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Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of several cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is a non-psychoactive compound that may help treat anxiety and various other conditions.
- Best for generalized anxiety: CBDistillery Relief + Relax Full-Spectrum CBD Oil, 500 mg | Skip to review
- Best for stress: Soul CBD Gummies | Skip to review
- Best for daily use: Joy Organics Premium CBD Softgels | Skip to review
- Best for sleep: Joy Organics Organic CBD Massage Oil | Skip to review
- Best long lasting: Social CBD Extended Release CBD Gel Capsules | Skip to review
Anxiety disorders are the most prominent mental health conditions in the United States, affecting 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.
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 one of the most researched cannabinoids from the Cannabis sativa plant. The other well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Along with CBD and THC, the Cannabis sativa plant contains
Cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, bind to specific cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
THC produces the famous ‘high‘ feeling that people associate with cannabis. However, CBD does not produce this effect. Instead, it offers a variety of potential health benefits.
Learn about the similarities and differences between CBD and THC here.
The table below outlines some key terminology that may help people considering using CBD for anxiety:
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 have a scannable smartphone code directing people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
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.
Anxiety disorders are among the
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 here.
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. A smaller portion of the study population (0.8%) reported worsening symptoms.
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, 78.1–79.2% of participants reported improvements in anxiety symptoms. However, 15.3–19.5% 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 here.
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.
Researchers and healthcare professionals have yet to establish standardized dosing recommendations for CBD therapy.
In a 2019 study, researchers found 300–600 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.
Smoking or vaping CBD oil can provide immediate relaxation that may help people during especially stressful events, such as giving a speech.
CBD is relatively safe and well-tolerated by most people.
The authors of a
There are some side effects associated with CBD. These include:
- drowsiness
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- changes in weight
- dry mouth
Before taking CBD products, individuals should consult with their doctor.
CBD is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding people. There is also a risk with certain medications and supplements, such as blood thinners and liver medication. It’s important to check with a healthcare professional before taking any CBD.
People should note that the
As part of our editorial process, we regularly check the products in our articles to ensure we only recommend ones from companies with reputable practices. Part of this process is removing products that no longer meet our rigorous vetting standards and replacing them with alternatives we think our readers will love.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
- Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
The following are examples of CBD products that people may use to manage and treat anxiety symptoms.
All quotes are provided by our testers, who may have received products from the manufacturers for free.
The following table compares the products in this article on size, price, and more.
Price | Product size | CBD dosage | Key ingredients | Usage | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CBDistillery | $45 | 1 fl oz / 30 mL | 500 mg per bottle / 17 mg per dose | full-spectrum hemp and MCT oil | 1 drop under the tongue |
Soul | $65 | 30 gummies | 10–25 mg per gummy / 300–750 mg per bottle | CBD isolate, organic cane sugar, tapioca syrup | 1 gummy daily |
Joy Organics | $39.95–$69.95 | 30 softgels | 10–25 mg per softgel / 300–750 mg per bottle | broad-spectrum hemp extract and bovine-derived gelatine | 1 softgel daily |
Joy Organics Massage | $49.95 | 4 fl oz / 118 mL | 500 mg per bottle | organic full spectrum hemp and MCT oil | as desired |
Social CBD | $79.99 | 30 capsules | 50 mg per softgel / 1,500 mg per bottle | CBD hemp extract, MCT oil | 1 capsule daily |
There are several important considerations when shopping for CBD, such as:
- 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.
Here, we answer some common questions about CBD.
Does CBD really work for anxiety?
Yes, there is evidence that CBD can help relieve anxiety symptoms.
What are the side effects of CBD oil?
Some side effects of CBD
- drowsiness
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- changes in mood
CBD can also interact with other medications, sometimes in ways that can lead to adverse health effects. It is important to always talk with a healthcare professional before using CBD to make sure it will not cause any negative effects when taking it alongside medication.
What are three coping resources for anxiety?
According to the
- downloading an app that provides relaxation exercises
- reaching out to friends, family, and support groups
- keeping a journal
Does CBD calm the nervous system?
Yes, according to research published in 2020, there is evidence that CBD affects the nervous system, resulting in a decrease in anxiety symptoms. However, people should not use CBD instead of anxiety medication unless a healthcare professional recommends doing so.
An ever-growing body of research suggests that CBD may help relieve anxiety, the most common mental health disorder.
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.
Various products are available for people who want to use CBD to treat anxiety, including tinctures, gummies, lotions, and patches.
People who currently use prescription medication or supplements may want to consult a doctor before using CBD.