The Only 10 CBD Products To Buy For Pain, Sleep, Anxiety, And Cramps
by Marissa Pomerance
So. Let’s start with the question on all of our minds:
Does CBD actually do anything?
In terms of hard and fast peer-reviewed studies, the jury is still out. Though as we talk about here, that can often mean something is too new to have a breadth of research behind it. So at this stage, it’s up to you to individually research CBD, and decide if you’re comfortable with the studies that currently exist. But, unassailably, CBD has many potential applications.
So then we are onto the next sea of confusing questions:
What kind of product should I buy? What do I look for? What’s fake? What’s real? Is there just a guide so that I know what to look for and what to dismiss?
Oh, lookie here. We did that dirty work for you. And we made that guide. We also combed through the endless products claiming to be miracle workers — and we rejected most of them.
Here’s what we found to be the most legit products on the market.
A Quick CBD Refresher/ Some Terms To Know
If you’ve already read a thousand articles that explain how “CBD is non-psychoactive,” feel free to skip ahead.
But if you’re still confused by all the various terms, here’s a quick refresher:
What exactly is CBD: CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants, including both hemp and marijuana, which are different (hemp contains less than .3% THC, while marijuana has around 20% THC).
CBD vs THC: CBD is not the same as THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis, though CBD products can contain varying levels of THC. So no, CBD itself is not psychoactive.
FDA Regulation: CBD is not regulated by the FDA, which means that what’s in the bottle might not always match what’s listed on the label.
Is it safe? Are there side effects? Since there are limited studies on CBD’s safety, we don’t know much about the potential side effects or long-term effects. But according to the FDA, potential side effects include drowsiness, liver injury, interaction with medications, gastrointestinal distress, and damage to men’s fertility.
What about CBD vape pens? You’ll see that we don’t recommend any CBD vape pens. Multiple people have gotten sick from vaping CBD, the CDC recommends not vaping CBD, and the safety of CBD vape pens has been continually called into question, so we’re erring on the side of caution here.
Is it effective? Does it have any proven uses? There are only limited studies so far on the efficacy of CBD. Only one CBD product has been FDA-approved, and it’s for treating severe seizures and epilepsy.
Pain: Though some preclinical studies have demonstrated potential links between CBD and the reduction of pain and inflammation, many of these studies have only been done on animals. And a lot of the research on pain looks at the effects of cannabis as a whole (with THC), not just CBD. So while there’s some promising evidence, we just don’t really have enough hard proof yet that CBD can reduce pain.
Anxiety: There is some preclinical evidence from human studies that CBD can help anxiety. CBD has shown limited but potentially promising benefits for anxiety by acting on receptors in the central nervous system and altering serotonin levels.
Sleep: Like anxiety and pain, the science examining the relationship between CBD and sleep is sparse. However, some studies have shown promising (albeit limited) evidence that CBD may help with sleep. So far, though, it’s unclear how much CBD one should take, or for how long, to help them sleep.
The next frontier or placebo effect? Because cannabis was considered a “Schedule 1” drug for so long, it’s only been in the last few years that scientists have even been allowed to study CBD in the US— and still, there’s a lot of red tape involved. This confounding, sort-of-regulation has created an odd, complex situation in which CBD products have flooded the market before large clinical studies have had a chance to fully examine these products’ safety, efficacy, or ingredients, leaving the consumer to try to make the most informed decision possible without all the facts. But just because CBD is still being studied, and we don’t have enough science to prove its effects yet, it doesn’t mean it won’t/can’t work. And even if its benefits are just placebo effect, well, the placebo effect is powerful. Because if you feel less anxious, or like you’re sleeping better, or like you’re suffering through less pain…then aren’t you?
Usually, when shopping for CBD products, you might see terms like “full spectrum” tossed around. Here’s what they mean:
CBD Isolate: This is just CBD without other cannabinoids or THC.
Broad-Spectrum CBD: CBD, plus other cannabinoids, but usually no THC.
Full-spectrum CBD: CBD, all cannabinoids, including THC.
Our Product Search Criteria
Ever since restrictions were lifted on hemp in 2018, the market became flooded with CBD products of every shape and form.
