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There are many choices when shopping for CBD, so how do you know if a brand is reputable and its products are safe and effective?
You’re right to be cautious. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t ensure the safety, quality, or efficacy of any CBD product, which means it’s up to you to do a little homework before making a purchase.
PlusCBD is one brand worth considering. The company was founded in 2014 by CV Sciences and is based in San Diego, California.
It offers a wide range of full-spectrum CBD products, including capsules, gummies, topicals, and oils. We found all of the products we tried to be effective for sleep, relaxation, or pain relief, but we were not always a fan of the taste.
PlusCBD offers full-spectrum CBD products, which are not a good fit for people who want to avoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If that’s you, you can explore our picks for broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate products instead.
If you prefer full-spectrum CBD, you have options for low or high per-serving doses in many products. There are also plenty of options for people looking for specific consumption methods, such as gummies, capsules, oils, and topicals.
PlusCBD’s products are also not organic. If you prefer to use organic products, consider checking out Joy Organics.
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This is one of PlusCBD’s higher potency CBD oils at 25 milligrams (mg) per serving, which is four pumps. It’s flavored with peppermint oil and sweetened with monk fruit. It uses extra virgin olive oil as a carrier oil.
During our trial, our tester liked the pump top (rather than a dropper), which made it much easier to use and apply the oil. One potential con to the PlusCBD oil is that it contains some added ingredients that other CBD oils don’t, such as silica and monolaurin.
Our tester tried both the peppermint and unflavored options. Both are on the sweet side and can take a little adjusting to get used to the taste. She reported that the oils were not super enjoyable the first couple of days, but with more continued use, the sweetness wasn’t as noticeable.
She found that both PlusCBD oils she tried (this and the lower potency option below) helped her wind down in the evening and get ready for bed. In a very unofficial test, her sleep score on her smartwatch seemed to be generally higher the mornings after she took the oils.
However, she did take more of the lower potency option below to feel the effects. If you’re new to CBD, you may not want to do that right away.
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Despite the name, this is PlusCBD’s lower potency oil, at 10 mg per serving.
As a full-spectrum oil, it contains a good balance of CBD, terpenes, minor cannabinoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Many reviewers felt this one helped improve their sleep quality and ability to relax. Our tester experienced this as well.
Like the higher potency option above, it’s available in an unflavored version sweetened with monk fruit as well peppermint. It has the same flavor profile as the higher potency option above that might take some getting used to. Our tester found it intensely sweet.
Some pros: It’s gluten-free, vegan, and made with non-GMO ingredients.
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These vegan, gluten-free gummies are made with no artificial flavors or sweeteners. They use organic sugar and organic tapioca syrup, but only contain 3 grams of sugar per serving. They contain 10 mg of CBD per gummy and come in two flavors: Cherry Mango and Citrus Punch.
More than 100 reviews put these gummies at 5 stars. Customers report that they work well to promote relaxation and taste great.
When we tested these back in 2022, we weren’t huge fans of the cherry flavor and felt the gummies had an unpleasant aftertaste. However, our tester did report feeling very calm after taking them. They had less worrisome thoughts and reported the effects lasted from the early evening through nighttime, helping them sleep.
If you’re interested in exploring other CBD gummies, these are our current favorites.
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This topical CBD cream is designed to address muscle pain, stiffness, and soreness.
Healthline editor Christy Snyder used this cream on her lower back after a Pilates session. She felt immediate cooling and heating sensations, and her pain was relieved for over 30 minutes. Of the PlusCBD topicals she tried, this was her favorite and the one she found most effective.
It’s made without fragrances, dyes, sulfates, phthalates, polyethylene glycols, or parabens. Camphor and menthol offer additional pain relief.
The cream rubs in well without feeling greasy and penetrates for deep relief.
Other PlusCBD topicals we tried: Snyder reported that the Pain Relief Arthritis Cream gave her mild relief for about 30 minutes after applying, and she experienced a cooling sensation within the first 5 minutes. It has a strong menthol scent and loose consistency.
PlusCBD is a well-known, top-selling CBD brand. Its products can be found online and at retail locations across the United States. The company takes a science-forward approach to its CBD products, which gives it a level of credibility that consumers find reassuring. In fact, it’s the first CBD company to receive the FDA’s
One thing that differentiates PlusCBD from other brands is the source of its hemp. Some of the company’s hemp is grown in Europe from European Union certified hemp seeds.
According to PlusCBD, sourcing from both U.S. and European partner farms gives it the materials needed to produce such a wide range of CBD products.
PlusCBD doesn’t appear to have received any
Quality is a major focus for PlusCBD. The company’s products are made using carbon dioxide extraction. This method doesn’t use solvents or chemicals, so some say it makes for a cleaner final product.
