CBD Oil is everywhere right now, a lot of misinformation and a lot of products to choose from. Red Carpeters live high stress lives. Right now, many people are trying to sift through the noise about CBD to get down to the answer to one simple question: What’s the best CBD oil product I should try?
So, we at R4RR have put a crazy large array of products to the test. We won’t bore you with the products that didn’t seem to be any good, no worries. We’re to the point here, because who has time to scroll through yet another article called “What is CBD” and all that jazz? Instead, if it is mentioned in this article it passed muster. Meaning, we tried it, and we think it is worth it. If your favorite product didn’t make the list, we’re sorry. Feel free to mention it in the comments and start some discussion on it.
Hemp? CBD? Marijuana? This article is not about weed. Not in a way you think. We’re going to focus on stress relief and mood in this article for the most part, although CBD & Hemp have vast other benefits as well – Check out the video below to see me try out some killer Hemp beauty products:
Some of the products that will be mentioned in this post could also fall under the beauty category, but this time they’re not necessarily herein for their beauty benefits (maybe we’ll do another one testing out CBD oil’s benefits on the skin). Instead, if they’re in this article it is for their side effect of relaxation feel-goody-ness. BTW, feel-goody-ness is a word now.
All products mentioned here will be THC/Alcohol free. This is not an article about recreation and partying. Although, keep in mind a couple of products do have the legally minimal amt of less than .3% of THC (The Vape products .29% and .19% respectively). You won’t get high, but for those that want to stick to ZERO, make sure you look at the lab results on the websites of any and all vape products and sublinguals.
So, Who Made the Cut?
Products were assessed anecdotally, meaning we didn’t conduct any lab tests ourselves. Lab test results of compounds etc. are usually found on manufacturer’s sites. We took their word for everything. Tried out the products, reported on results judging by any side effects, made subjective opinions on results, and considered the length of time it took to see any results. On that last variable, we have to keep in mind that some CBD brands say that you have to use their product for 30 days or more. If effects weren’t felt within 24 hours, it didn’t make it into our product list. In fact, every product on this list had near immediate effects (30 minutes or less).
Let’s dive in. Get your credit card out, you’ll probably want to use it.
EDIBLES
Lucent Botanicals makes CALM CBD Mints, which are perfect to keep in your pocket. You can take them with you on the go, the whole bottle fits just about anywhere. One little mint is more than sufficient to elicit a sense of calm and focus, and it’s THC-free of course.
CBD Isolate might be one of the best things to happen the edibles industry. ZERO THC, all CBD (huh, sounds like a Johnnie Cochran line). I’m sure half the people searching for this article were looking for gummies, well here you go! CBD R US’ Watermelon Wedges the most candy tasting candies in the bunch. They’re good enough where you HAVE to use willpower to eat only one. Consider it a med, not a candy. And if you kids, lock it up PLEASE. They’ll find it, eat the whole thing and, well …. It’s CBD. The label warns no more that 2 in a 6 hour period. Try more like half (maybe even a third if you can resist) per day. The catch with CBD candy, is you won’t know it hits you until it hits you. You can easily say “hey, this didn’t work.” then a half hour later need a nap. To be fair, you can probably down 2 or 3 pieces per day and be relatively anxiety free – like you would if you took meds. However, keeping one on you to take a little nibble of in a nervous pinch should also work. Saying “hey this tastes pretty good!” and then eating 20 of them, we would not advise by any means. 1 piece = 10 mg. I know there are lots of people online downing 10x that much, but seriously you’d be surprised with what 2mg can do.
HONEY! You know me, I’m goofy abt honey. There are some years where I use honey in lieu of allergy meds. There’s a brand called Hemp Theory – sounds like a cool band from the 90s. This is actually CBD free, made with hemp extract. It’s about as safe as you can get, no CBD though but you can eat it all day. Over time, your health will improve and anxiety levels should reduce. This is one of those products we felt it good to mention for those who are sensitive to CBD. You can get your Hemp Honey here: https://amzn.to/2W9KnHv
Cultivate’s Hemp Extract Pills are interesting, we actually couldn’t figure out for the life of us initially if there’s any actual CBD in here BUT Sherri Balzer of Cultivate was able to provide all the clarification we needed. According to Balzer, it turns out the FDA is strict (not just Amazon) on putting CBD info directly on packaging. So it is best for some brands not to mention CBD at all. And also yes, it is alcohol free. So the verdicit is that these softgels have CBD in them. The health benefits of a good hemp extract are going to help in the long run anyway. We recommend storing in the fridge and using like you would a fish oil supplement. Sherri also offered up to R4RR readers the coupon code SHERRI15 for 15%off!
