The best CBD oil for pain can provide lasting relief while also helping you feel relaxed and at ease. CBD oil is a common remedy among those who struggle with chronic headaches, back aches, arthritis, and muscle soreness.It can even help manage nerve pain related to conditions like multiple sclerosis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

But how do you go about selecting the best CBD oil for pain when there are so many options on the market?

There’s so much to consider. Should you get full or broad spectrum CBD oil? Are you looking to ease your chronic pain or soothe a temporary ache? Do you want something flavored or do you like the natural taste of hemp oil?

We recommend reading as much as you can about CBD oils before you select one for pain relief. Look for a product that has lab results from third party testing, comes with clear dosing instructions, and gets positive reviews from other customers who struggle with pain. 

Luckily, we did the hard part for you. We scoured the internet and found five of the very best CBD oils for pain.

Top 5 CBD Oils for Pain Relief – Quick Summary

1. Best Overall: CBDfx CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture

2. Best for Nighttime Pain: CBDistillery Relax + Relief CBD Oil

3. Best for First-Timers: Sunday Scaries CBD Oil

4. Best Flavors: Soul CBD Oil Drops

5. Best Organic: Joy Organics Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Pros and Cons of CBD for Pain Management

CBD oil has a lot of benefits that help with chronic pain and other types of pain relief, but it is not perfect.

Here are some common pros of CBD oil for pain relief:

• It’s a natural remedy derived from plants
• Studies have shown it to be effective in managing arthritis pain
• You can modify the dose as needed
• It helps reduce inflammation, which often goes hand-in-hand with pain
• It’s widely available without a prescription
• Here are some common cons or drawbacks of CBD oil for pain relief:
• It can take an hour or more to kick in
• Not all brands are the same quality
• Some patients have mild side effects like dry mouth and drowsiness

Best CBD Oil for Pain: 5 Top Brands

1. Best Overall: CBDfx CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture

What we love

If you struggle with pain in the evening, the CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture from CBDfx would be a great product to try. It’s a full spectrum CBD oil that also contains CBN, which is a relaxing cannabinoid that can help you get better sleep.

It comes in a variety of strengths to help with different types of pain. A higher dosage may be best if you struggle with chronic pain. But a lower dosage may be ideal if you’re looking for pain relief for temporarily soreness.

The ingredients list is nice and simple, containing only three things: Hemp oil, coconut-derived MCT oil, and stevia.

We also love CBDfx’s packaging. The detailed labels make it easy to tell exactly how much CBD and other ingredients this oil contains.

About CBDfx:

If we had to choose just one CBD oil brand to recommend for pain relief, it would be CBDfx. While we love the CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture, we were really impressed with this brand’s wide range of formulas. 

It offers full spectrum CBD oils and broad spectrum CBD oils. Plus, the company sells several CBD oil tinctures that are enhanced with therapeutic mushrooms and herbs.

CBDfx is a CBD company based in California. It sources non-GMO hemp from organic farms in the United States, and uses third-party testing to ensure all of its CBD products are both pure and potent. Many of the company’s products are vegan and gluten-free.

CBDfx relies on a team of medical advisors to review each product and formula. The company puts customers first with its 60-day guarantee policy and loyalty program. Customers who join the loyalty program earn points with every purchase.

Customer Reviews:

Customers with arthritis and joint pain love taking CBD oil from CBDfx in the evening to ease their aches before bed. They say it makes it easier for them to find a comfortable position and fall asleep at night. Some people also report that this tincture eases inflammation in their joints so they don’t wake up feeling as stiff the next morning.

Pros:

• Available in multiple strengths for CBD users of all experience levels
• All CBD products are medically reviewed
• Simple ingredients list
• Products are third-party lab tested for purity and potency

Cons:

• No flavored options

Specs:

• Type: Full spectrum CBD
• Size: 1 ounce
• Strength: 1000 mg/bottle, 2000 mg/bottle, 4000 mg/bottle, 6000 mg/bottle
• Flavor(s): Not specified

Check out CBDfx CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture

2. Best for Nighttime Pain: CBDistillery Relax + Relief CBD Oil

What we love

Do you notice your pain most in the evening? Maybe it keeps you up at night and makes it difficult for you to fall asleep. So if it’s pain management you’re after, we recommend the Relax + Relief CBD oil from CBDistillery.

This is the company’s best-selling tincture and is a good choice for all-around evening pain relief. It’s made with full spectrum hemp extract, so it contains various hemp terpenes, many of which have pain-relieving and sleep-promoting properties.

