If you haven’t tried CBD in an attempt to ease anxiety or get better sleep, are you even in 2022 yet?
JK, but srsly — though research is still in its early phases, scientists think cannabidiol (aka CBD) could possibly provide relief for anxiety, insomnia, pain, IBS, and various mood disorders. We need more research to know for sure, but early studies are promising.
Even though CBD is legal in the U.S., it can be tricky to pick out quality products that come from trusted, reputable companies — that’s why we’re trying to do it for you.
CBDfx has been in the CBD game a lot longer than most, which gives it some cred above others — but is it actually any good?
Here’s the deal.
CBDfx at a glance: The pros and cons
Here’s the good, the bad, and the so-so when it comes to CBDfx:
First things first: CBDfx as a brand passed our extensive vetting process for CBD brands and products. But not every one of the company’s products passed. (Want more info on that process? We dive into it below.)
Pros
- Diverse range of products. CBDfx has lots of products at varying potencies with full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.
- Third-party testing. All products are third-party tested and you can download the deets that prove what’s inside online. Win.
- 60-day return policy. If you try a product and don’t love it, you can email the company to return it for a full refund within 60 days. The product has to be either unopened or only modestly used, though — so hang onto your empty bottles, folks!
- Lots of great reviews. NGL, the reviews are good. Like many CBD companies, they seem to vet them — but they still have thousands of authentic ones from pleased customers, which is worth something.
Cons
- Some products auto-fail our vetting process. Some CBDfx products have added vitamins and supplements, contain THC, are vape pens, or are formulated for pets, which make them auto-fail our vetting process. We’ll dig into why that makes them fail below.
- Not certified organic. Even though most of the products are described as organic on the site, they’re not certified organic by the USDA. The company claims the products are still organically sourced, but we don’t know for sure without this cert.
- A little pricey. Some reviewers complain that the prices are a little steep compared to other vendors, especially when you consider potency.
CBD Glossary
Need some help on the ABCs of CBD terms? We gotchu.
- Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD refers to just one (of over 100) cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol doesn’t get you “high” but is known for its relaxing, pain-relieving, and other potential medicinal properties.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is another cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. This one gets you that “high” feeling, Pineapple Express style.
- Terpenes. These are aromatic compounds found in the cannabis plant, which give the plant its natural aroma and flavor. They may also have therapeutic effects.
- Flavonoids. Naturally occurring compounds in CBD that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Full-spectrum CBD. These products have all the naturally-occurring compounds found in the cannabidiol, including terpenes, flavonoids, and tiny amounts of THC. Legally, they have to have less than .3 percent THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD. The trace amount of THC is removed from broad-spectrum products. They still retain other naturally-occurring compounds, though, like terpenes and flavonoids.
- CBD isolate. This is pure, 100 percent CBD — no terpenes, flavonoids, THC, or other compounds.
What is CBDfx?
CBDfx was founded in 2014 in Los Angeles, which gives it a bit of an edge over the surge of newcomers. Eight years might not be an impressive run for the average company, but in the newly blooming CBD market, it’s practically veteran status.
At the time, CBDfx was among the earliest companies to enter the market, and now says it’s the world’s second-largest privately held CBD company. The company has over 100 employees and specializes in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate products.
In that time, they’ve grown to offer a ton of products, from CBD tinctures to mushrooms to vape juices.
Reputation
CBDfx currently has an A+ rating on BBB and has been accredited since June 2021.
Reviewers comment on quick, easy deliveries and straightforward products that do what they claim. They have a couple of complaints of missing deliveries on BBB, but the company has since resolved the issues.
So far, CBDfx hasn’t been the subject of any lawsuits or received any warning letters from the FDA.
That being said, according to some anecdotal reports from places like Reddit, the company seems to vet the reviews on their site and doesn’t post any bad ones. Even though this seems to be a common practice out there on the world wide web, it’s def not ideal if you want the full picture of customers’ experiences.
CBDfx product quality and transparency
CBDfx is somewhat transparent about its products and manufacturing, but there are still a few missing pieces. We tried to fill them in.
Hemp sourcing and extraction process
Here’s what we know about CBDfx’s hemp sourcing and extraction process:
- The company says its CBD products are derived from industrial hemp. This basically means they contain less than .3 percent THC in accordance with regulations put in place by the 2018 Farm Bill.
- The company’s hemp is grown at its partner farms in Kentucky. They don’t name the farms, but state that they’re grown under strict, organic farming guidelines. (Again, we don’t know what these guidelines are, and the company is clear that their definition of organic is not certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.)
- The brand says its hemp is non-GMO and pesticide-free.
- CBDfx uses a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction process to extract CBD from hemp. This method can result in a product with fewer terpenes than other methods, but proponents say it’s a cleaner, greener way to process hemp since it doesn’t leave chemical residue behind like solvent-based extraction.
