, or Natural CBD oils.

These high-quality CBD oils for pain are superior to other products on the market and should be high on your list. Balance CBD has been critically acclaimed everywhere from the US, UK and Canada. They have excellent reviews that describe calming, and relieving effects of CBD.

We recommend going for the full-spectrum extract so that you experience the benefits of all the cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds found in hemp.

Balance CBD oils are available in 500mg, 1000mg, 1500mg, 2000mg, 2500mg and 5000mg. There’s something for everyone. They offer premium CBD oils at an affordable price.

#2. Dani Pepper

Dani Pepper has firmly established itself as a high-quality, potent, accessible CBD oil for pain, garnering rave reviews and a loyal following.

They’re a company that believes in social change, they’re run by women and their team of scientists have been studying cannabinoids for over 10 years.

The company’s innovative yet sensible approach includes complete transparency. Even their packaging is sustainable. All products go through both rigorous internal and third-party lab testing, and independent lab test results are readily available online. Dani Pepper is customer-centric with exceptional customer support and some of the industry’s best pricing.

Dani Pepper only uses pure, non-GMO, vegan-friendly, natural ingredients. You can buy Dani Pepper CBD oil in 500mg and 2000mg doses across the US and Canada.

#3. Budderweeds

Started by true cannabis advocates and connoisseurs with more than 20 years of experience, Budderweeds products are crafted using handpicked, premium ingredients.

Pure CBD is derived from natural, commercial hemp grown to organic standards. The safest, cleanest extraction method is used. All ingredients are natural, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly -- no artificial flavors or additives.

These formulations are tested multiple times both in-house and by independent laboratories, which results in pure and potent CBD oils for pain.

Budderweeds CBD products are available in 600mg, 1000mg and 2000mg doses. We recommend going for their full-spectrum range of products. We put Budderweeds in position three because they’re relatively new to the US, however they have been helping Canadian patients for many years.

#4. Discreetly Baked

Discreetly Baked has quickly carved out a niche, making premium CBD products accessible to all. Only high-quality, commercial hemp grown to organic standards is used. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology,

Discreetly Baked creates a clean, safe, powerful CBD oil for pain. They have tirelessly researched the best ingredients to develop several mouth-watering flavors: Mandarin, Tropical Mango, and Strawberry Cream.

Only natural, organic ingredients combine with pure CBD hemp extract. The company’s transparent business practices ensure the utmost safety and satisfaction. Third-party lab tests verify the potency and purity of their CBD oils for pain.

#5. Absolute Nature

We absolutely love Absolute Nature because of their commitment to accessibility. Not only is their site very informative but there are also incredible discounts. For example, there is a massive Compassion Discount for first responders, veterans, people with disabilities, and people with low income. And there is even a 40% Pandemic Discount to help those hardest hit during these trying times.

This CBD oil for pain uses full spectrum CBD, so there is less than 0.3% THC. Only organically grown ingredients are used. This CBD oil for pain is 100% natural with no additives or preservatives.

#6. Spruce

Spruce only began in 2018 but has garnered a lot of attention for its Max Potency oil. This CBD oil for pain uses full spectrum CBD, which means that there are trace amounts of THC but no more than 0.3%. Keep this in mind if you must take a drug test because you may cause a false positive. Spruce also gives you a choice of carrier oils: organic hemp seed oil or organic coconut MCT oil. Whichever you choose, each CBD oil for pain relief option is non-GMO with no added flavoring. If you are sensitive to the natural hemp flavor, this may not be the option for you. Some people claim that these CBD oils are bitter.

#7. Medterra CBD

Medterra offers seed-to-sale CBD oil for pain, which means that they have full control. Medterra oversees the cultivation of hemp, farming practices, the extraction process, manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.

The hemp is grown under the rules and regulations of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. This level of command brings exceptional quality along with reasonable prices. Medterra’s CBD oil for pain is THC free, and you can check third-party test results to ensure zero THC. They offer a few different strengths, from 500 mg for mild pain to 3000 mg for severe pain.

#8. Sabaidee CBD

Another California brand, Sabaidee, makes our list because of their commitment to environmental causes. A portion of their profits goes to deforestation causes. The CBD oil for pain uses CBD derived from hemp grown using natural farming practices. No pesticides or herbicides are used. They also use the safest, cleanest extraction method to procure the CBD: CO2 extraction.

Broad spectrum CBD is used, which means there is no THC present. These oils come in two flavors: natural and mint. A huge bonus is that Sabaidee offers free shipping; unfortunately, prices are on the higher end.