CBDistillery Relax + Relief CBD Oil also uses MCT as a carrier oil in order to help your body better absorb the hemp oil. This CBD oil is clearly labeled with the dosage and ingredients, so you know exactly what you are ingesting.

It comes in several strengths, and the 5000 mg maximum-strength option offers especially potent pain relief. If you prefer flavored CBD oil, the mango version of Relief + Relax CBD Oil would be an excellent choice.

About CBDistillery:

CBDistillery aims to create the purest, most effective CBD oils on the market. To achieve this goal, the company is involved in every step of the manufacturing process. It distills and extracta its own oils, and even packages its own products. CBDistillery’s CO2 extraction methods are some of the best around, resulting in remarkably pure CBD oils.

The company offers several full spectrum CBD oils that are high in relaxing terpenes, plus formulas with CBN for ultimate relief. It also has a line of broad spectrum CBD oil tinctures, as well as CBD isolate products.

We also appreciate that CBDistillery’s CBD oils are U.S. Hemp Authority-Certified, which gives us confidence that these are top-quality hemp-derived CBD products.

CBDistillery is certified cruelty-free. The company offers discounts for veterans and military members, and all customers are welcome to use their Subscribe & Save program for substantial discounts on repeat shipments.

Customer Reviews:

Customers love using CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD Oil about an hour before bedtime. They say this formula helps soothe sore muscles and put them in a more relaxed headspace so they can drift off, enjoy sweet dreams, and wake up feeling refreshed and in less pain.

This CBD oil is also popular with athletes who use it to ease muscle aches and fatigue after hard workouts. Some even take it the night before a big game to enhance recovery and get better rest.

Pros:

• Made with natural ingredients
• Flavored option is available
• Made with US Hemp Authority-Certified hemp
• Substantial discounts available with Subscribe & Save program

Cons:

• May have a strong hemp aftertaste

Specs:

• Type: Full spectrum CBD
• Size: 1 ounce
• Strength: 500 mg/bottle, 1000 mg/bottle, 2500 mg/bottle, 5000 mg/bottle
• Flavor(s): Unflavored, Mango

Check out CBDistillery Relax + Relief CBD Oil

3. Best for First-Timers: Sunday Scaries Tincture for Chillin’ with CBD

What we love

If you are brand new to taking CBD oil for pain relief, we recommend trying Sunday Scaries. The Tincture for Chillin’ with CBD contains 500 mg CBD per bottle, making it easy to start with a low dose.

We were also impressed by the Fruit Punch flavor of this oil. The sweet taste pairs well with the oil’s natural hemp flavor without completely masking it, and customers say it makes taking this CBD oil quite enjoyable.

The Sunday Scaries Tincture for Chillin’ with CBD is a full spectrum oil, so you get the pain-relieving benefits of natural hemp terpenes and other cannabinoids. It also contains vitamins B12 and D3 to help promote overall wellness. You can review lab test results for this oil on Sunday Scaries’ website, so you know exactly what you are consuming.

About Sunday Scaries:

Based in Colorado, Sunday Scaries makes CBD products that are both enjoyable and effective. The fun names and labels are uplifting and reflect the company’s inviting, welcoming persona. Customers who have questions are encouraged to contact Sunday Scaries’ friendly, educated customer service agents.

The company operates a GMP-compliant facility when manufacturing its CBD products. Sunday Scaries is also API Ingredient Certified and Kosher Certified. Customers can enjoy discounts through a Subscribe & Save program, or through multi-bottle discounts on several CBD products.

Customer Reviews:

This CBD oil has gotten several positive reviews from customers with fibromyalgia. They like to use this tincture daily because it eases their low-level muscle and joint pain, while making them feel healthier and more vibrant overall. This CBD oil also appears to be popular among customers with dental pain, arthritis pain, and gout.

Beginners like this CBD oil because it has a lower potency, so they can easily take a smaller dose and see how their body responds. They also praise the fruit punch flavor, saying it reminds them of their childhood.

Pros:

• Delicious fruit punch flavor
• Enhanced with vitamins B12 and D3
• USDA Organic and Kosher Certified
• Lab test results available on the company website

Cons:

• Only comes in one flavor and strength

Specs:

• Type: Full spectrum CBD
• Size: 1 ounce
• Strength: 500 mg/bottle
• Flavor(s): Fruit Punch

Check out Sunday Scaries Tincture for Chillin’ with CBD

4. Best Flavors: Soul CBD Oil Drops

What we love

Some companies make their CBD oil in two or three different flavors, but this CBD brand really goes above and beyond. Soul CBD Oil Drops come in six flavors, and every flavor receives rave reviews from customers.