Third-party testing
CBDfx claims to third-party test its products eight times.
Products are tested by CC Testing Labs, an ISO 17025-accredited lab for things like ingredient accuracy. You can access the certificates of analysis (COA) for each product online or by scanning the QR on any product, which will tell you:
- the CBD and terpene profiles
- potency
- any contaminants like foreign material, pesticides, microbials, and heavy metals
Heads up: We found that some batches of certain products show more than a 10 percent diff between the amount of CBD the lab found and the amount on the labels, while others are pretty close to as advertised. Either way, you can at least check for yourself.
Manufacturing standards
CBDfx says its products are produced in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs). These are FDA regulations about production, processing and packaging.
CBDfx states that any reference to “organic” doesn’t mean the products are certified organic. That being said, according to the USDA, “products sold, labeled or represented as organic must have at last 95 percent certified organic content.” So, it’s kind of a legal gray area, TBH.
The company says that the organic designation refers to organic farming methods and techniques used by the company’s partner farmers — not USDA standards. Although it’s not totally clear what its definition of organic implies, it prob won’t hold up to those who are looking for that near-100 percent cert in their CBD.
Types of products and how much they cost
CBDfx offers lots of products in categories including:
- edibles (gummies, cookies, drinks, etc.)
- capsules and softgels
- oils and tinctures
- topicals (balms, oils)
- beauty and wellness (face masks, cleansers, etc.)
Unlike other companies that focus on just a few types of CBD, CBDfx offers a variety of full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate products. So whether you prefer a product without any traces of THC or one that retains all the flavonoids and terpenes, they have you covered.
Product prices range from under $10 (like for a CBD cookie) to over $550 (for a potent tincture set). The brand offers frequent sales and promo codes, though, and also offers CBD bundles so you can get many products for a discount.
Note: CBDfx also offers products with THC, added vitamins and supplements, pet products, vape pens, and mushrooms. These products automatically fail our vetting process.
That’s for a few reasons:
- THC isn’t legal everywhere.
- Research on how CBD interacts with other vitamins and supplements (including things like mushrooms) just isn’t there yet.
- We don’t totally know about CBD’s effects on pets.
- Vaping comes along with some serious health risks.
Best CBDfx products
How we chose the best CBDfx products
The FDA hasn’t yet established standards for CBD testing and labeling, so the quality and potency of CBD products can vary a lot — even products from the same brand.
First off, we are confident recommending products from CBDfx because the company:
- provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- uses U.S.-grown hemp
- has not received an FDA warning letter
- does not make any unsupported health claims
- has a good track record with customers
But not *every* CBDfx product meets our standards. We only recommend products that:
- don’t contain additional vitamins and supplements (like melatonin or vitamin B12)
- have an up-to-date certificate of analysis (COA) — either unexpired or issued within the last year
- contain no more than 0.3 percent THC, according to the COA
- get passing results for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
- are accurately labeled for potency, within a certain margin of error (less than 30 percent)
If you haven’t noticed, we take this sh*t seriously. So you might not see every CBDfx product you’re curious about recommended below.
Best capsule: CBD Gel Capsules 750-1500MG
- Price: $59.99-$99.99
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Total CBD: 750 milligrams (mg), 1,500 mg
- CBD per serving: 25 mg
- COA: here
If you’re looking for your CBD simple, strong, and straight-up, these capsules are the perfect thing. They contain 25 mg per serving, which is ideal for peeps who’ve used CBD casually before.
They contain full-spectrum CBD and coconut-derived medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. According to the company (and some 2021 research), MCT enhances your body’s ability to absorb CBD.
They’re gluten-free and listed as organic by the site, but keep in mind that they’re not certified organic. (And the company’s definition of organic is unclear.)
Reviewers say they love taking them for things like anxiety, pain relief, and sleep support. They like that they have a barely-there scent and taste just fine. Basically, they’ll def get the job done.
Best gummy: Original Mixed Berry CBD Gummies 1500mg
- Price: $54.99
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Total CBD: 1,500 mg
- CBD per serving: 50 mg
- COA: here
Hate downing capsules, oils, or tinctures? You just might be the gummy type.
Made with broad-spectrum CBD at 50 mg per serving, these natural mixed berry flavor ones are reportedly pretty tasty. (And heads up: Broad-spectrum products should technically be THC-free, but there’s still a chance there’s some residual THC in them.)
These vegan gummies are free of corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. They’re made with tapioca syrup and cane sugar, pectin, tri-sodium citrate, citric acid, natural flavor, and tomato lycopene for color.
Reviewers say they taste great and smell delish. Some complain about the high price point, though. Another says that they wish they had a healthier and more transparently natural alternative to tapioca syrup, cane sugar, and “natural flavors.”
