But of all products available on the market, full-spectrum hemp CBD is considered to be one of the best options. Hemp CBD oils combine hemp extract with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, which is also thought to increase the bioavailability1 of the fat-soluble chemical. Beyond this, full-spectrum hemp uses all components of the hemp plant extract, so it has all the beneficial compounds including cannabinoids, terpenes, fatty acids, and flavonoids. Of course, selecting a full-spectrum hemp CBD oil isn’t enough to ensure you’re getting a quality product. Below, we explain what makes full-spectrum hemp stand out—and the best oils that you can shop right now. “Cannabis compounds besides [hemp] CBD have their own set of beneficial properties and can provide additive, or even synergistic benefits with [hemp] CBD,” explains Gordon. “The theory that these compounds work better together than individually is called ‘the entourage effect2.’ Entourage effects are seen throughout other botanical therapies, and can be compared to the benefit of getting key nutrients from food instead of from just a single supplement.” Another standout of this oil is that it comes with a small syringe versus a traditional dropper, which makes it even easier to get an accurate serving (even compared to a marked dropper). Sustainability & packaging: In terms of sustainability, Green Roads does OK. It sources hemp from American farms, but it’s not organic. However it does use CO2 extraction, and all packaging is curbside recyclable. Transparency: In addition to listing this tincture’s COA on the product page, Green Roads also adds a QR code directly to packaging that can easily be scanned to access test results via the lab sheets portal. Additionally, Green Roads website does a great job of making it easy to shop for specific needs, whether that’s full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum offerings, or choosing the best potency (gentle, moderate, or strong). The full-spectrum tincture comes in four different strengths (from 15mg to 75mg hemp CBD per serving), as well as several flavors sweetened with organic stevia. (I’ve tried both Tropical Sunrise and Fresh Lime and neither tasted artificial, which is why this brand earns high marks as the best flavored pick.) Sustainability & packaging: In addition to top-tier quality, Joy Organics stands out from many brands for its sustainability practice. In addition to following organic and regenerative farming practices, the company offsets all carbon emissions generated via shipping by partnering with Carbon Fund. It also uses recyclable materials for packaging. Transparency: All of Joy Organics’ COAs are available on the website, as well as instructions on how to find your lot number on your product at home. The label is also very clear when it comes to allergens, stating “Contains tree nuts (coconut).” For those with tree nut allergies, this is essential information. The formula consists solely of organic hemp seed oil as the carrier oil and full-spectrum hemp extract for the CBD. The unflavored oil tastes relatively hemp-y. (I’ve tried this NuLeaf Naturals formula before and can attest; I didn’t mind the taste, but I know it could be off-putting for those just starting out with hemp CBD). If you find the flavor of hemp isn’t for you, there are plenty of flavored options out there instead. For beginners, it’s recommended that you start with half a serving (15mg of CBD) once a day to see how your body reacts and work your way up from there. Sustainability & packaging: NuLeaf Naturals has its own organic hemp farms in Colorado, the brand also uses an energy-saving CO2 extraction process to stay as green as possible. All bottles and jars are also curbside recyclable plastic or glass (though this pick is specifically packaged in glass). Transparency: NuLeaf places a link to each tincture’s COA link on the product page, about halfway down. Similar to Joy Organics, the hemp undergoes a CO2 extraction and is then combined with coconut and sunflower seed oil, as well as natural flavors (when chosen). A pre-marked dropper makes it easy to determine the exact amount of hemp CBD oil that you’re consuming with one serving equating to half a dropper. Plus, this popular pick is already trusted by more than 1,100 customers, who rave about the taste and quality of the products. Sustainability & packaging: FABCBD doesn’t make any sweeping gestures around sustainability, but it does source all hemp from non-GMO and pesticide-free organic farms in Colorado. Although the hemp is not certified organic, it does use curbside recyclable packaging. Transparency: Another reason we like FABCBD is because they go the extra mile to educate customers about hemp CBD, guiding newcomers toward the proper dosage. Naturally, the COAs are also readily available on the website. This ultra potent dosage is definitely not necessary for most folks (although hemp experiences are quite personalized), and certainly not for anyone new to hemp CBD. However if you need a hemp product with a higher strength, this pick delivers. Sustainability & packaging: CBDistillery claims to use “natural farming” practices, but the brand is not certified organic (and the term is relatively vague). On the upside, the company is U.S. Hemp Authority-certified, which means it’s held to strict regulatory standards through independent third-party auditing. In terms of packaging, most products are packaged in curbside recyclable plastic or glass. Transparency: The COA for this tincture is available in the photo carousel on the product description page, as well as in QR code format on the product packaging. While the tincture is certainly quality, Lord Jones’ main focus as a brand is on CBD-infused skincare products—in fact, you’re likely to see its products at your local Sephora. Sustainability & packaging: There’s no doubt Lord Jones is a trendy brand, which makes sense as its roots are in West Hollywood. The company doesn’t make any statements around sustainability or eco-friendly business practices on its website (again, the brand offers a quality product but definitely focused on aesthetics), so if that’s important to you this might not be your hemp CBD oil. Transparency: Lord Jones provides a batch search tool for COAs on the product description page. The kosher pick contains three ingredients: organic full-spectrum hemp extract, organic coconut MCT oil, and organic hemp seed oil. It’s available unflavored or in unconventional options like chocolate mint or strawberry lemonade (leveraging organic natural flavors, again, boasting top-notch ingredient quality). Although the brand opts for ethanol-extraction—which may destroy plant waxes with health benefits—the company stands out for its social awareness. Lazarus Naturals offers 60% off to veterans, people on long-term disability, and households that qualify as low-income. Sustainability & packaging: Lazarus Naturals owns its own hemp farm, unsurprisingly named “Lazarus Farms,” in central Oregon. It uses recycled materials in packaging and aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. The company is also a Certified B Corp, which means it’s held to high business standards for social and environmental impact. Transparency: You can access the COA for this tincture on the product page, or via QR code on the product’s packaging. If you’re unsure how much hemp CBD is right for you, our guide can help you figure out the right potency and dose for your goals. “The storage and care of your hemp oil product is incredibly important to optimize the tincture’s shelf life and efficacy,” explains Ferira. “Like other supplements, you’ll want to keep the cap screwed on tightly and store hemp tinctures in a cool place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. And shake the product like you mean it before drawing up your dose in the dropper or syringe,” she adds.
