Cannabidiol (CBD) may be beneficial in treating pain and inflammation. CBD is a compound from the cannabis plant and comes in both topical and edible forms.
A quick look at the best CBD products for inflammation
- Best for broad-spectrum gummies: CBDfx Original Mixed Berry Gummies
- Best for a high potency tincture: Lazarus Naturals High Potency Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
- Best for flavored gummies: PlusCBD Gummies 10 mg Cherry Mango
- Best for a spray: Vertly Cooling Recovery Spray
- Best for massages: Lazarus Naturals CBD Massage Oil
- Best for a full-spectrum oil: Bluebird Botanicals Classic CBD Oil (10 mg)
- Best for CBD isolate gummies: Green Roads Extra Strength Relax Bears
- Best for softgels: R+R Medicinals THC-Free Softgels
- Best for a broad-spectrum oil: 3Chi Natural CBD Oil
Although research on CBD is still in its early stages, people are increasingly using CBD as an alternative treatment for a variety of health conditions, including inflammation.
This article will discuss what the research says about CBD and inflammation and explore some of the available edible and topical CBD products.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
What does the research say about CBD and inflammation?
Cannabis is a plant that people have used since at least 4000 B.CTrusted Source. There are a few different kinds of cannabis, including Cannabis sativa.
Cannabis sativa contains more than 400Trusted Source different chemical compounds. Two of the best known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD.
THC is the cannabinoid that leads to the “high” feeling many people associate with cannabis. CBD does not provide these same effects. Research suggests that CBD can ease inflammation, among other potential benefits.
One 2016 studyTrusted Source looked at the effect of CBD on rats with joint inflammation. The researchers found that topical CBD gel reduced joint swelling and pain in the rats. Also, there were no significant side effects.
A 2020 reviewTrusted Source suggests that CBD’s properties can provide anti-oxidative effects because of CBD’s specific molecular structure. Therefore, it may have anti-inflammatory benefits for conditions that can result from oxidative stress.
Most studies have not reviewed the long-term effects of CBD, and researchers need to conduct more studies with human participants. However, experts believe that the research results so far may have therapeutic implications.
One 2017 review found that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help with the following conditions:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- multiple sclerosis
- general pain
- inflammatory conditions
- inflammatory bowel diseases
- cardiovascular diseases
CBD comes in many forms. Some people may find that edible CBD products, such as gummies and oral oils, work better for them. Others may find topical CBD, such as creams and massage oils, easier to use.
People can try different forms and concentrations to understand what works best for them.
Pros and cons of CBD for inflammation
People may wish to consider the following before purchasing CBD products for inflammation.
Pros
- Studies show that CBD can ease many inflammation symptoms.
- CBD products are available in several forms, including topicals and edibles.
- CBD products are available in a range of potencies that suit beginners and more experienced users.
Cons
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products.
- CBD products are not legal in every state.
- CBD can cause side effects, and researchers are unsure about the severity of long-term side effects.
CBD terminology
If a person is new to CBD, the number of products available can be overwhelming. Some of the terminology around CBD may also be unfamiliar.
Read our buyer’s guide to CBD to learn more about how to shop for it.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CBD | A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use. |
| THC | A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use. |
| Full-spectrum | A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products. |
| Broad-spectrum | Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts. |
| CBD isolate | This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC. |
| Cannabinoids | The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are over 120Trusted Source. CBD is the second richest compound in the plant after THC. |
| Terpenes | Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits. |
| Certificate of analysis (COA) | Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products will have a scannable smartphone code that directs people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
How we chose
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe, high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. Manufacturers should also confirm that products are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
- Serving size: MNT selects products for which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available COA: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s COA after receiving its third-party lab results.
CBD products for inflammation
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for broad-spectrum gummies:
CBDfx Original Mixed Berry Gummies
- Price: $54.99
- CBD type: broad-spectrum CBD
- Potency: 1,500 milligrams (mg) of CBD
- COA: available online
These gummies contain 50 mg of broad-spectrum CBD per serving. They are solvent-free, which means that the manufacturers extract the CBD without the use of chemicals such as propane and butane.
This product is also cruelty-free, vegan, and made in the United States.
The company recommends taking 2 gummies per day. However, if a person is new to using CBD, CBDfx recommends they start with 1 gummy per day and increase if necessary.
Best for a high potency tincture:
Lazarus Naturals High Potency Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
- Price: $40
- CBD type: full-spectrum CBD
- Potency: 1,500 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
This high potency oral oil contains full-spectrum CBD. It comes in various bottle sizes and contains 50 mg of CBD per milliliter (ml) of oil.
