The Men’s Health 2021 CBD Awards
Rest, relax, and recover with these editor-approved goods.
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CBD is everywhere you look. You couldn't escape it if you tried. As research on the topic continues to unfold, more entrepreneurs are hopping on this trend, meaning there is no end in sight. CBD can be found in mints, pillows, hot sauce, and even dog treats (woof!). The overwhelming hype over CBD makes it nearly impossible to decide what's right for you. We put hundreds of products to the test and have narrowed it down to our top 25 that help with stress, sleep, skin, pain, and mood. The science behind it all can seem confusing, but it's important to understand, even a little before you dive into the world of CBD.
The number one question experts are faced with is, "Does CBD get you high?" THC and CBD are both a part of the cannabis plant (we like to think of them as cousins), made up of different atoms . With CBD, you won’t feel the psychoactive “high” effects like you would with THC products because they connect to different receptors of the endocannabinoid system that send signals to your brain.
While THC cannabis is definitely still widely used for recreational use, and legal in California, Colorado, and Massachusetts, to name a few states, the medical benefits of plant-based cannabidiol, or CBD, look promising. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by signaling our endocannabinoid receptor activity, which interact with our neurotransmitters to calm inflammation: the main cause of aches, pains, flares and stress.
In a space where the marketing remains strides ahead of the law, we, as consumers are in a tricky territory. Brands have become aggressive in selling this buzzword with an influx of “hemp” products that claim to cure headaches, relieve joint, and muscle pain, aid in sleep, and boost mood. Available research agrees, but since hemp-derived CBD is not FDA-approved, the heavy lifting is on us as consumers to find what actually works. And unfortunately, the answer isn’t so black and white...
And we get it. The gray area is confusing. The idea of cannabis-based wellness seems cool and cutting edge, but how do you find CBD that actually works? We have put together this guide to help you cut through the BS. We have tested countless CBD products and have narrowed it down to our favorite vessels, like gummies, chocolates, capsules, and—drum roll, please—chili oil, that target your specific needs.
How to Find the Right CBD
The number one rule is to do your research on a brand when shopping for CBD products. Look out for out U.S.-grown cannabis, along with transparent evidence of third-party testing. The more information you can find on a brand's site (lab results, farming process, pesticide testing, etc.), the better. You might have to do a little digging, but it’s worth it before you drop your hard-earned money on a faulty product.
You'll see a mix of broad spectrum, full spectrum, and CBD isolate products on the market. Full spectrum refers to the strongest acting, full cannabis plant. This can contain small amounts of THC (.03 to be exact, which is still not enough to get you feeling "high"). Broad spectrum takes out THC entirely while using other components of the plant and lastly, CBD-isolate refers to one particular isolated area of the hemp plant. They all can be beneficial, depending on what you're using it for.
How to Find the Right CBD
CBD is better absorbed through the bloodstream. Usually tincture oils, vapes, and other water-soluble CBD will be your most bioavailable formula, followed by other edibles, capsules, and then topicals.
Everyone's body composition is different, meaning we all have different tolerance levels. Typically, a larger person requires a higher dosage. When experimenting with CBD, try starting with a single serving dose over a period of time and keep a journal how you feel. If you aren’t feeling any positive changes, it might be time to increase the dosage in increments or switch to a product with better bioavailability.
You'll also want to consider how severe your aliment is and pair it with a corresponding dose. While it's pretty much impossible to overdose on CBD, that doesn't mean you should go from zero to 100 right away. Start off by reading this guide, to find a variety of our favorite products that tackle stress, sleep, skin, pain, and mood.
Alright, now that you're an expert on the topic, let’s dive in.
Stress
CBD has the ability to bind to the serotonin receptors in the brain, specifically to ones that plays a strong role in stress and anxiety disorders. It helps your brain tell your body to calm down naturally and can even reduce or replace prescription anti-anxiety medications. Larger disorders require larger doses, but if you’re like most Americans and experience mild stress and occasional anxiety, CBD can help with that. It calms your central nervous system without sedating you.
Charlotte's Web CBD Oil: 60mg CBD/1mL
Charlotte's Web CBD Oil: 60mg CBD/1mL
Charlotte’s Web is one of the OG CBD brands to hit the market. They’ve been around the block and this oil is their highest concentration of CBD per mL. The full-spectrum hemp extract is for those looking to target moderate to severe stress levels. It comes three flavors you won't want to spit out.
Blue Forest Farms Organic CBD Soft Gels
Blue Forest Farms Organic CBD Soft Gels
If the thought of tasting an oil with hemp undertones weirds you out, pop a softgel and carry on your day, stress free. This full-spectrum product doesn’t lose any of the beneficial cannabinoid compounds through an innovative new extraction process.
Zebra CBD Peppermint Mints
Zebra CBD Peppermint Mints
This magic mint brings on fresh breath and a relaxed attitude. Talk about the best of both worlds! Zebra CBD products use high quality ingredients, home-grown hemp, free of any harmful contaminates. They even include a “Label Accuracy Guarantee” seal to further earn your trust.