VAPES
CBD for the People makes an OG Kush vape, which is the quickest delivery for CBD into your system. It will take quite a learning curve for you to figure out this thing if you’re not a vaper. So be prepared you might waste some CBD your first couple of tries. There are thankfully youtube videos to help, and the company provides detailed written instructions. If you’ve got a millennial around to show you the ropes and set it up for you, even better.
Pure CBD Vapors sells a “Grape Ape” (a name for a specific blend) that has more of a sedative effect. Some vape reviewers report side effects like nightmares if they take too close to bedtime, something more sedative than the OG Kush might be a solution to this. I suppose the flavor/blend you choose will depend on what time of day you’re looking to relax and feel more centered. Probably don’t want something sedative while hitting the red carpet, but you need to relax from the excitement afterwords? This one might be the fit for you, then.
SUBLINGUALS
If Vaping isn’t for you, Co-Founder of Plant Juice Oils Amber Laign says, “When CBD oil is administered sublingually, it’s held under the tongue for up to 90 seconds so that the mucus membranes in the mouth can absorb the oil’s active ingredients. The benefit of consuming CBD oil sublingually is that the absorption process bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolization, allowing the compounds to reach your bloodstream and interact with the endocannabinoid system more quickly. For those looking for quick effects, a sublingual CBD oil product may be ideal. ”
OK, this one actually has NO CBD. So let’s start with it, because you will see non-cbd hemp products lumped in with cbd products all the time. It’s Hemp Extract from Hemp Theory. The reason a non-cbd product made it into this article is this is going to work for some people. CBD might actually be overkill for some (if not many). This is different than the other products in this section, but Hemp extract without CBD still works to calm the mind (as well as offer pain relief, and reduce inflammation etc.). Personally, I think hemp oil is even a good vegetarian replacement for fish oil. There are many health benefits to taking hemp extract. This is the ideal product in our opinion if you’re sensitive to CBD effects. You can buy it here: https://amzn.to/2WhbJvr
So this one is a little confusing, it’s on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WoaBuy and the bottle just says Hemp Oil, but the provided lab test shows CBD. The effects are not as strong as the next product to be mentioned, but there was a reported anti-anxiety effect from the Populum brand full spectrum Hemp Oil. Is it CBD or is it Hemp Oil? Depends on where you buy it and who you believe. But we’ve concluded that we are going to trust the manufacturer and there seems to be CBD in this. I think many brands do this, perhaps hide the fact that it is has CBD so they can sell it on Amazon.
This is the stuff, the For the People CBD drops with peppermint. The bottle is a littler hard to open, and easy to spill and what you spill you can’t really clean up because it’ll get absorbed into the skin and you’ll get a strong dose. You don’t want it to go to waste either. And if you lick your finger lol – you just got a concentrated dose. It says it is for vape or sublingual. The jury is out if you want to vape something with MCT (essentially coconut oil) in it or not. Or peppermint oil for that matter. But this is the real stuff everyone is talking about when they’re talking about hard hitting in your face, everything you asked for, CBD oil.
Another real deal product is Cultivate’s Tincture. Again, it won’t be clear if there’s any CBD in here from the label. You can however request lab results from the company if you have any doubts. Definitely less harsh than an OG Kush oil. The hold under your tongue for a full minute (their recommendation) is easier said than done, but you probably do want your money’s worth and don’t want to get as much out of these as possible (they’re not cheap). One drop will be plenty for most I suspect for a full day, however. Feel free to use the SHERRI15 for 15%off code. I also like this disclaimer the brand makes 🙂 “Please use caution if you will be subject to drug screening. This product is THC Free, however it does contain a full spectrum of other phytocannabinoids. Due to the indeterminate nature of drug screening when it comes to other phytocannabinoids, this product may cause you to fail a drug test if that test screens for other cannabinoids.”