It also contains grapefruit and coconut. If a person has an allergy to one of these foods or if a doctor has stated that a person cannot eat the food, it is important for the person to check with a doctor before using this product.
This product is vegan and non-GMO, and the company sources all ingredients from the U.S.
Lazarus Naturals recommends that people take 1 ml (50 mg) as needed or as a healthcare professional directs.
People may find that this product takes up to 2 hours to affect them after they have taken it. Some people may need to take less or more than the recommended amount.
Best for flavored gummies:
PlusCBD CBD Gummies 10 mg Cherry Mango
- Price: $32.99
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Potency: 300 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
These gummies contain 10 mg of full-spectrum CBD. The CBD comes from agricultural hemp that farms grow using only sunlight and water.
The company claims that this means the gummies contain not only CBD but also some other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and fatty acids that may boost the fatty acids in the brain to promote health.
This product is also gluten- and GMO-free and uses EU-certified hemp seeds.
The company recommends taking 1 gummy in the morning and 1 gummy in the evening. However, people may find that taking more or fewer of the gummies at different times of the day works better for them.
The gummies are available in packs of 10 or 30 and in two flavors: Cherry Mango and Citrus Punch.
Best for a spray:
Vertly Cooling Recovery Spray
- Price: $45
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Potency: no information available
- COA: available online
This product is a spray that contains comfrey leaves and roots, peppermint menthol, and aloe vera, as well as full-spectrum CBD.
The manufacturers state that the comfrey leaves and roots help reduce inflammation, while the rest of the ingredients help reduce pain.
The company sources all the ingredients from farms in the U.S. This product is vegan and paraben-, petroleum-, phthalate-, and gluten-free.
The manufacturers recommend shaking the bottle well before spraying and using 2–4 pumps on the affected area of the skin. There is no need to rub this product into the skin.
SHOP NOW AT VERTLY
Best for massages:
Lazarus Naturals CBD Massage Oil
- Price: $12
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Potency: 500 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
This product contains 50 mg of full-spectrum CBD per tablespoon, and its ingredients include jojoba oil, almond oil, and coconut oil. It is not suitable for people who have a coconut allergy and may not be suitable for those who cannot consume grapefruit.
This product promotes comfort and relaxation, and it has undergone third-party testing for effectiveness and safety.
The company recommends applying this product as needed over any areas of inflammation. It is suitable for only topical use, so people should not ingest it.
Best for a full-spectrum oil:
Bluebird Botanicals Classic CBD Oil (10 mg)
- Price: $34.95
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Potency: 1,200 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
This full-spectrum oil contains only two ingredients: organic hemp extract and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) coconut oil. The company claims that the oil contains more than 100 cannabinoids and may help ease inflammation after exercise.
Bluebird Botanicals recommends taking 1 oral serving up to four times per day. Each serving of 15 drops, or approximately 0.5 ml, contains 10 mg of CBD.
People with a coconut allergy should avoid this product.
SHOP NOW AT BLUEBIRD BOTANICALS
Best for CBD isolate gummies: Green Roads Extra Strength Relax Bears
- Price: $49.99
- CBD type: CBD isolate
- Potency: 750 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
These daily gummies contain 25 mg of CBD per serving. Each jar comes with a range of flavors, such as Blue Raspberry, Lemon, Cherry, Green Apple, and Orange.
Green Roads recommends that people chew 1 gummy per day. The hemp extract is U.S.-grown, and the product is gluten-free.
The company produces these gummies in a facility that adheres to the FDA’s current good manufacturing practices, and all products undergo third-party testing.
Best for softgels: R+R Medicinals THC-Free Softgels
- Price: $49.99
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Potency: 30 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
Each of these softgels contains 30 mg of broad-spectrum CBD. They are flavor-free and use organic ingredients, including hemp extract and MCT from coconut. However, this means these softgels are not suitable for people with a coconut allergy.
The company recommends taking 1–2 softgels per day with food. R+R states that this product may aid relaxation and comfort.
Each batch of this product is third-party tested, and the company uses an FDA-registered facility.
Best for a broad-spectrum oil: 3Chi Natural CBD Oil
- Price: $49.99
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Potency: 500–5,000 mg of CBD
- COA: available online
This broad-spectrum tincture contains organic hemp extract and MCT oil. The company states that this product does not contain a measurable amount of THC.
