Paul JamesUpdated on October 28, 2024
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While research is limited, several studies suggest that CBD may be able to alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
Anxiety affects an estimated 40 million adults in the United States. As a result, a great deal of research has gone into finding remedies for anxiety. There are several pharmaceutical drugs that are currently used to treat anxiety, such as antidepressants. However, as with any prescription drug, the medication used for anxiety comes with several potential side effects. Therefore, more and more people living with anxiety are choosing to turn to all-natural alternatives to help manage their symptoms.
One of the most popular natural options is cannabidiol (CBD). While more research is needed in order to fully understand how CBD affects anxiety, preliminary studies suggest that CBD has the potential to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Numerous CBD users have self-reported finding CBD to be very effective at alleviating apprehensions and daily stresses.
With just a quick online search, you will come across hundreds of CBD brands. Finding the best CBD for anxiety can be a confusing and daunting task. We are here to help you! In this article, you’ll find the best CBD oils and those with products that we find are most effective at helping anxiety.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of a group of over 100 chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant known as cannabinoids. Research has shown that cannabinoids are responsible for the effect of cannabis on the body. Other well-known cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG). While research is still in its early stages, studies are discovering that each of cannabis’s many cannabinoids can carry different effects, and can potentially have multiple medical benefits.
While CBD is found in any type of cannabis plant, most CBD products are made using the hemp plant. Hemp differs from marijuana as it has a higher concentration of CBD than that of THC.
CBD oil is made using a carrier oil (such as MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil) and hemp extract. The types of hemp extract include:
Full-Spectrum – Makes use of all of hemp’s cannabinoids and terpenes.
Broad-Spectrum – Makes use of all of hemp’s cannabinoids and terpenes except for THC, the cannabinoid responsible for psychoactivity.
CBD Isolate – Contains solely CBD and no other cannabinoid.
CBD oil is without a doubt the most popular consumption method for cannabidiol, and almost every CBD brand on the market produces its own tincture blend. This comes as no surprise since CBD oils are not only effective but are also an easy way to get cannabidiol into the body.
Our list concerns the American market. If you’re looking for CBD oil Canada, we suggest checking out our guide!
Top 10 Rated CBD Oil for Anxiety
BEST VALUE
CBDfx
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
500mg - 6000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
16.66mg - 100mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$29.95 - $99.95
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.03 - $0.08 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (broad-spectrum)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Comes in a variety of formulas for different conditions
Can be purchased in bundle sets
60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Each formula only comes in one extract type
If you’re looking to relieve anxiety, CBDfx likely has a CBD oil for you. They’ve customized each of their tinctures using other all-natural ingredients to help produce specific effects. In terms of anxiety, their Calming Tincture is ideal as also made using cannabinol (CBN) and a calming terpene complex.
However, if you struggle with anxiety and stress at night, you may want to opt for CBDfx’s Sleep Tincture which includes melatonin, CBN, and a sleep terpene blend. Not to mention, CBDfx has so much on offer here that we certainly recommend you take a deeper look into their products.
The only downside is each formula already comes in a specific extract type. For example, if you’re looking for a full-spectrum CBD oil for sleep, CBDfx’s only comes in broad-spectrum.
BEST QUALITY EXTRACT
NuLeaf Naturals
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
300mg - 6,000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
30mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$38.50 - $1,953.40
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.10 - $0.12 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Only 1 potency variety - bottles simply change in size rather than potency
All of NuLeaf Naturals CBD oils are made using two simple ingredients: full-spectrum hemp extract and organic virgin hemp seed oil. Through this simple combination, NuLeaf Naturals offers a variety of different total CBD amounts, ranging from 300 to 6,000mg.
Unfortunately, all the different total CBD amounts come at a standard potency of 30mg per serving. For users looking for CBD product at a high potency, this can easily be overcome by the fact that you can take multiple doses in order to achieve a stronger effect.
Considering the standard potency, you may wish to purchase the bottles with the higher total CBD amount – the bigger the bottle, the more money you save. Since many take CBD oil to better manage their anxiety on a daily basis, you may want to get your CBD in a size that’s going to last you a while. And this is where NuLeaf Naturals stands out on our list. Through their 6,000mg CBD oil tincture, you have 200 total doses. No other CBD brand on our list offers as many doses within a single product.
Feel free to use our NuLeaf coupon to save on this product.
BEST FORMULA
CBDistillery
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum and Isolate
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
250mg - 5,000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
8.33mg - 166.66mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$5.99 - $79.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.05 - $0.11 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (isolate)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
On individual product pages
Flavor Variations
Number of flavors offered by the product or brand.
1
Potency Variations
Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand.
