Best CBD Oil for Anxiety

In the past several years, CBD has become a popular and natural way for people to help manage their anxiety. What is the best CBD oil for anxiety? And how does CBD help with anxiety? In this article we highlight our favorite brands of CBD for anxiety and provide important background information on how to use CBD oils to help manage anxiety and depression.

CBD stands for cannabidiol, and is one of the active ingredients found in cannabis. Though CBD is a critical component in medical marijuana, most commercially available CBD products are derived from the hemp plant. These products are said to offer a range of personal health benefits, and one of the most significant of those benefits is relief from anxiety.

Indeed, a Harvard report notes that CBD is commonly used as a way to manage anxiety symptoms, and that those who struggle with various mental health concerns may use CBD to help them combat sleeplessness.

But what does the science really say about using CBD oil for anxiety? And for those who wish to use CBD products to help with anxiety, which CBD brands do we recommend?

The Best CBD Oil for Anxiety

Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.

• CBDistillery - Best overall
• Medterra - Best THC-free
• NuLeaf Naturals - Best full spectrum
• Spruce - Strongest hemp oil
• Cornbread Hemp - Best organic
• cbdMD - Best product variety
• Naternal - Best value

How We Selected the Best CBD Oils for Anxiety

When creating our list of the best CBD oils for anxiety, we looked at six specific categories for each.

• Value — How is the product priced compared to competitors?
• Strength — How many milligrams of CBD does the oil contain per recommended dose?
• Source — Where does the company's hemp come from?
• Flavor — Do they offer multiple flavors, and how is the oil flavored?
• Transparency — Is the product tested by an independent third-party lab?
• Customer Experience — What are customers saying about their buying and shipping experience?

Learn more about each of the CBD oils on our list below.

1. CBDistillery Full Spectrum Tincture

CBDistillery 2500mg Full Spectrum Tincture

CBDistillery is renowned for their high-quality, pure CBD products, including full spectrum and 0 percent THC drops. All are vigorously lab-tested and confirmed by third parties to be safe and effective. There are a ton of options, both in terms of potency and price, but the main thing we love is that this product line is very no-nonsense: If you need CBD oil help for your anxiety issues, here's a brand that offers a variety clinically-tested, thoroughly-vetted product options.

Strength: 17mg - 83mg broad or full spectrum CBD per serving

Flavor: Natural

Hemp source: Colorado

Why buy: Great website selection and experience; strong full spectrum products plus THC-free broad spectrum options; U.S. Hemp Authority Certified; 60-day money back guarantee; third-party lab tested.

$60

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2. Medterra THC-free CBD Oil

Medterra

Medterra offers a wide range of CBD products, including topicals, pet products, and more. We like the THC-free oil, which is made with organically-grown, Co2-extracted hemp. Their oils only contain CBD and MCT oil (basically a saturated fatty acid), and they meet rigorous third-party testing standards. You can choose between 500mg, 1000mg, and 3000mg options.

Strength: 16mg, 33mg, or 100mg broad spectrum CBD per 1mL serving

Flavor: Neutral (unflavored)

Hemp source: Kentucky

Why buy: Kentucky-grown hemp; industry leader for many years; simple online checkout experience; organic, non-GMO; Co2 extraction; U.S. Hemp Authority Certified; third-party lab tested.

$56

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3. NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil

NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil

NuLeaf CBD oil is about as natural as a CBD tincture can get. It's made from organic hemp, it's additive- and pesticide-free, and it's carefully lab-tested by independent third-party labs. This Colorado-grown, full spectrum CBD offers anti-anxiety benefits in a natural, organic product.

Strength: 30mg full spectrum CBD per serving

Flavor: Natural

Hemp source: Colorado

Why buy: Strong full spectrum CBD products; organic; Co2 extraction; independent third-party lab tested; consistent concentrations of CBD across bottle sizes make dosing easier.

$79

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4. Spruce Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Spruce CBD Oil

Spruce CBD checks all the right boxes: it's all-natural; it's from USA-sourced hemp; it has low THC. And it's backed by rigorous third-party lab testing. You can get this lab-grade CBD oil tincture in a range of potencies, ranging from 750mg to 2,400mg per bottle, and there are also some fun flavors to choose from. (Our seasonal favorite: Pumpkin spice!) And if you find that Spruce CBD oil offers the desired health and wellness effects, you may also want to check into their other products, like CBD topical creams and lotions. Note that Spruce products may be too strong for entry-level customers.

Strength: 25mg full spectrum CBD per serving

Flavor: Peppermint

Hemp source: Kentucky and North Carolina

Why buy: Very strong products; full spectrum CBD; hemp sourced from farms in Kentucky and North Carolina; all-natural, organic, vegan, gluten-free, and no artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners; very in-depth customer reviews and testimonials on their website.

$89

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5. Cornbread Hemp Distilled CBD Oil

To make their Distilled CBD Oil, Cornbread Hemp extracts CBD only from the hemp flowers. This distillation allows the oil to maintain a full spectrum of cannabinoids, with a CBD-to-THC ratio of 27:1. Lower in THC than the Whole Flower oil offered by the brand, this product is better for finding comfort during the day.