Each bottle of oil comes with a metered dropper so people can easily control how much they ingest. People can choose from potencies ranging from 500 to 5,000 mg of CBD per bottle.
The company does not provide dosage recommendations, stating that people should use the oil as necessary. 3Chi recommends that people store the oil in a refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
CBD for inflammation comparison
The following table compares the products in this article on form, type, potency, and more.
| Form | Price | CBD type | Potency | Certificate of analysis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBDfx | gummies | $54.99 | broad-spectrum | 1,500 mg of CBD | available online |
| Lazarus Naturals Tincture | oral oil | $40 | full-spectrum | 1,500 mg of CBD | available online |
| PlusCBD | gummies | $32.99 | full-spectrum | 300 mg of CBD | available online |
| Vertly | topical spray | $45 | full-spectrum | no information | available online |
| Lazarus Naturals Massage Oil | topical oil | $12 | full-spectrum | 500 mg of CBD | available online |
| Bluebird Botanicals | oral oil | $34.95 | full-spectrum | 1,200 mg of CBD | available online |
| Green Roads | gummies | $49.99 | CBD isolate | 750 mg of CBD | available online |
| R+R | softgels | $49.99 | broad-spectrum | 30 mg of CBD | available online |
| 3Chi | oral oil | $49.99 | broad-spectrum | 500–5,000 mg of CBD | available online |
What to look for in CBD products for inflammation
People may wish to consider the following before purchasing:
- Type of CBD: CBD products come in three types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% THC, whereas broad-spectrum and CBD isolate contain up to trace amounts of this compound.
- Type of product: Some people may prefer to use topical products rather than edibles. On the other hand, edible CBD products may be more convenient to take discreetly and quickly.
- Company reputation: People may wish to ensure that the company they purchase from has not been subject to lawsuits or a warning letter from the FDA.
- Product safety: People should always ensure that the product they purchase has undergone third-party testing and has a valid and current COA.
- Medical advice: People should contact a medical professional to ensure that any CBD products will not interact with any medications they are taking.
CBD safety and side effects
A 2020 reviewTrusted Source suggests that most people can tolerate CBD. However, this depends on the concentration of CBD in a product.
Possible risks and side effectsTrusted Source of CBD use include:
- an increase in the risk of liver damage if a person uses CBD alongside other medications, such as valproate
- drowsiness and sleepiness
- diarrhea and a decrease in appetite
- mood changes and irritability
- allergic reactions in some cases
If a person uses CBD alongside other medications, it may affect how those medications work. For instance, a 2019 studyTrusted Source found that CBD reduced the effectiveness of steroids in treating inflammation.
People should discuss taking CBD with a medical professional, especially if they are taking medications.
What causes inflammation?
Inflammation is part of the immune system’s response to an irritantTrusted Source. The response releases many hormones, which increase the size of small blood vessels in the affected tissue. As a result of this increase, the tissue becomes swollen, red, and irritated.
The cause may be external or internal and can be due to a range of factors, such as:
- germs
- medical conditions
- chemicals
- injuries
Frequently asked questions about CBD for inflammation
Here we answer some common questions about CBD products.
Which CBD type is good for inflammation?
A 2018 review suggests that a full-spectrum CBD product may be more effective than other types in treating inflammation.
However, if a person does not want to use a product that contains THC, they may prefer to purchase broad-spectrum or CBD isolate products.
Does CBD work for inflammation?
More research is necessary on whether CBD has a long-term effect on inflammation.
However, current research suggests that this compound may have therapeutic effects.
Are CBD gummies good for inflammation?
There is no evidence yet that states which type of CBD product is best to treat inflammation.
People should choose a product form that best suits their needs. For example, people who find it difficult to chew or swallow may prefer topical oils or sprays.
How much CBD do I need for inflammation?
People should always follow the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations. It is generally a good idea to start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase as necessary.
Does CBD reduce inflammation?
Research suggests that CBD can reduce the symptoms of inflammation.
However, there are not yet enough studies that investigate the long-term effects of CBD on this condition.
Summary
CBD is a compound from the cannabis plant that may have various health benefits, including fighting inflammation.
Researchers have not yet carried out many long-term studies on the way CBD affects inflammation in humans. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the results may be promising.
More long-term studies in humans are necessary to help researchers fully understand how CBD works and how it can relieve symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
Still, there are a number of CBD products available that cause few to no side effects.
However, because drug interactions are possible, be sure to speak with a doctor before trying CBD.
