Today, we will examine two of the most popular CBD brands today: CBDfx and cbdMD. These wellness companies have been around even before CBD’s popularity skyrocketed in 2018. As such, each brand has had enough time to build a strong presence among cannabis fans and develop a wide array of hemp-derived products to satisfy the market’s growing demands.
In this comparative analysis of the two CBD brands, we will first look at the current status of each company. Then, we’re going to delve into the different factors that influence a customer’s choice, namely quality, affordability, company transparency, customer support, and product delivery. Finally, our team has included lists of recommended products from CBDfx and cbdMD to serve as references if you decide to try either or both of these brands.
A Quick Overview of CBDfx
Established in 2014 by Ali Esmaili and Jameson Rodgers, this California-based CBD brand has become the world’s second-largest private CBD company. CBDfx has gained a massive following because of its diverse product selections that contain full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate extracts made from Kentucky-grown organic hemp.
At the time of writing, the main product categories of CBDfx are as follows:
- CBD Gummies, Drinks, and Other Edibles
- CBD Oil Tinctures
- CBD Capsules and Pills
- CBD Topicals, Creams, and Balms
- CBD Vape Juice, Vape Pen, and Vaping Kit
- CBD Sleep Aids
- CBD Pet Products
- Mushroom + CBD Drops
CBDfx is also an active member of the following industry groups that focus on ensuring the quality, purity, and value of hemp-derived products:
- California Hemp Council
- Natural Products Association
- Hemp Industries Association
- National Hemp Association
- U.S. Hemp Roundtable
In addition, CBDfx is an accredited business of BBB (Better Business Bureau), receiving an “A-” rating for its effort to address customer issues. The brand has also amassed over 30,000 certified five-star product reviews from actual customers.
A Quick Overview of cbdMD
This CBD company based in North Carolina has been under the leadership of its founder, Scott Coffman, since 2015. Having been acquired by Level Brands, Inc. in 2018, cbdMD became one of the most preferred CBD brands through its strong marketing campaigns and partnerships with professional athletes who believe in the power of cannabinoids.
To cater to the growing needs of the market, cbdMD offers different types of hemp-derived products, such as:
- CBD Oil Tinctures
- CBD and Delta-9 THC Gummies
- CBD Drink Mix
- CBD Capsules
- CBD Topicals
- CBD Sleep Aids
- CBD Bath Products
- CBD Pet Products
Aside from full-spectrum and CBD isolate extracts, cbdMD takes pride in its so-called “Superior Broad Spectrum” formula, which contains a non-detectable amount of THC and a standardized blend of CBD, CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), and terpenes. Moreover, the company is one of the few that received a certification from the U.S. Hemp Authority and a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification from the NSF (National Science Foundation) International.
In terms of industry associations, cbdMD continues to be an active member of:
To this day, cbdMD is not a BBB-accredited company. However, we have found more than 5,600 verified customer reviews on its official website, averaging about 4.4 stars at the time of checking.
How Does CBDfx Compare to cbdMD?
Every CBD company has its pros and cons, so it’s up to the consumers to decide which one will best match their wellness needs and expectations. To help you make the right choice for yourself, let’s break down the best and not-so-good qualities of CBDfx and cbdMD.
Quality of Products
The quality of CBD goods depends on the brand’s extraction method and manufacturing processes. These factors largely determine the potency and purity of the final product.
CBDfx
This CBD company extracts cannabinoids from non-GMO hemp plants grown in US-based farms that employ organic farming practices. After sorting the raw hemp according to quality, CBDfx obtains the CBD extract from the plant using the CO2 method. Through this, the brand minimizes the risks of leaving out residual solvents and other harmful toxins in the CBD extract.
CBD will then be processed further in the company’s facilities that adhere to cGMP (current good manufacturing practices) standards. Laboratory testing is then conducted to ensure the overall quality of every CBDfx product. The brand claims to perform these tests eight times per batch. Nonetheless, a QR code is provided on every packaging or product label so that customers may view the test results from an independent ISO-certified laboratory.
cbdMD
For cbdMD, quality begins with high-quality industrial hemp from farms across the country. CBD extraction through the CO2 method happens in the company’s GMP-certified facilities. The certification serves as an assurance for the authorities and consumers that cbdMD follows the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) standards on the production, storage, labeling, and testing of goods.
Furthermore, cbdMD has elevated its CBD extracts by designing the Superior Broad Spectrum formula. Paying attention to this level of detail allows the company to develop CBD products that have standard cannabinoid profiles, which is critical in the consistent activation of the “entourage effect.” Finally, cbdMD products undergo extensive third-party product testing at ISO-certified laboratories.
The Winner: cbdMD
Yes, CBDfx uses organic hemp for their products, and their investment in the expensive CO2 method has helped them stay as one of the leading brands in the market today. However, cbdMD’s decision to seek the GMP certification from NSF International puts a greater weight on their claims about their strict manufacturing processes. We also believe that their exemplary efforts to standardize their broad-spectrum extract add an extra edge to the overall potency and consistency of cbdMD products.
Affordability
For an objective price comparison, let’s examine how much CBDfx and cbdMD sell a full-spectrum CBD oil tincture with a strength of 1,500mg per bottle.
CBDfx
Product: Delta-9 THC Drops + THC: Ultimate Chill Blend 1500mg
Amount of CBD per Serving: 50mg
Selling Price without Discount: $84.99 per bottle
Cost per Serving: $2.83
cbdMD
Product: Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture 1500mg
Amount of CBD per Serving: 50mg
Selling Price without Discount: $89.99 per bottle
Cost per Serving: $2.99
The Winner: CBDfx
Effective and safe CBD products aren’t exactly cheap. That’s why many of the top CBD brands have created discount programs and special promos to make cannabidiol more accessible to everyone. Nonetheless, even without the added savings of a subscription or discount codes, CBDfx offers more affordable prices than cbdMD.
Company Transparency
In an industry with plenty of gray areas due to the lack of strict FDA regulations, the best CBD companies go the extra mile to prove to customers that they are worthy of their trust and loyalty.
CBDfx
For the testing of raw hemp and finished products, CBDfx taps the expertise of SC Labs, an ISO-certified cannabis-testing facility in Santa Cruz, California. The first round of tests confirms whether or not the harvested hemp and CBD extract meets the company’s quality standards and whether or not it contains no more than 0.3% THC. The latter is a requirement by federal law, as stated in the 2018 Farm Bill. After manufacturing their CBD products, samples from each batch will be sent to SC Labs again for potency and purity testing.
CBDfx shares the results of these product verifications on a dedicated page and individual product profiles on their official website. Every CBDfx product label also bears a printed QR code. When scanned, this code will redirect the customer to the batch test results of the CBD product they have on hand.
cbdMD
This company also relies on SC Labs for the potency and purity testing of their CBD products. To ensure the quality of their products and the safety of the consumers, cbdMD sends every harvest and batch of finished goods to the laboratory.
Results of the batch testing can be located on every cbdMD product page on their website, so that anyone can read through the lab report prior to purchase. However, if you have already bought the item, you can use the batch or lot number printed on the product label to search for the corresponding lab test results. The brand provides an alternative way to look for the COA (certificate of analysis) through QR codes, but to date, this has not been implemented on every cbdMD product.
Helpful Tip! A CBD company’s exhibition of transparency through third-party lab results should be viewed as an opportunity to scrutinize the CBD product before purchase instead of a guarantee that the said item is as potent and safe as the brand has claimed. Go ahead and read through our blog post on COAs to learn more about how to read and interpret the lab test results of a cannabis product. |
The Winner: CBDfx
Even though both CBD brands entrust product testing to a highly qualified laboratory, CBDfx gains a few more points because of their efforts to place the COA QR codes on all of their products.
Customer Support
An excellent CBD brand provides quick assistance to its customers before, during, and after their purchase.
CBDfx
Reaching out to the CBDfx’s Customer Support team may be done through the following channels:
- Email: info@CBDfx.com
- Telephone: 1-888-991-7471
- Request form
The company does not specify how long it will take for them to respond to emails, but phone calls will be accepted during their business operating hours: 8 AM to 6 PM (PST), from Monday to Friday.
In case you need a faster way to speak to a customer service representative, the brand’s official website has a Live Chat feature, too. The answers to the common questions raised by customers may also be found on the “Help Center” of CBDfx.
cbdMD
According to the cbdMD’s “Support” page, the best ways to communicate with their Customer Support specialists are via:
- Email: support@cbdmd.com
- Telephone: 1-800-973-3984
- Contact Us form
General inquiries may also be directed to the Live Chat feature of the official website. Regardless of your preferred method, cbdMD commits to responding immediately as long as you have contacted them between 9 AM and 6 PM (EST), except on weekends. Lastly, customers looking for answers may also check cbdMD’s FAQ (frequently asked questions) page.
The Winner: cbdMD
We like how cbdMD consolidated all the essential customer service information on an easy-to-locate Support page with a form that the customer can directly fill out and send. On the other hand, CBDfx requires a bit more navigation to get to the official request form, where you can indicate the reasons and details of your inquiry or concern.
Delivery of Product
Most CBD companies distribute their goods through e-commerce platforms and resellers. Therefore, we must pay attention to how efficient and mess-free they are in shipping and keeping track of our orders.
CBDfx
CBDfx ships its products to all US states, except for the US territories and states with restrictions on CBD or THC like Hawaii, Louisiana, and South Dakota. Therefore, we highly encourage checking your state laws before shopping for CBDfx products. The company also delivers its goods to customers from the UK (United Kingdom) or EU (European Union) countries.
Processing and shipping of orders will be done within 24 to 72 hours, as long as you have not checked out on weekends or holidays. Tracking information is provided via email afterward.
The estimated delivery time varies depending on the chosen shipping method. In general, the durations for each type are as follows:
- Free Shipping: 5 to 8 business days
- Priority: 1 to 3 business days
- FedEx: 2 business days
- First-Class Mail: 3 to 5 business days
Shipping rates also depend on how the CBDfx products will be delivered. Free shipping is offered for orders with a total purchase amount of $100 or more. The rates for domestic orders are generated through USPS.com, so expect it to be more expensive if you live far from its headquarters in California. On the other hand, international orders get a flat fee according to the FedEx rates for a specific country.
cbdMD
Most cbdMD orders are shipped through USPS (United States Postal Service) Priority Mail. This applies to all US states, except Texas, California, and US territories. In the case of the said states, cbdMD ships the orders through FedEx. International customers will have to check nearby resellers because the company doesn’t ship to other countries at the moment.
Same-day shipping can be expected from the company as long as the order has been placed before 11 AM PST from Monday to Friday—excluding holidays. Otherwise, the order will be processed and shipped on the next business day.
To track orders, customers will receive the tracking code along with the order confirmation. The exact delivery time varies depending on the location, but on average, USPS will take three to five business days, while FedEx can deliver within two business days.
Customers who have purchased more than $59.99 worth of cbdMD goods may avail of free shipping. Any order below this figure will have an added flat fee of $3.99.
The Winner: CBDfx
We believe that the broader reach of their products and different shipping methods make CBDfx the better choice of the two brands in terms of product delivery. The demand for hemp-derived products continues to grow worldwide, so the company’s headquarters in Europe is a step forward in the right direction. Nonetheless, CBDfx has room to improve since they still do not offer same-shipping, which many customers appreciate from cbdMD.
Our Final Verdict for CBDfx vs cbdMD
As you have seen, there is no definitive winner between CBDfx and cbdMD. Each brand has its merits and drawbacks. Moreover, what we value in our CBD products may not be the same things you’re expecting. For instance, those who have an extra budget for their wellness routine will likely not mind the slightly higher prices of cbdMD, given that it can provide greater quality assurance and customer support. On the other hand, individuals living outside the US would likely pick CBDfx because the company will directly handle the shipping or returns of their products.
Therefore, figuring out the ideal choice for you requires a bit of reflection on how well these brands match your needs, preferences, and location. We also suggest taking the time to explore and evaluate the hemp-derived products of each CBD brand—especially their bestsellers—so that you can make a better-informed decision.
CBDfx and cbdMD Product Recommendations
Given the vast number of CBDfx and cbdMD products available these days, we have compiled below our list of highly recommended products to try.
CBD Gummies for General Use
If you haven’t tried using any hemp-derived goods before, CBD gummies can be a simple but enjoyable way to understand what cannabinoids can do for your body and mind.
Type of CBD Extract: Broad-Spectrum
No. of Servings: 60 gummies per bottle
Strength: 25 mg CBD per gummy
This berry-flavored vegan CBD treats from CBDfx is organic and gluten-free. CBDfx recommends taking two gummies each day, but beginners should consider taking only one initially. Doing so will give the opportunity to observe if one gummy can promote relaxation and relief.
Type of CBD Extract: Broad-Spectrum
No. of Servings: 30 gummies per bottle
Strength: 25 mg CBD per serving
Made with natural ingredients and the brand’s proprietary Superior Broad Spectrum formula, cbdMD’s gummies are vegan and gluten-free, too. The recommended dosage is either one or two gummies every morning, but the company states that their customers are free to take a couple more during tough or exhausting days.
CBD gummies tend to be one of the top picks of cannabis fans because you may bring them almost anywhere without attracting unwanted attention. They also don’t require prep work or pre-measuring, unlike CBD oil tinctures.
Still, some CBD users don’t stick with gummies only because it can take around 30 minutes for the effects to kick in. Moreover, taste fatigue can happen, especially if you’re chewing the same flavor every time you need a dose of CBD.
CBD Oil Tinctures for Sleep
Several customers purchase CBD products to improve their sleep. Therefore, if you’re interested in trying how cannabidiol can help you fall or stay asleep, check out these products from each brand.
Type of CBD Extract: Broad-Spectrum
No. of Servings: 30 drops per bottle
Strength: up to 33 mg CBD and 5 mg melatonin per serving
This product blends CBD with CBN, the minor cannabinoid best known for being effective at relaxing the body and mind. MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil serves as the carrier for the hemp extracts, thus enhancing the overall bioavailability of CBDfx’s oil tincture.
Type of CBD Extract: Broad-Spectrum
No. of Servings: 30 drops per bottle
Strength: up to 50 mg CBD and 5 mg melatonin per serving
To boost its potency as a sleep aid, cbdMD combines the Superior Broad Spectrum formula with various herbs traditionally used to induce calm and sleep. The ingredient list includes the extracts from chamomile, hops flower, lemon balm, passionflower, and Valerian root.
Aside from their potency as sleep aids, CBD oil tinctures continue to be the preferred hemp-derived product type for individuals who want to have greater control over the dosage. These products can also be more flexible since they can be taken as it is or added to food or beverage.
CBD Topicals for Pain Relief
Through the topical application of CBD, you may get rid of pain and discomfort in different parts of your body. CBD topicals come in several forms—creams, balms, and sprays, to name a few.
Type of CBD Extract: Broad-Spectrum
Product Weight: 50 ml (1.7 fluid ounces) per bottle
Concentration: 500 mg CBD per bottle
This CBDfx topical product provides pain relief and a cooling effect on the skin. Aside from CBD, every bottle contains menthol, caffeine, and white willow bark extract. This cream is water-based, so you won’t have to worry about feeling greasy or leaving a mess after applying it to the affected area.
Type of CBD Extract: Broad-Spectrum
Product Weight: 120 ml (4 fluid ounces) per tube
Concentration: 300 mg CBD per tube
This CBD cooling gel is a quick-drying, no-mess solution for muscle or joint pain. The brand adds aloe vera, arnica, and tea tree oil to soothe the skin further. If you’re looking for a more convenient way to apply it, this CBD topical also comes in a roll-on form.
Since we encourage people to start with a low CBD dose, the recommended products contain the least CBD concentrations available. However, you might want to check out the variations with stronger potencies if you undergo intense physical workouts or training.
CBD Balm for Pets
The therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol may be enjoyed by your furry friends, too. Although the product selections for pets of CBDfx and cbdMD aren’t as extensive as the other categories, we have a couple of excellent finds that you might want to purchase for your pet.
Type of CBD Extract: Broad-Spectrum
Product Weight: 2 ounces per container
Concentration: 750 mg CBD per container
This CBD balm may be used for dogs or cats. Its formulation consisting of CBD, shea butter, Alaskan salmon oil, and selected botanicals is designed to soothe inflammations and moisturize the dry areas of your pet’s skin, nose, or paws.
Type of CBD Extract: Broad-Spectrum
Product Weight: 0.5 ounces per tube
Concentration: 250 mg CBD per tube
Packed in handy stick form, cbdMD’s dog balm works well in resolving any dryness on your dog’s nose, joints, or paws. Each tube contains the unique broad-spectrum extract of the brand, along with other hydrating or softening ingredients, such as shea butter, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, cocoa seed butter, and rosemary leaf extract.
Since the objective studies on the effects of CBD on dogs and cats are still limited, it’s best to stick to brands like CBDfx and cbdMD since they send CBD pet products to a third-party lab for quality testing, too. Don’t put your beloved pet at unnecessary risks, so be sure to consult your vet before trying any CBD product, even though it claims to be safe for pets.
Final Thoughts
In this competitive and rapid-paced industry, consumers should safeguard their health and money by being careful in choosing which wellness company to trust. CBDfx and cbdMD have demonstrated their dedication to continual improvement and customer satisfaction through several years of operation.
So, given everything you have learned about CBDfx and cbdMD through this article, which of these leading CBD brands do you think will best match your needs and budget? Did any of our recommended CBD products pique your interest?
The post CBDfx vs. cbdMD: My Experience With Both Brands appeared first on CBD Product Reviews and Information – Everything About Cannabidiol.