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Some of the best CBD oils for anxiety have consumer and scientific research backing their ingredients and effectiveness. We look at five of the best options through clinical vetting and hands-on reviews.
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A quick look at the best CBD oils for anxiety
Best CBD oil for gentle relaxation: CBDistillery Ahhh Distilled Full Spectrum CBD Oil, 500 mg | Skip to review
CBDistillery Ahhh Distilled Full Spectrum CBD Oil, 500 mg
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Best CBD oil with anxiety-reducing ingredients: Joy Organics Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, Tranquil Mint | Skip to review
Joy Organics Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, Tranquil Mint
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Best high dose CBD oil: Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture | Skip to review
Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
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Best for a range of potencies: Medterra Daily Relief CBD Oil | Skip to review
Medterra Daily Relief CBD Oil
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Best for emotional balance and stress: Bluebird Botanicals Complete CBD + CBDA Oil | Skip to review
Bluebird Botanicals Complete CBD + CBDA Oil
Skip to review
The best CBD products for anxiety
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
CBDistillery Ahhh Distilled Full Spectrum CBD Oil, 500 mg
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 500 mg per 30-mL bottle
COA: available on product page
Third-party tested: yes
Use code “healthline” for 20% off sitewide or choose the subscription option for 20% off the first 2 subscription orders and 25% off the 3rd order.
$45.00 AT CBDISTILLERY
*Price may vary.
The brand states that, based on feedback collected during a study with nearly 2,000 participants, 89% of users reported that CBD helped with stress relief. This study may have been a customer feedback study and not a scientific or medical study. The brand also recommends this oil for people wanting to relax and reduce stress.
states
With a 17 mg dose of CBD, people may want to try this option if they are looking for gentle relaxation effects from CBD oil.
The company states it monitors every step of manufacturing to ensure the purity of the oil.
Ingredients and dose
CBDistillery uses non-GMO hemp for its products. The formula contains medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil from coconuts, making it unsuitable for people with a coconut allergy.
The company recommends a 1 mL dose. It also recommends people build up their dose over time if necessary.
“[I used it] as needed for anxiety and stress and for soreness caused by physical activity.
“There’s a strong cannabis taste that might not appeal to all consumers.
“I did experience physical and mental relaxation when using this product. But I did feel like I needed to take more than the suggested dosage to get the desired effect. This may be because my body is used to CBD since I use it regularly.”
– Connor Rice, Healthline Copy Editor
“[I used it] as needed for anxiety and stress and for soreness caused by physical activity.
“There’s a strong cannabis taste that might not appeal to all consumers.
“I did experience physical and mental relaxation when using this product. But I did feel like I needed to take more than the suggested dosage to get the desired effect. This may be because my body is used to CBD since I use it regularly.”
– Connor Rice, Healthline Copy Editor
customers report it improved sleep and relaxation
does not contain THC, which may be preferable for those who want to avoid this compound
uses non-GMO hemp
hemp is U.S. Hemp Authority certified
more affordable than other brands
unsuitable for people with a coconut allergy
does not provide access to the studies supporting the reported benefits of the oil
does not ship to Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Iowa, Connecticut or Utah
customers report it improved sleep and relaxation
does not contain THC, which may be preferable for those who want to avoid this compound
uses non-GMO hemp
hemp is U.S. Hemp Authority certified
more affordable than other brands
unsuitable for people with a coconut allergy
does not provide access to the studies supporting the reported benefits of the oil
does not ship to Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Iowa, Connecticut or Utah
Returns: returns within 60 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Returns: returns within 60 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Joy Organics Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, Tranquil Mint
CBD type: broad-spectrum
broad-spectrum
CBD potency: 450 mg per 30-mL bottle, 900 mg per 30-mL bottle, 1,350 mg per 30-mL bottle, 2,250 mg per 30-mL bottle
COA: available online
available online
Available flavors: Tranquil Mint
Third-party tested: yes
Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off.
$39.95 AT JOY ORGANICS
*Price may vary.
Comprising three U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic ingredients, this 0% THC tincture contains hemp extract rich in phytocannabinoids.