The Raspberry Lemonade has a nice hint of tartness. Lemon-Lime will wake you up with its fresh appeal, and Peppermint has a rejuvenating quality. Watermelon Mint, Orange, and Pineapple Mango all have an appealing sweetness.

In addition to being nicely flavored, Soul CBD Oil Drops come in three different potencies. While the stronger potencies are popular among those who use CBD to manage pain, the lowest dosage is a great choice for first-timers or anyone who is more sensitive to CBD.

Soul CBD Oil Drops are made from CBD isolate, so they do not contain any THC. The CBD is extracted from organically farmed hemp and these oils use MCT oil as a carrier oil. 

These CBD oil products are portable so you can easily toss a bottle in your bag for on-the-go pain relief. They are gluten-free and vegan, making them suitable for a variety of diets.

About Soul:

Soul helps customers achieve relief and better living through the power of CBD. The company aims to be as transparent as possible about its ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes. Soul only uses organic hemp from U.S. farms, and all of its CBD oil products undergo third-party testing. The company works with physicians to create safe, effective formulas.

Soul has a great rewards program. Customers can earn points when they purchase products, but also when they write reviews, follow Soul on social media, or have a birthday.

Customer Reviews:

This CBD oil is popular among those who want to avoid THC altogether. Customers say it provides relief from mild to moderate pain including headache pain, neck stiffness, and back aches.

Customers who work on their feet say they like taking this CBD at the end of a long workday as they find it takes the edge off their general aches and pains.

Of course, most of the reviews of this product mention the great flavors. These oils have virtually no hemp taste, which is fairly unique in the world of CBD.

Pros:

• Six delicious flavor options
• Three strengths available
• THC-free
• Vegan and gluten-free

Cons:

• Does not contain hemp terpenes

Specs:

• Type: CBD Isolate
• Size: 1 ounce
• Strength: 500 mg/bottle, 1000 mg/bottle, 1500 mg/bottle
• Flavor(s): Raspberry Lemonade, Watermelon Mint, Orange, Pineapple Mango, Peppermint, and Lemon Lime

Check out Soul CBD Oil Drops

5. Best Organic: Joy Organics Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

What we love

Are you looking for a CBD oil that will manage your pain while also giving your energy to power through the day? Joy Organics offers a broad spectrum CBD oil that can do exactly that. It’s formulated only with USDA-certified organic ingredients and a bright lemon essential oil to help you feel invigorated and pain-free.

Since this is a broad spectrum CBD product, it’s a great choice if you’re looking to avoid an oil that contains THC. And it’ll still contain other terpenes and other cannabinoids to create an entourage effect.

About Joy Organics:

Joy Organics was founded by Joy Smith, a woman who found healing with CBD and wanted to share it with others. The company seeks to make CBD products that are pure, safe, effective, and enjoyable to use. It works with medical professionals to design reliable and effective formulas, and lab tests all of its CBD oils for purity and potency.

Joy Organics is USDA-certified organic. It offers carbon neutral shipping and customers can enjoy discounts through the company’s Subscribe & Save program.

Customer Reviews:

Customers appreciate the pure, simple, yet enjoyable formulas of Joy Organics CBD oils. These CBD products get rave reviews from customers who say they make them feel pain-free and relaxed, yet still alert.

Pros:

• Made from organic hemp
• THC-free
• Carbon neutral shipping
• 90-day satisfaction guarantee

Cons:

• Entourage effect may not be as strong as full spectrum products that contain THC

Specs:

• Type: Broad spectrum CBD
• Size: 1 ounce
• Strength: 450 mg/bottle, 900 mg/bottle, 1350 mg/bottle
• Flavor(s): Summer Lemon, Unflavored, and Tranquil Mint

Check out Joy Organics Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

How We Picked the Best CBD Oil for Pain

To find the very best CBD oil for pain relief, we started with a checklist. When we discovered a new brand, we worked our way down this list to ensure their products had every one of the following features or qualities:

• Made with US-grown hemp
• Lab tested for cannabinoid content and purity
• Labeled with exact CBD content and a complete list of ingredients

If a CBD oil did not have these qualities, then we disqualified it. If it did have these qualities, then we continued to learn a little more about it. Here are a few more things we looked at:

Product descriptions and customer reviews

Reading reviews and product descriptions is a crucial part of this process. Some things we focused on were whether customers found the products effective for pain relief, what kinds of pain the CBD oils were reported to alleviate, and how long customers said the oils took to have an effect.

