Best CBD Oil for Pain of 2023 - Top 8 Pain Relieving Options For You
Living with pain can be an ongoing challenge. Whether you have chronic pain due to a degenerative disease or acute pain due to an injury, you have to explore ways to minimize the pain and carry on with daily life. CBD oil for pain relief has become quite common in recent years. A potent cannabinoid, CBD won’t make you feel high. However, it can interact with your neural pathways to reduce pain, inflammation, and discomfort.
Most people take CBD orally when using it for pain relief. You can place the CBD oil drops under your tongue or add CBD oil to your favorite foods. As popular as CBD oil for pain has become, there are many great companies selling their own versions and formulas. We did the hard work of reviewing them for you and selecting the following 8 best CBD oil for pain options.
8 Best CBD Oil for Pain
- CBDfx – Top Choice: Best Overall
- CBDistillery – Large Variety
- Sunday Scaries – Runner-Up
- Green Roads – Potent Formulas
- Absolute Nature – Best Introductory Oils
- Aspen Green – Lovely Flavors
- Secret Nature – True Full-Spectrum Oils
- Joy Organics – Most Versatile
Reviews: 8 Best CBD Oil for Pain
Choosing a CBD oil for pain may feel overwhelming at times. CBD oils come in so many different potencies, flavors, and formulas. You want to make sure you’re buying from a reputable company, and that the CBD oil you’re buying is sourced and extracted responsibly. If you choose one of the 8 best CBD oil for pain options below, you won’t have to worry about these issues. We’ve thoroughly vetted these CBD products, and they came out on top.
1. CBDfx – Top Choice: Best Overall
CBDfx was our choice for Best Overall because of the company’s dedication to quality. Founded in 2014, CBDfx has always selected their hemp carefully. They only use organically grown, non-GMO, pesticide-free hemp. Plus, their CO2 extraction method results in some of the best CBD oil around.
CBDfx offers a selection of CBD oil for pain relief. Their broad-spectrum CBD Wellness 2:1 Tincture is a great choice for chronic pain, such as arthritis pain. It contains not only CBD, but also CBG, another powerful cannabinoid that helps relieve pain and inflammation. Wellness 2:1 Tincture also contains curcurmin, the active, pain-relieving ingredient in turmeric.
If your pain keeps you awake at night, you may want to try CBDfx Sleep Tincture, formulated with broad-spectrum CBD and melatonin for relaxation.
Pros:
- Broad- and full-spectrum CBD products
- Multiple formulas with added herbs for enhanced relief
- Cruelty-free
- Backed by a 60-day guarantee
- Comes in multiple strengths
Cons:
- Most oils have a strong hemp flavor
Who should use it?
CBDfx CBD oils are a good choice for anyone who needs potent pain relief. The formulas with added curcurmin, melatonin, and focus mushrooms can be helpful if you’re not getting full relief from CBD alone. Reviewers have found these best CBD oil for pain products effective in managing pain due to arthritis, old injuries, migraines, fibromyalgia, and tired muscles. Many reviews mention how quickly these CBD oils go to work, especially when they’re held beneath the tongue before swallowing.
Shop Best CBD Oils at CBDfx.com
2. CBDistillery – Large Variety
CBDistillery is a Colorado-based company and one of the best-known names in the CBD world. They are members of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, and they’ve made it their mission to spread awareness of the helpful effects of CBD. CBDistillery was our choice for Best Variety because they offer so many different, carefully crafted CBD oils. Every oil has unique properties, and anyone dealing with pain can find a CBDistillery oil to suit their needs.
One of the most popular CBDistillery CBD oils is their Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture. Its 2500 mg formula is incredibly potent. Customers also love the Sleep Synergy full-spectrum CBD oil for evening pain relief. Formulated with CBN and CBD, it helps you relax and recover. Daytime Synergy, formulated with energizing CBG, is the perfect CBD oil for pain relief for daytime use.
