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Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
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.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound present in the Cannabis sativa plant. Research suggests that it may help treat anxiety disorders and other conditions, but it should not replace regular support from a doctor.
- Best for phytonutrients: Joy Organics Tranquil Mint Tincture | Skip to Review
- Best for a non-GMO tincture: CBDistillery CBD Oil Isolate | Skip to Review
- Best for a U.S.-made oil: Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Oil | Skip to Review
- Best full-spectrum tincture:Lazarus Naturals High Potency Tincture | Skip to Review
- Best for a neutral taste: Lord Jones Royal Oil | Skip to Review
- Best for CBD with CBDA: Bluebird Botanicals Complete CBD + CBDA Oil | Skip to Review
- Best for a larger bottle: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil | Skip to Review
- Best isolate tincture: Kanibi Pure CBD Isolate Oil | Skip to review
- Best for calming effects: CBDfx CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture | Skip to review
This article explores whether CBD can help with anxiety. It also discusses some products to consider and outlines regulations and health considerations.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: Products contain safe and high quality ingredients and list all ingredients clearly. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: Products contain or recommend a serving size of a safe CBD dosage. The product clearly states the dosage.
- Third-party labs: Products undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available COA: The company demonstrates transparency and shares its product’s COA following lab results.
Below, we look at the 10 top CBD products available online a person can consider.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for phytonutrients: Joy Organics Tranquil Mint Tincture
- Price: $44.95-$129.95
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Strength: 15–75 mg CBD per serving
- Size: 30 mL bottle
- COA: available online
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Made from three U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic ingredients, this 0.0% THC tincture contains hemp extract rich in phytocannabinoids, extra-virgin olive oil, and peppermint essential oil.
People can choose from four strengths, which offer between 15–75 mg CBD per bottle.
According to the company website, the product has a subtle, pleasant peppermint taste, and users should begin to feel the calming effects 15–30 minutes after use. The effects should last from 4–6 hours.
Joy Organics also claims that this tincture is medically reviewed and delivered with carbon-neutral shipping.
Pros
- does not contain THC
- USDA certified organic
- carbon-neutral shipping
- may help people relax
- simple formula
Cons
- stronger concentrations are expensive
Best for a non-GMO tincture: CBDistillery CBD Oil Isolate
- Price: $65
- CBD type: isolate
- Strength: 33 mg per 1-mL serving
- Size: 30 mL bottle
- COA: available online
- Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
This product is a CBD isolate oil tincture that does not contain THC. The company states it monitors every step of manufacturing.
CBDistillery uses non-genetically modified organism (GMO) hemp for its products.
The company recommends a 1 mL dose, which is a full dropper of the product. It also recommends people build up their dose over time.
Pros
- no THC
- uses non-GMO hemp
- hemp is U.S. Hemp Authority certified
- users state it improved sleep and relaxation
- more affordable than other brands
Cons
- unsuitable for those with a coconut allergy
Best for a U.S.-made oil: Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Price: $99
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Strength: 3,000 mg of CBD per bottle
- Size: 30 mL bottle
- COA: QR code on each product label
- Rating: no score available
Aspen Green states that it formulates this organic product with physicians and makes it in the United States using carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction techniques.
This oil is available in three flavors: original, citrus, and mint. All versions include MCT oil, essential oils, and rosemary extract.
The company recommends that people take two servings per day.
Pros
- 60-day return policy
- vegan
- gluten- and GMO-free
- comes in a range of flavors
- reportedly pharmacist formulated
Cons
- contains THC
- comes in one strength
- does not feature varied reviews online
Best full-spectrum tincture: Lazarus Naturals High Potency Tincture
- Price: $120
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Strength: 50 mg of CBD per mL
- Size: 120 mL bottle
- COA: available online
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
The Lazarus Naturals tincture is an organic full-spectrum CBD oil that contains 50 mg of CBD per mL. It is available in classic, chocolate mint, and strawberry lemonade flavors.
Learn more about Lazarus Naturals.
The product comes in a 120 mL bottle.
The company suggests that a person starts with 50 mg to find the right amount. They may increase the dosage as needed after 2 hours.
However, people who have never used CBD before might prefer to start with a much lower dosage of about 5–10 mg and increase the amount as they become more accustomed to it.
The company uses hemp that 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.
Pros
- potent dose may have more noticeable effects
- comes in a range of flavors
- buyers report it helps improve anxiety and sleep
- other customers note it helps reduce pain
Cons
- more expensive than many products
- unsuitable for those with a coconut allergy
- THC may not be suitable for everyone
- beginners may find this formula too strong
- some users do not like the flavors
Best for a neutral taste: Lord Jones Royal Oil
- Price: $60
- CBD type: broad-spectrum
- Strength: 20 mg of CBD per 0.6 mL
- Size: 30 mL bottle
- COA: available online with a batch code
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
This broad-spectrum CBD oil contains 1,000 mg of CBD per bottle. The company states that its second ingredient, grapeseed oil, gives the product a neutral taste. Lord Jones writes that it is a deeply relaxing CBD oil.
Lord Jones recommends using this oil as a supplement or applying it directly to the skin. The company warns people not to exceed 60 mg, or 3 droppers, a day.
