Best CBD for Arthritis

Arthritis is a family of common chronic conditions where inflammation builds up around joints, causing stiffness and pain. Although symptom-relieving medication is available for all types of arthritis, it can have unwanted side effects like nausea and lowered immune support. Some sufferers have started turning to alternative remedies to get around those side effects. Early studies suggest CBD may benefit arthritis thanks to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

But it’s a challenge to figure out which CBD products are worth your time. Many contain less CBD than advertised, lack other beneficial ingredients, or simply cost too much. To make your search easier, we’ve done the research and testing to find the best CBD products for arthritis. We’ll compare them in this guide so you can determine what might work best for you.

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top picks.

The CBD landscape isn’t always clear. Since it isn’t regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medications, it’s up to companies to determine what is and isn’t acceptable to sell. And, unfortunately, companies don’t always have your best interest in mind. A recent study found that nearly half of all CBD products don’t have properly labeled concentrations (i.e., contain more than 10% more or less CBD than stated).23 When we evaluated CBD products, we looked at a few specific factors:

• Product formulation (the fundamentals of the product itself)
• Safety (transparency of testing results and accurate labeling)
• Cost (per milligram CBD, as well as things like assistance programs and subscription savings)
• Convenience (both in taking and in ordering the CBD)

Generally, we think the CBD product’s formulation is the most important part when considering CBD for arthritis; different added ingredients work differently for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and there are specific potency thresholds for topical CBD versus sublingual or orally administered CBD. However, safety is a close second since CBD is an unregulated market. Cost is still important to us since CBD can get exorbitantly expensive (especially for older adults with less free income). The supplement’s convenience is a nice bonus — being able to quickly and effectively rub on a topical balm to relieve pain is going to win points over a CBD product that requires precise dosing and a long onset time. Other bonuses are friendly, fast customer service and speedy delivery times, but we still think your safety comes first.

Elixinol came out on top of most of our criteria, despite not being the best fit for everyone because of its capsule form. It comes the closest to an effective formulation with added turmeric and omega-3 DHA, with U.S. Hemp Authority certification and an especially safe, exceptionally thorough certificate of analysis. And because each serving is one capsule, you’re guaranteed to get the same exact dose every time, rather than estimating with an unlabeled dropper you’ll find in most of our top oil picks. CBDistillery’s Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture has unmatched high potency to stop pain in its tracks. Meanwhile, Lazarus Naturals has the best cost on our list, with a return policy three times longer than average and a 60% discount for families who need it. Prices for high-potency CBD oil from Lazarus Naturals are half as expensive as other high-quality CBDs made from USDA organic hemp.

Formulation

Winner: CBDistillery and Elixinol

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to finding the best-formulated CBD product for your arthritis. Not only do we want to guarantee the company is sharing accurate information about their CBD, but there’s a host of other ingredients that are effective anti-inflammatory agents (important for rheumatoid arthritis) and build up your joints (important for osteoarthritis). Things like omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric (curcumin), and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can make a CBD product even more likely to relieve some of your worst arthritic symptoms. But not everyone wants to add herbs and other ingredients to their CBD, especially if they’re already taking supplements or medications for joint pain.

We also consider things like the form of CBD used (full-spectrum is best, followed by broad-spectrum for those who don’t like or can’t have THC) and CBD potency. Products that contain more milligrams of CBD per dose have greater effects. We prefer high-potency products because they provide more CBD at a lower price, making them more suitable for serious conditions like arthritis.

CBDistillery has the most potent CBD oil on our list, with 167mg of CBD per 1mL serving. That’s significantly higher than almost all of our other favorites, aside from Lazarus Naturals’ high-potency CBD oil. This was a tight race between CBDistillery and Lazarus Naturals. However, CBDistillery won in our minds because they have U.S. Hemp Authority certification, ensuring that the company uses the highest manufacturing standards while making this CBD.

