We’ve been testing CBD gummies since 2022, and based on our extensive research and testing, we’ve rounded up our favorites. Here are the best CBD gummies for pain.

Few natural substances have garnered as much attention as cannabidiol (CBD). People are turning to it for pain relief, among other things. But can it really help?

Keep reading for a look at the research and our picks for the best CBD gummies for pain.

Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.

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CBD type
CBD per gummy
FYIs
CBDfx Mixed Berry CBD Gummies
broad- spectrum
25 mg each
our lowest sugar choice
Cornbread Hemp Full Spectrum CBD Gummies
full-spectrum
20 to 50 mg each
USDA certified organic

We selected the best CBD gummies for pain relief based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Read more about how we vet products and brands.

As a part of our vetting process, we consider:

  • the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
  • any third-party certifications
  • the company’s reputation and business practices
  • any lab test results
  • marketing claims

We’ve also been testing CBD gummies since 2022, once they’ve passed this initial vetting. We narrowed our picks down to these two based on the most positive feedback related to pain relief.

We look for testers who live with pain and understand what works for them to get an authentic insight into how effective CBD gummies can be for pain. We ask testers to consider all aspects of a CBD gummy as they relate to pain, including side effects, how long they work for, and how they compare to other pain relief treatments they use.

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How we vet CBD gummies

Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.

To choose the products on this page, we considered all the CBD gummies that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we test CBD products.

Third-party lab testing takes out much of the guesswork in selecting high quality CBD gummies, says Dominique Fontaine, an integrative nurse specialist and medical cannabis consultant.

“Cannabinoids, terpenes, and contaminants are some specific labs that are tested for safety,” she explains. Before you purchase CBD gummies, check and see if they have a certificate of analysis or certifications like Good Manufacture Practices (GMP).

It’s also a good idea to find a manufacturer that includes dosage amounts and instructions for use, so you know how many CBD gummies to take for pain relief. “Look for the contents of the weight and other ways to appropriately measure the amount you need such as drops, ounces, and grams,” says Fontaine.

Any kind of cannabis-derived edibles — including CBD gummies — should include nutritional information somewhere on the packaging, says Fontaine. Look for information including:

  • cannabinoid content
  • calories and fat
  • cholesterol
  • sodium
  • total carbohydrates
  • fiber
  • sugars
  • protein
  • vitamins and minerals

You may find it helpful to look for brands that include information on how to store the CBD gummies, usually found on the website or the packaging. “Knowing when a product was made or when it expires is helpful to know, especially if it’s susceptible to spoilage,” she explains.

CBD’s potential to ease inflammation, anxiety, stress, and more has catapulted this compound into the limelight. But despite ongoing research, the degree to which it relieves pain remains a question mark.

Additionally, research on CBD gummies for pain relief over other forms of CBD is lacking.

Studies are often limited by factors such as small sample sizes, the involvement of diverse pain conditions, or the inclusion of THC, adding layers of complexity to the findings.

For example, a 2021 survey of people attending pain management clinics found that about 60% of respondents said CBD provided some pain relief, but more than 60% of the products they used contained THC.

In an 8-week study of 97 people with chronic pain who had been using opioids for at least a year, CBD softgels showed promise, allowing more than half the participants to reduce or completely stop their opioid use. And 9 in 10 participants reported reduced pain and better sleep.

Although the CBD capsules used in the 8-week study contained 0.5 mg of THC, this level falls well below the 1- to 2.5-mg threshold for a microdose, so it’s unlikely to have had a significant impact.

While CBD gummies and tinctures have gained popularity as a pain remedy, their effectiveness lacks a clear scientific consensus. Nevertheless, if you’re curious about trying CBD, high potency gummies might offer a more noticeable effect.

It’s advisable to introduce CBD gradually, either by starting with lower-dose products or by dividing higher-dose products into halves or quarters so that you can gauge your reaction.

How long do CBD gummies take to start working?

Our testers found that CBD gummies took anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour to kick in.

