Every day, new people are introduced to the amazing properties found within the cannabis plant, and in particular, its dominant chemical compound, cannabidiol (CBD).  CBD is a unique type of plant compound that works in a way that can support the body’s sense of equilibrium, so it’s not surprising that so many people find that this cannabinoid helps them with pain, anxiety and sleep disorders in particular. 

Even though science confirms that cannabidiol possesses these properties and many more health benefits, there are far too many brands out there that are simply not putting enough effort into producing highly effective hemp-derived products.  That’s why it’s important to have a good understanding of the brands out there that have maintained strong reputations over the years for offering CBD that’s clean, pure, high in quality and renowned for its effectiveness.

CBD Brands We Recommend for Pain, Anxiety & Sleep

  1. FAB CBD – Best Overall
  2. Joy Organics – Best Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Stress
  3. CBDistillery – Best CBD Relief Stick for Joint Pain
  4. Green Roads – Best CBD Cream for Muscle Pain
  5. Premium Jane – Best CBD Bath Bomb
  6. Lazarus Naturals – Best CBD Capsule for Energy
  7. Nuleaf Naturals – Best CBD Softgel for Relaxation

Our Take on Choosing the Right Product for Pain, Anxiety and Sleep

As you may have figured out by now, not all CBD-based products are crafted equally.  Some companies simply maintain stricter standards than others, while some are cutting corners while trying to profit off of a growing trend.  The good news is that it’s not that hard to narrow down the brands that are making premium-grade cannabidiol, as there are clear factors that are easy to look for so that you know what you’re getting.  Aside from that, if you’re seeking relief pertaining to chronic pain, anxiety, or possibly sleep in particular, there are even more things to pay attention to when shopping for CBD.

  1. Type of Product: The most common types of CBD-infused products for these ailments in particular are gummies, oils (tinctures), capsules, and topicals.  Every product type introduces the compounds of the hemp plant into the body in its own unique way, determining things like onset time, duration of effects, and even how potently you can feel the cannabidiol at work in the body.
  2. Ingredients: Always read the ingredients of a CBD product, for a couple of reasons.  One is that you’ll obviously want to avoid any company that puts a bunch of chemical fillers and unnecessary additives into their hemp products, which dilute the product and introduce unwanted ingredients into the body.  Furthermore, many brands make “targeted” CBD products aimed at promoting specific effects, like better sleep or pain relief, by adding more active natural derivatives into their formulas, like melatonin for sleep, or ashwagandha for stress.
  3.  Quality: Quality is determined by a number of things. It starts with the sourcing of the hemp plant, with domestically grown, organic hemp being ideal.  It’s also good to pay attention to the extraction method used, as some extraction methods yield higher-quality extracts than others.  Overall, CO2 extraction is the gold standard.
  4. Third-Party Lab Tests: Look for third-party lab reports provided by a brand on their website, as this indicates that they have their hemp tested by a state-authorized laboratory for quality, purity, authenticity, chemical compound breakdown, contamination from pesticides or heavy metals, and more. 
  5. Effectiveness: How effective a product is can be determined by factors like milligram strength (potency) and secondary active ingredients in a formula.  We also look at what reviewers have to say about a product’s effectiveness.
  6. Brand Reputation: A brand’s reputation says a lot about what you can expect from their products.  Again, we paid close attention to reviews from customers, to know what people have to say about a brand’s ethics and product quality.

Best CBD Products We Reviewed for Pain, Anxiety and Sleep

#1: Fab CBD – Best Overall

FAB CBD is one of the most celebrated brands in the hemp industry, for one simple reason in particular: their products consistently show that they work.  Many people seeking out specific effects related to sleep, stress, and pain choose their products which are targeted toward offering intensive effects that suit their daily needs.  Blending their top-shelf, organic, and CO2 extracted hemp extracts with clean, natural ingredients, and often including plant-derived active ingredients, they know how to address the most demanding needs of the community of hemp enthusiasts. They even offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAB offers three phenomenal products that address all these ailments we’re discussing here:

  • CBD Nighttime Gummies blend hemp extract with GABA, melatonin, l-theanine, ashwagandha and 5-htp to offer a natural yet powerful lineup of sleep enhancers to get the job done.  
  • CBD Salve is ideal for targeted pain treatment, with menthol and essential oils absorbing along with the CBD deep into the muscle and joints.
  • Full Spectrum CBD Oil which comes in a uniquely generous array of both strengths and flavors, with a terpene profile that is highly rated for its ability to bring about a sense of calm among those of us who could use some help with stress and anxiety. Flavor options include berry, citrus, mint, vanilla, and natural.