Pros
- minimal ingredients
- lower dose may be suitable for beginners
- more affordable than many brands
Cons
- may contain THC, which could show up on a drug test
- some may prefer a stronger product
- limited number of online reviews
Best for CBD with CBDA: Bluebird Botanicals Complete CBD + CBDA Oil
- Price: $69.95-$119.95
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Strength: 10–25 mg
- Size: 30 mL bottle
- COA: batch numbers on product bottles link to online database
- Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
This product contains complete CBD, which means that it also contains CBDA (raw CBD), alongside terpenes and coconut oil. It is a full-spectrum product containing up to 0.3% THC.
It is vegan and made from products grown in the United States. The company website states that a person should not ingest more than two 1 mL servings a day.
Pros
- may produce the entourage effect
- available in a range of strengths
- subscriptions save buyers 40%
- U.S Hemp Authority certified
Cons
- some users did not like the strong flavor
- contains up to 0.3% THC
- higher strengths are expensive compared with other brands
Best for a larger bottle: Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil
- Price: $119.99-$274.99
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Strength: 60 mg of CBD per mL
- Size: 30–100 mL bottle
- COA: available online
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
This organic full-spectrum CBD oil contains 60 mg of CBD per mL, one of the highest concentrations available. The company states that this product contains phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids.
This product is available in multiple flavors, such as mint chocolate, orange blossom, and lemon twist.
People can choose to purchase a 30- or 100-mL bottle, which is one of the largest bottles of CBD available to purchase. However, this product contains a high amount of CBD per mL. People who are not used to taking CBD may prefer to purchase a product with less CBD.
Use code “HEALTH20” for 20% off.
Pros
- a large number of positive reviews
- larger volume may be more cost-effective
- high concentration may have more noticeable effects
Cons
- some did not enjoy the taste
- may be unsuitable for beginners
- THC is not suitable for everyone
Best isolate tincture: Kanibi Pure CBD Isolate Oil
- Price: $59–$109
- CBD type: isolate
- Strength: 25–50 mg per mL
- Size: 30 mL bottle
- COA: available online
- Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
This product is CBD isolate, meaning it does not contain any detectable traces of THC.
It is available in three flavors: unflavored, fruit wave, and cinnamon.
A person can choose between two strengths, 750 mg and 1,500 mg. The 750 mg contains 25 mg per serving and the 1,500 mg strength contains 50 mg per serving. The product comes with a dropper so a person can measure how much they are taking.
Kanibi says the product is made in an FDA-inspected facility with 100% organic USA-grown hemp.
Pros
- subscription option available where a person can save money
- three flavor options available
- free shipping over $100
- double laboratory tested
- does not contain THC
Cons
- one reviewer mentioned the product made them sleepy during the day
- no negative reviews on their website, so these may have been filtered out
- does not appear to be USDA-certified organic
Best for calming effects: CBDfx CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture
- Price: $69.99–$199.99
- CBD type: full-spectrum
- Strength: 1,000-6,000 mg per bottle
- Size: 30 mL bottle
- COA: available online
- Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
This calming tincture features full-spectrum CBD that is suitable for vegans, is gluten-free, and ingredients are organically farmed.
It is available in four strengths: 1,000 mg, 2,000 mg, 4,000 mg, or 6,000 mg per bottle.
The company do not add flavors to this product. They also say that this tincture produces calming effects.
Pros
- suitable for vegans
- gluten-free
- four choices of strength
- offers a 60-day guarantee
- free shipping on orders over $75
Cons
- no subscription option available
- no flavor options
- no negative customer reviews on the website, which may mean they might have been filtered out
- cannot ship to all 50 states
The following table compares the CBD oils in this article for CBD strength, price, and more.
| CBD type | Strength per serving | Size | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joy Organics | broad-spectrum | 15–17 mg per serving | 30 mL bottle | 4.8 out of 5 stars | $44.95–$129.95 |
| CBDistillery | isolate | 33 mg per mL | 30 mL bottle | 4.4 out of 5 stars | $65 |
| Aspen Green | full-spectrum | 3,000 mg per bottle | 30 mL bottle | no score available | $99 |
| Lazarus Naturals | full-spectrum | 50 mg per mL | 30-120 mL bottle | 4.8 out of 5 stars | $120 |
| Lord Jones | broad-spectrum | 20 mg per 0.6 mL | 30 mL bottle | 4.7 out of 5 stars | $60 |
| Bluebird Botanicals | full-spectrum | 10–25 mg | 30 mL bottle | 4.4 out of 5 stars | $69.95–$119.95 |
| Charlotte’s Web | full-spectrum | 60 mg per mL | 30–100 mL bottle | 4.5 out of 5 stars | $119.99–$274.99 |
| Kanibi | isolate | 25-50 mg | 30 mL bottle | 4.9 out of 5 stars | $59-109 |
| CBDfx | full-spectrum | 1,000-6,000 mg per bottle | 30 mL bottle | 4.9 out of 5 stars | $69.99-199.99 |
There are several things a person should 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 certificates of analysis (COAs). People can compare this with the product information.
