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Certified Medical CBD and THC Specialist
There are no brand partnerships and no outside influence behind my reviews. They’re based entirely on my own research, experience, and standards.
CBD has been a big part of my personal wellness routine for many years, helping me manage severe chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. So when you read a review here, it’s coming from someone who has genuinely been in your shoes, searching for honest information and coming up empty.
There’s also formal training behind these reviews. The certification I hold as a Medical THC and CBD Specialist through the University of Colorado means you’re getting more than just opinions.
Everything here is backed by evidence, often in the form of screenshots, so you can see the information for yourself rather than simply taking my word for it. And when it comes to affiliate partnerships, the only brands you’ll see here are ones I’d genuinely recommend to my own friends and family. If something isn’t up to par, you’ll hear about it.
With so many CBD products on the market, it can be incredibly hard to figure out which ones are genuinely high-quality and which ones are mostly clever marketing. New brands are constantly popping up, labels can be confusing, and many reviews online barely scratch the surface, or they simply repeat marketing claims.
That’s exactly why I created my own completely custom scoring system.
For every review, I collect and organize a huge amount of data in detailed scoring spreadsheets covering things like ingredients, lab testing, transparency, product labeling, pricing, customer policies, educational content, and overall product quality. I also look closely at anything that feels potentially misleading, vague, or overly hyped because I believe reviews should be based on facts and evidence, not marketing hot air.
From there, each brand and product is carefully scored across key categories including Trust and Transparency, Ingredients, and Lab Testing. The goal is to create a more consistent and unbiased way to evaluate products while still keeping real-world usability and overall value in mind.
I also share the original scoring sheets used during the review process so you can see exactly how the scores were earned. If you’d like to take a closer look, you can jump directly to them below by clicking here.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, cbdMD was founded in 2017 by entrepreneur Scott Coffman with the goal of making hemp-derived cannabinoids more accessible to consumers. In 2018, the company merged with Level Brands, led by entrepreneur Marty Sumichrast, and officially became cbdMD, Inc.
Today, cbdMD offers a wide range of CBD products, including oil drop tinctures, gummies, capsules, topicals, and pet products. Every product is tested by an independent ISO-accredited laboratory, and the lab reports are published on the company’s website so customers can verify product quality and accuracy for themselves.
cbdMD’s CBD product line includes oil drop tinctures, capsules, gummies, topicals, and pet products.
At the time of my review, none of cbdMD’s products are USDA Certified Organic.
cbdMD offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products. This gives you the option of choosing products with trace amounts of THC or THC-free formulas, depending on your preferences.
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD contains everything naturally found in the hemp plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and a tiny amount of THC (legally no more than 0.3%). Many people prefer full-spectrum because all those compounds work together, which is thought to make them more effective than any one of them on its own.
Broad-Spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum, but with the THC removed. It’s typically marketed as THC-free, though there may be trace amounts present. It’s a great option if you want the benefits of multiple hemp compounds while keeping THC as low as possible.
Isolate
CBD isolate is pure CBD with nothing else included. All other plant compounds, including THC, have been removed. It’s the simplest option and a good choice if you want to avoid THC completely or if you’re sensitive to other cannabinoids.
I’ve been buying cbdMD products since 2023 and have tried quite a few of them myself. After researching the company in depth and reviewing its products, I think cbdMD is one of the stronger brands in the CBD industry.
What impressed me most was the quality and transparency of the lab testing. The company goes above and beyond what many brands provide, making it easy to verify cannabinoid potency, safety, and product quality. Overall, I was also impressed with the quality of the ingredients, which helped contribute to cbdMD’s strong overall score.
That said, there are still a few areas where I’d like to see improvement, particularly when it comes to shipping consistency and parts of the customer service experience. Even so, those issues weren’t enough to overshadow everything the company does well.
One thing I did notice is that many of cbdMD’s products contain relatively high doses of CBD. Because of that, I don’t think it’s the best brand for someone who’s completely new to CBD. I’d be more likely to recommend it to people who already have some experience using CBD and know what dose works well for them.
Overall, cbdMD earned an impressive 92 out of 100 in my review. Although I found a few areas that could be improved, it’s a brand I’d happily recommend to most people looking for high-quality CBD products.