Elixinol offered our favorite blended formula, with 237mg of turmeric and 120mg of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA specifically) in each single-capsule serving. You’ll only get 15mg CBD in these capsules, but you can easily double up to get more out of each serving. And while the additional ingredients are about half of what successful research studies use, they’re much closer to that gold standard than any of our other products with added ingredients. Charlotte’s Web’s CBD Muscle Recovery Gummies, for example, contain only 50mg turmeric (one-tenth of what researchers use), whereas our choice for the best fit for most people, Receptra Naturals’ Serious Relief + Turmeric broad-spectrum extract, doesn’t even list how much turmeric is in each serving. Not only do we appreciate Elixinol’s transparency, but we also find their choice of added ingredients particularly poignant. Turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids have some of the best research backing up their anti-inflammatory and joint-health-supportive properties.

Safety

Winner: Elixinol

Runner-up: Lazarus Naturals

It’s important that your CBD products come with up-to-date third-party test results. While the FDA is supposed to regulate CBD according to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, lots of CBD companies and products mean the agency is backed up. This means that many high-quality CBD products don’t yet have FDA approval. Third-party tests are performed by independent laboratories and verify that you’re getting exactly what you paid for.

There are a few facts that helped Elixinol stand out as our top pick for safety. While the dosing per serving for its Active Omega Turmeric Capsules is a little light (with 15mg CBD, 237mg turmeric, and 120mg DHA, which is about half of what research studies use), the CBD used is grown in the U.S. and Elixinol is certified U.S. Hemp Authority, which is the highest standard (paid) certificate in the CBD industry, meaning they take great care to keep the manufacturing process as safe as possible. This is then combined with the fact that the company is the only one that outright claims to use CO2 extraction methods, the safest option (and one that preserves the most whole parts of the plant). While all of our top picks have thorough certificates of analysis, Elixinol is also the only one that tests each batch for mold on top of the standard pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.

Lazarus Naturals was a closer runner-up, as the company is the only one that elaborates on terpene content in its certificate of analysis, uses USDA-certified organic hemp (the only one with any recognition from a federal agency), and it even goes as far as to alter customer reviews to minimize the chance that people think its products could be a good substitute for necessary medication. However, the CBD oil is extracted with ethanol (which is more likely to strip good cannabinoids and leave behind harmful residues than CO2), and the company doesn’t have U.S. Hemp Authority certification.

Cost

Winner: Lazarus Naturals

Cost isn’t just sticker price. CBD isn’t cheap, but many of our top picks contain thousands of milligrams of CBD per bottle. We break down prices to cents per milligram to even out the playing field. We also look at things like assistance programs (which offer savings for people who might need CBD, such as veterans and people with disabilities, but can’t afford it), subscription programs, and return policies.

Lazarus Naturals wins on this front not only because of their transparently large discount (60%) for veterans, low-income households, and people with disabilities (which may make this CBD more accessible if your arthritis keeps you from working), but it also has the longest return policy by a long shot. You can try and return your CBD oil from Lazarus Naturals within 90 days, whereas almost every other company works in a 30-day window (besides CBDistillery, which sits in the middle at 60 days). The company’s high-potency CBD also only costs 2-3 cents per milligram and is half the cost of CBDistillery’s similarly potent full-spectrum oil (150mg vs. 167mg). The biggest downside is that Lazarus Naturals doesn’t offer a subscription program, so there aren’t any additional savings you’ll be able to get. And if you don’t order at least $50 per purchase, you’ll have to pay $5 shipping every time. Even so, you’ll save $120 over CBDistillery for a similar product.

Convenience

Winner: Elixinol

Convenience for a CBD product isn’t just about how easy it is to take. However, considering you may have to measure out CBD oil in a dropper without measurement lines and then hold an unflavored oil under your tongue for up to a minute before swallowing it, how easy it is to take does make a big difference in our convenience score. Easy tops and things that aren’t small and fiddly are important for arthritic hands, but convenience also involves how easy it is to order the product and how approachable customer service can be if something goes wrong.

Elixinol wins again for convenience because of its capsule form. We generally prefer CBD oils for best efficacy, but capsules will give you a consistent dose every time without having to think about what you’re doing. Elixinol has a subscription program that delivers a new bottle every few weeks at your discretion and is easy to cancel. (Subscription programs are fairly standard; half of our favorites have one.) The only downside is that Elixinol doesn’t have an assistance program. If they were to institute one like Lazarus Naturals, Receptra Naturals, or Charlotte’s Web, it would propel them further. And you can reach out to customer service via email through the in-browser chat, which isn’t fantastic but is better than most CBD companies.