- Strength: Those newer to CBD may need to start at a lower dose than those who are familiar. They can gradually build up their dose over time to get their desired effect.
- 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 should use isolate products. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum can both contain THC. They will also have different effects. Full-spectrum can produce an “entourage effect” when all the phytocannabinoids and terpenes work together.
- Cost: CBD oils can be expensive. A person should consider how effective their chosen product will be for anxiety, and consider other, well-researched treatments if they are not sure.
A person should ingest CBD oils and tinctures by:
- using the dropper to measure the desired amount
- squeezing the drops under the tongue
- holding them there for 20 seconds before swallowing
Anyone new to CBD should start with a low dose and gradually build up the amount they take should they want to.
Learn the difference between CBD oils and tinctures.
Research is ongoing into CBD’s potential to treat anxiety and depression, along with a host of other conditions.
A
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.
To confirm the effective dosages for specific conditions, scientists still need to conduct large-scale clinical trials.
Learn more about 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 needed. The studies in this review noted that CBD could help reduce anxiety in GAD and seasonal-affective disorder (SAD).
However, they found that the participants tolerated CBD well and reported minimal adverse effects, such as fatigue and sedation.
Studies investigating the effects and dosages of CBD on humans are limited.
The above 2020 review notes that studies on using CBD for anxiety use dosages ranging from 6 to 400 mg of CBD. The authors conclude that people have a good tolerance for CBD for anxiety, with participants reporting minimal side effects. However, further studies are necessary to determine an effective and standardized dose.
Generally, experts consider CBD oil to be well tolerated. However, CBD products may still cause side effects, including:
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- undesired weight loss or weight gain
A person should always talk with a doctor before taking any new supplement, including CBD. This is especially true if somebody is taking medication, as CBD products
According to the
Individuals taking CDB may wish to avoid taking CBD along with high-fat meals. According to a
Some
Learn whether CBD is addictive.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of CBD products that a person can purchase over the counter or without a prescription.
According to the
The FDA
All 50 U.S. states have different restrictions and laws regarding CBD use. A person can check this information with their state Health and Human Services department.
Learn more about using CBD for seizures.
A person should always contact a healthcare professional before using CBD products, as CBD
People should also contact a doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms of anxiety that are interfering with their quality of life. People should not use CBD as a substitute for medication or therapy for anxiety.
Below are some answers to common questions people may ask about CBD:
Do CBD products do what their manufacturers claim?
Some research supports CBD’s ability to treat various conditions, such as sleep difficulties, anxiety, and pain.
However, the
Although some manufacturers claim their products can treat conditions such as diabetes, it is illegal for companies to claim that the CBD products they manufacture can treat or cure any serious diseases.
Learn what the research says about CBD and diabetes.
Is CBD legal?
CBD products are legal to a certain extent, with some caveats. CBD products made from hemp are legal under federal law if they contain less than 0.3% THC.
State laws vary considerably; therefore, individuals should check with the relevant regulations in their home state before purchasing any CBD products.
Does CBD produce a high?
CBD does not produce a euphoric or high feeling.
THC is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants and their derivatives that cause a high feeling.
CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC under federal law, and some do not contain any THC at all.
However, some CBD companies manufacture high-potency products that do contain THC. The amount of THC can be high enough to cause euphoria or impairment. People should be aware of this risk when using full-spectrum CBD products.
Learn whether CBD causes a high.
What’s the best strength of CBD oil for anxiety?
There is not enough research to determine the ideal strength or dosage of CBD oil for anxiety.
Therefore, people should start with the lowest possible dose and increase it as necessary to get their desired effect.
What ingredients are best in CBD oil?
People may wish to purchase oils that contain as few ingredients as possible. This usually means products that only contain CBD and carrier oils.
Some individuals may wish to start with CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD products, as these usually contain trace amounts of THC. However, those who would prefer to use products with THC may wish to buy full-spectrum CBD oil.
What’s the best way to use CBD for anxiety?
CBD oils and tinctures may be the best choice for anxiety. This is because oil placed under the tongue enters the bloodstream which may allow a person to experience positive calming effects more quickly.
Which CBD oil is good for anxiety and sleep?
All of the products listed above may be good for anxiety. Some listed may also be suitable for sleep as they may help promote a calming effect.
The following table defines common CBD terms.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CBD | A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use. |
| THC | A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use. |
| Full-spectrum | A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products. |
| Broad-spectrum | Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts. |
| CBD isolate | This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC. |
| Cannabinoids | The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are |
| Terpenes | Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits. |
| Certificate of analysis (COA) | Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products will have a scannable smartphone code that directs people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
Researchers are still studying the effectiveness of CBD on anxiety and other health conditions. The FDA does not regulate CBD, and rules differ in all 50 U.S. states.
Some CBD products may help people manage stressful situations, sleep better, and reduce their anxiety levels, but researchers need to carry out more studies to confirm this.
CBD products may not suit everyone. People taking supplements or prescription medications should seek guidance from a doctor before using any product containing CBD.
Taylor, L., et al. (2018). A phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose, multiple dose, and food effect trial of the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of highly purified cannabidiol in healthy subjects. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-018-0578-5