Quality: Top-notch quality (premium ingredients, top-shelf hemp material, clean formulas, excellent extraction methods)

 3rd Party Lab Tests: Proverde Labs

 Effectiveness: Highly effective products (lots of happy, loyal customers)

Brand Reputation: Exceptional (based on customer reviews)

Pros:

  • Enhanced with natural active ingredients for targeted effects
  • Choice of milligram strengths
  • Lots of great delivery methods
  •  Clean ingredients
  •  Organic, non-gmo, Colorado grown hemp

Cons:

  • No international shipping

#2: Joy Organics – Best Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Stress

Joy Organics is a brand that is dedicated to offering up only 100% organic hemp products, with an emphasis on holistic ingredients known to offer relief in natural ways.  Their lineup has something for every type of hemp user, with lots of great formulas and strengths to choose from.  They are also known for their elegant packaging which makes newcomers feel welcome to the hemp market.  Joy Organics emphasizes education, knowing that the hemp plant can be intimidating to first-timers, in order to make sure that customers know how to choose products carefully and take them for the best results.  Meanwhile, this brand’s transparency has won many over, as it allows customers to feel like they can trust the brand.

Joy Organics Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture in Tranquil Mint is a huge achievement.  It contains a terpene configuration found in nature which offers a uniquely calming effect that’s great for stress, not to mention sleep and anxiety.  Combining these hemp extracts with soothing peppermint adds to the tranquility of each dose, helping you find a sense of inner balance that makes you feel restored.  This tincture is easy to consume, as a single dropper under the tongue goes a long way, and even better, you can choose from a variety of milligram strengths to find the potency level appropriate for your needs.

Quality: Phenomenal quality (organic hemp, clean ingredients, expert extraction techniques)

3rd Party Lab Tests: Stillwater Labs

Effectiveness: Highly effective (based on user reports)

Brand Reputation: Excellent (based on customer reviews)

Pros:

  • Rich in terpenes ideal for soothing anxiety and stress
  • Fresh mint flavor
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Rich selection of milligram strengths (15mg-75mg per serving)
  • Cruelty-free

Cons:

  • Not full spectrum

#3: CBDistillery – Best CBD Relief Stick for Joint Pain

CBDistillery is one of the most recognized names in the hemp industry, and they’re renowned for their simply enormous selection of hemp products which offer something for everyone.  Offering up a dazzling array of CBD isolate, broad spectrum, full spectrum, CBG, and CBN formulas in all kinds of strengths and other customizable options, they are even more loved for their highly affordable prices that come from their strictly in-house manufacturing, while maintaining some of the strictest quality standards that you’ll find anywhere.

CBDistillery’s Isolate CBD Relief Stick is commonly lauded as one of the very best products for joint pain in particular, thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties that come from hemp CBD itself along with other natural ingredients.  Offering a cooling effect thanks to menthol and essential oils, it can offer relief within just minutes where other products fall short.  It comes in a convenient mess-free stick that makes it easy to apply anywhere, while the 2.5 ounce bottle can be taken with you throughout the day and applied as needed.

Quality: Exceptional quality (organic hemp material, excellent extraction methods)

3rd Party Lab Tests: Lab name n/a (QR code on product label must be scanned)

Effectiveness: Extremely effective (according to users)

Brand Reputation: Excellent (based on reviews)

Pros:

  • 500 mg of CBD per 2.5 ounces
  • Affordable
  • Travel-friendly
  • Non-greasy or sticky
  • Enhanced with menthol, arnica and peppermint for added relief

Cons:

  • CBD isolate (no other cannabinoids or terpenes)
  • Contains alcohol (potentially irritating to sensitive skin)

#4: Green Roads – Best CBD Cream for Muscle Pain

Green Roads is no newcomer, as the brand has been renowned for their top-quality hemp products for as long as the hemp industry has been in existence.  They offer a massive catalog of innovative CBD products while always emphasizing natural, plant-based ingredients that are easy on the body and rich in their own valuable properties.  This brand uses carefully sourced, organic hemp that comes from local farmers.  Plus, their high turnover rate thanks to their popularity, means that their products are always extremely fresh.

The CBD Cream from Green Roads is a phenomenal option for pain, offering a targeted approach to managing all kinds of physical discomfort through localized effects that result from applying the product directly to troublesome areas.  Contains 750mg of CBD per ounce, while boasting an array of terpenes, plus menthol and eucalyptus, two cooling agents bursting at the seams with analgesic capabilities.  As an added bonus, the formula is deeply moisturizing to the skin thanks to top-notch ingredients like Vitamin E and plant-based oils.

Quality: Excellent (clean ingredients, excellent extraction methods)

3rd Party Lab Tests: Lab name n/a (QR code on label must be scanned)

Effectiveness: High effectiveness (according to users)

Brand Reputation: Excellent (based on reviews)

Pros:

  • Enhanced with eucalyptus and menthol for a cooling effect
  • 750mg per bottle (high strength)
  • Easy to apply
  • Travel-friendly
  • Natural ingredients

Cons:

  • THC-free (if full spectrum is preferred)
  • Small bottle (1 oz)

#5: Premium Jane – Best CBD Bath Bomb

Premium Jane is a brand that always ranks high on these lists, because their dedication to their strict quality standards has paid off tremendously.  Every single step of the process is done with the most careful attention to detail, from the sourcing of the hemp material itself all the way to the packaging, which is distinctively beautiful.  Premium Jane is also known for high transparency, earning them a lot of respect as customers immediately feel at ease, knowing exactly what they’re getting.

While Premium Jane has lots of great products in their catalog, their CBD bath bombs are something truly special.  These bath bombs are easy to plop into a tub of water, fizzing immediately to infuse the bath with 100 milligrams of CBD along with OptmiMSM, a uniquely bioavailable form of MSM that’s bursting with anti-inflammatory properties.  These ingredients, combined with expertly sourced essential oils and Epsom salt, offer phenomenal relief to the muscles and joints, while the calming aromas can help enhance feelings of inner tranquility.

Quality: Excellent quality (advanced extraction methods, natural ingredients)

3rd Party Lab Tests: Ace Analytical Laboratory

Effectiveness: High (according to many user reviews)

Brand Reputation: Excellent (lots of positive reviews)

Pros:

  • Enhanced with essential oils
  • All-natural formula
  • Extremely soothing effects for body and mind
  • Great for bath enthusiasts
  • An excellent addition to a self-care routine

Cons:

  • Not an internal method (less potent when it comes to anxiety and sleep effects)
  • No control over dosing

#6: Lazarus Naturals – Best CBD Capsule for Energy

Long-time hemp industry legend Lazarus Naturals is renowned for their generous variety of excellent CBD formulas which all rely on natural ingredients and only the most carefully sourced hemp plant material possible.  The brand also understands that each customer has their own unique needs when it comes to hemp, which is why they have gone above and beyond by making their website easy to navigate according to the specific types of effects that the user is looking for, including effects related to sleep, pain, energy and more.

Lazarus Naturals CBD Energy Capsules offer a powerhouse of plant derivatives known to provide that much-needed boost without the edginess associated with strong stimulants on the market.  A brilliantly balanced blend of CBD isolate, B vitamins, caffeine, rhodiola rosea, and l-theanine work together to offer uplifting effects that can be felt in both body and mind.  With 25mg of CBD per capsule, you’ll be getting your money’s worth without a doubt.

Quality: Excellent (organic, locally sourced hemp, exceptional extraction methods)

3rd Party Lab Tests: Columbia Laboratories

Effectiveness: Highly effective (according to many users)

Brand Reputation: Excellent (lots of positive reviews)

Pros:

  • 25mg per capsule
  • Enhanced with energy-enhancing active ingredients
  • All-natural and holistic
  • Easy to take
  • Long-lasting effects

Cons:

  • No choice in potency level
  • CBD isolate (no other cannabinoids or terpenes)

#7: Nuleaf Naturals – Best CBD Softgel for Relaxation

NuLeaf Naturals is a brand that’s known for their scientific approach to crafting hemp products.  They have a fantastic catalog that highlights various cannabinoids that are rarely given enough attention, despite their extremely valuable properties, such as CBC (cannabichromene) CBN (cannabinol) and CBG (cannabigerol), while also providing a generous array of full spectrum CBD products in various formula types so that one can easily customize their daily routines.

NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Capsules is a product commonly referenced for its ability to help people feel more relaxed, even though it does not actually contain any active ingredients other than hemp itself.  The formula is clean and plant-based, which is always a huge plus, and seems to offer a unique configuration of naturally occurring terpenes that are most associated with promoting a sense of calm and ease.

Quality: Excellent (top-quality extraction methods and raw hemp material)

3rd Party Lab Tests: Lab name n/a (QR code on product label must be scanned to access)

Effectiveness: Highly effective at reducing stress

Brand Reputation: Excellent (lots of positive reviews)

Pros:

  • Full spectrum product
  • Top-quality extraction methods
  • Organic, local hemp
  • Long-lasting effects
  • Easy to take

Cons:

  • No additional ingredients promoting relaxation
  • Relatively low dosage amount

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What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is the dominant chemical compound found in the hemp plant. Discovered in 1965, CBD is non-psychoactive and nontoxic, and has become one of the most widely used wellness products of all time.

How Does It Work?

Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid, which means that it attaches itself to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body that belong to the endocannabinoid system.  This system is tasked with keeping the body in homeostasis, and each cannabinoid receptor regulates a different function of the body.  Consuming CBD allows these receptors to perform their important role, which is why taking it can provide so many effects that pertain to both our mental and physical wellbeing.

Are CBD Products Safe to Use?

Overall, CBD is considered safe.  It is not toxic to the human body, and it is not intoxicating in any way. Hemp plants, from which most CBD is sold, are legally required to have 0.3% or less THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and with amounts of THC that low, there is no psychoactive effect. There have been no instances of anyone overdosing on cannabidiol, and even high doses seem to be quite well tolerated.

Is It Scientifically Proven to Ease Pain & Anxiety?

Cannabidiol has been shown in many studies to offer pain relief, as the cannabinoid attaches to CB1 receptors in the nervous system that deal with pain tolerance, along with CB2 receptors in the body that regulate inflammation. These two qualities can come together to offer uniquely potent relief from various forms of physical discomfort.  Meanwhile, CBD can be helpful to those who have anxiety since the cannabinoid is renowned for its calming effects, which come from its role in regulating the nervous system and balancing levels of cortisol, dopamine and serotonin which all influence our stress response.

Can CBD Help You with Sleeplessness/Insomnia?

Multiple studies have shown that CBD can be useful for sleep, which comes from the cannabinoid’s role in regulating receptors in the nervous system that control our stress levels, mood and sleep cycle. CBD can regulate neurotransmitters like melatonin, cortisol and serotonin which all have an important job in helping us fall asleep and maintain sleep throughout the night.

How to Choose the Right CBD Product for Different Ailments

If you’re seeking out a specific type of effect to address an ailment that you have, then you’ll want to explore CBD products that are enhanced with other natural derivatives in their formulas that can really maximize the results you’re looking for.

#1: Choosing the Best CBD Product for Pain

There are a couple of different product types for pain. CBD cream for pain, as well as CBD salves, are good for targeting specific troublesome areas of the body, since the CBD absorbs through the skin and permeates localized muscle and joint tissue.  Many of these products are infused with topical aids like menthol and essential oils that can offer pain relief.  Then, another option is CBD gummies for pain, which offer more head-to-toe relief by working with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body.

#2: Choosing the Best CBD Product for Anxiety and Stress

If anxiety and stress are your primary concerns, you’ll find some great CBD gummies for anxiety, along with CBD oils for anxiety, that are formulated specially to provide a sense of calm.  While CBD all on its own can be extremely calming, you can find targeted products that combine CBD with mellowing herbs and botanicals like lavender, lemon balm, ashwagandha and more, which still keep the product all-natural but offer stronger effects.

#3: Choosing the Best CBD Product for Sleep & Insomnia

If you’re seeking out the best CBD products specifically for sleep, such as the best CBD gummies for sleep, etc., then you’ll want to choose a product that is specifically targeted for this effect.  CBD alone can be great for sleep, but there are lots of products that combine CBD with other active sleep-enhancing ingredients like CBN, a particularly calming cannabinoid from the same plant, as well as melatonin, a natural sleep aid that mimics the hormone in the brain responsible for regulating sleep cycle.

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CBD Oil vs. Gummies vs Other Types of CBD Products: The Key Differences

As you’ve noticed, CBD comes in various product forms, and if you’re new to hemp, you’re probably wondering which one is going to be the most effective.  The answer is that they’re all equally capable of being highly effective, and the differences are in how you feel the effects.  Let us elaborate.

  • CBD Oil: A product consisting of CBD extract diluted in a carrier oil, which is absorbed under the tongue as a tincture.  It takes effect in about 15-45 minutes, lasting for around several hours, with a medium potency level.
  • CBD Gummies: These are edible products that take about 2 hours before becoming active, and can then provide effects for up to 8 hours.  The effects are more widespread throughout the body and mind, and many people find them to offer distinctive muscle relaxation qualities.
  • CBD Topicals: A unique type of product that is particularly useful for pain, since its effects are localized, giving topicals in general little if any effect on anxiety and sleep.  They’re applied to the skin, and absorb into the muscles and joints in a targeted way.
  • CBD Capsules: Act just like edibles in terms of onset time, duration of effects, and how the effects feel.  They simply come in a different form, consisting of CBD oil that’s encapsulated along with few ingredients.

CBD Dosage Guide for Pain, Anxiety & Sleep

Ultimately, whether you’re taking cannabidiol for pain, anxiety or sleep, the dosage amount is the same in terms of the general guidelines.  It’s recommended that most individuals try taking 20-40mg of CBD to achieve these results, regardless of the product form.  Bear in mind that this is just a general guideline, as factors like body weight, personal tolerance and severity of needs can all play a role in how much CBD you should take.  Also, know that after about two weeks of maintaining the same dosage amount, you can increase it gradually until you are satisfied with the effects of CBD that you are experiencing.

The Negative Side of Using CBD Products

Cannabidiol is not associated with any serious or long-term side effects, and many people take high doses daily without any issues.  However, there’s always a risk of side effects with any product, and the good news is that when it comes to hemp-derived products, these side effects are generally known to be very mild and short-lived.  Among them are the following:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry eyes
  •  Brain fog
  • Drowsiness

Where & How Do You Buy CBD Products for Anxiety, Pain & Sleeplessness?

If you’re wondering how to buy the best CBD oil, gummies and other products in a way that’s legal and unlikely to leave you with a low-quality formula, we recommend shopping for it online.  The online hemp market is an extremely competitive environment compared to local markets, which means that the standards carried out amongst companies are much higher.  Further, buying high-quality CBD from a trusted online company increases the likelihood of receiving a product that’s as fresh and effective as possible, since leading brands enjoy very high product turnover rates.

FAQs

#1: How Often Should I Take CBD?

Ideally, you should take a dose of CBD daily for the best results.  Many people don’t realize that cannabinoids work cumulatively, making them more effective the more consistently they are taken.

#2: Can I Take More Than One CBD Product Per Day?

We do recommend that beginners start with just one type of CBD product for a couple of weeks to make sure that they’re happy with how the cannabinoid affects them.  But, many people do take multiple CBD products per day for different needs, such as a CBD topical in the morning for pain, and a CBD sleep gummy at night.

#3: Is CBD Legal?

CBD is 100% legal under federal law and in all 50 states.  There are no limitations on concentration or purchase amount.  Also, pure CBD should not trigger a positive drug test result.

#4: Can I Take CBD with a Medication?

We urge you to talk to a doctor before taking cannabidiol if you’re on any medications.  Since CBD influences levels of CYP3A4, an enzyme that breaks down a lot of popular medications, your doctor should advise you on whether or not adding CBD into your routine is advisable.

#5: Will CBD Make Me Drowsy?

Some people report feeling drowsy after taking cannabidiol, especially in high doses and especially as beginners.  Of course, if you’re using CBD specifically for sleep, this can be a desired effect.  If it’s not desired, you can scale back your dosage.

Final Thoughts

Overall, many people around the world have found that CBD helps them with pain, anxiety and sleep, which is not surprising considering the way that cannabinoids work to regulate various functions throughout the body. But, that doesn’t mean that any CBD product is going to give you the results you’re looking for. We strongly recommend being very selective about the brands that you buy from, as some brands aren’t producing effective enough products, and even worse, some put unwanted chemicals into their formulas. These brands are all highly rated for their quality as well as their effectiveness, so each one is a safe bet.

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