CBD’s only been federally legal in the U.S. since 2018, meaning there have only been a few years where it’s been possible for us all to become acquainted with the substance — and for online retailers to build national acclaim or notoriety.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing various CBD products, from full-spectrum oils to isolate gummies with herbal additions. Over the course of our studies, we’ve read over 125 clinical studies examining how CBD works in the body, what it can do to improve your health, and what limitations or risks you should understand.

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions about staying healthy and living healthier lifestyles. Like all health-related content on this website, this review was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy. To keep things up to date, we monitor the CBD landscape and update this page as information changes.

CBD products can be difficult to distinguish at first glance. We’ve put together this chart to help you quickly compare the most important features of each of our top products.

We’ve also rounded up some of the most important information about each company that will apply regardless of which product you choose.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of two major cannabinoids found in both cannabis and hemp plants. You may be familiar with THC, the other major cannabinoid. But unlike THC, CBD doesn’t have the same mind-altering effects. Most CBD products are made from hemp and extracted using something like CO2 or ethanol since federal regulations require all CBD products to contain 0.3% THC or less.

Research suggests CBD impacts chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, and seizure disorders. In fact, the FDA approved a CBD-based medication called Epidiolex for a few specific treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy in 2018. Since arthritis is a set of conditions linked to chronic pain and inflammation, it makes sense that CBD might be able to relieve some of your aches. Most people take CBD to relieve anxiety, sleep better, quiet pain, and generally reconnect with their bodies, but you won’t experience any highs like you would from taking THC.

Your body is full of cannabinoid receptors that pair with endogenous cannabinoids (created within the body) like anandamide. There are two major cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 is located mostly in the brain, and CB2 is found scattered across more of the rest of your body, especially throughout immune tissue. Most of what we think of cannabinoids occur in CB1 receptors, but CB2 receptors are important when considering CBD for arthritis because CB2 appears to regulate inflammation.1 In fact, some budding research suggests that CB2 receptors may be directly implicated in rheumatoid arthritis.2

While CBD doesn’t directly bind to any receptors, it changes how they interact with THC and other minor cannabinoids, like CBG and CBA. It affects dozens of different cellular pathways throughout the body (at least 65), including:

• Serotonin receptors like 5HT-1a, which are responsible for anxiety3
• Vanilloid receptors like TRPV1, which are responsible for pain perception4
• G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) — membrane proteins responsible for moderating hormones and neurotransmitters5
• Voltage-gated ion channels, which manage whether a neuron will send a signal6
• Endorphins and opioid receptors

For more information about CBD in general, check out our beginner’s guide to CBD.

There are three kinds of CBD:

• Isolate: Purified CBD, the least effective form.
• Full-spectrum: Whole-plant hemp extract containing all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, including a very small amount of THC.
• Broad-spectrum: Like full-spectrum, but without any THC.

We generally think full-spectrum CBD is the best option, as it promotes wellness through something called the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the term for the phenomenon of CBD working best in combination with the other molecules (including both cannabinoids and terpenes) found in hemp.7 When our testers tried full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate oils, they noted that it took significantly more of the CBD isolate to achieve the same effects as full-spectrum CBD; higher doses raise your risk of side effects, though mild (which we’ll discuss later).

CBD is a hydrophobic molecule. That means it binds best to oils, not water, so it’s difficult for human bodies (which are mostly water) to absorb naturally. Most of the time, CBD is added to a carrier oil like MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil to make it easier to absorb. There are four main ways to administer CBD:

Here’s a quick breakdown of the major differences between each method.

*Topical CBD is absorbed reasonably well, but scientists still aren’t sure if it makes its way into the bloodstream as well (if at all) for systemic circulation. This is particularly important when you’re considering CBD for arthritis, as you’ll find a lot of topical creams and balms advertised to relieve pain where it’s applied. It may work, but research is still mixed. (Placebo-based pain relief is still pain relief.)