VEDA ECN Full Spectrum CBD Pen
VEDA ECN Full Spectrum CBD Pen
Vaping gets a bad rep, but if you’re a stress Juuler, consider this alternative. This inhalation directly transports CBD to your bloodstream for a superior, fast-acting calming effect.
Elixinol Good Mood CBD Gummies
Elixinol Good Mood CBD Gummies
Good mood gummies just sound like a great idea, don't they? Elixinol focuses on making sure each of their products has the proper and even dosage to feel the effects. We recommend starting at two and leveling up from there. It’s the perfect desk side treat when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Verma Farms Pineapple CBD Oil
Verma Farms Pineapple CBD Oil
We will admit it, plain old CBD oil typically doesn’t have the most pleasant taste. We’re not the first to give this pineapple CBD oil an award (and we definitely won’t be the last). Its tropical flavor will transport you to Hawaii, where their hemp is grown. Flavor your water, tea, smoothie, or take it directly under the tongue. You won't be disappointed.
RESET Restore CBN
RESET Restore CBN
So, technically this isn't CBD or oil, even though it comes from the same plant. RESET Bioscience takes a scientific approach with CBN (a more mature part of the cannabis plant) using a delivery technology that converts hard-to-absorb plant-based oils into water droplets. They found this process takes a more direct route to the bloodstream. If you’re looking for a quick fix to destress and relax, try this. And if you like to nerd out on this stuff, check out the lab results on their site.
Sleep
A better sleep cycle might be an entourage effect of reduced stress and anxiety, but these CBD products are joined by other ingredients that slow dance together to wind you down. We’re talking the chamomile tea your mom steeps before bed, melatonin, the quick fix to insomnia when you need a solid 8 and yummy chocolate to cater that late night sweet craving.
Kefla Dark & Salty Case of Chocolates
Kefla Dark & Salty Case of Chocolates
Sometimes long after dinner, your sweet tooth strikes. And you know that you can’t possibly fall asleep with at least a little bite of chocolate. That’s where Kefla’s bars come in handy. Not only are they a guilt-free dark chocolate treat (with just 1gram of coconut sugar per serving), they contain 25mg of CBD to help you unwind and relax. It was hard to pick a winner from all of their chocolate flavors, so if you’re not a dark and salty person scope out the entire selection. Mix it in a cup for hot cocoa or snack one on its own. Your new favorite dessert will have you snug as a bug in a rug.
The Clear PM Capsules
The Clear PM Capsules
If you’re a light sleeper, these capsules will go a long way toward helping you get your 8 hours a night. With 25 mg of CBD and 3 mg of melatonin, they deliver a potent—but not paralyzing—dose of relaxation that will help you transition into la-la land. And if you feel like foregoing your cup of Joe in the morning, they also sell an AM version with 100 mg of caffeine.
HOLISTIK Sleep Sticks
Stir this "STIK" into water or tea and drink up. Water soluble CBD like HOLISTIK's increase its bioavailability, making it quicker to absorb in the body. The blend of CBD, chamomile, and melatonin will help you fall and stay asleep.
Willie's Remedy Hemp-Infused Chamomile Tea
Willie's Remedy Hemp-Infused Chamomile Tea
For a more regular nightly ritual, opt for a hot drink that doesn’t include melatonin. This CBD-infused tea includes chamomile, a natural remedy that helps initiate rest, relaxation, and sleep. Squeeze a little lemon during the steeping process for a flavor kick.
Skin
Because of its anti-inflammatory healing properties, cannabidiol in skincare can be beneficial for treating a myriad of concerns, from acne to eczema and even scarring. While this category is still undergoing research, it’s proven to help with itchiness, dryness, and free radical damage. It’s rich with antioxidants, amino acids and complex vitamins—all properties recommended by dermatologists.
Lord Jones Acid Mantle Repair
Lord Jones Acid Mantle Repair
Lord Jones is a staple brand in the world of CBD. This cream is thick and nourishing without weighing your skin down. It helps stressed and dry skin feel and look dewy and rejuvenated—basically, it'll shave 10 years off your mug.
Mineral Hydrate Facial Oil
Mineral Hydrate Facial Oil
People with oily or combination skin are often afraid of face oils. With CBD infused, this works wonders on fine lines, wrinkles, and it's great for taming a wild beard. A little goes a long way here. Start off by applying this right before bed.
High Falls Hemp CBD Body Lotion
High Falls Hemp CBD Body Lotion
This New-York grown CBD isolate is combined with avocado oil, calendula, and aloe to create an anti-inflammatory soothing effect for all-over body care. It eases tension, like rashes or itchiness, while giving a deep hydration underneath the surface that will last all day long.
Pain
One of the greatest benefits of CBD is its potential to not only manage but heal pain, without the harmful or damaging side effects of other meds. Among the earliest advocates for CBD were athletes. After a rigorous training session or a tough game, CBD offers pain and joint relief through calming inflammation and soothing where it hurts. From topical lotions and salves to ingestible tinctures (great for headaches, too), CBD can save the day and your sore muscles, to get you back in the gym, on the slopes, or on the court.
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