Pros:
- Huge selection of formulas with CBG and CBN
- Full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and pure CBD isolate options
- Backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee
- Some flavored oils available
- Made with non-GMO, cruelty-free ingredients
Cons:
- More expensive than some other brands
Who should use it?
CBDistillery has CBD oil for pain options for anyone dealing with mild pain to severe pain. Their less-potent formulas are great for occasional muscle soreness or headaches. Those with chronic pain often benefit from the more potent oils with additional cannabinoids. If CBD oil tends to make you tired and sluggish during the day, CBDistillery’s Daytime Synergy may be the solution.
Reviewers find these CBD oils to be potent, effective, and easy to dispense. They also complement CBDistillery’s customer service, which is top-notch in the industry.
Shop Best CBD Oils at TheCBDistillery.com
3. Sunday Scaries – Runner-Up
Sunday Scaries creates products to combat the stress of living in modern society. Sometimes, that stress comes out in the form of pain, such as headaches or backaches. Sunday Scaries CBD oil can help you deal with that pain. This brand is one of our top picks for pain management because of their oil’s high potency, unique formula, and versatility.
Sunday Scaries broad-spectrum CBD for pain, Tincture for Chillin’, contains vitamins B12 and D. These vitamins are good for the nervous system and can help deepen the relaxation you get from CBD. When you’re relaxed, your pain tends to be less prominent. This oil contains 500 mg CBD per bottle, which is a good dose for new CBD users and those managing mild pain. You can always take a second dropper of oil if you need more relief.
Pros:
- Formulated with vitamins for enhanced effects
- Subtle fruit punch flavor
- USDA Organic
- Kosher-Certified
Cons:
- Less potent than other options
Who should use it?
Sunday Scaries CBD oil for pain management is a good choice for people struggling with mild pain and everyday stress. Use it to soothe sore muscles after a workout or a hard day on your feet. Take it to calm down a sinus headache or a stiff neck. Your body and mind will both relax.
Reviewers like the subtle flavor of this oil. Some even mix it into their tea or smoothies.
Shop Best CBD Oils at SundayScaries.com
4. Green Roads – Potent Formulas
Green Roads is a leader in the CBD industry. All of their CBD products are formulated by pharmacists and produced in an FDA-registered facility. They also make their CBD oils in three strengths: mild, moderate, and mighty. Their strongest oils contain 1500 mg CBD.
Green Roads has full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils. Their Apple Kiwi Bliss broad- spectrum CBD oil is a popular choice for pain management. It offers 50 mg CBD per 1 ml dose and is carefully designed for fast absorption and action. Reviewers love it for arthritis pain and other chronic discomfort. If you want something a bit less potent, Green Roads full-spectrum CBD oil in the 750 mg formula is a great choice.
Pros:
- Pharmacist-formulated products
- Good variety of potencies
- Multiple flavor options
- Daytime and nighttime formulas
- Made with American-farmed hemp
Cons:
- Bottles must be closed carefully to prevent leaks
Who should use it?
Green Roads CBD oils are a good choice for anyone who needs a larger dose of CBD for pain management. Their high-potency CBD products deliver more CBD in a single dropper. Some reviewers mention using these oils to relieve pain after joint replacement surgery, accidents, or illness. Since they’re formulated for fast-absorption, they’re a good CBD oil for pain option for those who need quick relief. You could take Green Roads CBD oil to stop a migraine in its tracks or manage menstrual cramps.
Shop Best CBD Oils at GreenRoads.com
5. Absolute Nature – Best Introductory Oils
Absolute Nature CBD oil is a great choice for those new to CBD. We’d recommend this best oil for pain to anyone who is new to CBD. It’s made from organically grown, non-GMO hemp and is third-party tested for pesticides and solvents. The price is also affordable for those just getting into the CBD.
Absolute Nature CBD oil offers 500 mg of full-spectrum CBD per bottle. This is a good starter dose for anyone struggling with joint pain, muscle aches, or other mild pain. Since this CBD oil for pain product is processed via CO2 extraction, it is pure, easily absorbed, and effective.
