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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.
A quick look at Charlotte’s Web CBD products
- CBD oils: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oils
- CBD gummies: Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummies
- CBD capsules: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules
- CBD topicals: Charlotte’s Web CBDMedic Pain Relief and Skincare
CBD is a nonintoxicating compound that comes from the Cannabis 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 its range of CBD products.
There are some common terms that people considering CBD products will encounter. The table below details some of these terms and their meanings.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CBD | A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use. |
| THC | A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use. |
| Full-spectrum | A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products. |
| Broad-spectrum | Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts. |
| CBD isolate | This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC. |
| Cannabinoids | The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are |
| Terpenes | Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits. |
| Certificate of analysis (COA) | Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products have a scannable smartphone code directing people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
In 2011, the Stanley brothers — a group of seven Colorado-based siblings — 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 5-year-old 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.
Charlotte’s Web has a mixed 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. However, the company has since lost its BBB accreditation as it has not addressed customer complaints.
Customer complaints focus on problems receiving orders, refunds, and getting in contact with the customer service team. The company has an average customer rating of 2.87 out of 5 on BBB. More positive comments claim the products work well.
On Trustpilot, the company has an average customer rating of 1.8 out of 5 stars. Positive comments praise the company’s products and customer service. However, many customers complain that they cannot easily contact the customer service team and that they have received unwanted marketing emails.
In 2017, the
Charlotte’s Web is also currently facing two class-action lawsuits for mislabeling its CBD products and overstating the amount of hemp extract in CBD creams.
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 the 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 visit Charlotte’s Web website to learn more about the company’s production process, from planting and harvesting to extraction and quality control.
The company also provides financial information, such as quarterly earnings, tax information, and stock analysis.
Charlotte’s Web claims to use an FDA-registered manufacturing facility. The company also states it 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.
Compared with other CBD brands, Charlotte’s Web products are relatively inexpensive. Its prices range from $15–240. The company also offers bulk and bundled products for $60–300.
Additionally, the company has a rewards program and a 30% discount for veterans, nurses, teachers, students, and first responders.
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. Some of its products are USDA-certified organic. Its products are free from gluten and genetically modified organisms (GMO). They are also suitable for vegans.
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.
Below, we list some advantages and disadvantages 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, first responders, nurses, and more
Cons
- not all products are certified organic.
- 41 complaints between January 2021 and January 2022
- no longer holds accreditation with the BBB
- COAs not from a third-party laboratory
- pending class-action lawsuit for improper marketing within the state of California
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All product information is purely research-based.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
The following are some of the products that Charlotte’s Web offers.
CBD oil
Below is a range of Charlotte’s Web range of CBD oils.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil
- Price range: from $24.99–239.99
- CBD dose range: 17–60 milligrams (mg) per 1 milliliter (ml)
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. There is also a THC-free CBD oil available.
This CBD oil comes in four different strengths:
- 17 mg
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 60 mg
Charlotte’s Web also offers two bottle sizes: 30 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 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
People can buy single bottles or sample packs.
CBD gummies
The company offers CBD gummies for stress, sleep, and inflammation.
Daily Wellness Gummies
- Price range: from $35.99–209.97
- CBD dose range: 15 and 25 mg per gummy
This range of raspberry lime-flavored CBD gummies aims to help people manage stress, exercise-induced inflammation, and their sleep cycles. It uses full-spectrum CBD that the company extracts with its CO2 extraction process.
The gummies come in two strengths: 15 and 25 mg of CBD per gummy.
A person can buy single tubs or packs of three. A person can also set up a subscription and save 20%.
CBD capsules
Below is an overview of Charlotte’s Web CBD capsules.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil Liquid Capsules
- Price range: from $39.99–169.99
- CBD dose range: 15–25 mg per capsule
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.
The capsules are vegan and gluten- and allergen-free.
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.
A person can get bottles of 30, 60, or 90 capsules.
Topical CBD
Below, we look at the company’s range of topical CBD products.
Pain relief
Charlotte’s Web offers a range of CBD products that may reduce pain.
CBDMedic Arthritis Aches and Pain Relief
- Price range: around $29.99
- CBD dose range: up to 600 mg per tube
This ointment aims to address arthritis pain in the muscles and joints. It uses 10% camphor and menthol. A person can use it on their elbows, feet, hands, hips, knees, or torso.
It also contains eucalyptus, lavender, and jojoba oil.
Charlotte’s Web writes it is suitable for temporary relief from minor aches and pains.
The CBD in this ointment does not contain THC.
CBDMedic Back and Neck Pain Relief Ointment
- Price range: around $29.99
- CBD dose range: up to 600 mg per tube
This product is for temporary relief from back and neck pain. The company specifically recommends this ointment for upper and lower back pain. A person can use it on their neck, back, and shoulders.
It can also help reduce pain from muscle knots and minor shoulder and neck strains.
It uses 10% camphor and 15% menthol alongside clove, tea tree, peppermint, and jojoba oil.
CBDMedic Active Sport Pain Relief Stick
- Price range: around $29.99
- CBD dose range: up to 600 mg per bottle
This is a solid stick that a person can apply on the go. It can relieve minor muscle aches and pains.
It uses 10% camphor and 15% menthol alongside shea butter, clove, honeysuckle, and jojoba oil.
Charlotte’s Web recommends a person use this stick on their arms, legs, shoulders, or torso before, during, or after a workout.
Skin treatments
Charlotte’s Web offers two CBD-infused skin treatments, outlined below.
Acne Treatment Medicated Cream
- Price range: around $29.99
- CBD dose range: up to 200 mg per tube
People with acne may wish to try this medicated CBD cream to clear up blemishes, including blackheads and whiteheads.
It contains 1% salicylic acid, which are common in acne treatments. Its formula also uses colloidal oatmeal, tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus oil.
A person should speak with a dermatologist before trying to treat their acne with CBD products.
CBD has a good safety profile, but it
CBD
The below table details some of Charlottes Web’s competitors and offers a comparison.
| CBD types available | Returns and refunds | COAs available? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte’s Web | full-spectrum | full refunds of unopened products returned within 30 days of purchase | yes |
| Lazarus Naturals | full-spectrum, CBD isolate | 90 days for products purchased in the U.S. | yes |
| Joy Organics | broad-spectrum, full-spectrum | within 30 days | yes |
| cbdMD | broad-spectrum, full-spectrum | discretionary | yes |
| FabCBD | full-spectrum, isolate | within 30 days | yes |
| CBDistillery | full-spectrum, broad-spectrum | most unopened items within 30 days of purchase | yes |
Here, we answer some of the most common questions about Charlotte’s Web CBD.
How long does Charlotte’s Web CBD take to work?
Charlotte’s Web writes that its topical products can take 10–20 minutes to work.
The company’s CBD oil can take 15–30 minutes to work, while its edible products take between 30 and 45 minutes.
Is Charlotte’s Web CBD good for anxiety?
CBD may be
Does Charlotte’s Web CBD make you sleepy?
Charlotte’s Web does not state whether its CBD products make you sleepy. However, it offers a range of CBD gummies specifically to help people fall asleep. These products contain melatonin, which is the main ingredient that helps promote sleep. However, melatonin is not safe for everyone. People should speak with a doctor before trying products containing melatonin.
What does Charlotte’s Web CBD help with?
Charlotte’s Web CBD products aim to help with relaxation, pain relief, and inflammation. The company also sells a range of skin products that aim to improve acne.
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 taking prescription medication should consult a healthcare professional before using any CBD products.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.