Offers a variety of potencies in both full-spectrum hemp extract and CBD isolate
60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
No flavor variations
CBDistillery’s standard full-spectrum tincture is called Relief + Relax, and we find it appropriately named! Each bottle is filled with natural terpenes that act as plant proteins, minerals, and vitamins for our bodies.
One aspect of CBDistillery that we like is the fact that they offer a variety of flavors in both full-spectrum and CBD isolate blends. While most would recommend you try a full-spectrum CBD oil due to its entourage effects, a CBD isolate is ideal if you’re looking to entirely avoid THC.
CBDistillery is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority and is considered one of the highest-quality CBD brands out there. If you’re interested in their products, we invite you to check out our CBDistillery’s review.
BEST BIOAVAILABILITY
Elixinol
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
300mg - 4000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
5mg - 33mg per mL
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$29.99 - $179.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.04 - $0.16 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (broad-spectrum)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Free shipping only available on orders of $50 or more
If you find that CBD really helps you with anxiety and you’re looking for more bioavailability with your tinctures, look no further than Elixinol. They offer a liposomal extract in both a daytime and nighttime formula to ensure you’re getting CBD relief around the clock.
Furthermore, Elixinol’s tinctures come in either a full-spectrum or THC-free broad-spectrum extract, depending on your preference. This – along with Elixinol’s potency options – gives users a lot of ability to mix and match in order to find the right CBD product and dose for them.
FOCL
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
1000mg - 3000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
33mg - 100mg per mL
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$59.00 - $119.00
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.04 - $0.06 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
0.0%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
On individual product pages
Flavor Variations
Number of flavors offered by the product or brand.
4
Potency Variations
Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand.
All CBD oil is processed in a GMP FDA-inspected, food-grade facility
Free shipping is available on all orders
60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
High potencies may not be ideal for newcomers
If you’re new to CBD, you’ll want to check out FOCL’s Daily Calm CBD drops. Each drop gives you a taste that we found reminiscent of a delicious orange Creamsicle. Each bottle of their quality CBD oil is made using a broad-spectrum hemp extract, which means there is absolutely no THC. However, you will still get the benefits of all of hemp’s other cannabinoids.
FOCL’s Calm Drops can be purchased in total CBD ranges from 1000mg to 3000mg. When it comes to anxiety, we suggest a stronger dosage. This will help keep you medicated and keep you relaxed throughout the day.
FOCL’s Calm Drops come in four different flavors: Mint, Citrus, Natural, and Orange Cream. Even though the Orange Cream is our personal favorite, we find that any of FOCL’s flavors provide a tasteful sensation that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Green Roads
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum and Broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
300mg - 1,500mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
10mg - 50mg per mL
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$44.99 - $149.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.09 - $0.15 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (broad-spectrum)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Sells tinctures in both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum
Can purchase a single dose of 25mg for $2.99 in all their flavors
Cons
Flavor variety is only available for the broad-spectrum extract
For those new to CBD and are curious about its potential to help alleviate anxiety, Green Roads is the perfect brand to start with. They currently offer a single dose of 25mg for only $2.99 that comes in both their broad-spectrum and full-spectrum blends. This is ideal for newcomers as you don’t have to invest too much money to figure out whether or not CBD is right for you.
If you do find that CBD oil helps you with anxiety, Green Roads offers a variety of tinctures with potencies ranging from 10mg to 50mg. Additionally, these potencies are made better by pairing them with their unique flavors of Apple Kiwi Bliss and Mint Breeze.
According to user reviews on Green Roads’ website, this CBD oil is great for calming down the mind and relaxing the body. Many have noted that nighttime anxiety – one of the biggest causes of insomnia – also goes away, allowing for better sleep.
Medterra
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, isolate
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
500mg - 6000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
16.66mg - 200mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$39.99 - $199.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.03 - $0.08 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (broad-spectrum or isolate)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Potencies and flavors aren't associated with all extract types
If you’re struggling with anxiety and looking for some options, Medterra has you covered. Beyond offering all 3 extract types, they also have a variety of potencies to choose from – ranging from 16.66mg to 200mg per serving. This variety is perfect for every level of CBD experience.
However, one of the biggest perks to Medterra is how affordable this oil is. On a per milligram (mg) basis, you won’t be paying any more than $0.08. This is a great option for those who’re looking to purchase a CBD product regularly.
FIVE CBD
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
1500mg - 6000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
50mg - 100mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$49.99 - $174.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.03 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
High full-spectrum potencies may overwhelm anxiety in very sensitive people
Free shipping not available
FIVE CBD oil is the perfect full-spectrum blend for those looking for a stronger kick out of their CBD product. You can purchase this oil in three different strengths: 1500mg, 3000mg, and 6000mg. Not to mention, it comes in either a Mint Chocolate or Citrus flavoring.