FYI: According to experts, products that contain “natural flavors” can legally be comprised of artificial and synthetic chemicals. So even though “natural flavors” is one of the most prevalent ingredients listed on products in the U.S., we don’t really know what it means in any given instance.
Best topical: CBD Cream For Muscle & Joint: Cooling Formula 500-3000mg
- Price: $59.99-$129.99
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Potency: 500, 1,000, or 3,000 mg
- COA: here
For topical pain relief, try this cream on for size. The water-based formula is specially designed to help soothe muscles, joints, and deep tissues.
It’s made with broad-spectrum CBD and comes in 3 strengths: 500, 1,000, or 3,000 mg. Once you rub in the cream, it should only take about 10-20 mins to start feeling some relief.
The company says the product is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated with white willow bark, caffeine, and menthol. There’s some research to suggest that white willow bark supports back pain relief, while researchers also think that caffeine can aid in pain management. Meanwhile, menthol lends a cooling and numbing sensation.
Reviewers like that it absorbs rapidly into the skin — it’s not sticky or greasy. It’s also unscented, which is a plus for some. Many also say that it works practically instantaneously, and there are dozens of comments about arthritis relief in particular.
Some are not stoked on the price point, but still seem to love the product.
Best skin care product: CBD Face Mask – 5 Variations
- Price: $6-$7
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Potency: 50 mg
- COA: here
Is skin care even skin care these days without a little CBD? You might wanna try one of these face masks to find out.
Made with broad-spectrum hemp and active botanicals, the company says they’re designed to hydrate, tone, and soothe tired or stressed skin.
Due to CBD’s antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, many researchers are interested in its potential benefits for the skin and skin disorders in particular. So far, according to 2020 research, it seems pretty promising for addressing probs like acne, hyperpigmentation, and eczema.
Choose from the aloe vera (for tightening), charcoal (for brightening), cucumber (for tightening), lavender (for soothing) or rose (for moisturizing) masks, which the company says are suitable for all skin types.
Reviewers say the masks really do leave skin feeling soothed, soft, and refreshed. Some seem to love the assortment of fragrances, others say they’re just so-so, if not a little mild.
A couple of reviewers complain the eye holes are a little small, while others say there’s too much product in the pouch.
CBDfx company policies
The company has a 60-day customer satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not stoked about your product, you can email the company for return instructions within 60 days of ordering *if* it’s either A: unopened, or B: contains “a reasonable amount of the unused product.” The company says you’ll get a full refund once they get the product back.
Unfortunately, we can’t find much in the way of customer experiences with these policies. We found one negative experience on Reddit, but nothing major for a large company. Other commenters agreed this experience seemed out of the ordinary.
How to choose a CBDfx product
But umm, should you go for the tincture or the topical, the softgel or the capsule? We have you covered.
Product type
CBDfx has an overwhelming selection of products, from face masks to gummies. If you’re not sure where to start, consider your motivation for taking CBD.
- Sore neck or arthritic wrists? If you’re looking for targeted pain relief, consider a topical cream or gel.
- If you’re looking to ease anxiety, get better sleep, or regulate your mood, a tincture, gummy, or softgel might be a better fit, depending on your preferences.
- Looking to get better skin, relax, or add a little self-care to your routine? CBDfx’s selection of beauty and wellness products like face masks, serums, and cleansers might be the thing for you.
CBD type
CBDfx also has full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate products. Here’s how to choose:
- Full-spectrum. This has all the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids naturally found in the hemp and cannabis plants, including THC. There’s a theory called the entourage effect that claims that keeping these intact boosts CBD’s therapeutic effects.
- Broad-spectrum. Same as full-spectrum, but without the THC. It still has terpenes and flavonoids. This is ideal if you don’t want any traces of THC in your system, but still want to experience the benefits of other cannabis compounds.
- Isolate. No terps, flaves, or other compounds here — just the pure CBD. This is ideal if you want a flavorless, odorless product that’s also THC-free.
CBD dosage
Next, determine your ideal dosage. If you’re new to ingesting CBD, start with the lowest dosage (around 5 to 10 mg per serving), see how you feel, and work your way up. Since it can take a few hours to kick in, be sure to wait it out before taking more.
When it comes to topicals, pick a potency based on your pain level or desired sensation level. You might want to start with 500 mg strength for mild aches and pains, 1,000 mg for something more serious, and 3,000 mg if your joints or muscles are really in a tight spot.
In any case, always follow the instructions on the label.
Where to buy CBDfx products
Buy your CBDfx products straight from the source: The site. They’re not stocked anywhere else atm.
If you buy anywhere else, there’s no guarantee it’s legit. And since Amazon prohibits the sale of CBD products, anything you get on there is prob counterfeit. Otherwise, they’ll contain only hemp seed oil, not CBD.