Phytocannabinoids, also known as phytonutrients, have antioxidant properties that help prevent damage to cells throughout the body. Additionally, researchers have reported phytonutrients to be beneficial in reducing anxiety.
prevent damage
reducing
People can choose from four strengths, which offer between 15 and 75 mg CBD per serving.
According to the company website, the product has a subtle, pleasant peppermint taste, and users should begin to feel the calming effects 15 to 30 minutes after use. The effects should last 4 to 6 hours.
Joy Organics claims a medical professional reviews this tincture. The brand also offers carbon-neutral shipping.
Ingredients and dose
This oil contains organic extra-virgin olive oil and peppermint essential oil alongside the CBD content. The brand recommends taking one 1 mL dose a day.
some research suggests phytonutrients can help anxiety
ingredients are USDA certified organic
brand offers carbon-neutral shipping
stronger concentrations are more expensive
may not be as effective as full-spectrum products as it does not contain all the parts of the cannabis plant
some research suggests phytonutrients can help anxiety
ingredients are USDA certified organic
brand offers carbon-neutral shipping
stronger concentrations are more expensive
may not be as effective as full-spectrum products as it does not contain all the parts of the cannabis plant
Returns: returns within 90 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Returns: returns within 90 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 1,500 mg per 30-mL bottle, 6,000 mg per 120-mL bottle
COA: available on product page
available on product page
Available flavors: Classic, Chocolate Mint, Strawberry Lemonade
Third-party tested: yes
$39.99 AT CBD.CO
*Price may vary.
The Lazarus Naturals tincture is an organic full-spectrum CBD oil containing 50 mg of CBD per mL. This is a high dose of CBD and may best suit people experienced in trying CBD.
As this oil contains full-spectrum CBD, it may create an “entourage effect” and promote a sense of calm and a reduction in anxiety. Some clinical trials have found CBD produces positive results in reducing anxiety in participants who have anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder (BPD). However, further studies are necessary.
entourage effect
clinical trials
Researchers who have conducted a small clinical trial on the benefits of full-spectrum CBD in anxiety management report significant improvement in participants’ anxiety, sleep, quality of life, and cognition after 4 weeks of taking it. The study participants took 1 mL doses of CBD, which contains 9 mg of CBD. This oil offers 50 mg per mL, suggesting that people could get an even stronger and more noticeable effect.
clinical trial
However, people who have never used CBD before might prefer to start with a much lower dosage of about 5 to 10 mg and increase the amount as they become more accustomed to it.
Learn more about Lazarus Naturals.
Lazarus Naturals.
Ingredients and dose
The company uses hemp, which it grows on its farm. It extracts CBD using ethanol processes and dilutes it with coconut oil. As such, people with a coconut allergy should avoid this product.
coconut oil
The company suggests that a person start with a 50 mg dose. They may increase the dosage as necessary after 2 hours.
the more potent dose may have more noticeable effects
comes in a range of flavors
customers report it helps improve anxiety and sleep
other customers note it may help reduce pain
more expensive than many other CBD products
unsuitable for those with a coconut allergy
beginners may find this formula too strong
the more potent dose may have more noticeable effects
comes in a range of flavors
customers report it helps improve anxiety and sleep
other customers note it may help reduce pain
more expensive than many other CBD products
unsuitable for those with a coconut allergy
beginners may find this formula too strong
Returns: returns within 15 days
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Returns: returns within 15 days
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Medterra Daily Relief CBD Oil
CBD type: isolate
isolate
CBD potency: 500 mg, 1,000 mg, or 3,000 mg per 30-mL bottle; 6,000 mg per 60-mL bottle
COA: available online
available online
Third-party tested: yes
Use code “health20” for 20% off.
$39.99 AT MEDTERRA
*Price may vary.
Medterra’s Daily Relief CBD Oil is available in four potencies:
500 mg, containing 16 mg CBD per serving
1,000 mg, containing 33 mg CBD per serving
3,000 mg, containing 100 mg CBD per serving
6,000 mg, containing 100 mg CBD per serving
This offers users more flexibility than they may get with other brands. They can choose a weaker or stronger potency depending on how much anxiety relief they need.