Overall Score
How straightforward and trustworthy is cbdMD?
Are their ingredients natural, high-quality, and safe?
Do they third-party lab test products for quality and safety?
Transparent, comprehensive lab testing
High-quality ingredients and formulations
Natural flavors and colors
60-day money-back guarantee
Oil drop tincture dosage markings missing
CBD content didn't always match the label
Hemp extraction method not disclosed
Older lab reports are difficult to access
Everything else you might want to know, all in one spot.
Overall, cbdMD has maintained a fairly solid reputation within the CBD industry, although there have been a few notable legal issues over the years.
2020 Data Breach
In 2020, a class-action lawsuit alleged that two data breaches exposed the personal and financial information of approximately 44,000 customers. The case ultimately resulted in a $300,000 settlement, with eligible customers able to seek reimbursement for certain expenses related to the breach.
SEC Lawsuit Involving Former CEO
In 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil lawsuit against then-CEO Marty Sumichrast over alleged fraud and self-dealing that occurred before his time leading cbdMD. Sumichrast later resigned from the company, and in 2024 reached a settlement with the SEC that resolved the case.
It’s worth noting that these allegations involved a former executive rather than cbdMD’s CBD products themselves.
FDA Warning Letters
At the time of my review, I could not find any FDA warning letters issued to cbdMD.
I think cbdMD’s pricing is quite competitive, especially considering the quality of its lab testing. The company frequently runs substantial promotions, making many of its products an excellent value.
cbdMD offers free USPS Priority shipping on orders over $59.99 before taxes and discounts. Orders below that amount ship for a flat rate of $5.95.
The company also states that orders placed before 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time (2:00 p.m. Eastern) Monday through Friday ship the same day. My experience has been different. I’ve placed roughly 17 orders with cbdMD over the years, and while I almost always receive a notification that my order is “processing” the same day, that appears to simply mean the shipping label has been created. In my experience, the package itself typically doesn’t leave the warehouse for another two to three days.
cbdMD offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can contact customer service to request a return. If your return is approved, they’ll provide a prepaid return shipping label. Refunds and exchanges are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
One thing I wasn’t a fan of was the return process itself. When I needed to make a return, I included all of the requested information in my initial email. I received a reply asking for additional details, even though I had already provided everything they could reasonably need. After I pointed that out, I never received a direct response, although my return was eventually approved. It worked out in the end, but the extra step felt unnecessary and made the process more confusing than it needed to be.
cbdMD offers two subscription options.
The Pay-as-you-go subscription provides up to 25% off every order with free shipping, while the Prepaid subscription offers up to 35% off when you pay for 3, 6, or 12 months in advance.
Subscriptions can be canceled at any time. However, there’s one detail that’s easy to overlook. If you cancel a prepaid subscription before your selected term ends, your refund is recalculated using the lower 25% Pay-as-you-go discount rather than the higher prepaid discount. That means your refund may be smaller than you initially expect.
The good news is that subscriptions are covered by the same 60-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unhappy with your subscription purchase, you can contact customer service within 60 days for a refund.
cbdMD’s rewards program, called The Greenhouse, lets you earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for future discounts. Every 20 points is worth $1, with rewards starting at 100 points for $5 off.
The program also includes referral bonuses and four membership tiers that unlock additional perks based on your annual spending. While there are some nice benefits available, I found the tier system a little confusing and wish the company did a better job explaining exactly how it works.
cbdMD frequently runs generous promotions. At the time of my review, they were offering 55% off sitewide plus a free gift on orders over $75. If you don’t happen to catch a sale, I’d probably wait a few days before ordering. In my experience, another good promotion is usually just around the corner.
The company also offers an ongoing 40% discount for military members, veterans, first responders, emergency personnel, and individuals with qualifying disabilities.
More details on the products that stood out most during my review.