Most of the time, you’ll find that CBD is available as an oil or tincture, gummy, capsule, or topical cream or balm. You might even find vapes and CBD flower. Generally, we think CBD oil is the best option because it’s relatively convenient, with the ability to personalize your dose to something that fits your needs exactly and lasts a long time in your system. However, you might need something to kick in faster, so a topical CBD may be a better option. (While fast in terms of onset, smoking and vaping are inherently dangerous). Softgels and capsules are also generally absorbed better than gummies, which need to be broken up in the digestive system before your body can take in the CBD, sort of like cracking open a crab shell. You’re more likely to lose some of the benefits from a gummy, which can make determining the right dose a little more unpredictable.

There’s not yet a lot of research connecting CBD to arthritis compared to things like anxiety and seizures. However, given our CB2 receptors’ influence over inflammation and CBD’s known pain-relieving properties, there’s some evidence that it may make a difference in your symptoms. Many studies investigating CBD in arthritis look at animal models, not humans, so there’s still a lot of room for more research.

• In a 2006 study of people with rheumatoid arthritis, the drug Sativex (which combines equal amounts of CBD and THC) significantly reduced pain and improved sleep.8
• In a 2000 study of rheumatoid arthritis in mice, CBD blocked arthritis progression through anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.9
• The researchers of a 2020 study noted that “CBD might be beneficial as an adjuvant treatment in rheumatoid arthritis.”10

Additionally, a 2018 study of 320 arthritis patients who used CBD found that men who were given 250mg of topical CBD per day experienced much less knee pain than those who received a placebo.11 (This is one of the only studies suggesting that topical CBD works for arthritis in humans, and it wasn’t consistent for all patients. You’ll likely need a stronger topical product than you’d expect to improve symptoms.) In a 2016 animal study, transdermal CBD gel lowered pain and inflammation in rats with arthritis, which was repeated in 2017 and showed that CBD decreased pain and nerve damage.12 13

In a recent survey, participants reported better sleep, less pain, improved physical function, and less reliance on anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs.14 However, this was a survey, not a study, so take these results with a grain of salt. There’s no way to know that it was CBD that improved symptoms and not something like a lifestyle change or the placebo effect. (Anecdotally, some of our testers and their loved ones have used CBD topical products for joint pain and arthritis, finding them to be roughly as effective as NSAIDs like ibuprofen.)

High-quality evidence that CBD improves arthritis symptoms is still lacking. Until more placebo-controlled clinical trials are done, we won’t fully understand CBD’s anti-arthritic potential.

Some CBD brands will also include additional oils that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or concentrated hemp seed oil. Since omega-3s are notoriously good at fighting inflammation (and there’s been significant research on its role in managing rheumatoid arthritis), CBD products with these added oils will likely improve arthritis symptoms better, especially if taken orally or sublingually.15

Most studies suggest that a relatively low dose — up to 250mg per day, but as little as 20-40mg per day — works best for arthritis symptoms. You don’t need a lot for pain relief; things like anxiety and epilepsy both need significantly more CBD (up to 800mg/day). This is a big bonus, as it means you can opt for less potent (and therefore less expensive) products or make your big bottle last longer. The dose that works best for you will be dependent on a host of factors, including, among other things:

• Your weight
• Whether you’ve used CBD before
• Whether you’ve eaten beforehand

Experts recommend starting with a low dose of 5-10mg (or one serving) if you’re new to CBD and seeing how it works. You can try a larger dose if you don’t feel anything after 1-2 hours.

However, because you likely want to relieve pain quickly, it’s important to balance the duration of effects with how long it takes for them to work so you’re not constantly taking CBD or waiting hours for it to start working. This is why sublingual administration is such a good option — it works within half an hour, on average, but still lasts 4-6 hours. While taking gummies is more convenient (and generally tastes better), it will take much longer to feel the full effect.

Additional ingredients

There are many compounds besides CBD that have anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these have significantly more research backing up their efficacy, especially when used for easing arthritis symptoms. However, botanical and herbal ingredients often have strong research biases and mixed evidence supporting their use; this is true of even the best supplements for arthritis, like turmeric. CBD manufacturers sometimes include these, most often in gummies and capsules but occasionally in oils and tinctures as well. The best additional ingredients include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA, DHA, DPA)15
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)16
• Turmeric (curcumin), though many research studies on arthritis are low-quality17
• Saffron18
• Ginger18

Overall, CBD is going to be the best option if you suffer from mild arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, if it’s painful enough to interfere with your quality of life. People who take CBD anecdotally report experiencing better sleep and pain relief, so it’s especially useful for those whose stiff joints keep them up at night and those who aren’t already taking medication for arthritis (we’ll discuss why in the next section). We recommend taking oils and tinctures sublingually, combined with other ingredients with known anti-inflammatory properties, such as curcumin, fatty acids, and saffron.