While many with anxiety will prefer such strong products, we understand some may be sensitive to the effects of FIVE CBD’s tinctures. If you’ve purchased this product and feel overwhelmed by the amount of CBD you’re receiving, we suggest reducing your dose in half (i.e. half a dropper) or more in order to garner lesser effects.
Lazarus Naturals
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum and Isolate
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
300mg - 6,000mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
20mg - 50mg per serving
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$12.00 - $120.00
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.02 - $0.04 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3% (full-spectrum) or 0.0% (isolate)
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
On individual product pages
Flavor Variations
Number of flavors offered by the product or brand.
7
Potency Variations
Number of potency variations offered by the product or brand.
Least expensive brand on our list (on a per milligram [mg] basis)
Hosts a wide range of potencies
Includes a full-spectrum blend and an isolate blend
Cons
The higher the potency, the fewer flavor varieties there are
Anxiety affects individuals differently, especially when it comes to the severity of symptoms. This means that different individuals may require different dosages of CBD to feel the same level of therapeutic effects. For this reason, it is great to find a brand that offers its CBD oils in different potencies as this makes its products suitable for a wider range of users. Lazarus Naturals is one of those brands with products that vary in potency, and that is only one of the reasons we like this brand!
Lazarus Naturals offers several tinctures in two different blends – full-spectrum and CBD isolate. Since there are multiple cannabinoids that can help with anxiety, a full-spectrum blend may be more ideal for some. However, if you are sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Lazarus Naturals still has something for you with their CBD isolate blends.
These tinctures can be purchased in five different potencies, ranging from 20mg to 50mg per serving. These tinctures are available in seven unique flavors that engage your taste buds with each drop. The available flavors include French Vanilla, Blood Orange, Chocolate Mint, Wintermint, and Strawberry Hibiscus.
The price point is another reason we love Lazarus Naturals; they offer the best deal on a per milligram (mg) basis. Finally, if you are still unsure if CBD oil can help you with your anxiety, you can try their THC-free sample pack for $78.00 as an introduction to their products.
CBD oils can be an effective way to ease anxiety as they’ll last you for a long period of time. This is perfect for those who struggle daily from stress and anxiety and are looking for a morning supplement to take that edge off.
How Can CBD Oil Help with Anxiety?
While research is limited, several studies suggest that CBD may help be able to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Furthermore, many have self-reported using CBD to ease both anxiety and stress. To better understand how CBD works within our body, it’s important to understand our endocannabinoid system (ECS) and how CBD affects it.
Our ECS is made up of three main parts: cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. Through these components, the ECS regulates several aspects of our day-to-day lives, including our appetite, mood, memory, sleep, immune function, metabolism – all while keeping our body in optimal physiological condition.
While researchers haven’t fully understood CBD’s impact on the ECS, it’s believed that CBD triggers different reactions within the ECS to support its function. This theory has been the catalyst behind various researches as well as the reason why so many users choose to medicate with CBD.
Research has been published on the effectiveness of CBD at managing anxiety and researchers have reported some interesting and encouraging findings:
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has observed CBD’s ability to decrease stress in rats. This study found that symptoms of elevated anxiety (i.e. increased heart rate and various behaviors) were also reduced.
In a 2011 study, researchers brought together a group of individuals struggling with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Each participant was given an oral dose of 400mg of CBD or a placebo. The individuals that received the CBD showed a significant reduction in experienced anxiety levels.
While more research is needed, most have concluded that CBD holds the potential to be a therapeutic agent for anxiety alongside traditional forms of treatment, such as medication and therapy.
How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety
Using CBD oil is simple. Each bottle typically comes with a dropper that, when full, contains one dose of CBD. In order to get the best effects, the suggested intake method is by placing the contents of a full dropper under your tongue and letting the CBD sit there for 15 to 45 seconds before swallowing.
Some daily users who take CBD for anxiety find it best to take their tincture in the morning. Many even found it goes great with their morning cup of coffee. If you are new to CBD, be aware that taking too much CBD can cause an onset of fatigue. With that in mind, you’ll want to start with an amount smaller than the suggested serving size at first and then work your way up to a higher dose.
Some may consider taking CBD whenever they experience an anxiety attack and CBD oil could help in these situations. However, it’s important to remember that the effects of CBD oil aren’t immediate. The way CBD metabolizes through oral consumption causes it to take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes before its effects can be felt.
For that reason, many people prefer using CBD vape pens for their anxiety. When inhaled, CBD is able to enter the bloodstream much quicker and, therefore, provides almost immediate effects.
However, we know that vaping CBD isn’t for everyone. CBD oil is a great option as long as you’re comfortable with the amount of time it takes for the effects to kick in. Ultimately, if you plan on taking CBD oil for anxiety, we would suggest taking it once at the start of each day. But if you struggle with sleep due to anxiety, you’ll likely benefit more from taking the best CBD for sleep at night.