These softgels are a great option for people who want the benefits of full-spectrum CBD without measuring doses or tasting hemp. Each softgel contains a pre-measured serving, making them simple and convenient to take at home or while traveling. I especially like them for evening use, since I found they worked well for helping manage my chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep. However, because the softgels contain gelatin, they aren’t suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
50mg, 100mg, or 200mg of CBD + 1.5mg THC per capsule
These gummies are a great choice for people who want a convenient, THC-free way to enjoy CBD without measuring doses or tasting hemp. Each gummy contains a pre-measured serving, making them easy to take at home or on the go. I personally liked them for daytime pain and anxiety relief because they helped me feel more relaxed without making me feel tired or slowing me down. I also appreciate that cbdMD independently tests each flavor rather than assuming they’ll all perform the same. They’re also vegan, making them a good option for people following a plant-based lifestyle.
50mg, 100mg, and 200mg CBD per gummy
The CBD Freeze Roller is a good option for people looking for targeted, on-the-go relief with a cooling sensation. The rollerball applicator makes it quick and mess-free to apply, and it’s available in 750 mg, 1,500 mg, and 3,000 mg strengths. In addition to menthol, it contains aloe vera, which helps soothe and moisturize the skin. I found the cooling effect from the menthol to be noticeable, but the menthol was the dominant active ingredient. If you’re specifically looking for the benefits of CBD, you may find that the cooling sensation overshadows the CBD experience.
It can be used up to 4 times a day on the same area.
I'm happy to point you in the right direction. While I can't provide medical advice, I can help explain the differences between products and formulations.
Scores only tell part of the story. Here’s a closer look at what influenced each rating.
cbdMD earned an impressive 95 out of 100 for Trust and Transparency. The company only lost a few points for not disclosing how its hemp is extracted.
Some things, like customer service and overall reputation, aren’t included in my scoring because there isn’t a fair, objective way for me to compare every brand equally. That said, I still think they’re important, so I’m sharing some background information along with my own experiences to help you make a more informed decision.
I appreciate that customer reviews can be sorted in several different ways on both desktop and mobile. It makes it much easier to browse feedback that’s actually relevant to you instead of scrolling through hundreds of reviews.
One thing I appreciated was that cbdMD generally avoids making claims that go beyond what the evidence supports. Unfortunately, not every CBD company can say that, so I think it’s worth recognizing when a brand keeps its marketing grounded and straightforward.
Unfortunately, my own experience with cbdMD’s customer service hasn’t been the best.
On two separate occasions, I ordered oil drop tinctures that arrived with droppers missing visible dosage markings. I even had a family member and a friend look at them to make sure I wasn’t overlooking something, and neither of them could find the markings either.
After I contacted customer service and sent photos, they replied:
“Upon further review, it appears that the dropper that was delivered is etched for the measurements and more specifically, it is debossed to still show the measurements if you look closely!”
That simply wasn’t my experience. The markings weren’t visible, and because this happened with two different orders, it didn’t feel like an isolated manufacturing mistake. I was disappointed that my concern wasn’t taken more seriously.
This is my biggest concern with cbdMD.
Without visible dosage markings, it’s difficult to measure a consistent serving of CBD. Accurate dosing is important because it helps you know how much you’re taking and makes it easier to repeat a dose that works well for you.
After finishing both bottles, I realized that I had gone through them about 30% faster than usual because I was essentially estimating each serving.
I don’t know why cbdMD stopped putting measurement markings on the droppers, and I’m not suggesting it was intentional. It could simply be a manufacturing or quality control issue. However, because proper dosing is such a fundamental part of using CBD effectively, this is a significant concern.
Until cbdMD resolves the issue, I personally won’t be ordering their oil drop tinctures. That’s disappointing because I used to use them daily. I still think highly of the company overall, but accurate dosing is too important for me to overlook.
cbdMD earned a solid 90 out of 100 for ingredients. Overall, I was impressed with the quality of the ingredients the company uses. The products contain natural flavors and colors, and I especially like the straightforward formulations used in the daytime full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oil drop tinctures, capsules, and gummies.
The biggest opportunities for improvement would be clearly listing the complete ingredients on each product page instead of relying on the product label photos, along with providing information about the hemp extraction method. Neither issue affected my opinion of the products themselves, but both would improve transparency.