#9. NuLeaf Naturals

NuLeaf Naturals began in 2014. They bring years of experience to this refined CBD oil for pain. Using hemp grown in Colorado, NuLeaf Naturals uses ingredients grown to organic standards. Independent lab tests confirm no heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, mold, or fungi. CO2 extraction, the best and safest extraction method, is used to make this full spectrum CBD oil. That means a trace amount of THC is present, but it will be less than 0.3%. Another thing to
note is that people have said that there is a strong hemp taste.

#10. Lazarus Naturals

Rounding out our list is Lazarus Naturals. Since 2014, this brand has steadily been growing into one of the best known CBD brands. We love Lazarus Naturals for their social responsibility.

What’s laudable is that they have committed $100k every year “to causes that support criminal justice reform, voting reform, government accountability, and other issues that address disenfranchisement.” What’s more, they also give a 60% discount to veterans, people with disabilities, and people with low income. Lazarus Naturals offers both full spectrum and isolate options in a variety of potencies and flavors.

Top CBD Oil for Pain 2021: How each brand scored.

Here’s a summary of how each brand on the list scored:

How do you choose the best CBD oil for pain relief?

There are many things that you should consider when buying CBD oil. Everything from where it’s made, who the lab test is from, what ingredients is in it to what type of CBD it’s made with. We’ll cover that a little later as well, but first here are some of the top CBD oils that may help with pain relief. Each product has been extensively examined by a team of specialists to help you find the best CBD oil for pain.

How to use CBD oil for Pain?

This comes down to the type of CBD oil you are taking, and what you’re taking it for. You should speak to your doctor to see what the best dose, and type of CBD is for you.

There are three types of CBD oils (we will talk more about these later). Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and Isolate. For pain, full-spectrum CBD oil is considered to be the most effective because it features all compounds of the hemp plant. This includes terpenes, essential oils and cannabinoids. Nearly all of the studies that referenced in this article consider full-spectrum CBD oil to be more effective than other types of CBD.

Taking CBD oil is easy. A handy dropper that allows you to exactly measure the amount of CBD oil you draw comes with the bottle of CBD oil.

Simply use the dropper and place the desired amount underneath your tongue, hold for a few seconds and then swallow. This method is called taking CBD oil sublingually. You can also mix in a few drops in your food or drink, but the sublingual method will provide you with the fastest effects.

How much CBD Oil to take for Pain?

Again, this depends on the type of CBD oil you’re taking and what you’re taking it for. Here are some general guidelines.

If you weigh between 130lbs and 230lbs, the following is a general guideline for full-spectrum CBD oil. First you’d determine your level of pain, and then you’d try a dose. To determine a more accurate dose, you should talk to your doctor and see if CBD is the right course of action for you to take.

• Low to mild pain: 1000mg bottle | 33mg/ mL per dose.
• Medium: 1500mg bottle | 50mg/ mL per dose
• Severe: 2500mg bottle | 83mg/ mL per dose

If you weigh less than 130lbs, or more than 230lbs then you can adjust the dose to be lower or higher as required. If you’re taking an isolate or broad-spectrum CBD oil then it is recommended to adjust your dose by an increase of 50%. For easier dosing, you can also check out CBD gummies. These come pre-dosed and they taste great!

How long until I feel the effects of CBD oil?

The effects of CBD oil on pain management are dependent on a whole range of factors. You should start to feel something in 20 minutes, and the benefits last between 4-6 hours.
Of course this is dependent on what your dosage was, and your metabolism. It should also be noted that if you’re new to CBD and you don’t feel anything at first, you should try increasing your dose.

The saying goes low and slow, but why is this case?

There’s many reasons you’d want to start low and go slow. First of all, according to reviews a lot of people can feel the effects of CBD when it’s used in low doses, this is called microdosing. Secondly, the majority of the studies conducted on CBD agree that it is something that should be used over the long term. This means that if you start low and go slow, you can begin to see how CBD affects you, and then you can adjust your dose accordingly.

Starting a CBD regime is akin to starting a new wellness program. Over time, you should begin to see progress.

How do I choose the best CBD oil for pain management?

To find high quality CBD products, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

• What type of CBD is in the product? (Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or isolate)
• Has the product been third-party lab tested?
• What other ingredients are in it?
• Price. What is the cost of CBD oil?
• Is the brand reputable?

These are the questions you should ask yourself, and these are the questions we used to compose our list.

How we determined the best CBD oil for pain

Types of CBD 

There are three unique types of CBD, each with its specific characteristics. The way the hemp is processed determines what kind of CBD you get; isolate, full-spectrum, or broad-spectrum.

As previously mentioned, the majority of the studies carried out on the effectiveness of CBD on pain agree that full-spectrum has the highest impact.

