CBD (cannabidiol) has become popular for treating pain, helping with anxiety and insomnia, and a variety of other conditions, despite the fact that FDA has stated it cannot legally be sold as a dietary supplement. It can also be very expensive—and many products do not list the amount of CBD they contain on the label, according to recent tests from ConsumerLab.com. So does it really work, how much CBD is really in products, how much does CBD cost, and which products are best? 

To find out, ConsumerLab.com  reviewed the clinical evidence, and purchased and tested popular CBD and hemp products (liquids and capsules) sold in the U.S., checking to see how much CBD each contained, and if they were contaminated with lead, cadmium or arsenic. Amounts of CBD in products varied widely, from just 2.2 mg to 22.3 mg per serving. The cost to get an equivalent amount of CBD (10 mg) from a product ranged five-fold from 80 cents to $4.54. None of the products were contaminated with heavy metals nor contained significant amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. 

The findings are available online in ConsumerLab.com’s CBD & Hemp Supplements Review. In the review, products are compared and, among those that passed tests, ConsumerLab.com identified its Top Picks—indicating high quality CBD at lowest cost. The review also explained the clinical evidence for CBD, CBD dosage, the difference between hemp oil and hemp extract, discusses safety concerns and potential side effects of CBD, and provides tips on what to look for in products. The review explained that most clinical benefits found with CBD have been shown using large doses—hundreds of milligrams per day, but many products on the market contain smaller amounts. The review includes results for nine products, including two for pets.