CBD appears to be a generally safe compound. Decades of research have revealed a few minor side effects, including:19

• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Reduced blood pressure
• Changes in appetite or weight

CBD can also inhibit liver enzymes that metabolize drugs, which means it may have some drug interactions.20 This applies mostly to people who are taking medication that interacts with grapefruit. It’s a long list since these liver enzymes (cytochrome P450 enzymes) process almost half of all prescription medications. Your medication bottle will state whether or not you should avoid grapefruit, which should be a sign you can or can’t take CBD. This is most important for people who take corticosteroids like prednisone for their arthritis already; these medications interact poorly with CBD. If you’re already taking medications for arthritis, talk to your doctor before trying CBD.

In general, these medications tend to be the most affected by grapefruit (and CBD):

Still, most of these side effects were reported by studies using large oral doses of purified CBD isolate. Most people who use smaller doses of CBD go with full-spectrum products or different consumption methods, such as sublingual administration (putting CBD oil under your tongue). As such, the likelihood of side effects is low.

Best for most people

Our top pick for arthritis management goes to Receptra Naturals’ Serious Relief + Turmeric 0% THC Tincture. It’s not the strongest CBD oil, nor is it the cheapest, but it’s a middle-of-the-road option with a pleasant taste and added turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids for a well-rounded CBD oil. Its broad-spectrum extract also means that anyone — including people who need to avoid THC — can try it while still benefiting from some of the entourage effect.

Previously, this CBD tincture was available in two strengths: regular (33mg/dose) and high (66mg/dose). However, it seems that Receptra Naturals has discontinued the high-strength version, though you can still get it as a full-spectrum oil. However, you can still get it in two different bottle sizes: 15mL (0.5oz) and 60mL (1oz). A 15mL bottle costs $39.99, and a 60mL bottle costs $79.99, which is on the lower side of average per milligram of CBD.

The CBD tincture is made from a blend of several different organic oils rich in fatty acids, including:

• Hemp seed oil
• MCT oil
• Avocado oil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Sunflower oil

The biggest problem that we have with this CBD oil is that it doesn’t list how much turmeric or omega-3 fatty acids are ultimately in each serving. This typically means that it’s an extremely low dose, and while the blend is an excellent combination that likely provides a solid dose of omega-3s, it’s difficult to tell exactly how much it is. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something we’d like to see more transparency around. Considering the company makes it easy to find and read the certificate of analysis (both with a link on the product page and a scannable QR code on the box, which takes you directly to the relevant certificate of analysis), so making everything that easy to understand would be a big plus.

Receptra Naturals offers free shipping for orders over $75 (costs vary between $7 and $8 depending on your location otherwise), and veterans can get 50% off, which is the second-best discount (behind Lazarus Naturals, which offers 60% for veterans, low-income households, and people with disabilities). The company does everything in-house, including growing its organic hemp on a family-owned farm.

Most potent (oil) and best topical

With conditions like arthritis, regular-strength CBD products aren’t always enough. CBDistillery has an extremely broad catalog, including some of the most potent CBD oils on the market. The company also offers several more niche products, including combinations of CBD and minor cannabinoids targeting specific concerns and things like topical salves; their CBDol topical salve is our favorite topical salve for arthritis because of its easy, nongreasy application and pleasant aroma.