Premium ingredients

We were only interested in recommending high quality CBD oil, which is why we were selective about ingredient lists. We prioritized products that were organic, vegan, made with natural ingredients, and backed by good return policies. These qualities not only make for a better CBD oil, but also help assure customers of the product’s safety and suitability.

Firsthand trials

Our methods, as described above, allowed us to draft a list of a few dozen CBD oil brands that we felt comfortable trying. So, we started testing them ourselves. Our testers struggled with several different types of pain ranging from arthritis pain, to muscle soreness, to headaches. We had them use various CBD products and report back on their experiences. 

Our testers had some clear favorites for pain management – and those are the top five CBD oils we’ve featured here.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a compound found in hemp plants. It can be extracted from the hemp by various methods and then used to make a variety of products including CBD oils, CBD tinctures, CBD gummies, and CBD cream.

CBD does have some psychoactive effects. It often makes people feel relaxed and uplifted. However, it is not considered to be impairing or intoxicating because it does not make users feel high.

People use CBD oil for a variety of reasons. Many use it to manage chronic pain, reduce inflammation, or soothe anxiety. It may also help you fall asleep more easily.

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Pain

While we have confidence in the five CBD brands recommended here, we always recommend that customers do their own research before buying any CBD product. We also acknowledge that everyone’s needs are different. You may prefer a CBD oil that is not listed here. Regardless, here are the qualities we recommend focusing on as you choose a CBD oil for pain relief:

Lab Testing

Whether you plan to use CBD for pain relief or for some other purpose, you must make sure it is lab-tested. Reputable CBD companies send their products to a third-party lab for testing in order to remove the potential for bias. Testing establishes exactly how much CBD the product contains. It also ensures the CBD oil does not contain any harmful substances, like heavy metals or pesticides.

When a CBD oil is lab tested, the lab issues a document called a Certificate of Analysis. The best CBD companies share these on their websites. Review the Certificate of Analysis before you buy to ensure the CBD oil you’re considering is safe and contains the amount of cannabinoids listed on the label.

Company Certifications and Affiliations

Reputable CBD brands will be officially certified through one or more organizations known to regulate quality control and manufacturing standards. Some good certifications to look for include:

• USDA-certified organic: This assures you that their products are pesticide-free and are made from hemp that was grown in an eco-friendly way.

• GMP-Compliant: This certification assures you that the manufacturing facilities meet safety and cleanliness standards.

• Cruelty-Free: This assures you that the products are made in ways that don’t harm animals.

• U.S. Hemp Authority: This assures you that the hemp used to make the CBD was grown safely and responsibly within the United States.

Type of CBD oil

There are three main types of CBD used in CBD oil for pain. They are full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Full spectrum CBD oil is often your best choice for pain control. It contains not only CBD, but other cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp. Studies have shown that some hemp terpenes — including beta caryophyllene, myrcene, and pinene — have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving benefits. So, you might get more pain relief from full spectrum CBD oil than from broad spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolate oil.

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Broad spectrum CBD oil is similar to full spectrum CBD oil in that it contains hemp terpenes and beneficial cannabinoids. There is one key difference: broad spectrum CBD has had all traces of THC removed. If you know THC makes you too sleepy or you want to avoid it for any other reason, a broad spectrum CBD oil may be perfect for you.

CBD isolate

CBD isolate, as mentioned above, is just CBD. It does not contain any terpenes or other compounds. Because isolate products are pure CBD oil, you’ll certainly get pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits from the CBD. However, you miss out on that extra “punch” from the terpenes. That being said, CBD isolate products have a milder flavor and may cause less drowsiness.

Strength

CBD oils come in a variety of strengths. If you know you need a larger dose of CBD for pain management, then it often makes sense to buy a stronger oil. This way, you won’t have to take a huge volume of the oil to get your desired dose.

On the other hand, if you've never used CBD oil for pain before, you’ll probably want to start with a lower dose and work your way up, once you see how your body responds. This is easier to do with a milder CBD oil.

Flavor

Natural CBD oil has a hemp taste, which is often described as herbal and grassy. Most people find this flavor tolerable, and they get used to it in time. If you’re really sensitive to earthy tastes, however, you may want to look for a flavored CBD oil. Citrus and mint flavors are popular as they tend to mask the hemp taste well. Many flavored CBD oils are sweetened with stevia, a natural herb, so they are sugar-free.

Additional Ingredients

Many people use standard CBD oil for pain control and are happy with the results. But if you want to get even more out of your CBD oil, you may want to look for one with additional ingredients with pain management properties.

