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Charlotte’s Web is one of the best-known cannabidiol (CBD) brands. The company is based in the United States and sells numerous high-quality CBD products made from U.S.-grown hemp.
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 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. 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.
Quick links
- Best 17 mg CBD oil: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oils
- Best original formula CBD oil: Charlotte’s Web Original Formula CBD Oil
- Best CBD gummy varieties: Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummies
- Best CBD capsules: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules
- Best CBD topical products: Charlotte’s Web CBDMedic Pain Relief
CBD is a nonintoxicating compound that comes from the Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) plant. While the substance has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, research is still ongoing.
This article explores Charlotte’s Web CBD, including the company’s background and some of its products.
Background
In 2011, the Stanley brothers, a group of seven Colorado-based brothers, developed a high CBD hemp with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that provides the “high” feeling.
The name of this hemp strain, CW1AS1, was inspired by a 5-year-old girl named Charlotte Figi, who had been living with a rare form of epilepsy since she was 3 months old.
In 2012, Charlotte’s mother contacted the brothers, looking for a nonintoxicating natural treatment for her daughter. Charlotte’s parents considered CBD when the hospital could no longer help their daughter.
The hemp strain drastically reduced the occurrence of seizures in Charlotte, who used to have 300 tonic-clonic seizures every week. One year after starting regular CBD treatment, Charlotte experienced a seizure 2–3 times per month.
Reputation
The Stanley brothers received widespread media coverage following the effect of CBD on Charlotte. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s chief medical correspondent, famously changed his position on medical cannabis after meeting her and other families with similar experiences of the benefits of CBD.
In 2019, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited the company with an A rating. Since then, however, the company has lost its BBB accreditation.
Moreover, in 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source issued a warning letter to Stanley Brothers Social Enterprises, because they labeled some of their products as “dietary supplements.”
Charlotte’s Web is currently facing two class-action lawsuits for mislabeling its CBD products and overstating the amount of hemp extract in CBD creams.
Customer service
Charlotte’s Web offers a customer satisfaction guarantee. People who are not satisfied can receive a full refund if they return the unused product within 30 days of purchase.
If people have questions or concerns about a specific product, they can contact Charlotte’s Web customer service.
Transparency and standards
Charlotte’s Web is transparent about its processing standards, manufacturing, and finances. The company provides batch-specific certificates of analysis (COAs), which provide information on exact concentrations of CBD, THC, and other compounds present in its products. COAs also include results of safety tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.
People can learn more about the company’s production process, from planting and harvesting to extraction and quality control, on its website.
The company also provides financial information, such as quarterly earnings, tax information, and stock analysis.
Charlotte’s Web uses an FDA-registered manufacturing facility. The company follows the American Herbal Products Association’s contaminant guidelines and California’s Proposition 65 regulations. Proposition 65 protects drinking water sources from contamination with harmful chemicals.
Charlotte’s Web recently obtained the National Sanitation Foundation International’s dietary supplements Good Manufacturing Practice certificate.
Pricing and quality
Compared with other CBD brands, Charlotte’s Web products are relatively inexpensive, considering their quality and potency. Most of its offerings are in the range of $15–120. The company also offers bulk and bundled products for $60–300.
Additionally, the company has a rewards program and a 15% discount for veterans.
Charlotte’s Web uses full-spectrum hemp extract. This means it extracts its CBD oil from the whole plant instead of isolating a single compound. As a result, its products contain CBD and other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids.
The company grows its hemp in Colorado and follows organic farming practices, but its hemp is not certified organic. Its products are free from gluten and genetically modified organisms (GMO). They are also suitable for vegans.
Pros and cons
Below, we list some pros and cons of Charlotte’s Web:
Pros
- reasonable pricing
- non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free products
- transparent manufacturing process
- FDA-registered manufacturing facility
- reward program
- discounts for veterans
Cons
- Plants are not certified as organic.
- 41 complaints between January 2021 and January 2022
- no longer holds accreditation with the BBB
- COAs not from third-party laboratory
- pending class-action lawsuit for improper marketing within the state of California
Product range
The following are some of the products that Charlotte’s Web offers.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All product information is purely research-based.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oils
Best 17 mg CBD oil
Charlotte’s Web produces a variety of CBD oils that might help:
- support focus
- relieve stress
- promote healthy sleep
- reduce exercise-induced inflammation
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil includes a full-spectrum hemp extract, carrier oils, and natural flavors.
This CBD oil comes in three different strengths: 7 milligrams (mg), 17 mg, and 60 mg. Charlotte’s Web also offers two bottle sizes: 30 milliliters (ml) and 100 ml.
The company recommends the 17 mg option for people who are new to CBD. This oil delivers at least 17 mg of CBD per 1-ml serving or a full dropper.
People trying CBD for the first time may want to start with half a dropper and gradually increase the dose. The 7 mg CBD oil is another suitable option for people who prefer a lower potency.
