Best CBD oil and Topicals for Inflammation in 2021

CBD oil and other CBD products are growing popular as a way to relieve anxiety, pain, insomnia, and other health concerns.

Research suggests that CBD has anti-inflammatory effects that may help with a variety of conditions with an inflammatory component, such as arthritis.

CBD is also safe and can be used in the long term, in contrast to many common anti-inflammatory drugs. Still, more evidence for its anti-inflammatory effects in specific conditions is needed.

But with so many products available, finding the right one isn’t easy. That’s why we put together this list of the best CBD products for inflammation.

What does science say about CBD and inflammation?

CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated in a variety of conditions that involve chronic inflammation:

• A 2019 study found that CBD-rich cannabis extract improved ulcerative colitis, whereas placebo had no effect
• A 2019 pilot study found that cannabis with a 2:1 ratio of CBD: THC has positive effects in people with severe dementia, which is linked to brain inflammation
• Similarly, a 2014 clinical study reported that CBD improved quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease, while placebo did not
• A 2006 study of Sativex, a whole-plant cannabis drug that contains equal amounts of CBD and THC, reported reduced pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients
• According to a 2015 review paper, CBD showed anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies of diabetes, IBD, arthritis, edema (swelling), brain inflammation, liver injury, and lung diseases.

Overall, research suggests that CBD has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help with various inflammatory conditions. Still, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm and better understand CBD’s effects.

How we chose these products

We review and compare hundreds of CBD products from dozens of brands based on price, hemp quality, transparency, reputation, and other criteria.

We also consider factors relevant to inflammation. For example, some of the products we suggest are formulated with turmeric and other anti-inflammatory ingredients.

For a full explanation of how we choose products for our best lists, check out this page. We also use an unbiased ranking system for rating brands and products out of 100 points.

All of our content is written and reviewed by a team of medical doctors, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, and other health experts knowledgeable about CBD and cannabis.

Our picks

Best Overall — Receptra Naturals Serious Relief Tincture

Our top pick for inflammation is the serious relief tincture from Colorado’s Receptra Naturals. This mint berry-flavored CBD oil has a high potency of 66 mg/ml and also contains turmeric, a research backed anti-inflammatory herb.

According to third party test results, this tincture is free of pesticides and other contaminants and contains the advertised amount of CBD.

Receptra grows its hemp on an organic farm in Colorado.

This CBD oil contains full-spectrum CBD extract.

Receptra’s tincture not only contains multiple minor cannabinoids but also turmeric, an anti-inflammatory herb.

Receptra’s CBD oil costs $0.08 per mg of CBD, which is slightly cheaper than the average price for full spectrum tinctures.

Best Potency — Endoca Strong CBD Oil

Strong CBD oils contain more CBD per ml and are ideal for people who need to take larger doses. If you’re looking for a high potency CBD oil, we recommend Denmark’s Endoca.

Its strong full spectrum tincture has a very high potency of 150 mg/ml.

Third party and in-house tests verify the potency and purity of Endoca’s strong CBD oil.

Whereas most CBD brands source their hemp from other producers, Endoca directly grows its organic hemp in Denmark in partnership with local farmers.

This tincture contains full-spectrum CBD extract.

Third party tests and our independent testing show that Endoca’s tinctures are rich in minor cannabinoids that work in synergy with CBD.

Endoca’s strong CBD oil costs $0.10 per mg of CBD, which is considered an average price.

Best Value — Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture

If you want to get the best value for your money, you can’t go wrong with Lazarus Naturals. The company’s full spectrum, high potency (50 mg/ml) tincture provides 3000 mg of CBD at an exceptionally low price. It comes in multiple sizes and flavors.

According to third party testing, this CBD oil contains an accurate amount of CBD and has no pesticides or other contaminants.

Lazarus Naturals directly grows most of its organic hemp on a farm in central Oregon.

This CBD oil is made with full spectrum CBD, which contains all of hemp’s beneficial active compounds.

Third party tests confirm that this CBD oil contains multiple minor cannabinoids.

This tincture costs $0.02 per mg of CBD, which is incredibly cheap. Additionally, Lazarus Naturals offers free shipping over $25 and a 60% discount to veterans, low-income families, and people with disabilities.

Best THC Free — Medterra Broad Spectrum Cannabinoid Tincture

Some people are sensitive to THC or have to pass drug tests for work, which means they can’t use full spectrum CBD products.

In that case, we recommend the ultra broad spectrum cannabinoid tincture from Medterra, which has a high potency of 67 mg per ml and three flavor options.

According to third party tests, Medterra’s tincture is free of contaminants and contains an accurate amount of CBD.

Medterra’s CBD products are made from organic Kentucky hemp. The company is also certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, which means it follows hemp industry best practices.

This tincture is made with broad spectrum hemp extract, which is free of THC but maintains all of the other beneficial compounds you’d find in a whole-plant product.

