8 Best CBD Oils in the UK for 2024 (Tested)
25th Jan 2024 Wellbeing
10 min read
In the UK, during the Covid-19 pandemic and into 2023, a lot of people were curious about which CBD oil was the best. Now, in 2024, that question still seems to be quite popular.
CBD has rapidly gained popularity as a wellness trend globally.
While the industry initially thrived in the USA, new markets have emerged, with
the UK's CBD oil sector showing significant growth. The number of companies
providing high-quality CBD products to UK customers has increased considerably.
With so many options available, the question now is, how do you select the best
one? What is the best CBD oil in the UK?
And... why are so many people in the UK turning to something
that, realistically, is still fairly new and not extensively tested? What
exactly is CBD? What benefits can CBD offer, and how and where should you use
it?
In this updated buyer’s
guide for 2024, Reader's Digest explores the best CBD oils to buy online in the
UK. If you want a quick answer to this question, we recommend Blessed
CBD as the most popular
and effective CBD oil brand to try this year.
Discover the 8 best CBD oils in the UK for 2024
Recently updated for 2024, here is a list of some of the top CBD
oils available in the UK market. These brands have gained recognition for
offering high-quality products ideal for both newcomers and experienced CBD
users. We consider these brands to be among the best, taking into account
factors like overall service, customer support, product quality, transparency,
and pricing.
1. Blessed CBD
Blessed CBD remains a top pick as one of the UK's #1 CBD brands.
This family-run CBD brand has shown consistency throughout 2019 to 2023, and
takes our "best CBD oil UK" award for 2024 too. Very impressive!
Offering some of the most purest and premium CBD oils we've seen
on the UK CBD market, Blessed CBD is a premium product with a massive kick, so
it's going to have the strongest effect on your recovery and self-care.
Most CBD oils run around 250mg, up to around 1000mg strength,
but Blessed CBD has options up to the 1800mg level (which, honestly, might be a
little too strong for some people - but that's why there's also a 500mg and
1000mg option).
Blessed CBD's range of products is incredibly pure, using the
highest quality CO2 extraction process. It's also available in full-spectrum
CBD and broad-spectrum CBD, containing a long list of cannabinoids (such as
CBDA and CBG), flavonoids and a strong terpene profile, improving your chances
of a better “entourage effect”. On top of this, their plants are grown in
exceptional circumstances, using only organic practices.
Other products in their range include tasty CBD
gummies, convenient CBD
capsules, portable CBD
disposable vape pens, CBD patches, and topical CBD
creams.
The company itself is also trustworthy from what we’ve seen,
which as we mentioned earlier is incredibly important. Unlike a lot of brands,
Blessed CBD operates with high levels of transparency, which is evident when
you take a look at the third-party lab results on their website. Customer
reviews are also consistently good across the board (with features in Beccles & Bungay, ELY Standard, and Hunts Post).
If you're looking for one of the best CBD oils in the UK in
terms of purity and strength, then you should seriously consider Blessed CBD.
Blessed CBD also offers a free to sign up ‘BlessedVIP’ membership which unlocks
even bigger savings on their entire range of products (30-50% discounts).
On top of this, use the coupon code RD to save a further 10%
(this is an exclusive offer for Reader's Digest fans).
2. Vibes CBD
Vibes CBD is a smaller company that picks their products
carefully, with each one being very high quality and effective.
Vibes
CBD’s oils are heavily lab tested, with third-party verification
(checking for cannabinoid content, heavy metals, solvents, herbicides) and
exceptional levels of purity and quality, because of the supercritical CO2
extraction process. On top of that, Vibes CBD keeps their products 100%
organic, using no chemical colourants, fertilisers, or other additives at any
point in the process.
Their CBD oil range is small, but there are gummies and capsules
options too, with a healthy range of strengths. They offer their CBD oil
products from a moderate 1000mg, which is perfect for basic recovery, and up to
2000 mg of CBD, which is strong enough for more intensive self-care.
The only single issue with Vibes CBD is the fact that they're
always in demand. Due to this, they frequently sell out and you have to sign up
to their waiting list in order to get access to their range of products.
However, if you want a high-quality, organic and pure CBD oil, it's most
probably worth it.