These CBD drops are unflavored and contain CBD isolate. This means they do not contain any other cannabinoids other than CBD, and they do not contain THC.
Ingredients and dose
The company recommends a person take one full dropper once or as many times as needed in a day. This can work well for individuals with anxiety to be able to take the CBD drops as and when needed.
The product is non-GMO and has a US-Hemp Authority certification.
does not contain THC, so is suitable for those wanting to avoid this ingredient
four potencies available
a subscription option is available, saving a person 30% off the price of their order
company does not state whether its facilities are cGMP certified
several customer reviews mention an unpleasant taste
does not contain THC, so is suitable for those wanting to avoid this ingredient
four potencies available
a subscription option is available, saving a person 30% off the price of their order
company does not state whether its facilities are cGMP certified
several customer reviews mention an unpleasant taste
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Bluebird Botanicals Complete CBD + CBDA Oil
CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 1200 mg per bottle
COA: available online
available online
Available flavors: unflavored
Third-party tested: yes
$69.95 AT BLUEBIRD BOTANICALS
*Price may vary.
This product contains complete CBD, which means it also contains CBDA (raw CBD) alongside terpenes and coconut oil. It is a full-spectrum product containing up to 0.3% THC.
Raw and heated cannabinoids interact with different receptors and enzymes in the body and can enhance the entourage effect. The entourage effect refers to the positive effect the various terpenes in CBD have on a product’s overall effectiveness. It suggests that the compounds in CBD work better together than apart.
enhance
positive effect
Bluebird Botanicals writes that CBD and CBDA can help support typical emotional balance and a person’s responses to daily stress, in addition to supporting the immune system.
Ingredients and dose
The oil is vegan and uses products that grow in the United States. It contains MCT oil from coconuts, making it unsuitable for people with a coconut allergy.
The company website states that a person should not ingest more than two 1 mL servings a day.
oil’s formula may produce an entourage effect
available in a range of strengths
subscriptions save buyers 40%
U.S Hemp Authority certified
some customers did not like the strong flavor
contains THC, which some people may wish to avoid
higher strengths are expensive in comparison to other brands
unsuitable for people with a coconut allergy
oil’s formula may produce an entourage effect
available in a range of strengths
subscriptions save buyers 40%
U.S Hemp Authority certified
some customers did not like the strong flavor
contains THC, which some people may wish to avoid
higher strengths are expensive in comparison to other brands
unsuitable for people with a coconut allergy
Returns: full refund within 30 days
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Returns: full refund within 30 days
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Comparison of the best CBD oils for anxiety
The following table compares the CBD oils in this article for CBD strength, price, and more.
CBDistillery
Joy Organics
Lazarus Naturals
Aspen Green
Medterra
Bluebird Botanicals
How we chose the best CBD oils for anxiety
We selected these CBD oils for anxiety based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
any third-party certifications
the company’s reputation and business practices
any lab test results
marketing claims
How to shop for CBD products
There are several things a person needs to consider when selecting a CBD product for themselves, including:
Testing: Third-party testing means a CBD company has sent its product to an accredited lab to test for quality. The manufacturer then makes the testing results publicly available through a certificate of analysis (COA). People can compare this with the product information.
Strength: Those newer to CBD may need to start at a lower dose than those familiar. They can gradually increase their dose over time to get their desired effect. However, they should not exceed the recommended dosage on the product packaging.
Side effects: Some CBD products may make people feel sleepy. Someone whose anxiety primarily affects them during the day when they are busy may want to look for a low-potency CBD product that may make them less drowsy.
Spectrum: The different CBD spectrums will contain different ingredients. Those wishing to avoid THC need to use isolate products. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum can both contain THC and will also have different effects. Full-spectrum can produce an entourage effect, which is when all the phytocannabinoids and terpenes work together.
terpenes
Cost: CBD oils can be expensive. A person needs to consider how effective their chosen product will be for anxiety and consider other, well-researched treatments if they are not sure.
Learn more about buying CBD.
buying CBD.
Can CBD treat anxiety?
Research is ongoing into CBD’s potential to treat anxiety and depression, along with a host of other conditions.
