PAID POST BY ORIGINATED MEDIA
If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults.
While many treatment options are available, CBD oil has become popular for managing anxiety. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the hemp plant that has been shown to have a variety of potential health benefits, from stress reduction to fighting pain.
In this article, we’ll showcase the top 5 CBD oil for anxiety and give you the lowdown on why they’re worth trying. From full spectrum; to broad spectrum; and even flavored options, we’ve got you covered with the best CBD oil tinctures for managing anxiety.
Top 5 CBD Oil for Anxiety
- Best Overall: CBDfx CBD + CBN Calming Tincture
- Best for Daytime Use: CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
- Broad Spectrum Option: Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
- High-Potency Option: Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops
- Best for Evening Use: Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil
While most CBD oils play a role in regulating various functions like sleep, mood and stress, some CBD products are better suited for anxiety relief than others.
We looked at quality, potency and type of CBD to make our recommendations. We also looked for CBD products and companies that went above and beyond in sourcing their ingredients and testing for purity and got raving customer reviews — because you only deserve the best.
1. Best Overall: CBDfx CBD + CBN Calming Tincture
CBDfx CBD + CBN Calming Tincture offers a unique blend of full spectrum CBD and CBN, making it the perfect CBD oil for anxiety. The two cannabinoids work synergistically with one another, enhancing their calming effects. When using this oil, customers report profound relief from anxiety disorders, stress and worry. Since this is a full spectrum formula, it also contains plenty of hemp terpenes and other cannabinoids in trace amounts that help you feel calm and collected.
CBDfx CBD + CBN Calming Tincture receives rave reviews from customers who struggle with anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD and insomnia. Many reviewers find it helps them stay focused when they’re busy. Others use it to help them unwind after a busy workday. Customers report that the oil has a strong taste but takes effect within minutes when placed under the tongue.
CBDfx adheres to the highest standards when crafting their products. As a member of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and several other professional organizations, CBDfx is dedicated to the growth of the hemp industry in the U.S.A.
Pros:
- Full spectrum formula
- Four strengths from 1000 mg up to 6000 mg
- Contains CBN for additional anxiety relief
- Medically reviewed and lab-tested
- Organic and gluten-free
Specs:
CBDfx Calming Tincture comes in four strengths: 1000 mg, 2000 mg, 4000 mg and 6000 mg. Each bottle contains 30 mL of CBD oil. CBDfx Calming Tincture is organic, vegan and gluten-free. The company stands behind their product with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. Best for Daytime Use: CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
If you’re looking for CBD products to manage daytime anxiety, we highly recommend CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture. This full-spectrum CBD oil contains 17 mg CBD per mL, which is just enough to take the edge off your stress without causing too much sleepiness. The convenient dropper bottle is easy to toss in your purse or work bag.
Customers report feeling more relaxed within minutes of using this CBD oil. Most report the flavor as being earthy and tolerable. While some do use this oil at night, those who use it in the daytime say it makes them feel relaxed but not groggy. CBDistillery’s CBD Oil Tincture is popular with veterans and others who struggle with PTSD and anxiety disorders.
CBDistillery is a true pioneer in the CBD industry, employing expert botanists and doctors to formulate the highest-quality products. They extract CBD from U.S. Hemp Authority-certified hemp and their CBD products are lab-tested for strength. This full spectrum formula provides plenty of terpenes and accessory cannabinoids, enhancing CBD’s relaxing effects.
Pros:
- Convenient, portable bottle
- Made from U.S. Hemp Authority-certified hemp
- Formulated with MCT oil for faster absorption
- Non-GMO
- Third-party lab tested for purity and potency
Specs:
Each 30 mL bottle of Full Spectrum Oil Tincture contains 500 mg CBD. This oil is non-GMO and has a simple formula: fractionated coconut oil (MCT oil) and full-spectrum CBD oil.
Learn more at TheCBDistillery.com
3. Broad Spectrum Option: Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad-spectrum products are ideal for those who want to avoid the trace amounts of THC sometimes found in full-spectrum CBD products. Our top pick in this category is Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil. This pharmacist-formulated product provides an array of relaxing, stress-relieving cannabinoids. The appealing flavors make it enjoyable to use even when anxious or worried.
Green Roads is a community-oriented company with a mission to help people improve their health through the power of plants. The company was founded by a compounding pharmacist who takes pride in formulating CBD oils that are as effective and well-absorbed as possible.