Pros:
- Simple formula
- USDA Organic
- Gluten-free and vegan
- Contains naturally occurring terpenes, flavonoids, and vitamins
Cons:
- Only one potency available
Who should use it?
If you have never used CBD oil before but would like to try it for pain management, Absolute Nature CBD oil is a good one to try. Many reviews of this product are from first-time users, and they have a lot of good things to say. Some mention that the oil has allowed them to take over-the-counter pain relievers less often. Others mention using the CBD oil for pain relief at bedtime, which helps them get better rest.
Shop Best CBD Oils at AbsoluteNatureCBD.com
6. Aspen Green – Lovely Flavors
Aspen Green is a CBD company dedicated to healing people and the planet. They’re a member of the National Hemp Association, and they partner with the Realm of Caring Foundation to support hemp education and research. Their 1000 mg full-spectrum hemp extract has great flavors, but it has much more going for it, too.
Aspen Green’s full-spectrum CBD oil comes in Original, Citrus, and Mint flavors. While the Original just tastes like hemp, the Citrus and Mint have a lovely, subtle flavor that hides most of the hemp taste without tasting overly fake or sweet. This CBD oil for pain has a good, moderate potency at 1000 mg per ounce. Since it is made with full-spectrum hemp cannabis plant extract, it’s packed with phytonutrients and terpenes that enhance your pain relief.
Pros:
- Natural, enjoyable flavors
- Gluten-free formula
- Made from Colorado-grown, USDA Organic hemp
- Full-spectrum CBD formula
Cons:
- Only one potency available
Who should use it?
Aspen Green full-spectrum CBD oil is a good choice for anyone with mild to moderate pain. Its 1000 mg potency delivers a substantial dose of CBD. If you find other CBD oils too sweet, this is a good brand to try. Reviewers mention finding the flavors subtle, yet enjoyable. When held beneath the tongue, the CBD oil absorbs and goes to work quickly.
Shop Best CBD Oils at AspenGreen.com
7. Secret Nature – True Full-Spectrum Oils
Full-spectrum CBD oil tends to be more effective for pain relief because they contain not just CBD, but also other compounds from the hemp cannabis plant. These terpenes and other cannabinoids work in conjunction with the CBD to give you relief even from chronic pain. Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops is our choice for best full-spectrum CBD oil because of the company’s dedication to sustainability, purity, and preserving the natural essence of hemp.
Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops are made with 100% organic ingredients. The formula contains black seed oil and shilajit, which have historically been used to enhance the effects of cannabinoids like CBD. Secret Nature sells their drops in Plain and Mint flavors. Each bottle contains 1500 mg CBD.
Pros:
- Relaxes both the body and the mind
- Additional herbs enhance pain-relieving qualities
- Full-spectrum formula
- Natural mint flavor
Cons:
- High cost per bottle
Who should use it?
Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops are ideal for those struggling with serious, chronic pain. Thanks to its unique formula and full-spectrum CBD oil, this product provides greater-than-average pain relief paired with mental relaxation. Some reviewers mention using it to ease arthritis pain prior to a long day on their feet. Others have used it to relieve fibromyalgia pain or migraines.
Shop Best CBD Oils at SecretNatureCBD.com
8. Joy Organics – Most Versatile
Joy Organics was created by Joy Smith, a mother, grandmother, and humanitarian who experienced the wonders of CBD and wanted to share this substance with the world. The company was one of the first to sell USDA Certified Organic CBD products. We love that their organic CBD Oil is so versatile; you can use it in several different ways to relieve your pain.
Joy Organics CBD oil has a simple, clean formula. It’s made with an organic olive oil base. Thanks to this simple formula, the oil can easily be added to your favorite drinks or snacks. You can also use this oil for topical pain relief. Rub a little bit on your sore joints or muscles, and the relief will come within minutes. Of course, you can always take this oil orally, beneath your tongue, like you would any other CBD oil for pain products.