According to cbdMD, its hemp is sourced from farms in the United States. The company doesn’t disclose exactly where those farms are located, but I still consider U.S.-grown hemp a positive since growers must comply with federal and state regulations designed to help ensure quality.
The company also states that it uses non-GMO hemp, which is another nice plus.
I wasn’t able to find any information about how cbdMD extracts the CBD from its hemp. I searched throughout the website and couldn’t find any mention of the extraction method.
While that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the products, I do think it’s information that should be readily available since the extraction method is an important part of evaluating overall product quality.
The majority of cbdMD’s oil drop tinctures use MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides) as the carrier oil. I’m generally a fan of MCT oil because it’s well absorbed, has very little flavor, and is commonly used in high-quality CBD products. It also helps the CBD mix evenly throughout the bottle, making it easier to get a consistent dose.
Overall, I think cbdMD does a nice job with its product formulations. Many of the products have straightforward ingredient lists without a lot of unnecessary fillers. The company also offers specialized products designed to support specific goals, including Sleep and Calm formulas that combine CBD with additional active ingredients.
For example, some of the Sleep products contain melatonin alongside CBD. While that may be convenient for some people, I personally prefer buying CBD and melatonin separately. That way, I have complete control over the dose of each. Everyone responds differently to melatonin, and keeping them separate makes it much easier to adjust one without affecting the other.
I originally started using CBD to help manage chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep problems, so those are the areas I pay the closest attention to when trying new products.
I’ve used the cbdMD full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oil drop tinctures in the Natural, Mint Chocolate, and Berry flavors and genuinely liked all of them. The flavors were pleasant without being overpowering, making them easy to take consistently.
I’ve also used the full-spectrum capsules in the evening to help me relax and sleep, along with the broad-spectrum gummies during the day to help manage my chronic pain. I especially liked that the gummies use natural flavors and colors instead of artificial ones, and I thought they tasted great.
Based on my experience, I found these products helpful with managing chronic pain, reducing anxiety, and supporting better sleep, depending on the formulation and time of day. Combined with their quality ingredients, I highly recommend these products. (With the exception of the oil drop tinctures until cbdMD resolves the dosage marking issue on the droppers. Before ordering, I’d recommend reaching out to ask whether the droppers now include clear dosage markings. If I learn that the issue has been corrected, I’ll update this review.)
cbdMD earned a strong score of 91 out of 100 for lab testing. The company does an excellent job using ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories, testing for all the major contaminants, and presenting the results in a transparent, consumer-friendly way.
The biggest reason the score wasn’t even higher is that some of the products I reviewed contained significantly more CBD than what was listed on the label. While having a little more CBD isn’t necessarily a safety concern, the amount of CBD in a product should closely match what’s stated on the label.
Why Should I Care?
Because what’s on the label isn’t always what’s in the bottle.
The CBD industry is still loosely regulated, which means brands can make a lot of claims without much accountability. Lab testing is one of the only tools consumers have to verify that a product is actually safe, accurately labeled, and free of harmful contaminants.
Here’s what you’re actually protecting yourself from:
These aren’t hypothetical risks. They’re documented problems that have shown up in real products on the market.
The bottom line: Before you put anything in or on your body, make sure the brand can prove what’s actually in it.
cbdMD tests for cannabinoid potency, heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, mycotoxins, and microbial contaminants, covering all of the major safety categories I look for during my reviews.
This comprehensive testing helps provide confidence that the products are accurately labeled and screened for contaminants that consumers shouldn’t have to worry about.
One thing that really impressed me is that different flavors are tested separately. For example, the oil drop tinctures have individual lab reports for both the Natural and Mint Chocolate flavors, while the gummies have separate reports for all three flavors.
This may seem like a small detail, but it actually isn’t. Different flavorings can slightly change a product’s composition, so I appreciate seeing each flavor tested individually instead of assuming they’ll all perform the same. Many CBD brands only test a single flavor, making this an area where cbdMD stands out.
cbdMD does an excellent job choosing how its laboratory results are reported. Rather than simply showing “Pass” for contaminant testing, the reports typically list the actual amount detected or ND (Not Detected) when nothing is found.
