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Want to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? Or, maybe you’ve tried it before but want to find the product that works best for you. That’s where buying a bundle or starter set comes in.
These are either collections of the same type of product, like several flavors of oils, or groups of different types of CBD delivery, like gummies, oils, and creams. Bundles are often full-size products, while starter kits are more often made up of smaller-size, or mini, products.
Either way, they’re a great way to test out a few different products. They’re also typically a way to save money.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, an active chemical in the cannabis plant. There are three types of CBD that you can buy:
- Full-spectrum: contains all components of the cannabis plant, including CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, and a small amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or the intoxicating component of cannabis
- Broad-spectrum: contains all components of the cannabis plant, except THC
- Isolate: contains CBD only
Some research suggests that full-spectrum CBD may provide more therapeutic benefits due to the entourage effect. The entourage effect means that taking both CBD and THC together produces a better effect than taking CBD or THC alone.
That said, some people might not want to consume THC, even in small amounts. In that case, a broad-spectrum or isolate product may be preferable.
Also, it’s important to know that any CBD product may contain trace amounts of THC. That means that taking a CBD product could cause a positive drug test.
What does the research say about CBD?
Research is still emerging about the role of CBD in a variety of physical and mental health uses, as well as what types of CBD are best for these uses.
Currently, CBD is thought to help manage conditions like:
- stress and anxiety
- chronic pain
- insomnia
How we chose the best CBD bundles
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:
- is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is made with hemp grown in the United States
- contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA
We also considered:
- flavor options
- company certifications and manufacturing processes
- product potency
- overall ingredients
- indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- customer reviews
- if the company has been subject to a
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter - if the company makes any unsupported health claims
Pricing guide
- $ = under $50
- $$ = $50–$80
- $$$ = over $80
Healthline’s picks of the best CBD bundles
Charlotte’s Web CBD Starter Bundle
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Products included: oil, roll-on, gummies
- COAs: available online with batch number
This Charlotte’s Web starter bundle contains a small bottle of their Original Formula CBD Oil, Lavender Hemp-Infused Roll-On, Recovery Gummies (which also contain anti-inflammatory ginger and turmeric), and Sleep Gummies (with 3 milligrams, or mg, of melatonin per serving).
Reviewers really like how they got to try these smaller-size products before committing to larger versions, and were especially pleased about the taste of the gummies, which made them comfortable with buying more. The floral, citrus, woodsy scent of the roll-on product was also well received.
CBDistillery Sleep Starter Pack
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum and broad-spectrum
- Products included: gummies and oil
- COAs: available on product page in image slideshow or by scanning QR code on product label
Some people find that CBD helps them sleep better at night or helps them relax before bed so they can doze off faster.
This Sleep Starter Pack comes with Sleep CBD Gummies that contain melatonin along with Sleep CBN + CBD Oil. Cannabinol (CBN), is another cannabinoid. Though it isn’t as well researched as CBD, some people find it beneficial for sleep as well.
Reviewers of this bundle like how the duo works fast and doesn’t give them that feeling of next-day grogginess. They also say their mixed berry flavor is pretty tasty, too.
Joy Organics Self Care Starter Pack
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Products included: bath bomb, salve, cream
- COAs: available online
This starter pack is designed to give yourself a little TLC. You’ll get four CBD bath bombs, a CBD salve stick, and a bottle of CBD cream.
One of the things that reviewers really love about these pampering products is how skin-friendly they are. For instance, the salve stick is enriched with soothers like shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil for a smooth application.
The CBD cream has an olive oil and glycerin base for a silky texture, along with calming aloe leaf juice.
Lastly, the bath bombs, a reviewer favorite, are made with coconut oil and lavender oil, which adds a calming vibe to the bath and softens your skin while you soak.
PlusCBD Starter Bundle
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Products included: gummies, softgels, oil drops
- COAs: available online
This bundle offers three products: Extra Strength Gummies in Citrus Punch flavor, Extra Strength CBD Softgels, and CBD Drops in Peppermint flavor. The CBD oil is infused with monk fruit for a naturally pleasant and sweet flavor.
Some reviewers say they’ve found a spot for all three product types in their lives — for example, gummies in the morning, softgels as needed, and drops at night. Otherwise, this bundle may be a good way to figure out your preference.
Lazarus Naturals THC-Free Sample Pack
- Price: $$
- CBD type: isolate
- Products included: tinctures
- COAs: available on individual product pages
Not sure if you want to go with a flavorless oil or a flavored one? This is the sample pack for you. You’ll get three different varieties: Blood Orange, Wintermint, and Flavorless. All are made with a coconut oil base and are THC-free.
Users rave about Lazarus Naturals‘ customer service, noting that they feel like a valued customer. Important, too, is that reviewers say these oils are effective.
Medterra Build Your Own Bundle
- Price: $–$$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate
- Products included: tinctures, capsules, gummies, topicals, pet products
- COAs: available online
With Medterra, you can bundle any two, three, or four products of your choosing to customize what you’re getting.