CBD Oil Dose for Anxiety
There are a few factors to consider when deciding how much CBD oil you should take for anxiety. First, you should get a sense of how serious your condition and symptoms are. Some people may experience mild anxiety and only need a small amount of CBD. Whereas others may experience more severe anxiety and need more CBD.
You can find out how much CBD is in the tincture you purchased through the milligram (mg) number on the bottle’s label. An average bottle contains anywhere from 250mg to 750mg. Higher strengths are usually 1,000mg and up. The higher the milligram-count, the more CBD you will be getting with each dose.
Your CBD oil will also give you a “suggested use” on the label. If you’re new to CBD, we recommend that your first few doses are based on the manufacturer’s suggestion. This will give you an idea of how CBD makes you feel and how much you really need to successfully manage the anxiety symptoms that you’re experiencing.
However, you may find that the suggested serving isn’t working for you. If that’s the case, that’s okay! CBD affects us all differently and experimentation is the only way for you to truly figure out what’s the right dosage for you.
Furthermore, your body weight plays a role in how much CBD you should take. Generally, the more you weigh, the more CBD you need to feel the effects. For an average dose, it’s recommended you take 3mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight (or 1mg for every kilogram).
Below is a chart based on these figures, bodyweight and corresponding recommended dose. However, keep in mind that these are just guidelines and you may find that you need more or less CBD for your particular use case.
Body Weight
Average CBD Dose
100 lbs
30mg
125 lbs
38mg
150 lbs
45mg
175 lbs
52mg
200 lbs
60mg
225 lbs
67mg
250 lbs
75mg
Finally, it’s also worth mentioning that your body can develop a tolerance for CBD. So, if you’ve been taking it frequently for a period of time, you may find the effects aren’t as prominent as they were when you first started taking CBD. In this case, we suggest gradually increasing your dose until you achieve the desired effects again.
CBD Oil for Kids with Anxiety
If you have a child who struggles with anxiety, it’s safe to give them CBD. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that they won’t need nearly as much CBD as an adult would.
Due to this, we suggest you follow the guidelines above when determining the starting dose for your child ( 3mg for every 10 pounds of body weight). Furthermore, you should always consult a doctor before giving your child CBD.
Our Criteria for Best CBD Oil for Anxiety
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t currently regulate the CBD industry. With that said, it’s important to recognize that not all companies provide high-quality and safe products. in order to develop our list of the best CBD oils for anxiety, we kept the following in mind:
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) – In order to reassure customers of the safety and quality of a product, many companies test their CBD products at third-party labs. These lab tests will reveal several aspects about the CBD, including its cannabinoid/terpene count and whether it contains any contaminants, such as heavy metals or pesticides.
Hemp Source – Since all CBD comes from the hemp plant, it’s important to pick brands where the plants were grown organically.
Ingredients – CBD oils are usually only made with three ingredients: carrier oil, hemp extract, and flavoring. We suggest you look at the ingredients before purchasing to make sure they meet your dietary needs.
Extract Type – CBD comes in three unique extract types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. In order to develop a versatile list, we made sure to incorporate a variety of CBD oils from all three extract types.
Potency – We also made sure to present you with a wide range of potencies to choose from. CBD potency is measured out in milligrams (mg) and should be labeled on your CBD oil. The higher the milligram count, the more potent that product is.
Safety and Side Effects of CBD Oil
While most people do not experience any side effects from taking CBD, some have reported the following mild effects:
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Reduced appetite
If you are currently taking any prescription medication, we strongly advise you to consult your doctor before taking CBD oil. While uncommon, some medications have been known to negatively interact with CBD.
Furthermore, if you are pregnant or lactating, it’s highly recommended that you avoid CBD altogether. At the moment, there aren’t enough conclusive studies that confirm whether CBD is safe or unsafe for women and their children during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Paul James is a seasoned cannabis and CBD writer and expert. He is a mental health blogger who advocates CBD as a natural alternative to prescription medications. You can read more about this and other natural alternatives on his blog: https://bedlamite.co/."
Frequently Asked Questions
While we can’t make any medical claims as of this time, many have self-reported that CBD helps ease the body, calm the mind, and reduce overall effects of anxiety.
The amount of CBD you take for anxiety depends on several factors, including your body weight, how severe your anxiety is, the potency of the CBD oil, and whether or not you’ve developed a tolerance to CBD. In order to get a clearer idea of how much CBD oil you should take for anxiety, see our recommendations above.
The effects of CBD oil are usually felt within 10 to 30 minutes after consumption. For some people, it may take a little longer. Once effects become present, most people report a subsequent decrease in symptoms of anxiety.