CBDistillery offers free shipping on orders over $75 and with every subscription purchase. We strongly recommend joining their subscription program, even if you’re just trying one of their products. It was extremely easy for our testers to cancel their subscriptions, and it’ll save you at least $9 from shipping costs alone, which is what you’ll pay if you don’t hit that $75 threshold. You’ll also save an additional 30% on every order with a subscription and get a new container of CBD at your choice of the following intervals:

• 4 weeks
• 6 weeks
• 8 weeks
• 10 weeks
• 12 weeks

The company is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority and controls the whole production process from seed to shelf. It doesn’t offer any assistance programs, but the subscription savings are above average, and CBDistillery has the second longest return policy (60 days) behind Lazarus Naturals (90 days), which is still twice as long as every other company on our list. Our testers noted that packages arrived quickly without any hiccups. And every product has a very clear place to check out the certificate of analysis.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture

If you need a serious dose of CBD, we recommend CBDistillery’s Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture. This CBD oil comes in a few different sizes, but we specifically like the company’s strongest formula, which is 5,000mg of oil in a 30mL container. That’s 167mg of CBD per serving. Considering the average CBD dose of other products on our list are between 25 and 100mg per serving (with the exception of CBDfx, which offers a 6,000mg bottle of CBD with 150mg per serving), this is exceptionally strong. This is not a good option for beginners and those with low tolerances, but if you’ve used CBD successfully or experience significant pain from your arthritis, this could be a good option.

Of course, a high-strength option comes at a high price. One bottle ordered once costs $240, or $168 if you join CBDistillery’s subscription program. It only comes unflavored at this strength. CBDistillery offers a mango-flavored, high-potency, full-spectrum CBD oil and a few seasonal flavors like peppermint, but only up to 2,500mg per bottle.

CBDol Topical Salve

Topical CBD products don’t work in exactly the same way as orally administered CBD products. When you apply a CBD lotion, salve, cream, or oil, the CBD crosses through your skin and interacts with nociceptors, which are pain receptors close to the skin. However, it’s unclear whether or not the CBD makes it into the bloodstream to circulate for more systemic effects. This is actually ideal if you have one specific spot you want to ease pain in but aren’t interested in any potential drowsiness or anti-anxiety effects.

CBDol Topical Salve provides 500mg of full-spectrum CBD per 1oz jar alongside numerous botanical ingredients that don’t have much scientific backing for pain relief or arthritis support but smell nice and can improve your sensory experience, including:

• Peppermint oil
• Camphor oil
• Arnica oil
• Frankincense oil
• Willow bark extract

Given the long (but necessary) ingredients list, this topical product is affordable at 10 cents per mg of CBD or $50 for a one-time purchase or $35 for a recurring subscription.

This salve is relatively thick and easy to apply, but note that it’s difficult to determine exactly how much CBD you’ll use. There’s no guidance on how much to scoop each time, which makes sense, considering you’ll need to use a lot more on a kneecap than a finger joint. The act of massaging the salve into your skin is relaxing and restorative in itself, so you’ll have multiple methods of relief. But one of the only studies on topical CBD in humans found that it took 250mg per day to find relief for arthritic knees. That means you’d have to use half of this balm every day for months at a time. So, it may help, but don’t go in with high hopes.

Best budget option

You won’t find many better deals for CBD oil than the high-potency full-spectrum tincture from Lazarus Naturals. At 2-3 cents per mg of CBD, it’s one of the cheapest options on the market. But you won’t be sacrificing quality on this front: Lazarus Naturals’ tincture is regularly one of our top picks because of its low price, high potency, certified USDA organic hemp origins, and an emphasis on terpene quality. Terpenes contribute to the smell and taste of CBD (and hops, citrus, and apples, among other things), and researchers are beginning to realize their importance in the entourage effect. Lazarus Naturals is the only company on our list that breaks down terpene count in their certificate of analysis, which is also the longest and most thorough on our list.

When our testers tried the unflavored (“classic”) version of this CBD oil, they noted that the flavor was immediately obvious and fairly strong. One remarked that it reminded them of a high-percentage dark chocolate: earthy, bitter, and fruity, with somewhat floral undertones. When we looked at the certificate of analysis, we found that our batch had 34.8% farnesene, a terpene found most often in green apple skins known for its earthy, bitter taste. The terpene is front and center enough to be immediately noticeable; this also means that the unflavored version of this CBD oil isn’t going to be the best option for people who aren’t a fan of hemp flavors.

But, of the CBD products our testers tried, this was repeatedly their favorite. It’s easy to draw up and measure (as one of the only CBD oils with measurement lines on the dropper), despite the oil’s dark brown color, and a 50mg serving was strong enough to send them into a state of deep relaxation without any side effects.