The 60 mg CBD oil offers the highest concentration of CBD per serving. Charlotte’s Web recommends this product for people who are already familiar with the substance.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oils come in four flavors:
- mint chocolate
- lemon twist
- orange blossom
- olive oil — natural
Prices start from $59.99 for a 30-ml bottle.
Charlotte’s Web Original Formula CBD Oil
Best original formula CBD oil
Charlotte’s Web still produces its first CBD oil, providing at least 50 mg of CBD per serving.
Most CBD manufacturers, including Charlotte’s Web, extract their CBD oils using the carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction method. However, the original formula CBD oil is isopropyl alcohol extracted.
Charlotte’s Web produces its original formula CBD oil in small batches due to the labor-intensive extraction process. The company removes all alcohol from the final formula, which then undergoes quality assurance testing.
The price is $119.99 for a 30-ml bottle.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummies
Best CBD gummy varieties
Charlotte’s Web offers a variety of CBD gummies. Below are further details about its sleep and recovery gummies:
Sleep gummies
The sleep gummies contain 10 mg of CBD and 3 mg of melatonin per serving of 2 gummies. The company suggests that adults take 2 gummies 30 minutes before going to sleep.
A meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of melatonin in treating people with sleep disorders. The researchers discovered that the substance decreases sleep onset latency, increases total sleep time, and improves overall sleep quality.
The scientists found that the effects of melatonin were modest in improving sleep, compared with other treatments for insomnia. However, it may have a role in treating sleep disorders, particularly in reducing side effects of similar treatments.
Recovery gummies
Charlotte’s Web recovery gummies contain 10 mg of CBD, 25–50 mg of ginger, and 50 mg of turmeric per serving. Both ginger and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
An older 2013 studyTrusted Source indicates that ginger can reduce muscle pain after intense physical activity. The authors also say ginger has properties known to help fight cancer. However, more studies are necessary to verify these findings.
There are a range of CBD gummies available on the Charlotte’s Web website. The company offers bundles and individual packs.
Prices start from $29.99.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules
Best CBD capsules
Charlotte’s Web also makes liquid capsules containing its CO2-extracted CBD oil and extra virgin olive oil. These offer a precise and simple alternative to CBD dosing.
People can choose between 15 mg and 25 mg CBD varieties.
The company recommends taking CBD capsules at the same time every day for optimal results.
Prices start from $39.99 for a bottle of 30 capsules with 15 mg of CBD.
Charlotte’s Web CBDMedic Pain Relief
Best CBD topical products
In addition to its oral CBD oils, Charlotte’s Web produces CBD-infused topical products, including gels, roll-on oils, and balms.
The company recently released a new line of CBD topicals called CBDMedic, which contain THC-free hemp extract, essential oils, and pain-relieving ingredients, such as menthol and camphor.
The CBDMedic line includes creams, ointments, and sprays for:
- arthritis pain and aches
- back and neck pain
- muscle and joint pain
- exercise-induced muscle soreness
CBD-infused topical products are available individually or in bundles. Prices start from $29.99.
How to choose
Choosing the right CBD product can feel overwhelming, especially as there are so many options. People can start by deciding how they want to use the substance.
CBD oil is a suitable option for those who want flexibility over their dosing. Individuals can easily increase or decrease their dosage with the dropper.
CBD gummies and capsules are a fit for people who want a consistent and easy-to-use form of CBD. Topicals, on the other hand, are ideal for people who need immediate relief from minor aches and pains.
Learn more about how to choose CBD here.
How to use
In general, CBD products are self-explanatory, and all Charlotte’s Web products include detailed directions on the packaging and the company website.
However, it can take some time to find the right dosage of CBD, as the effects vary from person to person. Whether using oil, capsules, or gummies, people should start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase from there.
Learn more about CBD dosage here.
Safety and side effects
CBD has a good safety profile, but it can potentially causeTrusted Source side effects, including:
- fatigue
- changes in appetite
- diarrhea
CBD can also interact withTrusted Source certain medications, such as antibiotics, blood thinners, and corticosteroids. Therefore, it is important to seek guidance from a doctor before trying CBD products.
Learn more about the effects and side effects of CBD oil here.
Frequently asked questions
Here, we answer some of the most common questions about CBD:
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
Both CBD and THC are compounds present in the C. sativa plant. CBD is a nonintoxicating compound, while THC is a psychoactive compound.
Learn more about the differences between CBD and THC here.
Is CBD legal?
The legality of CBD varies from state to state. A person should check local legislation before purchasing CBD products.
Has the FDA approved CBD?
The FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products.
Summary
Charlotte’s Web is one of the oldest and most well-known CBD brands. It offers a variety of products, including oils, gummies, and topicals.
People who currently take prescription medication should consult a healthcare professional before using any CBD products.
