The need for mental health support is at an all-time high. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety has spiked by about 25 percent worldwide (1). The good news is that there are a wealth of tools to help, from meditation apps to natural remedies. While severe anxiety requires the guidance of a licensed mental healthcare professional, research suggests that those suffering from increased stress and anxiety may find relief with CBD oils (2).
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant (3). Its potential to relieve a number of ailments, including anxiety, stems from its interaction with receptors in the central nervous system (4).
There are a ton of CBD products on the market, and they vary widely in potency, cost, and flavor. To help you get a better grasp for which CBD oil is best for your needs, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has curated a list of the nine best CBD oils for anxiety and stress in 2023.
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The Best CBD Oils for Anxiety - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall CBD Oil for Anxiety: FOCL Premium CBD Drops
- Best Budget CBD Oil for Anxiety: Nature's Script CBD Tincture
- Best CBD Oil for Anxiety and Stress: Cured Raw Daily CBD Oil
- Best Organic CBD Oil for Anxiety: Miraflora CBD Tincture
- Best Quality CBD Oil for Anxiety: FOCL Premium Full Spectrum CBD Drops
- Best Natural CBD Oil for Anxiety: Pure Balance Tincture Full Spectrum CBD
- Best Unflavored CBD Oil for Anxiety: Miraflora CBD Tincture
- Best Fast-Acting CBD Oil for Anxiety: Medterra True Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Best Overall - FOCL Premium CBD Drops
SPECS
- Ingredients: premium broad spectrum CBD, organic MCT oil, organic natural flavors, organic stevia
- Dosage: 1 dropper in the morning and 1-2 droppers at night. If no noticeable difference, increase by half a dropper after a week.
- Price: $$
- Type: broad/full spectrum CBD
- Potency: 1,000 mg, 2,000 mg, or 3,000 mg, depending on selection
The main qualities to look for in a CBD oil are purity, strength, and no unnecessary added ingredients (5). FOCL Premium CBD Drops check all these boxes and include various purchasing options.
With a high concentration of CBD, this product is a great choice for people seeking to address minor anxiety. This oil comes in 1,000 milligram, 2,000 milligram, and 3,000 milligram strengths and offers broad spectrum or full spectrum versions depending on your sensitivity to THC. It's also available in unflavored or flavored versions.
What We Like
- High concentration of CBD to help reduce anxiety
- Available in different strengths
- Comes in various flavors
- Full spectrum or broad spectrum options
- Vegan-friendly
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- On the pricier side
- MCT oil may not agree with some users
Best Budget - Nature's Script CBD Tincture
SPECS
- Ingredients: pure CBD extract, grapeseed oil, MCT oil, natural and artificial flavors, terpenes
- Dosage: ½ dropper
- Price: $
- Type: CBD tincture
- Potency: 300–5,000 mg per bottle
While CBD can help manage pain and anxiety, it isn’t always cheap (6). Some companies charge well over $100 per bottle, which may turn budget-conscious consumers away. Thankfully, there are several brands that offer exceptional quality CBD at a reasonable price.
Nature's Script CBD Tincture is a no-frills CBD oil starting at only $19.99. Packaged in a 300 milligram bottle, this product allows users to select a strength that suits their needs best. Higher potencies will increase the price, but never to an unreasonable degree. Offered in two appealing flavors, this product is ideal for those who don't enjoy the taste of cannabis.
What We Like
- Wide range of potencies
- Natural flavoring
- Very low THC content
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Only available in flavored versions
- Higher potencies become more expensive
BUY: Nature's Script CBD Tincture
Best Organic - Miraflora CBD Tincture
SPECS
- Ingredients: hemp flower extract, organic MCT oil, natural flavors
- Dosage: 1 dropper
- Price: $$
- Type: full spectrum hemp flower oil
- Potency: 150–3,000 mg per bottle
- Other ingredients: organic MCT oil
Some users may want a CBD oil that has been grown without pesticides or other chemicals. While many of the CBD oils on the market are made from naturally grown hemp, not all of them are certified organic (7). Fortunately, there are countless certified organic options.