Full-spectrum CBD Oil 

Full-spectrum CBD includes all active plant compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids, and phytocannabinoids. Using the entire hemp plant means that there are trace amounts of THC; however, this amount is less than 0.3%.

You can expect full-spectrum CBD oil to include compounds such as:

• CBD
• CBDa
• CBDV
• CBD
• CBG
• GCBa
• CBC
• Delta 9-THC

These compounds work together and create the entourage effect. The entourage effect involves all of the compounds working together synergistically.

Broad-spectrum CBD Oil

Broad-spectrum contains all of the compounds found in full-spectrum, however THC is at a non-detectable level. Broad-spectrum still triggers the entourage effect, however the extent is less than full-spectrum.

Isolate CBD Oil

Isolate CBD oils only contain CBD, and the carrier oil that they are made of. They do not contain additional cannabinoids. If taking a broad-spectrum or a CBD oil made with isolate, practitioners recommend taking a 25 - 50% higher dose than what is compared with full-spectrum CBD oil.

Third-party Lab Test

Third-party lab testing is a necessary level of safety that is becoming an industry standard, let alone to be even featured amongst the best CBD oil companies.

Third-party lab testing confirms everything that is in your product. From the levels of the different compounds, to the presence of any harmful chemicals or ingredients. Reading a lab test can actually be quite complicated, so that brings us on to the next question.

How to read a lab test?

Here’s what to expect on a typical lab test. This is a lab test of a full-spectrum 1500mg CBD oil.

Analyte	Mass mg/unit	Mass %
THCa	<LOQ	<LOQ
Delta-9-THC	30.780	0.1080
Delta-8-THC	<LOQ	<LOQ
THCV	<LOQ	<LOQ
CBDa	7.268	0.0255
CBD	1540.853	5.4065
CBDV	10.830	0.0380
CBN	7.268	0.0255
CBGa	7.268	0.0255
CBG	9.263	0.0325
CBC	9.260	0.0320

The best CBD oils for pain also have other compounds present, such as CBG and CBDV. In this lab test there are, which means you’ll experience the full benefits of the entourage effect. Another thing to note is that delta-9 THC amount should be below 0.3% on a dry weight basis. So this means that in the mass column, the delta-9 THC level should be less than 0.3%. In this lab test, there is 0.1080% of THC, this means that it is safely under the limit.

The CBD mg/unit amount should correspond to the big number on your product. So if you bought a 1500mg CBD oil, the CBD mass should be in the region of 1500mg (you can give or take 10% for a margin of error).

On the lab test, you’ll also see the SKU number, batch number, date of manufacture, report date and the date the sample was sent to the lab.

Some other key terms to look out for are ND, NR and <LOQ. ND means not detected, and NR means not reported. Ideally, the lab test should also test for other chemicals such as pesticides and heavy metals. Here, the letters you want to see are ND, which means that those chemicals are not detected. <LOQ means limit of quantitation. This means that the present of this compound was so small, that it cannot show up on a lab test. Now, as we’re talking about what your tincture is made out of, let's move onto the ingredients.

Ingredients

The best CBD oils are made using CBD, and a carrier oil, specifically organic MCT coconut oil. They should be all-natural. Some CBD oils are added with additional terpenes, for example Balance CBD offers a Charlotte’s Web and Harlequin Terpene infused CBD oil. Budderweeds and Dani Pepper products are also infused with additional terpenes. Terpenes are natural, and are found in many other plants too, each offering its own unique benefits.

For example Limonene is a terpene found in the hemp plant, and many citrus fruits. Pinene is a terpene that’s found in the hemp plant and pine trees. If a CBD oil mentions that it contains terpenes, then we strongly advise that you contact the sales representative to find out exactly what terpenes the product includes. For example, Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene, Limonene, Terpinolene are terpenes found in many natural products, not just CBD and they are associated with many super foods.

• Myrcene is found in mango and lemongrass.
• Pinene is found in rosemary, basil and dill.
• Caryophyllene is found in black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.
• Limonene is found in peppermint and juniper.
• Terpinolene is found in tea tree and cumin.

Ideally, the lab test should tell you, however we have found that many companies do not disclose what terpenes are in their products, and that’s because they don’t know themselves. This comes down to the CBD manufacturer not knowing where they bought their hemp from.

Sticking with hemp, you need to make sure that hemp is farmed in the U.S. According to the law, CBD made using hemp from outside of the U.S is considered illegal. Before hemp was legalized by the Farm Bill in 2018, hemp used to be expensive. This meant that the price of CBD products was also very high. This meant that a lot of companies did end up breaking guidelines by ordering hemp from abroad, or even using synthetic CBD.