Third party tests confirm that this CBD oil carries minor cannabinoids that work together with CBD.

With a cost of $0.05 per mg of CBD, this tincture is priced lower than average.

Best Topical — Nanocraft CBD Extra Strength CBD Muscle & Joint Stick

Applying CBD topically is a great option when you’re dealing with muscle, skin, or joint inflammation in a specific area.

Our top pick for this category is the extra strength CBD muscle & joint stick from Nanocraft CBD, which contains 500 mg of CBD in a 50 ml container alongside multiple anti-inflammatory herbs.

Third party tests show that this product is free of contaminants, although it might contain more CBD than advertised.

Nanocraft’s products are sourced from organic Colorado and Kentucky hemp.

This topical contains broad spectrum CBD, which has zero THC but still provides other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes.

Nanocraft’s CBD stick contains many plant ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, including cocoa seed butter, boswellia, cayenne extract, arnica, ginger, willow bark, and calendula.

Nanocraft’s CBD stick costs $0.12 per mg of CBD, which isn’t too bad considering its diverse formula.

Best Capsules — Joy Organics CBD Softgels With Curcumin

Many people prefer to use CBD capsules over oils because of their convenience. We recommend Joy Organics’ softgels with curcumin for dealing with inflammation.

Third party tests verify that these capsules are free of pesticides, although their CBD content may be higher than advertised.

Joy Organics uses organic Colorado hemp for its CBD products.

These capsules contain THC free broad spectrum CBD.

These capsules carry 10 mg of curcumin, the main active ingredient of the anti-inflammatory herb turmeric. Third party tests also show that they contain minor cannabinoids.

These softgels cost $0.12 per mg of CBD, which is considered an average price. However, you’re also getting curcumin.

Best Gummies — Five CBD Full Spectrum Gummies

If you’re looking to use CBD gummies for inflammation, we recommend Five CBD. It offers one of the only full spectrum CBD gummies on the market. Each piece contains 50 mg of CBD and 5 mg of THC.

Third party tests confirm that these gummies are free of contaminants, although they might have more CBD than 50 mg of CBD.

Five CBD’s products are made from organic American hemp.

Unlike most CBD gummies, these are made with full spectrum hemp extract.

According to third party tests, these gummies contain THC and multiple minor cannabinoids.

Five CBD’s gummies cost only $0.04 per mg of CBD. That’s cheaper than most other CBD gummies, especially since you’re getting a full spectrum product.

Best Vape Product — CBDfx Terpene Vape Liquid

If you’re looking for instantaneous effects, nothing beats vaping CBD. The best e-liquid we’ve come across is the terpene vape liquid from CBDfx. It comes in four flavors and two strengths: 500 mg (17 m/ml) and 1000 mg (33 mg/ml).

What makes this vape oil different from most is that it’s infused with a blend of cannabis terpenes for flavor and added effects.

You can buy it alongside CBDfx’s vape kit if you don’t have a vape.

According to third-party tests, this vape juice contains as much CBD as it should and is free of contaminants.

CBDfx uses organic Kentucky hemp to extract CBD.

This vape juice contains pure CBD isolate.

Aside from CBD, this vape oil also contains a blend of cannabis terpenes for flavor and potential benefits.

CBDfx’s terpene vape e-liquid costs $0.07-0.10 per mg of CBD, which is cheaper than most CBD vape oils.

How to choose the best CBD for Inflammation

To find the best CBD product for inflammation you should consider a couple of factors:

• Third party testing: This type of testing is done by an independent lab to verify that a product is free of contaminants and contains the correct amount of CBD. You should always check the test results for the product you want to buy.
• Consumption method: Each way of taking CBD has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, topical products are the best option for localized inflammation, while CBD oil works best for whole-body relief.
• Type of CBD: There are three types of CBD; isolate, full spectrum, and broad spectrum. Full spectrum is the most effective but if you need to avoid THC, you should use the other two forms.
• Dosage: CBD affects everyone differently, so you’ll need to start at a low dose and slowly raise it to find your ideal dosage. Then, you can match the dosage to a product with the right potency.

These are just some of the considerations. Check out our detailed guide for a full breakdown of how to find reputable CBD brands and choose the best product for yourself.

Safety and side effects

Extensive research has shown that CBD is a safe substance with few and minor side effects. The most common ones include:

• Tiredness and drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea and nausea
• Low blood pressure and lightheadedness
• Changes in appetite or weight

CBD can also interact with many prescription medications.

The good news is that these side effects are unlikely because they’ve only been reported by studies using high oral doses of pure CBD.

Still, we recommend talking to your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional before taking CBD, especially if you’re using prescription medicine.

Legality

Hemp derived CBD products (with 0.3% or less THC) are federally legal in the United States. However, a few states have more restrictive laws. Some ban CBD completely or only allow THC free products, so it’s best to research the particular state you’re curious about.