Strength: 25mg or 50mg per 1mL serving

Flavor: Natural

Hemp source: Kentucky

Why buy: USDA-certified organic; whole flower extracts; organic MCT coconut oil; third-party, ISO certified lab tests on every batch

$60

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6. cbdMD Premium CBD Oil

cbdMD CBD Tinctures

cbdMD oils are made from USA-grown hemp and come in a variety of flavors and concentrations. These broad spectrum oils allow you to get a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other valuable plant material with no THC. For people who want to take CBD to help manage stress at work, cbdMD can provide relief without the risk of a failed drug test.

Strength: 10mg - 250mg broad spectrum CBD per serving

Flavors: Natural, Berry, Orange, Mint

Hemp source: USA

Why buy: Affordable products and a good variety; 60-day guarantee—allowing you to return any product you don't love; broad spectrum CBD with no THC; gluten-free, vegan; third-party tested by ISO-certified labs.

$69

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7. Naternal Full Spectrum

Naternal is made from hemp grown in the USA. And, importantly, these products are very affordable. You can get this lab-grade tincture in 20mg , 40mg, or 80mg per serving. All concentrations have the same light natural flavor in a nearly-clear oil. Once you find the right dose of Naternal, the strong effects can put you to sleep easily or allow you to kick back and relax with a strong body relaxation. It's a great product at a hard-to-beat price.

Strength: 20mg, 40mg, or 80mg full or broad spectrum CBD per 1mL serving

Flavor: Natural

Hemp source: North Carolina

Why buy: Simple dosing instruction on every package; both full and broad spectrum CBD options available; ethanol extraction; very affordable pricing; third-party lab test results available online.

$40

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What Science Says About CBD for Anxiety

First, let's consider what clinical researchers have found about the use of CBD as a possible treatment for anxiety disorders.

Studies have shown that, while CBD doesn't necessarily alter a person's baseline anxiety level, it can be useful for reducing experiential anxiety. Indeed, research points to CBD as a potentially effective way to address the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), general anxiety disorder (GAD), and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additional research confirms that CBD "has a promising role as alternative therapy in the management of anxiety disorders," though more clinical testing is needed to verify safe dosage levels.

There is also clinical evidence to suggest that CBD can be a tool for managing panic attacks. Panic disorder (PD) impacts about five percent of the total global population, making the anxiolytic effects of CBD products potentially impactful on a widespread level.

There is even clinical evidence that CBD can help minimize the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), a nervous condition that can be debilitating. Currently, OCD is treated primarily through cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants, but the recovery rate is exceedingly low. The prospect of CBD as an alternative intervention is potentially game-changing.

But how exactly does CBD impact those with anxiety conditions? The short answer is that products from the cannabis plant tend to have a strong, reactive effect with the endocannabinoid system, a molecular system that regulates many core functions of the body, including emotions. Cannabinoids can bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system and modify the way they function, yielding a range of possible health benefits.

In fact, one study notes that "modulating the activity of the endocannabinoid system turned out to hold therapeutic promise in a wide range of disparate diseases and pathological conditions, ranging from mood and anxiety disorders, movement disorders such as Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, neuropathic pain, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury, to cancer, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension, glaucoma, obesity/metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis, to name just a few." Based on the available evidence, CBD can potentially help manage the symptoms of anxiety, though it is not a cure. Be sure to consult with your primary care physician or mental health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

CBD for Anxiety FAQs

Should you try CBD oil for anxiety?

If you're looking for a natural way to combat the effects of anxiety, CBD oil drops may be a good place to start. Note that none of these products are cleared by the FDA to treat anxiety disorders, so if you have any apprehension, you may want to consult with your doctor first.

How much CBD oil should you take for anxiety?

For those who are eager to try CBD products to help ease anxiety, the next question is: How much should you take?

There's not a single, clear answer to this question, as the amount of CBD needed may vary from person to person based on their level of anxiety and other health concerns. One thing that holds true across the board is that using CBD consistently is best for improving stress levels, as the compound builds up within the body, amplifying its effect. In other words: CBD may help with anxiety symptoms, but don't expect it to be an immediate cure.

Those who are new to CBD will likely want to start at the lower end of the dosing spectrum and work their way up; this can be the wisest way to gauge efficacy and also to avoid any adverse effects.

How fast does CBD help with anxiety?

Depending on the way you use CBD products, such as the amount you take, how you consume it, and which brand you choose, can affect the time it takes to feel any benefits. Again, CBD works best when used consistently as it builds up in the body over time.

Do you need to take CBD products daily?

Some people notice that taking a daily dose will help sustain a level of hemp CBD in your body, which could stimulate your endocannabinoid system to make it react more noticeably to cannabinoids like CBD products.

Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, copywriter, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. As a writer and independent reviewer of CBD products, Josh covers the relationship between cannabis-based products and the human body. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.