Previously, Lazarus Naturals offered four bottle sizes (15mL, 30mL, 60mL, and 120mL) but has shrunk this list to just two sizes: 30mL (1,500mg) and 120mL (6,000mg). You can choose between classic, chocolate mint, and strawberry lemonade flavors; strawberry lemonade replaced a French vanilla mocha flavor in recent years as well. We found that sweeter flavors like chocolate mint masked any herby-hemp flavors and were relatively pleasant.

One 1,500mg bottle costs $40, and a 6,000mg bottle costs $120. The biggest downside of Lazarus Naturals is that they don’t offer a subscription program. On the other hand, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and low-income households can apply for a steep 60% discount. You can get free shipping by spending over $50, but expect to pay $5 if you don’t meet that threshold.

And while $120 is a lot to spend at once, considering that CBDistillery’s 5,000mg bottle costs $240, paying half the price for an extra 1,00mg of CBD is a steal.

Runner-up and best choice among capsules

These Active Omega Turmeric Capsules from Elixinol are an excellent pick to help soothe symptoms associated with arthritis because they contain anti-inflammatory turmeric and omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which both appear to improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in some studies. DHA isn’t the prominent omega-3 fatty acid, often eclipsed by EPA, but some recent studies have started illuminating that it appears to improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms better than other omega-3s.25 The brand is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority and offers a comprehensive certificate of analysis clearly on the product page, breaking down cannabinoid content, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbial contaminants, and even mycotoxins (mold), which we don’t usually see in CBD testing.

Each vegetarian softgel combines 15mg of full-spectrum CBD with 237mg of turmeric curcuminoids and 120mg of algae-derived DHA. While it’s a higher dose of CBD than you find in Charlotte’s Web gummies, the capsule form means it’s more likely to be absorbed in full, and you only need to take one capsule per serving. But if you can’t stand the taste of CBD oil or need a fully vegetarian option, we recommend picking this capsule.

There are 60 one-capsule servings in each bottle, making the high sticker price a decent deal. Each bottle costs $69.99 outright, or you can join Elixinol’s subscribe and save program for 30% off ($48.99) and a new bottle at the following intervals:

• 2 weeks
• 4 weeks
• 6 weeks
• 8 weeks
• 12 weeks

Previously, Elixinol had cut the savings to 15% after your first order with the subscription program, but we’re happy to see that the company has extended its 30% offer. Elixinol provides free shipping on orders over $50, which you’ll automatically hit when purchasing one bottle of capsules. They don’t have an assistance program, though, so keep in mind that their subscription program will offer the best deals.

Despite the capsules’ relatively low potency, this is a decent way to have a low-dose CBD on hand for a long time (or you can still double up for a more accurate dose; this works best with the subscription program).

Best THC-free

If you need a THC-free product for arthritis, the wellness tincture from CBDfx fits the bill. CBDfx is a large CBD retailer out of California, with a large catalog like CBDistillery’s. This CBD + CBG Oil Wellness Tincture is made with broad-spectrum CBD extract, containing 0% THC while keeping other beneficial hemp cannabinoids and terpenes.

More importantly, this tincture has added curcumin and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). No matter what strength formula you have, each serving contains 20mg CoQ10 and 10mg curcumin. This is an abysmally small dose of curcumin, which generally performs best at 500-1,500mg for arthritis in studies. It also delivers a less shocking but still subpar dose of CoQ10, which works best around 100mg/day in studies.26

This unique tincture combines a 2:1 ratio of CBD to cannabigerol (CBG), a minor cannabinoid. There haven’t been a lot of studies on CBG, but two studies from early 2023 suggest that CBG may have anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive (pain-blocking) properties by activating CB2 receptors.27 28 While more research is still necessary to draw any firm conclusions, there’s some positive evidence that this blend could lessen your experiences of pain, much like an NSAID. This CBG dose is going to make much more of a difference than curcumin and CoQ10, so if you’re willing to experiment a little, it could be a good option.