The following ingredients are sometimes added to CBD oils to enhance their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities:

Curcurmin 

Curcurmin is the active substance in turmeric, a spice often praised for its ability to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Turmeric has long been used to ease joint pain and arthritis, and some CBD oil companies add curcurmin to their CBD oils in order to take advantage of these benefits.

CBN

CBN stands for cannabinol. This is another cannabinoid similar to CBD. CBN is often thought to be sleep-inducing, which is goog because pain and sleeplessness often go hand-in-hand. So if you have trouble sleeping due to your pain, a CBD product with added CBN may be a good choice.

Citrus Oils

Some CBD oils are flavored with essential oils from citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges. These oils may do more than add flavor; they may also hemp enhance the pain-relieving properties of CBD. One study found that the aroma of orange oil helped ease pain in patients with fractured limbs.

How to Use CBD Oil for Pain

There are a couple different ways to use CBD oil tinctures:

Under your tongue

To get fast relief from pain, take your CBD oil sublingually. Place the desired amount of CBD oil under your tongue, and then gently let your tongue rest at the base of your mouth. Do not swallow or swish the CBD oil around for at least 30 to 60 seconds. Some of the CBD will be absorbed into the capillaries under your tongue. It will quickly circulate through your bloodstream and start relieving your pain within about 15 minutes.

Orally or with food and drinks

If you can’t stand holding the CBD oil under your tongue, you can swallow it right away. It will just take longer to kick in – closer to an hour, or maybe two. Another option is to stir the CBD oil into a smoothie or other drink. Again, it may be an hour or more before you notice pain relief with this method, even when using the best CBD oils.

Regardless of how you take your CBD oil, most formulas include a carrier oil — like MCT oil — that can help your body absorb the CBD.

Most CBD companies recommend taking CBD oil consistently for best results. Especially when it comes to pain relief, the effects tend to build as you use CBD oil every day.

FAQs

Can you use CBD oil for topical pain relief?

You can apply CBD oil to your skin, but products formulated for oral use may not absorb into your skin very well. If you want to use CBD topically, look for a product made specifically for topical use. Many of the best CBD oil brands also make CBD creams, lotions, and balms that are great for relieving joint pain and muscle pain.

Can you use CBD for pain relief during pregnancy?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends against using CBD oil for pain if you’re pregnant. While CBD is widely considered safe for adult use, there has not been much research done to determine whether it may have negative effects on a growing fetus. High doses of CBD do appear to have negative effects on developing animal fetuses, so it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid using CBD oil for pain during pregnancy.

Can CBD oil treat migraine pain?

Some people do use CBD oil to relieve their migraine symptoms. Migraines can be caused or made worse by stress and inflammation, and CBD oil has stress-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties to help combat those symptoms.

If you are currently taking medications for your migraines, do not stop using them without first checking with your doctor. You should also check with your doctor before using CBD in combination with any other medications or remedies for migraines.

Will CBD oil make you feel high?

No, CBD is not an intoxicating substance and won’t make you high. It is mildly psychoactive in that it can help you feel less stressed and more relaxed, but it does not cause a feeling of intoxication like alcohol or THC. However, since CBD can make some people feel drowsy, you should avoid driving or using heavy equipment until you know how CBD will affect you.

What’s the difference between CBD oil and hemp seed oil?

Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil come from the cannabis plant. But there are some specific differences between the two. Hemp seed oil doesn’t come from just any species of cannabis plant — this oil is sourced from the hemp plant, which contains less than 0.3% THC. Like the name suggests, hemp seed oil is extracted specifically from those seeds. CBD oil, however, can come from the hemp plant as well as other species of cannabis plants. When sourcing CBD oil from a cannabis or hemp plant, it’ll be extracted from flowers, leaves, and stalks.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a natural remedy for pain relief, CBD oil is an excellent option to consider. CBD is generally considered safe for adults and can help relieve pain due to muscle tension, arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, and a wide range of other conditions. Whether you’re looking for a full spectrum CBD oil, a broad spectrum product, or one made with CBD isolate, each CBD brand we’ve recommended offers some incredible products. These are the five best CBD oils to help you ease those aches and pain.

Summary of the Best CBD Oils for Pain

1. CBDfx CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture: Best Overall

2. CBDistillery Relax + Relief CBD Oil: Best for Nighttime Pain

3. Sunday Scaries: Best for First-Timers

4. Soul CBD Oil Drops: Best Flavors

5. Joy Organics: Best Organic