In the last year, the price of hemp has drastically decreased. There is no reason for the hemp in your CBD oil to originate from outside of the USA. Now, that brings us onto our next criteria. Price.

Cost of CBD Oil

CBD oil does not have to be expensive. We don’t want you to get ripped off by a CBD company that charges you $200 for 500mg of CBD. In July 2018, hemp prices reached US$40 a pound. This year, you can buy hemp at US$10 a pound. CBD manufacturers are saving nearly US$30 a pound, however many have not passed on these savings to their customers.

Beware of buying overpriced CBD oil. You should use the following prices as a guideline what you should pay for your bottle of CBD oil:

Milligrams of CBD	Price
500	$29.99 or below
1000	$49.95-$59.99
1500	$69.99 or below
2000	$79.95 or below
2500	$84.99-$89.99
5000	$129.95 or below

Brand Reputation

The best CBD oils for pain, will not actually state that they can be used for pain. This is because of FDA guidelines for making health claims. You should also watch out for fake reviews. Many CBD brands have been caught out for making fake reviews. You should always look for well trusted, reputable brands.

CBD Oil for pain relief: what does the research say?

There is an extensive amount of research that has gone into understanding the effects of CBD on pain. Here’s an overview of what the studies say.

Chronic Pain

The impact of CBD on chronic pain has been reviewed in the Journal of Clinical Risk Management. They conclude that CBD as an analgesic, aka pain reliever, has been well tolerated by participants, and that there is great promise for the future. So, if you suffer from things such as:

• Knee Pain
• Back Pain
• Joint Pain

Then you can consider trying CBD oil. Speak to your doctor and see what the best solution is for you.

Migraines & Headaches

Headaches are a common problem, and migraines can be debilitating. In recent years there have been several studies that look at the effects of cannabinoids on headaches. The majority agree that the changes in the legal status of cannabinoids means that they are open for more research into the treatment of migraines due to the anticonvulsive, analgesic, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory effects of many cannabinoids.

Arthritis

Nearly 50 million (22.2%) of adult Americans are living with arthritis. The CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) anticipate this figure to be 67 million by 2030. Many drugs, both pharmaceutical and plant-based are being researched for their effectiveness against arthritis. A recent study concluded that topical CBD application has the therapeutic potential to provide some relief from arthritis related pain and inflammation, without side effects. You can read more here.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Our endocannabinoid system plays a key role in the pathogenesis of IBS, also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In the west, it Studies call for more research into the effect of cannabinoids on IBS, however using cannabinoids are seen as a promising strategy that can be attempted in the first list of treatment. This is because CBD has a large safety profile.

Inflammation

Inflammation is something that affects everyone. Studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids may be able to be used as a treatment against inflammation. Currently, there are many CBD creams and topical products that seek to target inflammation.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects 5-7% of the global population, and cannabinoids are being studied for their effectiveness against symptoms. So far, research has shown cannabinoids to be a safe and effective alternative treatment for fibromyalgia symptoms, however the studies do ask for standardization of treatment compounds, and more research.

Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain can cause headaches, mood chances, uterine cramping, abdominal pain, back pain and much more. However, the Department of Nursing at the University of Arkansas studied the effects of CBD on relieving menstrual pain. They quote in their paper that using cannabis compounds for treating pain dates back 5000 years when Egyptians used it to treat neuralgia, headaches and toothaches. The researchers argue that as CBD is seen as promising in the treatment of other pain, CBD might be an appropriate alternative to managing the effects of PMS symptoms. Their review concludes that CBD can be tried to treat specific PMS symptoms and menstrual pain.

Should I choose a CBD oil or CBD cream for pain?

CBD cream may provide localized relief, while CBD oil may have added benefits to full-body pain relief. People believe that CBD oil may also help with mood, sleep, and anxiety. The type of pain determines whether CBD oil or CBD cream works better for you.

Many CBD creams work just like a normal warming or cooling pain rub that you can buy in your local pharmacy, these are generally marketed as CBD muscle relief creams. There’s also other CBD topicals such as CBD lube.

Now that you know the difference between CBD creams for pain, and a CBD oil, here’s the ultimate list of frequently asked questions, and a glossary of key terms!

CBD Oil Users for Pain: Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. CBD is one of the most commonly known cannabinoids. The other common cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC.

Unlike THC, CBD does not cause users to experience a “high”.

Each cannabinoid is being studied for its potential health benefits. We have cited several studies regarding CBD and pain, many with promising results. That said, what draws most people to CBD is the mountain of anecdotal evidence.

How does CBD oil for pain make you feel?

CBD oil for pain does not get you high. CBD does not have the same psychoactive properties like THC, which is a common misconception. It's hard to say how you will feel taking CBD oil for pain because there are no distinct signs. Some people say that they feel a calming or soothing effect.

The therapeutic effects also differ from person to person. Your weight, your body chemistry, the potency, the CBD type, and more determine how your body will react to CBD oil for pain. Research continues on the exact effects of CBD on the human body. CBD is not just for humans, many companies also offer CBD oil for dogs.

What does CBD oil taste like?

CBD oil has an earthy taste. That’s one way to describe it. The stronger the oil you take, the stronger the taste. You can buy CBD oils that are masked with other flavors, but you’ll still experience the taste. For most people, the taste is not overwhelming. If you’re really concerned about the taste, you can always go for CBD gummies and edibles, or even a CBD vape pen!

What other ways can I use CBD for pain?

Always keep in mind that CBD can be used in many different ways. We recommend sublingually, or topically for localized relief however other methods are available.

• Sublingual Concentrates: This is the most commonly used method. We talked about it above, you simply use the dropper and drop the liquid under your tongue. You hold and then swallow. The CBD is able to be absorbed by your bloodstream.
• Oral Administration: These are edibles and capsules. They can be more convenient to take, however they do take longer for your body to absorb. This means that you’ll experience the effects much slower compared to taking CBD oil sublingually.
• Inhalation: Vaping is an example. There are many great CBD vape pens for sale. This is also a fast method of CBD absorption. There’s also many great vape flavors that are available.
• Topical: Creams, topicals, balms and lotions are an example. You need to make sure that the topical you buy is made with nanotechnology CBD. This is because the CBD particles need to be small enough to absorb through your skin. If the CBD is not nano, aka tiny it will not give you any benefits. There’s many great topicals available such as nanotechnology CBD muscle relief cream, and even CBD lube.
• Suppositories: These are underrated. Suppositories are one of the fastest growing methods of CBD consumption and that’s because of how fast they work. They work great for abdominal and menstrual pain. 

What is the entourage effect?

As you know by now, there’s many different compounds in the hemp plant, such as CBD, delta-9-THC, CBDa, CBDV, CBG and CBN. There might even be terpenes such as limonene, caryophyllene, bisabolol, humulene, pinene, terpinene, myrcene, ocimene, pinene and ocimene.

The theory is that all of these compounds work together to create unique effects. These benefits are then referred to as the entourage effect.

A simpler explanation would be this, imagine you go to watch an NFL game to watch the 49ers play at Levi's Stadium. Now imagine you’re watching the 49ers play whilst you’re sitting at home in your living room. How would you behave when you’re watching the game with a group of friends, compared to watching a game alone? Your mood and personality will change depending on who you’re with.

The compounds found in hemp work in a similar way. When together, they can all feed off each other and provide you with better effects.

How does CBD interact with the body?

CBD interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a system that regulates functions such as:

• Sleep
• Mood
• Appetite
• Memory
• Pain
• Reproduction and fertility

The ECS is a system that is always active in your body, whether you use CBD or not. Your body naturally produces cannabinoids.

The two main endocannabinoid receptors. CB1 and CB2. CB1 are mainly found in the central nervous system, whilst CBD2 are found in the peripheral nervous system, including immune cells. Endocannabinds can bind to any receptor, for example, if you have knee pain then the endocannabinoids might be sent to bind with a CB1 receptor, whereas if you’re suffering from inflammation endocannabinoids bind with a CB2 receptor. These are natural reactions that happen within your body.

The role of CBD is to provide your body with additional cannabinoids. You can read more in a study that talks about the biological effects of cannabinoids.

What is the best CBD oil for pain for seniors?

As we age, we are more susceptible to health concerns. Proponents of CBD believe that it can help with many problems associated with pain, including pain from arthritis or sciatica. CBD oil is not age-dependent. There are no CBD oils for pain explicitly formulated for seniors. All the CBD oils listed above are suitable for seniors.

Consult your doctor before taking CBD, especially if you're taking other medications. CBD may change how the liver metabolizes certain types of drugs. You should also only take CBD if you’re over the age of 18!

CBD Oil for pain: The Final Word

We hope that you found this article helpful and informative, improving your understanding of CBD.

CBD oil comes with a plethora of benefits, most of which are due the CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system.

It’s important that you only use high-quality products, giving you the best possible chance to experience the benefits that this compound has to offer.

Feel free to use our recommendations, and let us know how CBD oil makes you feel. If you have more questions, then you can give us a call on 415 529 5004 We will be happy to help. If we don’t answer simply leave us a message and we’ll call you back!