Shopping for CBD oil shouldn't require a chemistry degree. Here's the short checklist we wish every buyer had.
This is the single most important thing. A certificate of analysis from an independent lab — not the brand's own claims — should verify what's in the bottle. If a company won't publish COAs, or only shows a lab report for their raw ingredient instead of the finished product, walk away.
Hemp-derived CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC to be federally compliant. The COA should show the exact THC figure. "THC-free" broad-spectrum products should show non-detectable THC levels.
A clean tincture needs very few ingredients: hemp extract and a carrier oil (often organic MCT coconut oil). Long lists of flavorings, sweeteners, and fillers are a sign of a product built for marketing, not quality.
The big number on the front (500mg, 1000mg) is the total CBD in the bottle — not per dropper. A 1000mg bottle at 30ml gives you about 33mg per 1ml dropper. Our strengths guide walks through the math.
The FDA prohibits CBD brands from claiming their products diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease — and has sent warning letters to companies that do. If a brand promises miracle cures, that's not confidence-inspiring marketing; it's a compliance violation. Buy from companies that stay in their lane.
A $40 bottle with 500mg ($0.08/mg) is a worse deal than a $60 bottle with 1000mg ($0.06/mg). Divide price by total milligrams to compare honestly across brands.
See brands that pass our checklist
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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 21+ only.