We selected Miraflora's CBD Tincture as best in this category for their dedication to producing only organic CBD products. This tincture is a full-spectrum hemp flower oil that packs 150 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams of CBD per bottle, depending on your selection. Two droppers of this CBD per day may help manage the stress of everyday life and even promote restful sleep.
What We Like
- 100% certified organic
- Available in a number of potencies
- Comes in mint or natural flavor
- Free shipping
What We Don't Like
- The more potent options are quite pricey
- Contains a small amount of THC
Best Quality CBD Oil for Anxiety - FOCL Premium Full Spectrum CBD Drops
SPECS
- Ingredients: full spectrum CBD oil, organic MCT oil, organic flavors
- Dosage: 1 full dropper
- Price: $$$
- Type: full spectrum CBD oil
- Potency: 1,000 or 3,000 mg bottles
CBD oils typically come in two varieties: broad spectrum or full spectrum. Broad spectrum CBD contains an array of active compounds and no THC. Full spectrum CBD contains additional active compounds, including small amounts of THC (8). Those who are subject to drug testing often prefer to stick to broad spectrum, while others prefer full spectrum to maximize potential benefits.
FOCL Premium Full Spectrum CBD Drops are full spectrum and contain all of the compounds naturally found in cannabis. These include cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, vitamins, and flavonoids, as well as a small amount of THC. These drops are third-party tested to ensure accurate dosages and purity.
What We Like
- Contains more compounds than broad spectrum CBD
- Vegan-friendly
- Available in different potencies
- Pesticide-free
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Contains trace amounts of THC
- Rather expensive compared to some other products
BUY: FOCL Premium Full Spectrum CBD Drops
Best Natural - Pure Balance Tincture Full Spectrum CBD
SPECS
- Ingredients: full spectrum pure hemp-based oil, MCT oil
- Dosage: 1 dropper
- Price: $
- Type: full spectrum CBD oil
- Potency: 300–3,000 mg per bottle
Many CBD users with anxiety prefer products that are naturally grown and produced (9). However, there are a number of CBD products that contain added sugars, artificial colors, and artificial flavors, which may dilute their therapeutic value. When it comes to treating anxiety, it's best to steer clear of these products and select one that is more naturally produced.
Pure Balance Full Spectrum CBD Tincture is an additive-free, full-spectrum CBD oil that is available in four different strengths. The natural hemp used to make this CBD oil is grown in Colorado, and the product undergoes rigorous third-party testing to ensure its quality. It is also available in softgel form.
What We Like
- Naturally grown in Colorado
- Vegan friendly and non-GMO
- Available in a number of potencies
- Third-party tested
- Available in pill form
What We Don't Like
- Only comes in unflavored version
- Contains trace amounts of THC
BUY: Pure Balance Tincture Full Spectrum CBD
Best Flavored - Miraflora CBD Tincture
SPECS
- Ingredients: hemp flower extract, organic MCT oil, natural flavors
- Dosage: 1 dropper
- Price: $$
- Type: full spectrum hemp flower oil
- Potency: 150–3,000mg per bottle
- Other ingredients: organic MCT oil
While some people enjoy the taste of natural hemp, others prefer to mask it, especially for daily use. Made from organic hemp, Miraflora's CBD Tincture delivers on the flavor front, even with only one option: mint.
This CBD tincture is a full spectrum oil, and you can choose a potency from 150 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams. You can even select from several bottle sizes. Two droppers of this CBD per day may help you relax, manage stress, and mitigate anxiety (10).
What We Like
- 100% certified organic
- Available in a number of potencies
- Comes in mint flavor
- Free shipping
What We Don't Like
- The more potent options are quite pricey
- Contains small amount of THC
Best CBD Oil for Anxiety and Stress - FOCL Premium Full Spectrum CBD Drops
SPECS
- Ingredients: full spectrum CBD oil, organic MCT oil, organic flavors
- Dosage: 1 full dropper
- Price: $$$
- Type: full spectrum CBD oil
- Potency: 1,000 or 3,000mg bottles
FOCL Premium Full Spectrum CBD Drops are our full spectrum pick for best overall CBD oil. This product provides many anxiety-reducing benefits and contains all of the compounds naturally found in cannabis. Research points out the vast benefits of full spectrum CBD, especially when it comes to reducing anxiety and inflammation (11). FOCL Premium Full Spectrum CBD is one of the highest-quality oils on the market and, as a bonus, these drops are third-party tested to ensure accurate dosing and purity.