Bonus: You’ll get a price reduction, too. Buying two products saves 10 percent, three products save 15 percent, and four or more saves 20 percent of the total price.
They also have a wide range of products and types, from capsules designed for energy, sleep, stress, or eye health to body creams, gummies, and back-to-basics CBD capsules and oils. The range of products should allow you to really experiment with what mode of delivery works for you.
Reviewers are happy about the taste of the gummies and oils, so these could be a good entry into consuming CBD.
Brown Girl Jane Inside and Out Bundle
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Products included: oil and facial serum
- COA: available online
With this pack, you’ll get three 1-ounce bottles: Balance (a 750 mg CBD oil), Rest (a 1,500 mg CBD oil), and Glow (a 750 mg CBD facial serum). The overall goal is to treat you inside and out. Balance and Rest target stress, anxiety, and inflammation, while Glow is applied topically to improve your complexion.
The oils are cruelty-free and vegan and made with CBD oil, coconut MCT oil, and essential oil. (You’ll find orange essential oil in Balance and peppermint in Rest.)
Not only do reviewers say they wake up feeling more rested, but they’re also impressed that Balance brings a sense of focus and clarity when taken in the morning by itself or with coffee.
Five CBD Tincture Flight
- Price: $$$
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Products included: tinctures
- COAs: available online
Looking to try CBD tinctures? This pack of three is the perfect place to start. You’ll get lavender, citrus, and mint chocolate flavored bottles of full-spectrum CBD oil. Each bottle contains about 1,500 mg of CBD and 60 mg of THC.
Most of the reviews on the brand’s website are positive, which is to be expected. However, they note that while the lavender flavor is an acquired taste, it can also be useful for relaxation before bed.
Each bottle alone costs $50, so this is a great way to dabble in all three. There is also a subscribe and save option for a monthly shipment that discounts the bundle 30 percent.
Bluebird Botanicals CBD Oil Sample Pack
- Price: $
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Products included: oils
- COA: available online
This is a really well-priced starter pack, especially if you’re curious about CBD oil or are looking to branch out. You’ll get three 10-milliliter bottles, each of which contains 84 mg of CBD. The three blends are Classic Hemp, Bluebird Signature (with frankincense and organic black cumin seed oil), and Hemp Complete (with an extra serving of terpenes).
Overall, reviewers seem to be happy they bought this bundle, as it allowed them to determine which oil really worked for them and tasted or smelled the best. Still, some continue to use all three, and you might find that they each play a different role in your life.
Keep in mind that there’s also a subscribe and save option, which knocks 50 percent off the price, taking this down to less than $15 — a budget-friendly price that’s hard to find when it comes to CBD.
How to shop for CBD
To find both a safe and effective product, look for these qualities in the brands you buy:
Third-party testing
When shopping for CBD, third-party testing is extremely important. Every product the brand offers should come with an up-to-date COA. This COA should tell you how much CBD and THC is in the product. It should also show test results for contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and molds.
Transparency
The company should be open about how they make their products and where their hemp is sourced.
CBD type
Consider your goals and ask yourself whether you’re OK with some THC or if you’d rather go THC-free. This can help you narrow down what type of CBD you’d like.
Also, consider how you prefer to take CBD. If you’re not sure, a starter pack may be a great way to try a few products, like gummies, topicals, oils, or capsules, and see what you like.
Reputation
Conduct an internet search to assess the brand’s reputation. Some brands are also listed on the Better Business Bureau website, which gives the company a rating and collects customer complaints.
Be on the lookout for
Also, look at whether the brand has overall positive customer reviews.
Buy direct
Keep in mind that Amazon prohibits the sale of CBD products. Any so-called CBD products you find for sale there are likely hempseed products, which don’t contain any CBD.
Buy directly from a CBD brand or shop in person.
How to use CBD
CBD can be taken in several different ways, including orally and topically.
Gummies, capsules, and oils or tinctures are all taken by mouth. The best way to do so depends on which type you choose. For example, you may chew a gummy and swallow a capsule or softgel, but you’ll hold an oil or tincture under your tongue for best absorbency.
Lotions, salves, serums, and the like will be smoothed onto the skin. Bath bombs and salts can be added to bathwater.
Many companies offer a few different potencies. If you’re not sure how much to take or haven’t used CBD before, it’s best to start with the smallest possible dose so you can see how your body responds before taking more.
You can also talk with a reputable cannabis clinician if you’re not sure what may work best for you.
CBD safety and side effects
While CBD is
It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before trying CBD. This is especially important if you’re taking any medications, as they may list warnings about possible interactions.
Takeaway
A CBD bundle or starter pack may be a great opportunity to try different flavors and types of CBD. If you’re new to CBD, you may want to look for a bundle that contains a few different product types so you can see what works best for you.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.
Jessica Migala is a freelance writer specializing in health, nutrition, and fitness content. She lives in Chicago with her husband, two young sons, and rescue pup. Find her on LinkedIn or on Instagram.
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