Each bottle is 30mL and comes in four strengths. CBDfx used to offer a fifth, smaller strength — 500mg CBD — but has since removed the option. Now, you can choose from the following strengths:

While these prices are slightly lower than average (between two and five cents per milligram of CBD, depending on the strength), CBDfx limits your further savings options. The company has no subscription program, nor do they have an assistance program if you need it. However, they frequently offer coupon codes and have regular sales, so keep an eye out for at least 25% off with a code if you want to try this CBD oil for your arthritis pain.

You can get free shipping by spending over $75, which you can achieve with any bottle 2,000mg or stronger. Otherwise, expect to pay $4.89 for shipping. Every certificate of analysis is hosted through a link on the product page, so you can either check out the latest edition or search for your particular bottle’s chart; these forms cover all of the ground we expect to see in a transparent third-party testing situation.

Best gummies

Charlotte’s Web offers the best CBD gummies for arthritis that we’ve found. While gummies aren’t what we’d reach for first; they’re more difficult to break down properly in the stomach, meaning you don’t consistently get the amount of CBD advertised, and they have a longer time to onset. Still, they’re extremely convenient and tasty and appeal to people who would rather chew medicine than swallow pills. What makes these recovery gummies unique is the addition of ginger and turmeric, two anti-inflammatory herbs. This is the only product on our list that contains ginger, with a surprisingly large amount of research backing up its benefits for osteoarthritis.24 Other tinctures and salves contain turmeric, but few other high-quality CBD gummies do.

These gummies are ginger-flavored and provide 10mg of full-spectrum CBD, 25mg of ginger, and 53mg of curcuminoids. Despite being one of the only gummies to contain these ingredients, it’s important to note that all three active ingredients are present in very low doses. Ginger is generally successful in studies anywhere from 500mg to 4g daily, and a daily dose of turmeric for anti-inflammatory properties is closer to 500-1,500mg. Combined with the fact that a lot of CBD gummies contain 25-50mg CBD per gummy, and it takes two of Charlotte’s Web’s gummies to equal one serving, you’re not going to get a lot out of these. Something is better than nothing, though, and these could be a good option if your pain is on the milder side.

It’s also important to note that Charlotte’s Web won’t share a certificate of analysis with you until after you’ve purchased your product. This is a deviation from standard practice and a bit of a red flag; while Charlotte’s Web is clearly dedicated to social equity and providing a clean supplement, their extremely low dosing and lack of safety transparency give us some pause. That said, Charlotte’s Web is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority and is a Certified B-Corporation, using U.S.-grown hemp to make its full-spectrum CBD gummies.

Pricing

You can choose from packs of 30, 60, or 90 gummies and either purchase them once or join Charlotte’s Web’s subscription program, which saves you 20% and sends you a new bottle at the following intervals:

• 2 weeks
• 1 month
• 6 weeks
• 2 months
• 3 months

If you don’t have the money up-front, you can also use Sezzle to split the total cost into four interest-free payments.

Here’s how much you can expect to pay for these CBD gummies:

At first glance, these seem like relatively low prices, but remember that you’re only getting half the number of servings (so 15, 30, and 45 servings) per bottle, and each serving is only 10mg CBD. Ultimately, the price per milligram of CBD is higher than average. The company also offers free shipping on orders over $25 (a massive drop from the $74 threshold last year).

If you’re a first responder, in the military, a nurse, a student, or a teacher, you’ll qualify for Charlotte’s Web’s discount at checkout. You’ll have to verify your identity, and it’s unclear exactly how much you’ll save, but they make it significantly easier to get a discount than most assistance programs.

Since inflammation is such a common and systemic problem within our bodies, there’s been a lot of scientific research into ways of combating it. Typically, supplements attacking inflammation work best for people with rheumatoid arthritis, whereas collagen and cartilage building blocks improve symptoms of osteoarthritis better. You may also find that you’re just looking for pain relief, in which case NSAIDs like Advil and prescription medications may be your best options. CBD has fewer potential side effects than prescriptions but also has less clinical research backing up its efficacy.

If you’re not sure you want to take a supplement (including CBD) at all, or if you’re taking a prescription medication that relies on cytochrome P450, there are still plenty of alternative therapies available for arthritis care. Some of the more common and well-established methods include:

• Heat/cold therapy
• Massage
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Acupuncture
• Rest and reducing strain on the joints
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy