3 Best CBD Patches: Your Easy Buying Guide

1. 1. Social CBD Transdermal Patch (3 Pack; 60 mg Each)

   Price: $12.99

   Shop now at Social CBD
   Pros:

   • Each patch contains 20 mg slow-release CBD
   • You can look up batch-specific lab results that correlate with the batch number on your package
   • Third party lab tests for microbials, pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents (as well as CBD content)
   • Patch does not irritate skin or leave any markings when you remove it (I tried it!)

   Cons:

   • Does not contain any THC
   • Not full spectrum
   • Patch can become less adhesive while you're wearing it

   The Social CBD Transdermal Patch stands out because each patch is infused with 60 mg CBD — and when your patch arrives, you can easily look up batch-specific lab results on their website.

   These days, many CBD companies publish third-party lab results. (We ONLY review products with third-party lab results.)

   But some CBD brands (like Social CBD) take their transparency to the next level, by releasing batch-specific lab results. These companies include a batch number with your purchase, so you can easily look up test results that correlate with the batch your new product came from.

   Social CBD is among these ultra-transparent companies. This means that when your product arrives, you can look up lab results for your exact batch of patches.

   But sometimes, this additional layer of transparency actually creates a problem for consumers: it can be harder to look at test results before you purchase the product.

   So after receiving a free sample, we reached out to Social CBD, and received this Certificate of Analysis (COA) for their latest batch.

   You’ll see that Social CBD also tests for residual solvents, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and pesticides. (When you’re purchasing CBD, it’s important to make sure your supplier tests for these potential contaminants, to ensure you’re getting the best quality possible.)

   When I tested out my Social CBD sample patch, I slept great, but also discovered that my foot may not be the best place for transdermal patches. The next day, as my foot bones and muscles moved around when I walked, the center of the patch seemed less adhesive. But the patch never came off, and it never bothered me under my sock. After 24 hours, it was easy to remove, and it left no residue or markings. Plus, I had been extremely calm — almost unreasonably calm — during a day of driving through repeated snowstorms.

   Actually, I was calm for 5 hours of driving through snowstorms. Then I lost it. But I don’t blame the patch. (It’s CBD, not Xanax.) I’d say this patch minimized my stress levels effectively for 20.4 hours, with no psychoactive effects. I highly recommend it.

   This CBD patch is a great way to slap on some slow-release CBD, forget about it, and congratulate yourself later for being cool and level-headed all day. (Okay, most of the day.)

   Find more Social CBD Transdermal Patch (3 patches; 20 mg each) information and reviews here.

2. 2. Best Extra-Strength CBD Patch: Social CBD 3-Pack Transdermal Patch (100 mg Each)

   Price: $35.99

   Shop now at Social CBD
   Pros:

   • Each patch contains 100 mg slow-release CBD
   • You can look up batch-specific lab results that correlate with the batch number on your package
   • Available in cheap single pack, too (for those who aren't ready to commit to this 3-pack)
   • Third party lab tests for microbials, pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents (as well as CBD content)
   • No questionable ingredients added

   Cons:

   • Does not contain THC
   • 100 mg may be stronger than you need
   • Not full spectrum

   This 3-pack of Social CBD Extra-Strength Patches stands out because each patch contains 100 mg CBD. 

   That makes these the highest potency patches on this list.

   Social CBD sent me one to test out. I was obsessed. I love these patches so much!

   Just stick one on, and get ready to feel your tension and worries melt away. (And since they last for about 24 hours, get ready to enjoy a great night’s sleep later!)

   Of course, since we never review CBD products without reviewing their third-party lab results, I scanned the QR code on the back of the package, which took me to their lab results database. I entered the lot number on my package, and was able to view batch-specific lab results.

   I saw that my patch contained the advertised amount of CBD (plus some extra), and zero other cannabinoids. 

   The lab also tested for microbials, residual solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals. (For more on why this matters, feel free to check out our guide to organic CBD oil.)

   Find more Social CBD Extra-Strength Patches (3 Pack; 300 mg) information and reviews here.

3. 3. Best With “Nano-Particles”: CBD Living “Reservoir” Patch (1 patch; 60 mg)

   Price: $15.00

   Shop now at CBD Living
   Pros:

   • Uses nano-particles of CBD, which may be easier to absorb directly into your skin
   • Lab results show one patch contains 66 mg CBD
   • Medical-grade adhesive designed to flex, so you can place it directly where you need relief (even near bony joints)
   • Designed for 96 hours of continuous wear
   • Lab tests for heavy metals, chemical residues, etc.
   • Affordable

   Cons:

   • Package contains only 1 patch
   • Unclear whether this is CBD isolate or broad spectrum CBD (we have reached out to company for clarification)
   • Not "full spectrum" hemp extract (this contains zero THC)
   • You may miss out on the full dose if you don't wear it for the full 96 hours

   The CBD Living “Reservoir” Transdermal Patch (60 mg) stands out because it’s made with nano-particles of CBD. And it can be worn for up to 96 hours, according to the company.

   Nano-particles are smaller than normal CBD molecules, so they may theoretically be easier to absorb through your skin barrier.

   With 60 mg of CBD, this patch is designed for up to 96 hours of consistent, sustained CBD delivery, right where you need it most.

   Their patch is designed to flex, so you can stick it almost anywhere on your body — even right near your aching joints.

   This is important, because one of the main advantages of using transdermal patches (compared to consuming CBD orally, like with a CBD tincture), is that patches can give you more localized relief. You simply place the patch where you want the cannabinoid’s healing and anti-inflammatory effects to most fully take effect.

   Got cramps? Stick it on your belly. Aching shoulder? Slap it right on there.

   And you can feel comfortable taking a hit of this hemp extract being straight through your skin, thanks to their readily-available test results, which include passing results for residual solvents, heavy metals, and chemical residues.

   The results show that each patch actually contains 66 mg CBD. However, the lab did not detect any levels of any other cannabinoids, making it look like this was made with CBD isolate. Which is confusing, because their label claims the patch includes “broad spectrum” hemp extract.

   (Refresher: “Broad spectrum” usually implies other cannabinoids are present in detectable levels, but with zero THC.)

   We’ve reached out to the company for clarification, and will update this review ASAP.

   Find more CBD Living "Reservoir" Transdermal Patch (60 mg) information and reviews here.

How do you choose the best CBD patches?

We ONLY review CBD products with third-party lab tests. We don't want you to waste your money on scam CBD companies!

That's why you can use our authoritative CBD reviews to buy with confidence.

But potency testing (like for CBD and THC content) is just the bare minimum. If we can't obtain those results -- with data from a third-party lab, not the company itself -- we simply won't review the product.

Then we take several other factors into consideration, too.

For example, we prefer to highlight CBD companies that contract third-party labs to test for heavy metals, pesticide residues, residual solvents, and mycotoxins as well.

You'll see that the top three transdermal patches on this list have published certificates of analysis (COAs) for all these potential contaminants. (All five have third-party lab results confirming the advertised amount of CBD. If they didn't, we wouldn't include them.)

We also research where the company sources or grows its hemp, and whether its hemp farmers follow organic practices.

Then we compare customer reviews and sometimes test out the product. And, of course, we bust out the calculator and compare the products' price per milligram, to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck.

Check out any of the CBD patch reviews above for more details.

Can I use CBD patches for anxiety?

Absolutely! People love using these transdermal patches for relief from anxiety and stress, as well as physical pain.

You can experiment to figure out the right dose for you. It's easy to experiment with patches, because you can easily cut them up with scissors into smaller doses.

Where can I buy CBD patches online?

Right here! All the patches we reviewed in this article can be purchased online and delivered anywhere. These patches don't contain more than .3 percent THC, so they're completely legal everywhere.