Pros:
- Comes in 450 mg, 900 mg, and 1350 mg formulas
- USDA Certified Organic
- Vegan
- Contains 0.0% THC
- Made with broad-spectrum CBD oil
Cons:
- No flavor options
Who should use it?
If you’re looking for a CBD oil you can use topically and orally, Joy Organics is a great choice. This CBD oil for pain works well for chronic pain like arthritis since you can rub it on your joints and experience swift relief. It’s also a good option for post-workout relaxation, or for easing tension headaches. Reviewers mention that the oil tastes like hemp, but the flavor is quite subtle and tolerable.
Shop Best CBD Oils at JoyOrganics.com
How We Chose Our Top CBD Oils for Pain
When we sought out to rank the best CBD oil for pain relief options, we knew we had a lot of reading and research to do. It quickly became clear that we couldn’t select just one product. With so many excellent CBD oils out there, it made more sense to select 8 CBD oils across 8 different categories.
In order to even be considered for our list, a CBD oil for pain management had to have certain qualities. These included:
- Third-party lab testing for purity and potency
- Adherence to federal guidelines regarding trace THC content
- Made by a reputable, registered company
- Clear marketing and detailed labels
After narrowing down our options to CBD oils that met these specifications, we started looking more in-depth at product descriptions and reviews. We favored CBD oil for pain options that had a lot of positive reviews from customers. If people can’t stop talking about how amazing a CBD oil is for pain relief, they’re usually right.
We also paid close attention to companies’ ethics. The CBD companies on this list go above and beyond to not only produce great CBD oil products, but to do so in a way that’s kind to animals, the environment, and people. Many of these CBD oils are vegan and cruelty-free. Most are USDA Certified Organic, and if not, they are made with organic hemp cannabis plant extract. We found that companies that put the planet and their customers first tended to create better, more reliable CBD oil for pain products. So, we rewarded those companies with high rankings.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a compound that helps relieve pain, but beyond that — what is it, really? The simplest way to explain it is that CBD is a compound found in the flowers of hemp cannabis plants. It’s one of many similar compounds, called cannabinoids, that are derived from hemp. Some of these compounds, like THC, are psychoactive and can make you feel high. CBD is non-psychoactive. It won’t make you feel high or interfere with your cognition. Well, it may take the edge off your stress and anxiety; CBD is really good at that.
Is CBD Legal?
Yes, CBD is legal. Sometimes people assume it is illegal in the United States because THC is illegal. Prior to 2018, the legality of CBD in the United States was a bit confusing and unclear. However, in 2018, the Farm Bill was passed by the U.S. Government. This bill made it legal to grow hemp in the United States. It did place some restrictions on the hemp that could be grown. Specifically, hemp has to contain less than 0.3% THC to be legally compliant. As long as the hemp meets that qualification, it can be used to extract CBD and make CBD oil.
What Are the Different Types of CBD Oil?
There are three different types of CBD oil you often see. They differ in the way they are extracted from hemp.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains CBD plus any other cannabinoids that the hemp flower contains. It may, for instance, contain some CBN and CBG, depending on the strain of hemp used to make it. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains traces of THC, but not enough to make you feel high.
Broad-Spectrum CBD oil contains CBD and most of the other cannabinoids from the hemp flowers - except for THC. Companies remove traces of THC from the hemp oil when making their broad-spectrum CBD oil.
Pure CBD oil, also known as CBD isolate, does not contain anything other than CBD suspended in a carrier oil such as MCT oil or hemp seed oil. There are no other cannabinoids in this oil, making it a good choice for those who want to avoid CBN and THC for whatever reason.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
CBD has a wide range of benefits, including the following:
- Relief from acute and chronic pain
- To reduce inflammation
- Stress reduction
- Anxiety relief
- To manage symptoms of depression
- Better sleep
- To promote relaxation
While CBD is not a cure for any disease, people often use it to relieve pain and other symptoms due to the following diseases and ailments.