Transparency is a key component of a reputable CBD company, and PlusCBD products are processed, produced, and tested in compliance with the
The company’s CBD products are tested at multiple stages throughout the manufacturing process and are traceable from seed to the final products.
All product pages include details about extraction processes, detailed ingredient lists, directions for use, frequently asked questions specific to the product, and links to both customer reviews and comprehensive certificates of analysis (COAs).
One thing we noted is that the COAs accessible from the PlusCBD website aren’t from third-party labs, even though PlusCBD says its products are tested through outside facilities.
The company does have its own stringent in-house quality control measures. This includes using a validated testing method on the raw extract upon its arrival to PlusCBD’s facility in San Diego. PlusCBD uses a high performance liquid chromatography system to determine cannabinoid content.
Another round of in-house tests looks for contaminants, including solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals, with a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry machine. The company says samples are also sent to third-party labs for contaminates testing via conventional microbiological techniques.
PlusCBD’s full-spectrum CBD products include:
Potencies vary from low to maximum strength. That’s reflected in the price point, which varies from around $30 (starting with the lowest dose of gummies) to $180 (for the company’s reserve collection oils). Most products fall in the $50–$80 range, which puts PlusCBD in the mid-to-high price range for CBD companies.
However, PlusCBD has a dedicated coupons page that consumers can check for the latest deals and savings. Signing up for a subscription on a particular product is another way to save.
The company also offers a loyalty program. Consumers can become members of PlusPOINTS to earn points on purchases for discounts and rewards.
PlusCBD offers several shipping methods. UPS ground shipping is free, or you can upgrade to UPS 2-day shipping for a fee. Processing time is typically 1–2 business days. PlusCBD doesn’t currently ship internationally.
The company is clear about its return policy. All PlusCBD products can be returned within 90 days of the delivery date for a full refund, excluding shipping charges. Products that are damaged during shipping will be replaced, but customers must contact the company to submit a claim within 72 hours of delivery.
On third-party platforms like Trustpilot, PlusCBD has very positive reviews. With more than 4,400 reviews on Trustpilot, the company has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
PlusCBD isn’t currently accredited with the Better Business Bureau. Neither is parent company CV Sciences, but the company does have a 4.5-star rating. However, there are only four reviews at time of publish.
PlusCBD also has positive reviews for various products on its website.
To choose the right CBD product, consider why you’re taking CBD in the first place. Topical products are designed for localized relief, while oral products offer full body effects. That’s a good option if you’re looking for pain relief or assistance with anxiety or sleep.
Personal preference plays a role too. For example, you may want a flavored option to mask the taste of natural hemp, which can be a little earthy.
Using CBD appropriately depends on the product. Here are some guidelines:
Remember to consider potency when you take CBD. CBD dosage can be tricky, as everyone metabolizes it differently. It’s best to start with a low dose and slowly increase over time until you find what works for you.
CBD is generally considered safe, but some people do experience side effects. These include:
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Speak with your doctor or healthcare professional before trying CBD if you currently take any medications. Some medications may interact with CBD.
It’s important to also avoid CBD if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
PlusCBD has a good reputation. It’s a well-known CBD brand with lots of positive feedback online. It offers a wide range of full-spectrum CBD products in a mid-to-high price range. While it doesn’t third-party test, it carries out rigorous in-house testing and makes COAs available.
PlusCBD has a good reputation. It’s a well-known CBD brand with lots of positive feedback online. It offers a wide range of full-spectrum CBD products in a mid-to-high price range. While it doesn’t third-party test, it carries out rigorous in-house testing and makes COAs available.
CBD, in general, is considered safe and has minimal side effects. Products from PlusCBD specifically are tested for contaminants and potency, and the company prioritizes full transparency with its test results.
If you’re new to CBD, you may wish to consult with your doctor or trusted healthcare professional before purchasing.
CBD, in general, is considered safe and has minimal side effects. Products from PlusCBD specifically are tested for contaminants and potency, and the company prioritizes full transparency with its test results.
If you’re new to CBD, you may wish to consult with your doctor or trusted healthcare professional before purchasing.
PlusCBD has a wide range of CBD product offerings, including topicals, gummies, oils, and more. The company makes its product testing results available clearly and has a good reputation.
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 legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so 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.
Last medically reviewed on February 1, 2024
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Feb 1, 2024
Written By
Jessica Timmons
Edited By
Catherine Conelly
Medically Reviewed By
Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC
Copy Edited By
Anne Arntson
Jan 23, 2023
Written By
Jessica Timmons
Edited By
Christina Snyder
Medically Reviewed By
Eloise Theisen, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC
Copy Edited By
Anne Arntson
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