What We Like
- Contains additional compounds not included in broad spectrum CBD
- Vegan-friendly
- Available in different potencies
- Pesticide-free
- Third-party tested
What We Don't Like
- Contains trace amounts of THC
- Rather expensive compared to some other products
BUY: FOCL Premium Full Spectrum CBD Drops
Best Unflavored - Miraflora CBD Tincture
SPECS
- Ingredients: hemp flower extract, organic MCT oil, natural flavors
- Dosage: 1 dropper
- Price: $$
- Type: full spectrum hemp flower oil
- Potency: 150–3,000 mg per bottle
- Other ingredients: organic MCT oil
We've already mentioned Miraflora as our favorite organic and flavored CBD oil, but not everyone is a fan of flavored versions. Unflavored versions taste raw and have a real hemp kick, but they ensure there are no artificial ingredients and additives that might detract from their therapeutic properties. They are also easy to add to beverages or food, so you can sneak it into your daily smoothie without tasting mint or vanilla.
Miraflora's CBD Tincture is full spectrum and packs 150 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams of CBD per bottle depending on the potency and bottle size you select. One dropper of this CBD, two times daily, may help manage the stresses of everyday life and promote restful sleep.
What We Like
- 100% certified organic
- Available in a number of potencies
- Free shipping
What We Don't Like
- The more potent options are quite pricey
- Contains small amount of THC
Best Fast Acting - Pure Balance Tincture Full Spectrum CBD
SPECS
- Ingredients: full spectrum pure hemp-based oil, MCT oil
- Dosage: 1 dropper
- Price: $
- Type: full spectrum CBD oil
- Potency: 300–3,000 mg per bottle
Generally speaking, most CBD oils begin to work 15–30 minutes after ingestion. While most companies don't specify how quickly their products kick in, high-quality products without unnecessary added ingredients can certainly speed up absorption.
Pure Balance Full Spectrum CBD Tincture is a natural and additive-free full spectrum CBD oil grown in Colorado. It's available in four different strengths, and the product undergoes third-party testing to ensure its quality, potency, and purity. For maximum absorption, place it under your tongue or add it to any beverage or food.
What We Like
- Fast-acting
- Naturally grown in Colorado
- Vegan-friendly and non-GMO
- Available in a number of potencies
- Third-party tested
- Available in pill form
What We Don't Like
- Only comes in unflavored version
- Contains trace amounts of THC
BUY: Pure Balance Tincture Full Spectrum CBD
How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety?
Type
CBD oil is typically available in two forms: broad spectrum and full spectrum. Broad spectrum CBD contains many of the compounds typically found in cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, vitamins, and flavonoids. However, it does not contain THC, the compound responsible for producing a high. Full spectrum CBD contains all of the same compounds, plus small amounts of THC and other terpenes. Terpenes are compounds that give cannabis its smell and some have therapeutic benefits.
Generally speaking, full spectrum CBD is a bit more well rounded and, in theory, may provide additional benefits, though research is limited. In addition to oil, CBD can be found in capsule, gummy, and balm form.
Strength
CBD oils vary greatly in strength and can range from 150 milligrams to 5,000 milligrams of CBD per bottle. For reducing anxiety, a dose of 25–75 milligrams of CBD twice a day is most common.
Application Recommendations
While CBD shows promise for treating stress and anxiety, it has been associated with improvements in several other ailments. These include:
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Inflammation
- Depression
- Heart disease (12)
While preliminary research has been done in these areas, additional high-quality studies need to be completed to confirm CBD's potential benefits.
Is CBD Oil Effective for Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders exist in all shapes and sizes, but they all have common denominators: stress, worry, and fear (13). They can range from mild to quite severe and debilitating, making it impossible to function in your day-to-day life.
There are a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders, from psychotherapy and medication to alternative treatments and CBD oil therapy. CBD oil has shown significant potential to help relieve anxiety and even enhance the therapeutic results of other anxiety treatments (14,15).
That being said, every person is different and may react differently to certain therapies, treatments, and dosages. We recommend you consult with a healthcare professional to find the best approach to CBD oil therapy and identify an appropriate dose for you.
How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety?
If you’re new to CBD oil, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider. In general, it’s a good idea to start with a low dose and build up from there. Some people prefer to start their day with a dropper, while others believe that taking it before bed eases their anxiety and improves their sleep.
However, the nonprofit National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) has found that few commercially available products contain enough CBD to replicate the beneficial therapeutic effects seen in clinical trials, so it's important to talk to your doctor about an appropriate dose (16).
Research suggests that one to six milligrams per pound of body weight might be an effective starting point for most people to see the therapeutic benefits of CBD (17). You’ll want to split this into two doses per day.
FAQs About CBD for Anxiety
What is the best strength of CBD oil for anxiety?
According to the research, one to six milligrams per pound of body weight per day, spread across two doses, might be an effective starting point for most people. It is a good idea to start on the lower end of the range and gradually work your way up to a higher dose.
Does CBD oil calm anxiety immediately?
When using CBD oil for anxiety, you can typically feel the effects within 15–30 minutes. The benefits tend to last two to six hours depending on the size of the dose. Some people prefer to take it just before bed, or once in the morning and once in the evening.
Does CBD oil produce a high?
CBD oils are only legally allowed to contain less than 0.3 percent THC, so they don't produce the high associated with cannabis. That said, many people will experience a feeling of relaxation and calmness, but CBD will not impact your thinking or judgment.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Daly, M., & Robinson, E. (2022). Depression and anxiety during COVID-19. The Lancet, 399(10324), 518.
- Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23.
- Pennypacker, S. D., & Romero‐Sandoval, E. A. (2020). CBD and THC: Do They Complement Each Other Like Yin and Yang?. Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, 40(11), 1152-1165.
- Sholler, D. J., Schoene, L., & Spindle, T. R. (2020). Therapeutic efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD): a review of the evidence from clinical trials and human laboratory studies. Current addiction reports, 7(3), 405-412.
- Larsen, C., & Shahinas, J. (2020). Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials. Journal of clinical medicine research, 12(3), 129.
- Argueta, D. A., Ventura, C. M., Kiven, S., Sagi, V., & Gupta, K. (2020). A balanced approach for cannabidiol use in chronic pain. Frontiers in pharmacology, 11, 561.
- VanDolah, H. J., Bauer, B. A., & Mauck, K. F. (2019, September). Clinicians' guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils. In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 94, No. 9, pp. 1840-1851). Elsevier.
- Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.
- Dawidowicz, A. L., Typek, R., & Olszowy-Tomczyk, M. (2022). Natural vs. artificial cannabinoid oils: the comparison of their antioxidant activities. European Food Research and Technology, 1-8.
- Robinson, L. (1990). Stress and anxiety. Nursing Clinics of North America, 25(4), 935-943.
- Maayah, Z. H., Takahara, S., Ferdaoussi, M., & Dyck, J. R. (2020). The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of formulated full-spectrum cannabis extract in the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis. Inflammation Research, 69(6), 549-558.
- Stanley, C. P., Hind, W. H., & O'Sullivan, S. E. (2013). Is the cardiovascular system a therapeutic target for cannabidiol?. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 75(2), 313-322.
- Ströhle, A., Gensichen, J., & Domschke, K. (2018). The diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 115(37), 611.
- Skelley, J. W., Deas, C. M., Curren, Z., & Ennis, J. (2020). Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), 253-261.
- National Institute of Drug Abuse, The Biology and Potential Therapeutic Effects of Cannabidiol
- Linares, I. M., Zuardi, A. W., Pereira, L. C., Queiroz, R. H., Mechoulam, R., Guimarães, F. S., & Crippa, J. A. (2018). Cannabidiol presents an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in a simulated public speaking test. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 41, 9-14.
- Millar, S. A., Stone, N. L., Bellman, Z. D., Yates, A. S., England, T. J., & O'Sullivan, S. E. (2019). A systematic review of cannabidiol dosing in clinical populations. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 85(9), 1888-1900.