Charlotte’s Web CBD is one of the well-known cannabidiol brands, a U.S based company made from U.S grown hemp. Hemp-derived CBD products containing THC less than 0.3% are federally legal. However, the FDA does not approve nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.
Background
The seven Colorado-based brothers in 2011 developed a high CBD hemp with low THC (the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that gives a ‘high’). Charlotte’s Web, the name of this strain, was inspired by a 5-year old girl named Charlotte Figi, who suffered from Dravet’s syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy since she was three months old.
In 2012, Charlotte’s parents considered CBD for reducing the occurrence of 300 tonic-clonic seizures every week. After a year of starting regular CBD treatment, this cannabidiol brand proved effective. Charlotte’s seizures dropped to 2-3 times a month which made this hemp strain famous.
Reputation
Charlotte Web received a warning letter from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2017. Mislabeling some of their products as “dietary supplements” and overstating the amount of hemp extract in their CBD products, the company faces two class-action suits.
However, Charlotte’s Web is a highly reputed name in the CBD industry. The Better Business Bureau gave the company an A rating; it is also certified by the U.S Hemp Authority. This company offers a customer satisfaction guarantee. People who are not satisfied with the product can get a full refund within 30 days of purchase on returning the unused product.
Transparency and Standards:
Charlotte’s Web is transparent about its manufacturing and processing standards and finances. The company provides certificates of analysis (COAs) which include information on exact concentrations of CBD, THC, and other compounds present. It also has resulted from safety tests for heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents.
They have high standards regarding their production process, from planting, harvesting to extraction and quality control. Charlotte’s Web recently received the National Sanitation Foundation International’s dietary supplements Good Manufacturing Practice certificate.
Quality and Pricing:
Charlotte’s Web products are comparatively inexpensive, considering their potency and quality. Their offerings range from $15-$120, bulk and bundled products range from $60-$300. The company offers a discount for veterans too, and also has a rewards program.
The company grows its hemp in Colorado, their hemp is not currently certified organic, but the company is getting licensed. Charlotte’s Web uses full-spectrum hemp extract; this means the CBD oil is extracted from the whole plant rather than isolating a single compound.
Hence Charlotte’s Web products contain CBD and terpenes, flavonoids, phytocannabinoids, and essential fatty acids that produce the entourage effect. All their products are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
Pros & Cons at a glance:
PROS:
- Well known, and one of the oldest brand
- Large range of products
- High-quality U.S –grown hemp
- Lots of positive user reviews
- Batch-specific COAs
- Relatively inexpensive
- Veterans discount
- Money-back guarantee
CONS:
- The hemp used is not certified organic
- Currently facing lawsuits (two class action)
- In the past was issued a warning letter from the FDA
Product Range: How to Choose and Use.
Charlotte’s Web produces various oils that may help relieve stress, promote sleep, increase focus, and reduce exercise-induced inflammation. Charlotte’s Web CBD oil comes as full-spectrum hemp extract (using CO2 extraction method), carrier oils, and natural flavors.
The original formula provided at least 50mg CBD/serving; however it was isopropyl alcohol extracted. The only CBD isolate product (no THC) is available in 600mg/30 ml and comes in an unflavored 30ml bottle at a strength of 20mg/ml.
CBD oils come in dropper bottles and can be ingested sublingually for relief from full-body pain or issues such as anxiety, depression, seizures, and other problems. Full-spectrum CBD oils are available in a lemon twist, orange blossom, mint chocolate, and natural-olive oil.
Charlotte’s Web gummies offer three varieties of CBD gummies for recovery, sleep, and calm. The berry-flavored CBD gummies used to induce sleep to contain melatonin. The suggested serving size is two gummies, a total of 10mg CBD and 3mg melatonin to be taken half an hour before going to sleep.
Recovery gummies contain 50mg turmeric, 25-50mg ginger, and 10mg CBD per serving; ginger and turmeric for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD Capsules and soft gels are ideal for people on the go as an easy-to-use option.
CBD topicals that include gels, balms, and roll-ons are also available online. Charlotte’s Web Cooling Gel Full Spectrum Hemp Extract contains menthol and arnica useful for soothing pain in joints and muscles.
Recently, CBDMedic, a new line of CBD topicals that contains THC-free hemp extract, pain-relieving ingredients such as camphor and menthol, and essential oils, was released. For instant relief from pain and aches, CBDMedic includes creams, ointment, and sprays.
As for the dosing, it is always to start with a smaller dose and increase it gradually, as the effects vary from person to person. The most common side effects may include diarrhea, changes in appetite, and fatigue. Cannabidiol can interact with medications such as blood thinners, corticosteroids, and antibiotics.
In conclusion, Charlotte’s CBD is one of the pioneers in CBD brands and comes in various forms such as topicals, oils, and gummies. However, it is advisable for people taking prescription medicines to consult a doctor before using any product.