A 2019 case study notes that CBD products may benefit people with anxiety disorders. The researchers studied the effects of CBD on 72 individuals with anxiety and sleep pattern issues.
2019 case study
After treatment with CBD, 79% of the participants experienced decreased anxiety levels, and 66.7% saw improved sleep scores. However, these scores fluctuated over time.
Scientists must still conduct large-scale clinical trials to confirm the effective dosages for specific conditions.
Learn more about research into CBD dosages.
research into CBD dosages
A small 2020 review confirms this, with the authors stating that CBD has a promising role as an alternative therapy for anxiety, but more studies with standardized dosing are necessary. The studies in this review noted that CBD could help reduce anxiety in GAD and seasonal affective disorder.
2020 review
seasonal affective disorder
However, they found that the participants tolerated CBD well and reported minimal adverse effects, such as fatigue and sedation.
fatigue
Learn more about CBD and anxiety.
CBD and anxiety
How much CBD should you take for anxiety?
The most suitable CBD dose will differ among individuals according to the severity of their symptoms, their physiology, and their tolerance for CBD. CBD manufacturers often recommend starting with the minimum dose and increasing it gradually if necessary. However, people should not exceed the dose that the company has stated on the product packaging.
Conclusions in research vary concerning the best CBD dose to ease anxiety.
A 2020 systematic review of the dosage and efficacy of CBD in adults with anxiety reported that study participants showed an improvement in anxiety levels after single, oral CBD doses of 300 to 600 mg.
2020 systematic review
In another 2020 study, researchers tested the effects of CBD oil at different doses across 397 people with various conditions. Participants with noncancer pain or mental health-related symptoms showed improvement in anxiety and depression with a dosage of 400 mg of CBD.
2020 study
However, in a 2019 test, researchers compared the efficacy of three CBD isolate doses, 150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg, on participants who showed anxiety symptoms during public speaking. Researchers reported that 300 mg of CBD significantly reduced participants’ anxiety during the speech, but the 150 mg and 600 mg doses did not.
2019 test
However, these doses may not be suitable for everyone, and a person should discuss CBD dosing with a healthcare professional knowledgeable about CBD before trying it.
Other trials suggest that a much lower dose can be effective in treating anxiety. For instance, researchers have found that doses of 25 to 75 mg seem to be effective when treating those with anxiety and sleep problems.
25 to 75 mg
What kind of CBD is best for anxiety?
Research reports that CBD has a calming effect on the nervous system, but which type is best for one person may not suit another. Additionally, there is currently no research directly comparing each type of CBD for anxiety.
calming effect
Research from 2020 suggests that the entourage effect can improve CBD’s mood-stabilizing properties. This effect is most likely to occur with full-spectrum CBD products. However, more work is necessary to confirm its benefits for conditions such as anxiety. Additionally, full-spectrum CBD may not suit people new to taking CBD, and it is also unsuitable for those avoiding THC.
Research from 2020
Safety and side effects of CBD oil
Generally, experts believe that people can tolerate CBD oil well. However, CBD products may still cause side effects, including:
can tolerate
including
fatigue
fatigue
diarrhea
diarrhea
changes in appetite
appetite
undesired weight loss or weight gain
undesired weight loss
weight gain
A person should always talk with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before taking any new supplement, including CBD. This is especially true if somebody is taking medication, as CBD products may interact with some medications.
may interact
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), people may experience sedation and drowsiness if they take CBD while receiving treatment for anxiety, stress, panic, or sleep disorders.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
panic
sleep disorders
Individuals taking CBD may wish to avoid taking CBD along with high fat meals. According to a 2020 study, fats can increase the risk of side effects by increasing the concentration of CBD in the blood.
2020 study
Some 2019 research suggests that CBD can cause liver toxicity. However, this study used mice, and researchers concluded that a person would have to take an extremely high dose to incur this risk.
2019 research
Learn whether CBD is addictive.
Learn whether CBD is addictive.
Frequently asked questions about CBD for anxiety
CBD dosages can affect people in different ways, and a person should consider starting with a lower dosage and increase it until they find the level that that is most effective for them.