3. Excite CBD
A UK based company operating out of Scotland and in select
online CBD marketplaces. Excite CBD is naturally focused on quality with their
CBD isolate and full-spectrum products.
When it comes to CBD oils, everything starts with the hemp, and
Excite CBD’s organic hemp has been chosen from crops genetically selected for
their phytochemical ranges, ensuring you get a full-spectrum CBD oil.
They also keep it organic, with a complete lack of pesticides
and other chemicals used during the growing process. Their products are
filtered with the CO2 extraction method (using the highest medical grade CO2).
However you choose to take your CBD, whether it's at the start
of the day, during, or at the end, you can likely find the product you need
from Excite CBD.
The only real downside is the price. They're a little more
expensive compared to some other CBD brands, but paying for quality can’t
really be a bad thing.
4. Endoca Raw
A vegan-based CBD oil that's organic as well as being completely
gluten-free, Endoca raw is a fantastic choice if you're someone who cares a
little more about where their products come from and want to have the minimum
negative impact on the world.
You're going to get exceptional purity, as above, because of the
supercritical CO2 extraction processes used to filter out the CBD from the
hemp, and if you're especially worried, each batch is certified with its own
reports on purity and ingredients listings.
Available in tinctures and capsules, Endoca Raw is a great
product but falls short in a couple of ways. One, the taste can be surprisingly
strong, which is to be expected considering it's all-natural, and two, it only
comes in two strengths, which is a little less than we like to see. Despite
that, though, you're getting a quality CBD oil, and it's going to do exactly
what you need it to do, whilst protecting the environment at the same time.
5. Holistic Hemp
Holistic Hemp is a Scottish company who believe that handcrafted
CBD oils are the way forward. We agree.
To this end, their plants are grown all across Europe in small
farms, which are held to strict standards with no pesticides or chemicals used
in the process.
Second, their hemp extract flowers are all handpicked, and
rather than subjecting the hemp to high pressure, which almost all brands do,
the CBD is extracted under low pressure and lower heat, which is supposed to
keep the chemical profile of the oil as whole as possible.
There's only one strength of tincture available which is 500mg,
but they also do pastes which are much stronger and can be added to almost
anything.
If you want a CBD product that's as close to natural as
possible, it might be worth looking at Holistic Hemp.
6. Bud and Tender
A smaller, relatively new company on the scene, Bud and Tender
are just getting started.
Unlike the other brands we've mentioned, Bud and Tender's oils
are extracted and filtered using the ethanol extraction process. However, this
doesn't really impact the purity that badly, and you'll get a full lab report
with every batch in case you're concerned.
Don't let it bother you, though, because the CBD oil itself
appears to be exceptional, with a light, floral, almost fruity flavour that
sinks in and kicks in fast. Bud and Tender themselves are also really open,
very communicative online and fast to get back with any issues you might have.
Trustworthy, receptive, with a good product.
There's a lot of reasons to try Bud and Tender.
7. Fab CBD
A growing name in the UK CBD space, Fab CBD are making waves
with their wide variety of products and open approach to information.
With a full range of hemp oil products, from tinctures that come
in strengths from 250mg all the way up to 1000mg, edibles, CBD vape oils and
capsules, no matter how you like to take your CBD, you'll find a product for
you.
As for the oil itself, it's good quality, all European grown,
with full third party lab certification and registration from the Cannabis
Trades Association UK. Whilst there's nothing standout about their oils,
there's also no downsides that we could find either. Just solid, consistent
goodness.
8. NuLeaf Naturals
NuLeaf Naturals is an American brand (from Colorado) - but their
products are available on third-party online CBD marketplaces in the UK.
Using high quality CO2 extraction, like most of our top choices,
the purity is exceptional, and it contains absolutely 0% THC (no psychoactive
effects), making it legal for the UK market.
Each batch comes with a third-party lab certification, so you
know exactly what you're getting, but that's par for the course with our top
choices. Still, it adds another layer of confidence.
What sets NuLeaf Naturals apart is the range of strengths. From
beginners to experts, there is likely a CBD product catered just for you in
their range.
What is CBD oil, and what does it do?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a plant extract and one of the
phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike THC
(tetrahydrocannabinol), the other most well-known compound, CBD is not
psychoactive, so it won't get you high.
