The Fast Facts
- More research is needed about how CBD oil benefits anxiety. It’s not always effective, but anecdotal evidence shows it can be helpful.
- CBDistillery Ahhh Distilled Full Spectrum CBD Oil is our top choice, as users report that it helps with stress relief.
- Lazarus Naturals is a reliable option for swift relaxation and relief, according to one of our testers.
- Best CBD oil for anxiety: CBDistillery Ahhh Distilled Full Spectrum CBD Oil, 500 mg | Skip to review
Medical News Today has tested some of the CBD oils below. Reviewers may have received some oils from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
The following table compares the CBD oils in this article for CBD strength, price, and more.
| Product | CBD type and strength | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CBDistillery | full-spectrum: 500 mg (17 mg per serving) | $35 |
| Joy Organics | broad-spectrum: 450 to 2,250 mg (30 to 75 mg per serving) | $59.95 to $99.95 |
| Lazarus Naturals | full spectrum: 1,500 to 6,000 mg (50 mg per serving) | $39.99 to $119.99 |
| Medterra | CBD isolate: 500 to 3,000 mg (16 mg to 100 mg per serving) | $39.99 to $132.99 |
| Bluebird Botanicals | Full spectrum: 1,200 mg (10 mg per serving) | $69.95 |
We selected these CBD oils for anxiety 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
There are several things a person needs to 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 a certificate of analysis (COA). People can compare this with the product information.
- Strength: Those newer to CBD may need to start at a lower dose than those familiar. They can gradually increase their dose over time to get their desired effect. However, they should not exceed the recommended dosage on the product packaging.
- 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 need to use isolate products. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum can both contain THC and will also have different effects. Full-spectrum can produce an entourage effect, which is when all the phytocannabinoids and terpenes work together.
- Cost: CBD oils can be expensive. A person needs to consider how effective their chosen product will be for anxiety and consider other, well-researched treatments if they are not sure.
Research is ongoing into CBD’s potential to treat anxiety and depression, along with a host of other conditions.
A 2020 review found that CBD shows promise as an alternative therapy for anxiety, particularly in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The review noted that participants tolerated CBD well, with minimal side effects such as fatigue or sedation, though more studies with standardized dosing are needed.
More recently, a 2024 systematic review noted that many studies showed that CBD caused a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms across several anxiety disorders. However, the authors still note that larger-scale studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Learn more about CBD and anxiety.
The most suitable CBD dose will differ among individuals according to the severity of their symptoms, their physiology, and their tolerance for CBD. CBD manufacturers often recommend starting with the minimum dose and increasing it gradually if necessary. However, people should not exceed the dose that the company has stated on the product packaging.
Conclusions in research vary concerning the best CBD dose to ease anxiety.
A 2022 systematic review examined the safety and efficacy of CBD doses of 400 mg per day or less in adults. The review found that benefits for anxiety became more clearly evident at doses of 300 to 400 mg per day, while lower doses produced more variable outcomes.
These findings are supported by a
At lower doses, some observational studies offer further insight. A 2023 analysis of patients with anxiety disorders, including PTSD, reported improvements in anxiety and quality of life at approximately 50 mg per day of CBD, although many formulations often included THC, making it difficult to isolate CBD’s effects.
Similarly, a 2023 study of long-term CBD users found that most participants consumed 40 to 60 mg per day and reported improvements in anxiety and general health. However, these findings relied on self-report and did not include a placebo comparison.
All in all, these doses may not be suitable for everyone, and a person should discuss CBD dosing with a healthcare professional knowledgeable about CBD before trying it.
Research reports that CBD has a calming effect on the nervous system, but which type is best for one person may not suit another. Additionally, there is currently no research directly comparing each type of CBD for anxiety.
Generally, experts believe that people can tolerate CBD oil well. However, CBD products may still cause side effects,
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
- unintentional weight loss or weight gain
- mood changes
- liver damage
A person should always talk with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before taking any new supplement, including CBD. This is especially true if somebody is taking medication, as CBD products may interact with some medications.
According to the
Individuals taking CBD may wish to avoid taking CBD along with high fat meals. According to a 2025 study, high-fat meals significantly increase CBD absorption. This could, theoretically, increase the likelihood of dose-related side effects.
CBD dosages can affect people in different ways, and a person should consider starting with a lower dosage. They can then increase it until they find the level that is most effective for them.
CBD Oils, gummies, and capsules start working within 2 hours. Taking CBD daily or a couple of hours before an event that might make a person anxious, such as public speaking, may be the best way to use these types of CBD.
Most doctors do not routinely recommend CBD oil for anxiety as it is not FDA-approved for this use, and research is limited. Instead, they may suggest FDA-approved and well-researched medications and treatments. If you are considering CBD oil for anxiety, it’s best to consult your doctor first.
How quickly CBD works will depend on the dosage, a person’s physiology, how often they take CBD, what they have eaten, and more. Whether it works for anxiety will also depend on these factors, including the severity of a person’s anxiety and any medication they take for the condition.
Broadly, though, CBD ingestible oil absorbs straight into the bloodstream when dropped under the tongue (sublingually). Since it bypasses the digestive tract, it is not limited by slower metabolisms some might have.
The Arthritis Foundation claims that individuals can feel the effects of oral CBD in 15 to 45 minutes. However, this does not refer to anxiety specifically.
People who are new to CBD need to start with a low dose and work up to get their desired effect. The level of CBD that will be effective for reducing anxiety will differ between individuals.
There is no research to suggest that one form of CBD is better than another for anxiety.
CBD sublingual oil bypasses the stomach and intestines and thus one’s metabolism, going straight into the bloodstream from under the tongue. All to say, it takes effect faster than gummies, for what it’s worth.
Still, it is easier to measure the CBD dose with CBD gummies, but oil offers more flexibility, allowing users to tailor their dose to the amount of anxiety relief they want.
CBD oil may help reduce anxiety, but effects vary between individuals.
One 2024 meta-analysis found that CBD significantly reduced symptoms in anxiety disorders like GAD, SAD, and PTSD, though sample sizes were small.
While cannabidiol (CBD) brands claim that CBD oils can help people manage stress, sleep better, and reduce anxiety, much more research is necessary to confirm the benefits and safety of CBD for anxiety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also does not regulate CBD and has not approved it for any mental health condition. Rules regarding CBD use differ in all 50 U.S. states.
Those considering using CBD oil for anxiety need to consider the side effects and any drug interactions it may cause. Speaking with a doctor before trying CBD products for mental health conditions is essential.
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.