A 2019 case study showed that 79.2% of participants with anxiety found their anxiety decreased with 25 mg of CBD during the first month of taking it.
79.2%
CBD dosages can affect people in different ways, and a person should consider starting with a lower dosage and increase it until they find the level that that is most effective for them.
A 2019 case study showed that 79.2% of participants with anxiety found their anxiety decreased with 25 mg of CBD during the first month of taking it.
79.2%
Research reports that the entourage effect some CBD products produce may help stabilize mood. Typically, this refers to full-spectrum CBD. However, there is no research directly comparing each type of CBD for anxiety.
Research reports that the entourage effect some CBD products produce may help stabilize mood. Typically, this refers to full-spectrum CBD. However, there is no research directly comparing each type of CBD for anxiety.
The FDA has not approved the use of CBD for any mental health condition, and there is limited research into CBD’s benefits on anxiety. However, early research suggests it may help. As such, doctors may not always recommend CBD oil for anxiety and may prefer to prescribe or suggest FDA-approved and well-researched medications and treatments. People wishing to try CBD oil for anxiety can consult a doctor.
FDA
The FDA has not approved the use of CBD for any mental health condition, and there is limited research into CBD’s benefits on anxiety. However, early research suggests it may help. As such, doctors may not always recommend CBD oil for anxiety and may prefer to prescribe or suggest FDA-approved and well-researched medications and treatments. People wishing to try CBD oil for anxiety can consult a doctor.
FDA
How quickly CBD works will depend on the dosage, a person’s physiology, how often they take CBD, what they have eaten, and more. Whether it works for anxiety will also depend on these factors and the severity of a person’s anxiety and any medication they are taking for the condition.
The Arthritis Foundation claims that individuals can feel the effects of oral CBD in 15 to 45 minutes. However, this does not refer to anxiety specifically.
Arthritis Foundation
How quickly CBD works will depend on the dosage, a person’s physiology, how often they take CBD, what they have eaten, and more. Whether it works for anxiety will also depend on these factors and the severity of a person’s anxiety and any medication they are taking for the condition.
The Arthritis Foundation claims that individuals can feel the effects of oral CBD in 15 to 45 minutes. However, this does not refer to anxiety specifically.
Arthritis Foundation
People who are new to CBD should start with a low dose and work up to get their desired effect. The level of CBD that will be effective for reducing anxiety will differ between individuals.
People who are new to CBD should start with a low dose and work up to get their desired effect. The level of CBD that will be effective for reducing anxiety will differ between individuals.
There is no research to suggest that one form of CBD is better than another for anxiety.
It is easier to measure the CBD dose with CBD gummies, but oil offers more flexibility, allowing users to tailor their dose to the amount of anxiety relief they want.
There is no research to suggest that one form of CBD is better than another for anxiety.
It is easier to measure the CBD dose with CBD gummies, but oil offers more flexibility, allowing users to tailor their dose to the amount of anxiety relief they want.
The efficacy of CBD oil for anxiety will vary between individuals.
One 2021 study found that some participants experienced a reduction in symptoms when they expected the oil to have an effect, even when taking a placebo.
2021 study
However, a 2019 study concludes that CBD oil significantly reduced anxiety-related symptoms in individuals with social anxiety disorder.
2019 study
The efficacy of CBD oil for anxiety will vary between individuals.
One 2021 study found that some participants experienced a reduction in symptoms when they expected the oil to have an effect, even when taking a placebo.
2021 study
However, a 2019 study concludes that CBD oil significantly reduced anxiety-related symptoms in individuals with social anxiety disorder.
2019 study
Summary
While CBD brands claim that CBD oils can help people manage stress, sleep better, and reduce anxiety, much more research is necessary to confirm the benefits and safety of CBD for anxiety. Additionally, the FDA does not regulate CBD and has not approved it for any mental health condition. Rules regarding CBD use differ in all 50 U.S. states.
Those considering using CBD oil for anxiety should consider the side effects and any drug interactions it may cause. Speaking with a doctor before trying CBD products for mental health conditions is essential.
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% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% 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.
state laws