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Previous surgeries, such as joint replacement or ligament repair
- Toothaches
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Muscle soreness
- Fibromyalgia
- Menstrual cramps
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sciatica
Advantages of CBD Over Other Pain Relievers
CBD has some advantages over other pain relief options, such as opioids and NSAIDs.
Unlike opiates, it is non-addictive. You will not experience withdrawal symptoms or other mental effects if you stop taking CBD.
CBD is also easier on the digestive tract than OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen. If you are dealing with chronic pain, taking these medications every day may lead to ulcers, GI bleeding, or heartburn. CBD does not tend to have these effects. Some people experience occasional, mild stomach upset when taking CBD oil, but taking it with food usually eliminates this issue.
CBD is all-natural and works in several different ways to relieve pain. It is great at reducing inflammation, which makes it an effective option for inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Some other pain relievers just mask the pain; CBD fights it at the source.
You can also use CBD oil in several different ways. Rather than just swallowing it like a pain reliever pill, you can add it to your food or drink. You can also apply CBD oils topically, if desired. It’s nice to have such a versatile pain relief product in your cabinet.
How to Use CBD Oil for Pain
Most CBD oil comes with instructions on the bottle, which you can follow for the best effects. However, there are also some general guidelines you can follow when using CBD for pain relief. Here are three different ways to use your oil.
Sublingual Dosing
The fastest way to get relief with CBD oil for pain is generally to take it sublingually. In other words, you place the CBD oil under your tongue. You have blood vessels really close to the surface here, and CBD can be absorbed straight into them. Hold the CBD oil under your tongue for up to a minute, then swallow anything that remains.
Oral Dosing
If you can’t stand having CBD oil under your tongue, you can instead swallow it immediately. It will just take a little longer — about an hour — to relieve your pain. Place the drops on your tongue, and swallow. Alternatively, you could stir the CBD oil into a drink, some pudding, or your cereal. If you often take your CBD oil for pain orally, you’ll want to look for a nicely flavored product.
Topical Use
Finally, you can rub CBD oil for pain directly on the parts of your body that are hurting. It will be absorbed directly into your blood vessels and will start interacting with your nerve endings to relieve pain and inflammation. Use a non-flavored CBD oil for this approach. Start with a few drops, rub them in well, and wait a few minutes. If you’re still in pain, add a few more drops.
Some people find CBD oils to be too greasy for topical use. If you run into this problem, look for more specialized, topical CBD products such as a CBD cream or roll-on CBD stick. These products are really popular with arthritis patients.
How Much CBD Should You Take for Pain?
Every person reacts to CBD a little differently. The dose you’ll need to take will depend on how sensitive your own endocannabinoid system is to CBD. It will also depend on the intensity of your pain. The only way to find your perfect dose is to experiment a little.
Most people start with a dose of 10 mg when they’re new to CBD. Depending on the potency of your CBD oil, this may only be a few drops. Wait an hour before deciding how much relief you’re getting from this dose. If you don’t feel that you got enough relief, you can use more CBD — perhaps 15 mg or 20 mg — the next time you take it.
Many patients with mild pain only need to take 20 mg or fewer of CBD each time. However, those with more serious pain due to chronic arthritis, IBS, or migraines may need to take as much as 50 mg at a time. If you find you need these higher doses, look for a high-potency CBD oil. This way, you can get the dose of CBD you need without having to swallow multiple droppers of the product at once.
People also tend to find they need less CBD when taking a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil versus one made with CBD isolate. The other cannabinoids in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils make the CBD more effective than when it stands alone in pure CBD isolate products.
Does CBD Oil Cause Side Effects?
One of the big reasons so many people use CBD oil for pain relief is its lack of side effects. The vast majority of people who use it experience zero negative effects — only benefits. Researchers have studied the safety of CBD pretty extensively and have not found any worrisome effects at moderate doses.