Reviewers report that Green Roads CBD Oil helps them feel relaxed and at ease at any time of day. Some take it before bed and find it helps them drift off to sleep without bad dreams or morning grogginess. Others take it before anxiety-inducing daytime activities such as meetings or tests. Customers enjoy the Apple Kiwi Bliss flavor and find the Mint Breeze flavor refreshing.
Pros:
- Broad spectrum formula
- Created by pharmacists
- Tested in an independent lab
- Three excellent flavor options
Specs:
Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil comes in two strengths: 750 mg and 1500 mg. Both products come in a 30 mL bottle. It’s available in three flavors: Kiwi Apple Bliss, Mint Breeze, and Original. The formula is gluten-free and vegan.
4. High-Potency Option: Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops
Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops are a great choice for anxiety sufferers seeking a high-potency CBD product. With its 1500 mg of CBD per 30 mL bottle, you’ll get the maximum calming effect of full-spectrum CBD with the added benefits of other hemp-derived cannabinoids for even greater relaxation. It’s formulated with relaxing ingredients like shilajit mushroom and black seed oil that work with CBD to help ease your worries and quiet your mind.
Secret Nature is an artisan CBD company that crafts only 100% organic, non-GMO products. Their Hemp Flower Drops are incredibly high in beneficial terpenes, which enhance the effects of CBD. They recommend taking this oil beneath your tongue and holding it there for 30 seconds for fast relief from stress, pain, or whatever else is ailing you.
Customers find this CBD oil effective in managing many different ailments. Some reviewers take it before bed and notice it prevents them from waking up throughout the night. Others take a dose every morning and find it helps them move through the day with fewer worries. The formula is potent enough that most customers only need to take a few drops. Reviewers enjoy the subtle mint flavor and report that it balances the terpene flavor rather than hiding it.
Pros:
- High-potency full-spectrum CBD formula
- Formulated with beneficial herbs
- 100% organic, non-GMO, and vegan
- High in terpenes
- Comes in a UV-proof dropper bottle
Specs:
Secret Nature Hemp Flower Drops contain 1500 mg CBD in a 30 mL bottle. Other active ingredients include shilajit mushroom and black seed oil. This vegan, non-GMO product comes in a UV-resistant dropper bottle and has a subtle mint flavor.
Learn more at SecretNatureCBD.com
5. Best for Evening Use: Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil is our top pick for evening anxiety relief. This full-spectrum oil is formulated with organic chamomile and ashwagandha extracts, which help relax the mind and body before bedtime. This CBD oil contains a potent 50 mg of CBD per mL, which makes it a good choice for heavy CBD users. It has a light lemon flavor that customers enjoy and is free from toxins, phthalates, parabens, and sulfates.
Most customers take Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum Oil in the evening to ease the stress of the day and enjoy better sleep. It helps prevent bad dreams and rumination. Many new users report only needing ¼ or ½ dropper for relief. Heavier CBD users and those with more serious anxiety symptoms may need one to two droppers per day.
Aspen Green is a Colorado-based CBD company that grows all of their hemp in the Colorado Rockies. They run a cGMP-certified facility and rely on third-party testing to verify the potency and purity of their oils. Along with CBD, Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil contains chamomille, ashwagandha, holy basil, lemon balm, and other botanicals, supporting an overall sense of well-being.
Pros:
- Potent 50 mg/mL formula
- Contains relaxing herbs
- Certified USDA Organic and non-GMO
- Pleasant lemon flavor
- Physician-formulated
Specs:
Aspen Green Calm Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil comes in lemon flavor and contains 1500 mg CBD per 30 mL bottle. It’s cruelty-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Other active ingredients include organic ashwagandha extract, organic chamomile extract, and organic tulsi extract.
How We Made This List
The CBD industry is ever-expanding, and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of quality CBD products out there. So how did we go about selecting just the five best CBD oils for anxiety? It all boiled down to a two-part process.
First, we had a checklist that we went down while considering each product. To pass this part of our process and move on to the next round, the CBD oil had to meet the following standards.
Lab Tested
Lab testing confirms that the CBD oil contains as much CBD as the label states. We only chose oils for which we could review the lab testing results ourselves.
Made With USA-Grown Hemp
CBD is only as good as the hemp it came from. We only considered products made with USA-grown hemp as this made it easier to ensure the hemp was grown in adherence to high safety and quality standards.