When you ingest CBD orally, it enters the gastrointestinal tract and travels to the liver to break down the substance into the bloodstream, explains Fontaine. The rate of absorption depends on many factors, including:

  • your overall health
  • digestion cycle
  • rate of metabolism
  • volume of substance
  • presence of other pharmaceuticals
  • type of CBD

Consumers should consider how soon they need the product to take effect for pain relief, says Fontaine. “Depending on the route you take — whether gummies, capsules, tinctures, or other routes — CBD can take effect in timeframe ranges as little as5 minutes to 1 hour or longer.”

It’s also best to start with a low dose and work up to your therapeutic “sweet spot” for optimal effects. “Always consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional when considering other medications, supplements, and nutrition to integrate into your health and wellness routine,” she says.

Currently, the only FDA-approved CBD product is prescription Epidiolex, an epilepsy medication. Over-the-counter CBD products are not FDA approved, and the quality of these products can vary.

Even though CBD offers numerous potential benefits, research is still evolving. If you want to try CBD gummies, it’s essential to choose a high quality product and be aware of possible side effects. Individual reactions may vary, particularly at higher doses.

Potential side effects include:

  • dry mouth
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • drowsiness
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • changes in appetite
  • liver abnormalities

Furthermore, CBD can interact with medications and supplements, so it’s best to consult a doctor before adding it to your daily routine for pain relief or other benefits.

The results from our 2023 CBD survey found that out of 1,044 survey respondents:

  • 65% are using or would want to try using CBD to manage pain
  • 56% of respondents up to the age of 34 want to use CBD for pain compared to 76% of respondents ages 55 or older.

Learn more in our graph below.

Determining the right CBD dosage for pain management can be challenging, as it varies from person to person. Here are some general guidelines to help you get started:

  • Start low and go slow: Begin with a low dose of around 20 mg of CBD per day. This allows you to see how your body responds without overwhelming your system.
  • Consider your metabolism’s time frame: If you have slower digestion, an ingestible CBD may not run its course through your system when you need it to, unless you plan ahead. On the other hand, a very fast metabolism will kick in on the quicker end of the spectrum.
  • Gradually increase the dose: If you don’t experience the desired pain relief, gradually increase the dose by 5 to 10 mg every few days. Pay close attention to how you feel, as the optimal dose varies depending on factors like body weight, metabolism, and pain severity.
  • Consider your body weight: A common recommendation is to take 1 to 6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you might start with 15 to 25 mg of CBD per day.
  • Consult a healthcare professional: It’s always a good idea to discuss CBD use with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. They can offer personalized advice based on your specific situation.
  • Monitor and adjust: Keep track of your dosage and how it affects your pain. You may need to adjust the amount over time to find what works best for you.

Bear in mind that individual responses to CBD vary, so discovering the best dosage for your pain relief may require some trial and error.

The right type of CBD for you depends on your individual needs. There are three main types of CBD:

  • Full-spectrum CBD: This contains all the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC. It may provide the most comprehensive pain relief due to the entourage effect, where these compounds work together to enhance each other.
  • Broad-spectrum CBD: This also includes multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but in trace amounts. THC may be present in trace amounts or not at all.
  • CBD isolate: This is pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. It’s a good option if you just want CBD and prefer to avoid THC and other compounds entirely.

Ultimately, the best type of CBD for pain relief depends on your specific needs and how your body responds to CBD. You may need to experiment to find the most effective option for you and your specific health needs.

Some of the strongest CBD products available over the counter contain up to 7,500 mg of CBD, which can mean each dose contains up to 300 mg of CBD. These kinds of doses won’t be suitable for new users or people particularly sensitive to CBD’s effects. You should always talk with a doctor before trying CBD, even in small doses.

There’s no concrete evidence that CBD can definitively ease pain, but various studies have highlighted its potential.

If you’re living with chronic pain, it might be worth asking your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional whether CBD gummies or other products could be a beneficial addition to your pain management approach.

You can keep in mind that when purchasing CBD, it’s essential to choose reputable brands that offer high quality products. The ones we’ve featured here are an excellent starting point.

Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with a healthcare professional.