We also liked Lokus brand Cannibizol (no that’s not a type-o). It’s marketing speak for what’s essentially hemp derived CBD oil. Something about the zen like ultra functional (almost clinical) packaging that adds to this as well. But of course this isn’t an article on whose marketing team is trying to pull out all the stops. As consumers we want to know what’s actually good. While this product isn’t substantially different than all the others functionally, it’s also not any worse. It seems to work, in other words, and slightly more competitive on price if you take them up on their “free” sample but pay $19.95 offer. Normally, my instinct is to be weary about any company pulling this many marketing gimmicks or putting this much thought and obvious attn to detail to marketing (makes me question why) – but the product works. That’s what’s important for now. Plus, I can’t really blame them – what else is a business supposed to do in a sector where everyone and their mother has a CBD brand?
Plus CBD Oil makes a Spray, it’s effective and a nice change up on delivery system. They also make softgels. What is interesting about this brand is the CBD content is listed right on the packaging (vs. just saying Hemp Aerial Parts like most brands – for which then you have to contact the brand to find out if there is actually any CBD in there). The FDA may change this on them, but for now the CBD amount is listed nicely and clearly.
You know what I just figured out about sublingual drops? You can probably put them in seltzer. The ultimate Soda Stream flavor: https://amzn.to/2KnGoEQ
WOD Recovery Hemp Oil is another one of those products where some research had to be done to find the CBD content (says so on the website but not the packaging nor on Amazon – which as as you’ve already surmised, is not unusual at all). There doesn’t seem to be any CBD specifically pointed out in the brand’s provided lab results either, however user experience suggests otherwise – even though we can’t be sure if the effects are from the peppermint oil or the hemp. But, there is noticeable reported benefit. This oil was primarily created for athletes (crossfitters to be specific), and the athletic benefit is undeniable. However, the anti anxiety benefits are there dependent on who you ask. If your troubles stem from muscle tension vs. a nervous disposition (without muscle tension) then this might be right for you. I’ve got a P90X round coming up, so that might be why I was partial to giving this mention 😉 but Let’s see if we can get R4RR reviewer Rod to comment about any anti anxiety effects after a month of his crazy garage workouts. https://redcarpetblog.certaire.com/p90x-alternative-schedule-p90x-the-easy-way/
What’s nice about the UrthLeaf CBD Tincture is it is unflavored. How much peppermint/orange/lemon oil can one ingest on a regular basis without messing with hormonal balance? Truth be told, we don’t know. These drops are clean. And strong. The bottle will last you.
True Life’s CBD Oil is another strong one. With a nice orange taste to change up the usual mint taste. The Orange kick really is a nice touch. Orange oil itself has some risks, however, so don’t spend too much time in the sun if you’re on this one. Peppermint is the one pictured, want you to know you have options ;).
TOPICALS
Laign adds, “When you apply CBD topically, the CBD gets absorbed into the skin but does not enter the bloodstream. The CBD works locally with the receptors in the body. By applying our blend to various pulse points that work to relieve stress- inside of your wrists, temples, and behind the ears, you will feel a sense of calm throughout your body. Essential Oils do however enter the bloodstream and pass through the blood brain barrier making them ideal to blend with CBD. This takes about 20 minutes. ”
Perfect for on the go, the super cute Get a Grip roller, is so discreet. It works too, faster than expected for a topical. Ideal spots seem to be the temples, the forehead, and the wrists. Although, just smelling it a little will relax you quite a bit as well. It contains several essential oils that I would recommend anyway, the CBD in is icing on the cake and perhaps why a little bit goes a long way. Perfect for on the red carpet, a quick dab to the temples or the back of your neck – other people seem to like the smell.
Speaking of rollers, I don’t even understand how amazing this brand is. LEEF has something called Recover CBD Sport. It’s meant to be for muscles and joints, has a bit of a camphor smell to it (although much better smelling than Tiger Balm or similar) but it has an instant overall relaxation and focus effect. I admittedly like the smell, and get this – it works magic on headaches! Yes, i actually induced a headache to try out these products (don’t ask). A quick smear across the forehead and gone, almost instantly. I couldn’t believe it actually, and the effect lasts. Then after 30 minutes you’re all calm. And another unreported side effect is I accidentally realized that it works as Mosquito Repellant hahaha. I am serious. Just as good as Off – definitely taking this with me to wherever I am on the 4th of July for multiple reasons.