Reputable Company
As we learned more about each oil, we also learned about the companies behind these oils. We aimed to feature oils from companies with great reputations. Many of the companies on this list are involved in organizations to further hemp research and CBD use in the United States. Some have earned cGMP and FDA certifications, which further assured us of their reputability.
Full or Broad-Spectrum Formula
When using CBD to manage anxiety disorders, it is beneficial to use a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum product. The additional cannabinoids and terpenes in these products work in conjunction with CBD to better relieve stress, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms of anxiety. As such, we only considered full and broad-spectrum products for our list.
Once we checked off the qualities above, we moved onto the next stage of our process: testing. Basically, we and our team tried these CBD oils to see which ones relieved our anxiety most effectively. We tried them in the morning and at night. As we sampled, we not only paid attention to the effectiveness of the CBD, but also the flavor, the packaging, and how quickly the oil took effect.
Finally, we read reviews. We spent so much time reading reviews! Not only did we check the companies’ own websites, but we also sought-out reviews on third-party sites to ensure we were getting the full spectrum of customers’ opinions.
We aimed to feature CBD products that reviewers loved as much as we did. As our goal was to find great CBD oil for anxiety, we paid the most attention to reviews from customers who reported struggling with stress and anxious thoughts. However, we did also read reviews from customers struggling with poor sleep, depression, and other related ailments.
After checking off our criteria, sampling products, and reading reviews, we were able to confidently select the five CBD oils you see featured above. We hope you love them as much as we did.
What to Look for When Buying CBD Oil for Anxiety
If your primary reason for taking CBD is to help manage anxiety or stress, there are six key factors to consider when choosing a CBD oil.
Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum Formula
CBD isolate has its place, but when treating anxiety, you’re best off with a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum oil. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils contain the natural terpenes from hemp. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are increasingly being found to have health benefits. A few specific terpenes are really effective at managing anxiety symptoms.
- Linalool: This terpene has a floral scent and can help ease aggression while soothing your mind and body.
- Alpha-Pinene: Also found in pine trees, this terpene interacts with your brain chemistry to help you retain memories and improve cognitive function in stressful situations.
- Beta-Caryophyllene: With a scent reminiscent of black pepper, this terpene relieves anxiety and may also help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
Full-spectrum CBD oils also contain small amounts of other cannabinoids, sometimes including THC. As long as they contain less than 0.3% THC, this is legal in the U.S. The tiny amounts THC can actually help enhance the stress-relieving effects of the CBD.
If you would rather avoid tiny amounts of THC, you can instead look for a broad-spectrum CBD oil. Broad-spectrum oils contain the terpenes and other cannabinoids from hemp, but not the THC.
Lab Testing
Make sure any CBD oil you use for anxiety disorders has been tested in a third-party lab. There are two types of testing that CBD companies have done. The first test verifies the potency. In other words, it demonstrates that the bottle you buy does, in fact, contain as much CBD as the company claims.
The second type of lab testing verifies purity. It shows that the CBD oil is free from contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, phthalates, and sulfates. If you’re going to be using CBD oil for anxiety daily, you really want to see lab test results to ensure it is free from these potentially harmful substances.
Reasonable Potency
CBD oil for anxiety comes in many different potencies. Some may contain only 250 mg of CBD per bottle, while others contain as much as 3000 mg.
Which potency is best? That really depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you are new to CBD or know that you only need a small dose, you probably want a less-potent product. On the other hand, if you’re taking CBD for severe anxiety symptoms, or if you know you need a high dose, a more potent formula is ideal.
Quality Assurance Characteristics
Check to see what the CBD company does to ensure the quality of their product. Do they make their CBD oil in an FDA-inspected facility? Maybe they adhere to cGMP manufacturing standards, or perhaps they hold a USDA Organic certification. A CBD company does not have to check all of these boxes, but they should be making a reasonable effort to ensure the quality of their CBD oils.
Flavor
Some CBD oils contain no added flavors and taste like natural hemp. Others are lightly flavored with essential oils and other natural flavorings. Still others have a stronger, more candy-like flavor.
Again, this really comes down to personal preference. If you’re really sensitive to strong flavors and find the taste of hemp off-putting, you’ll be better off with a flavored oil. On the other hand, some people enjoy the taste of hemp and would rather use a limited-ingredient CBD oil with no added flavors.
Bottle Design
Some CBD oils come in plastic bottles with dropper tops. Others come in glass bottles and perhaps with a small syringe for dosing. If you plan on taking your CBD oil with you to work or school, a plastic dropper bottle is likely the better option. But if you plan on taking your CBD when you’re at home in the evening, a glass bottle probably isn’t an issue.
If you’re new to using CBD for anxiety relief, don’t hesitate to try a few products and see what you think. Everyone reacts to CBD a bit differently, and a product that a friend loves may not be the best one for your needs.
How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety
There are two key ways to use CBD oil for anxiety: sublingual and oral.
Oral Dosing
If you decide to take CBD orally, all you need to do is dispense the oil on your tongue and swallow it. You could also add the CBD oil to a favorite food or beverage, such as your morning smoothie or your evening mug of chamomile tea.
When taken orally, CBD does take a while to take effect. The CBD first has to pass through the walls of your stomach and intestines and into your bloodstream. You can expect to feel more relaxed within 30 – 90 minutes. The effects will start off subtle and build over time.
Sublingual Dosing
To get faster effects from CBD, try taking it sublingually. Place the oil under your tongue, and put your tongue down on top of it. Hold the oil there for at least a minute. You have blood vessels close to the surface under your tongue, and some of the CBD will be absorbed into them. You’ll start noticing the anxiety-relieving effects of CBD within minutes.
After a minute, you can swallow any remaining CBD oil. It will be absorbed through your digestive tract, giving you longer-lasting relief from stress and anxiety disorders.
How Much CBD Should You Take For Anxiety?
Everyone reacts to CBD a bit differently. Some people need a larger dose than others. Some people need to take CBD oil for anxiety more often than others. Here is some general advice to help you find your perfect dosage and dosing frequency.
CBD Dosage
Most CBD oils come with a recommended dosage on the bottle. This is a good place to start when determining your dose. After you take the recommended dose once or twice, you’ll know whether you want to adjust up or down.
Most people find that they need between 25 and 75 mg of CBD per day to manage generalized anxiety or sleep-related ailments. If you struggle with PTSD, you may need to take a bit more than this.
Try starting out with just 10 or 20 mg of CBD. Wait about two hours, and see how you feel. If you get enough relief, then you’ve already found your dose. If you’re not quite as relaxed as you’d like, try taking a slightly larger dose the next time. Again, assess how your body and mind respond. If needed, you can increase the dose again.
Don’t worry too much about taking too much CBD. If you take a bit more than needed, you may feel a bit groggy and sluggish, but you won’t have serious side effects. Just take a smaller dose next time around.
You may also find that you need to take more CBD in the evening than in the morning. For example, a 10 mg dose may take the edge off your morning stress, but you might need 40 mg to drift off to sleep pleasantly at night.
Dosing Frequency
How often should you take CBD for anxiety? Again, that depends on your own symptoms, lifestyle, and reaction to CBD. If your anxiety only bothers you in the daytime, then you may only need to take CBD oil each morning. On the other hand, if you primarily feel anxious at night, you may only need to take CBD before bed.
Many people with generalized anxiety, PTSD, and other diagnosed anxiety-adjacent ailments benefit from taking CBD oil twice a day: in the early morning and in the evening. They may also carry their CBD oil with them so they can take an extra dose before a particularly anxiety-inducing event, such as a meeting or test.
How Quickly Does CBD Calm Anxiety?
If you want quick relief from anxiety, take CBD sublingually. When you hold it under your tongue, you’ll start feeling the effects within 15 to 45 minutes. The effects will grow stronger once some of the CBD that you swallowed is absorbed through your digestive tract.
If you take CBD orally and swallow it right away, it may take an hour or longer to take effect. You can increase the rate of absorption by taking your CBD with a snack – preferably one that contains some fat.
The effects of CBD do tend to build over time. In other words, if you take CBD oil for anxiety every day, you should find that your base level of anxiety is lower after a week of continued use. And after two or three weeks of continued use, you should feel far less anxious, even if it has been hours since you last used CBD.
If you feel like you’re about to have a panic attack, or if your anxiety is building quickly and you need prompt relief, taking CBD oil sublingually is a good choice. However, you may also want to look into CBD vape products for this in-the-moment treatment. When you vape CBD, it goes to work almost immediately. You should not, however, vaporize CBD oil that is intended for oral use. CBD vape oils are formulated differently and are safe to inhale.
Side Effects of CBD Oil for Anxiety
As long as you are using a pure product that has been lab-tested to confirm its potency, the risk of side effects from CBD is low. Most people tolerate CBD very well, even in larger doses.
On occasion, however, you may struggle with one or more of the following side effects.
Fatigue
CBD can make you feel tired and sleepy. After all, some people take it at night to help them fall asleep. If your CBD is making you feel too worn out during the day, there are a few things you can try:
- Take a smaller dose
- Switch to a broad-spectrum or CBD isolate product
- Make sure the CBD you’re taking does not contain CBN, a cannabinoid known for its sleep-inducing effects.
Also make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night. If anxiety is keeping you awake, then it might be a lack of sleep, not your CBD, that is causing your daytime drowsiness.
Diarrhea
Some people struggle with diarrhea or an upset stomach after taking CBD oil for anxiety. If you’re already feeling a bit queasy because you’re anxious, taking CBD oil may simply escalate things. To battle this side effect, try taking CBD with a snack. Sometimes, that is easier on your stomach.
It could also be the carrier oil that is irritating your stomach. Try switching to a CBD product that uses a different carrier oil. For example, if you’re currently using CBD made with hemp seed oil, switch to one made with fractionated coconut oil as a carrier. If you’re currently using one made with MCT oil, switch to one made with hemp seed oil.
Dry Mouth
CBD can sometimes make your mouth feel dry and cottony. Especially if you take CBD daily, this is not a side effect you want to ignore. Prolonged periods of dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease.
To keep your mouth moist, try taking a few sips of water after each dose of CBD oil. You can also chew sugar-free gum to increase your saliva production during the day. If these remedies don’t give you relief, talk to your dentist. They may be able to recommend a toothpaste or oral rinse that moistens your mouth.
FAQs:
Is CBD legal in the United States?
Yes, CBD is federally legal in the United States. In 2018, Congress passed the Farm Bill, which removed a lot of the previous restrictions on hemp growers. Since then, CBD has become more popular across the U.S.
There are some restrictions that CBD companies and hemp growers must adhere to in order to legally produce CBD products. Most notably, all hemp grown in the United States must contain less than 0.3% THC.
Can you use CBD isolate to treat anxiety disorders?
CBD isolate (or pure CBD) is a preparation that contains only CBD — and no other cannabinoids or terpenes. It can certainly be used to treat anxiety disorders as CBD itself has anxiety-relieving properties.
However, most people prefer to use full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD products for anxiety. These products contain other cannabinoids, such as CBN and CBG. These cannabinoids work synergistically with CBD via the entourage effect and grant the user more substantial relief from anxiety. Full spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products also contain terpenes, which are beneficial aromatic compounds from hemp.
If you can’t tolerate the flavor of full spectrum products or your body does not react well to other cannabinoids, then taking pure CBD isolate can be a good alternative.
Does CBD help with depression?
Some people struggle with a combination of depression and anxiety and are looking for a remedy that can help with both ailments. CBD can provide this relief in many cases.
CBD can help raise the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for positive feelings and good moods. Elevating your levels of serotonin by taking CBD may therefore help treat your depression.
If you are currently taking other medications for depression, do not stop taking them without first consulting with your doctor. If you do want to transition away from depression medications and use CBD instead, your doctor can guide you through this process in a safe way.
Does CBD help with PTSD?
Yes, many patients with PTSD find that CBD helps ease their symptoms. Research suggests that it works best in combination with therapeutic approaches such as memory extinction procedures or cognitive behavioral therapy.
Patients with PTSD often benefit from taking CBD before bedtime. It can help relax the mind, allowing for more restful sleep and fewer nightmares.
Can you overdose on CBD oil for anxiety?
There are no known cases of people dying from a CBD overdose. However, it is possible to take too much and suffer negative side effects as a result. The most common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue.
It would be difficult to accidentally take so much CBD that you become very ill. Research has shown that people can safely tolerate up to 1,500 mg of CBD per day, and many bottles of CBD oil for anxiety don’t even contain that much. If you simply take an extra drop or an extra syringe of CBD, you’ll probably just feel more tired and sluggish than usual.
Conclusion
If you struggle with stress, generalized anxiety, social anxiety disorder or even PTSD, consider taking CBD oil for anxiety relief.
CBD is legal, safe and effective in managing anxiety symptoms, and the products featured above are the best on the market. Some formulas are better suited for evening use, and others are perfect for daytime use.
It may take you a few tries to find your perfect dose, but once you do, you’ll have a dependable source of relaxation and stress reduction.
This article has been supplied by Originated Media, a paid advertiser. The editorial staff of Chicago magazine had no role in this post’s preparation.