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Using CBD for anxiety is becoming increasingly popular. Here, we discuss our top picks and look into how effective CBD is for anxiety.
- Best CBD for generalized anxiety: CBDistillery Ahhh Distilled Full Spectrum CBD Oil, 500 mg | Skip to review
Many people are considering using CBD (cannabidiol) to manage anxiety symptoms, with anxiety disorders being the most prominent mental health conditions in the United States that affect an estimated
Keep reading to learn about the relationship between CBD and anxiety, including research into benefits, how to use, risks and safety, and CBD products to try for different anxiety symptoms.
Below, we look into some of the best CBD products to try for anxiety.
The following table compares the products in this article on usage, price, and more.
| CBD type and form | Amount of CBD | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBDistillery | • full-spectrum • oil | • 500 mg per bottle • 17 mg per drop | $45 |
| Soul CBD | • CBD isolate • gummies | • 750 mg per jar • 25 mg per gummy | $65 |
| CBDfx | • CBD isolate • bath bomb | 200 mg per bomb | $9.99 |
| Papa & Barkley | • full-spectrum • oil | • 450 to 900 mg per bottle • 30 mg per drop | $34.99 |
We selected these CBD products 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
The growing legalization of medical cannabis in the U.S. has prompted many scientists to study the various therapeutic uses of cannabis and CBD, including in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
In a recent
All groups reported improvements in their overall quality of life after 3 weeks of CBD treatment. The individuals who received CBD treatment for anxiety or depression reportedly experienced improvements in their ability to perform daily functions and reduce pain and anxiety or depression symptoms.
Learn more about using CBD for depression.
70% of study participants reported some level of satisfaction with CBD treatment, ranging from good to excellent. Only 9.9% of participants experienced adverse side effects, such as sedation and vivid dreams. Although a smaller portion of the study population (0.8%) reported worsening symptoms, a larger group (15%) did report an improvement in both appetite and sleep.
In a
Most study participants received one 25-milligram capsule of CBD once a day (mg/d). A few participants received 50 or 75 mg/d. One individual with a history of trauma and schizoaffective disorder received up to 175 mg/d.
After the first 2 months of CBD treatment, 78.1 to 79.2% of participants reported improvements in anxiety symptoms. However, 15.3 to 19.5% of participants developed worse symptoms after CBD treatment.
The authors of one 2020 article reviewed eight studies investigating CBD’s role in treating various anxiety disorders.
The authors found evidence to support the use of CBD as an effective monotherapy or complementary therapy for treating generalized anxiety, SAD, and PTSD.
Learn more about using CBD for PTSD.
However, the studies showed considerable variation in CBD doses, ranging from 6-400 mg per dose. This variation highlights the need for more high quality, large-scale clinical trials to help establish standardized dosing and clinical usage guidelines for CBD therapy.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
There are several important considerations when shopping for CBD, such as:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): People should only buy products from companies with an accessible and current COA. Some companies may display the COA on their shopping page, whereas others may require a person to scan a QR code.
- Third-party testing: Some companies send their CBD products to third parties for laboratory tests. This ensures that the products contain the type and amount of CBD the company advertises.
- Type of CBD: Companies can legally sell full- or broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% THC, whereas broad-spectrum and CBD isolate contain trace or no amounts of THC.
- CBD strength: People new to CBD may wish to start at a lower strength of CBD. Everyone should always start with the lowest possible dose of a product and gradually increase it as necessary.
People should note that the
Researchers and healthcare professionals have yet to establish standardized dosing recommendations for CBD therapy.
In a 2019 study, researchers found 300 mg to 600 mg of CBD significantly reduced anxiety symptoms in 57 adult males.
The ideal dosage for an individual to relieve anxiety depends on the CBD product, how they administer it, and personal health factors.
CBD administration methods include:
The administration method determines how quickly cannabinoids begin taking effect.
The effects of orally administered CBD, such as oils, edibles (such as gummies), or capsules, generally begin working within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Smoking or vaping CBD oil or cannabis buds results in more immediate effects.
People can use oral CBD products to relieve anxiety throughout the day. It may help to take these products in the morning with some food.
Learn more about a safe CBD dosage.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD may be the best type for anxiety. Both of these options contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from the cannabis plant, which may make CBD more effective.
Full-spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% THC, whereas broad-spectrum does not contain this compound. People who wish to avoid consuming THC may prefer broad-spectrum products.
Yes, there is evidence that CBD can help relieve anxiety symptoms.
One study found that CBD helped reduce depression and anxiety symptoms and helped increase the quality of life in the study participants.
Yes, there is evidence that CBD affects the nervous system, according to research published in 2020, resulting in a decrease in anxiety symptoms. However, people should not use CBD instead of anxiety medication unless a healthcare professional recommends doing so.
People should follow the dosage instructions on the CBD product they buy as there are no official recommendations on what CBD dosage is best for anxiety.
There are limited scientific studies in humans showing that CBD is effective for depression. However, a 2022 study stated that CBD showed promise in this area.
People should not replace their antidepressant medication with CBD without first discussing it with a doctor.
An ever-growing body of research suggests that CBD may help relieve anxiety, the most common mental health disorder. The best CBD products for anxiety includes some CBD gummies and oils.
However, the FDA does not regulate CBD for treating anxiety. This means the quality and dosage of CBD can vary widely between products and manufacturers. People who currently use prescription medication or supplements may want to consult a doctor before using CBD.
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.