Some people do find that CBD oil makes them feel a bit groggy and sluggish. You may like these effects in the evening, but not in the daytime. If your CBD oil is making you fatigued, try taking a little less during the day. Also make sure you’re not taking a product that contains CBN during the day; CBN is known for its relaxing effects.
Even top quality CBD oils can sometimes cause diarrhea or a loss of appetite. This may be more related to the carrier oil than the CBD itself. If this happens to you, try taking your CBD oil with bland foods, like some crackers or bread.
Finally, dry mouth can be a side effect of CBD products — especially those that contain traces of THC. If your mouth feels cottony when using CBD products, carry a water bottle with you and take sips often. You can also try chewing on sugar-free gum, which can increase saliva production.
FAQs About CBD Oil
Does CBD oil make you feel high?
No, taking CBD oil will not make you feel high. THC, a substance found in cannabis, is the cannabinoid best known for its psychoactive effects. While some CBD oils contain tiny amounts of THC, they don’t contain enough to affect your mind. CBD itself is non-psychoactive and won’t make you hallucinate, lose your memory, or act differently than you normally would.
Can you overdose on CBD oil?
It is technically possible to overdose on CBD, but it is highly unlikely that this would ever happen. In order to overdose, the average person would need to consume about 33 tablespoons of CBD oil. If someone were to take this much CBD, they might experience side effects such as anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. Thankfully, an overdose of CBD is unlikely to be deadly or cause permanent damage.
If you accidentally take an extra dropper or even a few extra droppers of CBD, you don’t have to worry about an overdose. You may feel a little more tired and sluggish than usual, but these effects should wear off soon.
Is CBD oil addictive?
When someone becomes addicted to a substance, they become unable to stop taking it, even if they want to. They often experience physical symptoms, such as nausea and confusion, if they do stop. Thankfully, CBD is not addictive and will not cause any of these issues if you decide to stop taking it.
Its non-addictive nature is one reason why CBD is so common for pain relief. If you struggle with chronic pain and need to take something daily to ease your pain, you don’t want to become addicted to that substance. When using CBD products, this is not a concern. You won’t have withdrawals if you skip a dose or decide to change to a different product.
Can CBD oil help with gout pain?
While CBD won’t cure your gout, it can be an effective treatment for gout pain. CBD can interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce the inflammation associated with gout. Once the inflammation is gone, there will be less pressure on your joints and skin, and you’ll be able to bend and move your joints more easily. This, in turn, can result in pain relief.
There have been both animal and human studies that have found CBD to be effective in managing gout pain. In addition to taking it orally, you may want to try applying it topically to the joints that are sore.
Can CBD oil help with hangovers?
If you wake up with a hangover, CBD oil is a good remedy to take. It can help relieve any headache pain associated with your hangover. It can also help ease other hangover symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Since hangovers are often caused and made worse by dehydration, consider adding your CBD oil to a hydration beverage when taking it for hangover pain.
Is CBD oil the same as hemp seed oil?
Both CBD oil and hemp seed oil are derived from hemp, but they are not the same thing. CBD oil is pressed from the hemp flowers, which contain the CBD and other active cannabinoids. Hemp seed oil is pressed from the hemp seeds. These seeds do not contain any CBD or other cannabinoids.
Hemp seed oil is commonly used as a carrier oil for CBD extract to help transport the CBD within the body. It is good for heart health, however, it is not an effective pain reliever, nor does it ease anxiety and stress like a high-quality CBD oil.
Some CBD oil is marketed as hemp oil, though. In other words, CBD oil and hemp oil are the same thing. Hemp seed oil is a different product.
Choose CBD Oil for Pain Relief
If you need a safe, natural way to relieve or manage your pain, give CBD oil a try. The 8 brands we featured on this list all create pure, consistently, lab-tested CBD products that you can depend on. Spend a little time narrowing down your dose and trying out different CBD products. Before long, you’ll be moving more comfortably than ever.