How to use CBDfx CBD
Always follow the instructions listed on your product when using. But in general, here’s how you use ‘em:
- Drops. Squeeze a few drops under your tongue — just be sure to measure carefully, since some tinctures can be pretty concentrated! You can also add some to your food, drinks, or even your fave lotion to use as a topical.
- Ingestibles. Take capsules, gummies, or softgels as instructed on the bottle. Some may cause drowsiness, so do some trial-and-error to find what time works best for you.
- Topicals. Apply to your pain points or any area that needs a little TLC. Rub in until fully absorbed. Reapply as often as you’d like.
- Wellness products. Use the masks, cleansers, and other beauty products as instructed — and enjoy your glowing skin.
Other options to consider
Still not sold on CBDfx? Here are some competitors that might be worth your while (and your wallet):
Best product selection: CBDistillery
Like CBDfx, CBDistillery has lots of full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate options. They also have super low and high potency products for newbs and heavy-duty dosers alike.
You can also shop by what benefits you’re after (like pain relief or better sleep), which might help you narrow down your options.
Shop now at CBDistillery.
Best prices: Lazarus Naturals
If you’re not loving the price points elsewhere, try Lazarus Naturals. They have lots of full and broad-spectrum products at various potencies for a lot less than you’ll find elsewhere.
Shop now at Lazarus Naturals.
Best certified organic: Joy Organics
If you’re after USDA-certified organic, go to Joy Organics. They have a broad selection of CBD tinctures, topicals, softgels and tinctures, and you can rest easy knowing they come from a certifiable organic source.
Shop now at Joy Organics.
Safety and side effects
According to 2017 research, CBD is generally considered safe to consume. Still, some may experience side effects like:
Since CBD could possibly interact with medications, it’s always a good idea to chat with a healthcare pro before you start taking it on the reg.
Keep in mind that there’s also some evidence that consuming CBD with high fat foods or drinks can dramatically boost the level of CBD in your blood, which could potentially mean a stronger effect (and potentially more intense side effects).
Pregnant or nursing? Skip the CBD, since we still don’t know exactly how that might affect you or baby.
Frequently asked questions
Is CBDfx trustworthy?
CBDfx seems like a fairly trustworthy brand, TBH. The company has been around a lot longer than competitors (a whopping eight years) and has maintained a pretty solid rep without much controversy during that time. It’s also accredited on BBB with an A+ rating.
Unlike other CBD companies, the company has never been issued an FDA warning letter and isn’t involved in any lawsuits.
One downside is that the company’s (overwhelmingly positive) website reviews appear to be vetted — but that’s definitely not an out-of-the-ordinary practice.
Will CBDfx get you high?
CBDfx offers some THC and CBD+THC hybrid products, which will def get you high.
However, the only products we covered here are CBD products, which are unlikely to get you high. CBD full-spectrum products do contain traces of THC (legally less than .3 percent), which has a v. slight chance of getting you a little high if you consume a lot of it.
You won’t get any psychoactive effects from isolate or broad-spectrum products, since the THC is completely removed.
Is CBDfx pure CBD?
CBDfx’s isolate products are pure CBD. Its full-spectrum products contain CBD plus all of the naturally occurring terpenes and flavonoids in the cannabis plant. Its broad-spectrum products contain CBD, flavonoids and terpenes — but no THC.
Is CBDfx FDA approved?
The FDA has only approved one drug with CBD so far called Epidiolex, which you need to get with a prescription from your doc. So, like with other companies, CBDfx’s products are not recommended for medical use or as a replacement for medical treatment.
tl;dr
So, should you go for CBDfx? Here’s what you might want to consider.
- Product range. CBDfx definitely has one of the larger selections of CBD full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate products on the market. If you’re looking for variety, they gotchu.
- Pricing and discounts. The company offers a 20 percent discount for military members and first responders. They also offer regular discounts and reduced prices on bundles. Their prices still aren’t the lowest on the market, though. You can def find cheaper products elsewhere.
- Green hemp extraction. CBDfx says they use a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction process to extract their hemp, which is a cleaner, greener method than other ways and likely a pro for many. That being said, the info on how and where exactly it’s sourced is a little unclear. If source transparency is important to you, CBDfx is a little iffy.
- Safety. All the products are third-party tested for quality assurance, which is a def a pro if you want to know exactly what’s in your product.
- Customer service. CBDfx seems to have pretty good customer service. They also have a 60-day return policy and a 1-year warranty on all products.
- Not certified organic. Since their products aren’t certified organic, this might be a deal-breaker for some. They claim that they’re all produced with organic farming practices, but we don’t know for sure.
As always — before you try CBD, talk with your doc.
0 Commentaires