Instead, it comes with a raft of supposed health benefits for
symptoms. We say supposedly because the science is still ongoing.
Taken from a recent CBD guide published by the Evening Standard: “The World Health
Organisation claims that CBD oil is “generally well tolerated with a good
safety profile”. There are also some studies that suggest it may be able to
offer relief for victims suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple
sclerosis (MS), Cancer (and related treatments), Diabetes, General pain,
Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia.”
As for what CBD oil actually is? It's extracted from the hemp
plant, generally from the flowers and leaves, which are ground down. The hemp
CBD oil is then filtered out for human use. You might hear CBD oil referred to
as cannabis oil, but apart from coming from the cannabis plant, this isn't
generally an appropriate term. Cannabis oil contains higher traces of THC,
which is prohibited in the UK.
Is CBD oil legal in the UK?
As of 2024, CBD products are now entirely legal, as long as they
are derived from hemp plants that contain less than 0.2% THC content.
High-quality CBD oil products will have little to no THC,
because of the strict processing and extraction methods used. CBD oil drops
must also be sold as a health/food supplement (and not a medicine, unless they
have a licence from the MHRA). CBD brands in the UK must also comply with Novel
Food regulations, and companies must be present on the public FSA list in order to remain legally in the
market.
What can CBD oil do for me?
Taken from a recent guide published by the ‘Evening Standard’ in
2024, Gemma Colao, founder of OTO explained, “CBD is one of the main
cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. It is similar to cannabinoids naturally
produced in our own bodies, which help to promote homeostasis – or balance – in
the body. They also help regulate physiological functions like pain,
inflammation, sleep, mood, stress and anxiety - to name just a few”.
There is often talk on social media about CBD being used for
anxiety and pain. Gemma Colao further explains, “There is no definitive answer
to how long it takes for CBD oil to work for anxiety. Some people report
feeling the effects almost immediately, while others find that it takes a few
days or weeks of regular use before they notice a difference. Living with pain
and discomfort has both a physical and emotional component. CBD molecules
absorbed by the skin can reach the hypodermis, where they interact with the
receptors that mediate pain and inflammation. CBD is an antioxidant, and
therefore has an anti-inflammatory effect on joints and muscles when applied
topically. It can also have an analgesic (pain-relieving) effect by reducing
our perception of the pain.”
Does CBD show up in drug tests?
It’s important to understand that CBD content is not tested for
in most conventional drug tests. However, some drug tests may flag up even the
smallest levels of cannabinoids in your body.
Because CBD products don't (or shouldn't) contain any THC, it
won't show up on your routine THC drug tests, as long as the product you've
bought is legitimate. Most CBD tincture oils come with a carrier oil such as
MCT oil, coconut oil or hemp seed oil to help with the taste and improve the
bioavailability.
How do I use CBD?
If you look hard enough, you can find any kind of product with
CBD infused in it. Topical creams (for skincare), drinks, vape pens, eliquids,
even obscure stuff like bath bombs (yes!).
However, it seems the four most common methods and forms of CBD
are as follows:
●
Tinctures: This is CBD oil
suspended in a liquid as an oil tincture, making usage as simple as applying
the required amount of CBD under the tongue using the provided dropper, holding
for 60 seconds, and then swallowing. The usual available size is in 10ml and
30ml bottles. For example, this is Blessed CBD’s most popular 1000mg tincture.
●
Edibles: Edibles are
things like cookies and gummies. Easy to eat, and flavourful, edibles have the
downside of holding a lot of calories, as well as having a fixed dosage. But,
one of the easiest and fun ways to incorporate CBD into your lifestyle. Here’s Blessed CBD gummies that come in a 750mg
strength, perfect for everyone.
●
Capsules: CBD capsules are taken like any
other medicine-based capsule. Take 1-2 per day with water for maximum
self-care.
●
Vapes or
e-liquids: Taken like any other e-liquid, CBD
e-liquid vape juices are inconspicuous, allowing you to take them
anywhere in vape pens, but getting the required dosage can be tough, and the
long term effects, like all vaping products, are still being discussed.
Now that we're moving on from the Covid-19 era in 2024, the buzz
around CBD products doesn't seem to be slowing down. If you haven't given CBD a
try yet, it might be worth checking out.
Helpful links (2024 updated):
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