I really appreciate this level of transparency. Too many CBD companies choose reporting formats that hide the exact results, making it difficult for consumers to fully evaluate a product’s quality.
The most recent lab reports are conveniently linked directly from each product page, making them quick and easy to find.
One thing I’d like to see improved is access to older Certificates of Analysis (COAs). To view previous lab reports, you need the product’s batch number or QR code. I believe consumers should be able to browse both current and past lab reports without needing information from a bottle they may no longer have.
The primary reason cbdMD didn’t receive a higher lab testing score is that two of the products I reviewed contained substantially more CBD than what was listed on the label.
For example, the full-spectrum capsules were labeled as containing 50 mg of CBD per capsule, but the lab report showed approximately 64 mg per capsule. The full-spectrum oil drop tincture also tested well above the labeled amount.
It’s completely normal for CBD products to vary slightly from the label, which is why I don’t deduct points for small differences. However, once the CBD content falls outside my acceptable 15 to 20% range, it becomes a labeling accuracy issue, regardless of whether the product contains more or less CBD than advertised.
Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common ones about cbdMD.
cbdMD is best known for its high-quality CBD products, comprehensive third-party lab testing, and straightforward formulations. The company offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products and places a strong emphasis on transparency by making current lab reports easy to access.
Yes. cbdMD uses independent ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories to test its products. The lab reports include cannabinoid potency along with testing for heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, mycotoxins, and microbial contaminants.
cbdMD offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products.
No. Broad-spectrum products are THC-free and won't produce a high. Full-spectrum products contain federally legal amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), which isn't enough to make most people feel high when used as directed. However, individual sensitivity varies, and full-spectrum products may cause a positive drug test.
Yes. cbdMD offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. Opened and used products can be returned within 60 days of delivery. Some exclusions apply, so it's always a good idea to review the company's current return policy before purchasing.
Overall, cbdMD ranks among the stronger CBD brands I've reviewed thanks to its excellent lab testing, quality ingredients, and transparent reporting. The biggest drawbacks are that some products contained more CBD than listed on the label, the oil drop tinctures I reviewed lacked dosage markings on the droppers, and there are relatively few low-dose options for people who are new to CBD.
The best option for you may depend on your wellness goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Some products are designed for convenience, while others may be better suited for relaxation, recovery, or targeted support.
Best for: Flexible dosing and traditional herbal-style extracts.
CBD tinctures are liquid hemp extracts traditionally made using alcohol as the base, though the term is often used interchangeably with oil drops. They’re also taken sublingually (under the tongue) with a dropper.
Best for: Convenience and people who prefer easy-to-swallow options.
Softgels are very similar to capsules but usually contain liquid CBD oil inside a soft gelatin shell. Some people find them easier to swallow than traditional capsules.
Best for: Portability and people who dislike the taste of CBD oil
CBD gummies and edibles include products like gummies, chocolates, drinks, mints, baked goods, and other infused foods or beverages.
Best for: Targeted support and specific problem areas.
Topical CBD products are applied directly to the skin and are commonly used for areas of tension, soreness, irritation, dryness, or discomfort.
These are the original scoring sheets used during my review process. I created a custom evaluation system that analyzes hundreds of individual data points across ingredients, lab testing, transparency, and overall product quality.
Please click here to see my full scoring methodology
Trust and Transparency Scoring Overview
Trust and Transparency scoring focuses on how clearly, honestly, and responsibly a company communicates with consumers. Companies are rewarded for transparency, accessible customer support, straightforward policies, meaningful educational content, and marketing practices that avoid misleading or potentially problematic claims.
Ingredients Overview
Ingredients scoring focuses on transparency, ingredient quality, the thoughtful use of natural ingredients, and minimizing unnecessary or potentially problematic ingredients.
Ingredients Validity Requirements
Lab Testing Scoring Overview
Lab Testing scoring focuses on how thoroughly, transparently, and reliably a company verifies the safety and contents of its products through third-party testing. Companies are rewarded for providing accessible, current, and verifiable lab reports with accurate cannabinoid analysis, meaningful contaminant testing, and clear product identification.
Lab Testing Validity Requirements
To be considered valid for my reviews, lab testing should meet the following criteria:
