The Fast Facts
- Research suggests CBD may help manage everyday stress by enhancing the endocannabinoid system’s efforts in treating stress safely and effectively.
- CBD shows promise for reducing stress, though more research is needed overall.
- We rate Cornbread Hemp Peach CBD Gummies as the best for beginners because they are affordable and available in a range of strengths.
While there is limited research on the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on stress, anecdotal evidence suggests it may work for some people.
However, not all products are the same. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD in the same way it does supplements, it is important to read labels carefully to choose the best product. The FDA does not approve CBD products for stress or as supplements.
Keep reading for options our team has tested and vetted, along with personal feedback from our testers.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
The table below compares the CBD products in this article by price, dose, and more.
| CBD | Form | CBD type | CBD dose | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornbread Hemp Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies | gummies | full-spectrum | 25, 50, or 100 mg per gummy | $49.99 to $99.99 |
| Sunmed Broad Spectrum CBD-Infused Massage Oil | oil | broad-spectrum | 300 mg per 4 oz. bottle | $30 |
| cbdMD Broad Spectrum Softgel Capsules | capsules | broad spectrum | 50-, 100-, and 200 mg per serving | $64.99 to $114.99 |
| Lazarus Naturals Relax + Unwind Full-Spectrum Balm Stick | balm | full-spectrum | 800 or 3,600 mg per container | $11.99 |
| CBDfx Full-Spectrum Ultimate Chill Blend | oil | full-spectrum | 1,500, 3,000, or 6,000 mg per bottle | $84.99 to $199.99 |
We selected these CBD products for stress 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
We also included first-hand accounts from some of our testers who found these products worked well for stress.
CBD may help with stress by enhancing the endocannabinoid system, which sends signals to the brain to help manage and reduce stress.
According to 2023 research, CBD products have the potential to reduce stress-related behaviors. However, the researchers say that only limited data is available and that further research into CBD products for stress is necessary.
This is backed up by another 2023 study that showed participants reported lower stress levels after taking 1,000 mg broad-spectrum or isolate CBD oil for up to 60 days. The authors note that broad-spectrum was more effective according to the study participants, but more controlled studies are needed.
Plus, authors of a 2024 study noted that CBD with lower THC levels may be
However, there is still limited research into how CBD helps with stress, and more studies are necessary on this topic.
Medical Perspective“People respond differently to CBD for stress because everyone’s body processes it differently. Factors like genetics, metabolism, dosage, and overall mental health can affect how strongly CBD works or whether it works at all.”
— Alex Nguyen, PharmD, RPh, CPh
Read all about the CBD basics, including possible side effects.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
The
However, no other CBD products have these guidelines because they are not FDA-approved. The best dosage will depend on the product and how a person uses it. CBD oils, capsules, gummies, and topical products will have different dosage instructions.
People need to speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD to discuss the best dosage for their needs. CBD may not be safe for everyone to use.
Those interested in CBD should start with the lowest possible dose and increase until they achieve the desired effect. However, they should not exceed the recommended dose for their chosen product.
Keep reading
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
There is some evidence that CBD can benefit stress and anxiety. However, research is ongoing, and there are no set guidelines on how much to take or the long-term effects of taking CBD for stress and anxiety. A person needs to consult a healthcare professional before taking CBD for this purpose.
There is limited research into the best type of CBD for stress. People looking for more potent effects may wish to try full- or broad-spectrum CBD. Research from 2023 suggests that broad-spectrum CBD may be more effective than CBD isolate for stress. However, starting with a low dose and building up is best.
How quickly a person will feel the effects of their CBD product will depend on the type of product they use, how they administer it, and the dose.
More research is needed before we can confirm the effects of CBD on the nervous system. However, a 2019 case study found some evidence that CBD may help calm the nervous system. This may be due to how CB1, a cannabinoid receptor in the endocannabinoid system, interacts with CBD.
There is no definitive answer as to how long it takes for CBD to work for anxiety. Many brands claim their products work within 30 minutes. Medical News Today CBD testers often report that products work within an hour.
Although scientific research into the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on stress is limited, recent studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it can be beneficial.
People can choose from CBD gummies, oils, capsules, and topical products.
Anyone considering CBD for stress needs to speak with a healthcare professional before using it.
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.