Also from LEEF, is this Revive balm. We’ve looked at A LOT of topical oils and creams and balms and what not, this is the one that actually smells and feels the best. It actually SMELLS like the real thing. Part of the reason for that is other products put in other beneficial essential oils like lavender and sandalwood – so lack of hemp smell isn’t a quality issue BUT there is something about this jar and seeing yellowish CBD goo. It is waxy and instantly melts to the touch, kind of like ghee or shea butter. and a tiny tiny bit on your finger melts to cover quite a bit of surface area on your body. Another product I believe meant for sore muscles or massages but wow, you’re calm from smelling it. A good whiff will set you straight 15 minutes later. Absorbed through the skin, even better. All edible and good for you too, one reviewer put it in her bulletproof coffee (you know who you are, yeah I mentioned it 🙂 ). As a guy, I personally would prefer a lavender free version – that stuff is in everything. I’d love to eat this with the cacao and the grapeseed oil and the cbd – but lavender for a middle aged man? Not so much. Maybe we’ll do a breakout article as to why not, but this post is about CBD for anxiety and stress for which lavender is a perfect ingredient.
Yeah, this HempMe Balm is something else. I couldn’t come up with a more ideal set of ingredients myself. I am actually amazed there is somebody else, let alone a company, that knows about each of this ingredients and knew to fuse them all together. The perfect storm of stuff that I would probably take separately as supplements or edible ingredients. In fact, I REALLY want to eat this stuff. Manuka Honey, Royal Jelly, the whole lot. The only reason I don’t is because of the Arnica. If it didn’t have arnica in it, I’d take a spoonful of this every day – and I’d probably never get sick and feel like king of the world all day. Arnica however is the perfect ingredient for what this tin can is meant for. Although it’s a little shoe-polish can, don’t waste it on your shoes themselves – this is a hard hitting skin protecting, health inducing, inflammation reducing, pain killing balm. No menthol or anything to disguise pain, actual stuff that solves any muscle or skin issues in the first place! I mean, c’mon the Emu Oil alone! Any of these main ingredients on their own for that matter could be touted as a high end balm – but together?? With the best of the best honey ingredients too?? In theory, it’ll probably cure hay fever rosacea! I know, this isn’t an article on muscle and joint pain nor skin health – but this will definitely help you relax at the end of the day and that’s why it’s included. It’s a bit decadent though, I feel almost guilty having a tin of this at my disposal. So if you see me on the carpet or at one of our crazy long have-to-be-on-all-the-time events feel free to pull me around the corner, kick off your heels and ask me to rub a dab on you. I won’t be offended, it’s probably good karma if I do.
CREATIVE DELIVERY METHODS
The Patch! Verde Topical Patches provide time released CBD and it is pure. It is also quite a bit if you’re a newbie. This is for serious anxiety sufferers, but you’re set for the whole day – maybe more.
Woah. Bath Bombs. The Canna Sleep Bomb is a lavender + CBD infused bath bomb. If you’ve got time for a relaxing bath, this makes those old Calgon commercials a reality. Some candles and soft music are a plus to set the mood, just don’t fall asleep in the tub itself.
OK, I know – I was trying Not to mention beauty products but this Leanna Eye Serum is better than botox. Or at least just as good in terms of how it makes your face feel. It also relaxes you, the CBD somehow gets absorbed through your face. While it feels AWESOME, and instantly does a great job of that tired eye feeling – the CBD relaxation effect also means you better make sure you don’t need to be ultra alert for the next 30 minutes. Sometimes that stress out amped up fight or flight feeling benefits us – especially during events where we want to look our best. So competing benefits when it comes to CBD induced beauty. As an eye cream works best during the day, but as a CBD cream works best at the end of the day. If the botox-y effects last over time, then might be best to use on days there aren’t any events and hope your skin adapts to the awesomely nice instant fresh feeling.
P.S. Consult your doctor before trying anything herein, and check your local laws.