And since we’re not interested in just any CBD product with god-knows-what in the ingredients, we specifically looked for products that matched the following criteria:
Made with US-grown hemp
Use third-party testing
Don’t make outrageous health claims
Use organic or high-quality ingredients
Haven’t been issued warnings by the FDA
We also paid close attention to customer reviews, sought out products that weren’t exorbitantly expensive, and made sure they either had trace amounts of or were free from THC. We’re not trying to get high, here-- we just want some relief.
Without further ado, here’s what we found.
1. For Pain: Prima R&R Cream
Do we know if topical CBD creams actually do anything for pain? Not really. But if you’re going to try one, we recommend this high-dose 750mg (don’t worry— that’s total, not per use) R&R cream from Prima. Yes, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, clean, etc. And in addition to broad spectrum hemp, it also uses menthol, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint to boost that cooling, soothing effect. Plus, it’s available at Sephora, so no need to traverse janky sites with 7-step checkouts to find it. While 750mg might seem like a lot, remember that you’re only getting a fraction of that per use. Plus, studies on CBD for pain found higher doses to be generally more effective when applied topically.
2. For Pain: Onyx & Rose Bliss Balm
This broad-spectrum 500mg balm is made with 100% organically grown hemp, and smells like lavender and eucalyptus. There’s over 300 5-star reviews on their site, and it’s non-GMO and cruelty-free as well.
3. For Anxiety: Juna Ease Drops
Yes, this is the second time we’ve mentioned both Juna and their Ease line. That’s because they’re a very special brand. And they tell us exactly what to use their tinctures for. They have 3 distinct categories: Balance, Nightcap, and Ease, and only 1-2 products per category. It’s blessedly simple. Their Ease drops— an edible tincture, and different than the aforementioned topical body oil— are a decently strong 1200mg of CBD, and made for finding “the ultimate sense of calm.”
4. For Anxiety: Thryv Organics Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
This broad-spectrum, THC-free CBD oil is as pure and simple as it gets. It comes in 3 strengths--450mg, 900mg, and 1350mg—and 3 mild, subtle flavors—lemon, orange, and mint—with clear use instructions. Thryv uses only 100% organic, non-GMO hemp and doesn’t mess around with a bunch of additives. This signature oil is specifically intended to induce a sense of calm.
5. For Sleep: Juna Nightcap Oil
While there are approximately 5768 CBD oils claiming to make you sleep like a baby, few CBD oils are specifically formulated for sleep. Which is why Juna’s Nightcap oil is our pick. Made with 750mg CBD, spearmint, and chamomile, this oil is also high in the terpenes that are said to help aid relaxation and sleep.
6. For Sleep: Highline Wellness CBD + Melatonin Gummies
Who doesn’t love having an excuse to basically eat candy? Of course, pandemic-anxiety-induced-insomnia isn’t really a fun excuse, but regardless, at least these sleep-aid gummies are a treat that also helps you sleep. And these gummies have go-to sleep aid melatonin for an extra-strength formula.
7. For Sleep: Prima Sleep Tight Blend
CBD, magnesium, terpenes, tryptophan— what doesn’t this sleep blend have?
8. For PMS: Foria Relief Suppositories
Perhaps you’re thinking that shoving some CBD-laced cocoa butter up your vagina might seem…extreme. But for people with extreme PMS, Foria’s Relief Suppositories have glowing reviews. There’s 100mg of Broad-Spectrum CBD in each suppository, which works to decrease the inflammation and contractions that lead to cramping. They’re made with 100% organic cocoa butter with no additives or THC, so your vagina won’t be getting high. But remember— CBD suppositories are not FDA-approved, and there aren’t any studies on their safety or efficacy. So it’s best to have a chat with your OBGYN and proceed with caution.
9. For PMS: Good Jane Not This Month Stick
If you’re less jazzed about CBD products that go IN the vagina, this 500mg, broad spectrum CBD stick rolls on topically, and is especially handy for endometriosis pain.
10. For PMS: Grön CBD Dark Chocolate With Sea Salt
Grön makes a lovely line of quality CBD products at some of the most affordable prices we’ve seen. And if you’re PMSing and craving a treat, why not try to kill two birds with this one, CBD-laced dark chocolate bar? It’s 200mg of CBD per bar, 70% cacao, and “dusted” with sea salt. Please and thank you.
Marissa Pomerance is the Managing Editor of The Candidly. She’s a Los Angeles native and lover of all things food, style, beauty, and wellness. You can find more of her articles here.
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