CBD for anxiety: Here are the 7 best choices

You have to consider several criteria to find a high-quality CBD product that’s right for you, including price, third-party testing, CBD type, potency, hemp quality, ingredients, and brand reputation.

To help shoppers find affordable, high-quality products, we break prices down into cost per milligram (mg) of CBD and consider free shipping, assistance programs, and other deals.

Because the market is unregulated, CBD companies pay independent labs to test their products. These third-party tests make sure the levels of CBD and other cannabinoids match the label and also check for pesticides and other potential contaminants. We recommend buying from brands that publicly post third-party test results of their products.

Full-spectrum CBD products containing all of hemp’s beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes are considered superior to pure CBD. But some people who are highly sensitive to THC may be better suited to broad-spectrum products.

Potency refers to the strength of a CBD product, measured in mg of CBD per dose. We prefer high-potency products because they’re more convenient and cost-effective for both beginner and advanced CBD users.

Hemp is the starting point for any CBD product, so choosing brands with a high-quality hemp source is important. We favor companies that grow and extract their own organic hemp and hold third-party certifications like the USDA organic and U.S. Hemp Authority badges.

Some CBD products contain added herbal ingredients that may help with anxiety, such as ashwagandha, l-theanine, and lemon balm. We consider these when making our recommendations.

Trustworthy CBD brands are transparent about how they operate and have positive customer reviews. Another sign of a reputable brand is ethical business practices like offering assistance programs or giving donations to charity.

We know that CBD reduces anxiety based on scientific evidence. Surveys of CBD users show that feeling calmer is the most common effect of CBD. Additionally, there’s evidence that CBD may counteract anxiety and other psychological side effects of THC. Several human trials and research reviews demonstrate that CBD can relieve various types of anxiety:

• A 2020 review concluded that “CBD has a promising role as alternative therapy in the management of anxiety disorders.”
• In a 2019 Japanese study, CBD decreased anxiety in teenagers with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and avoidant personality disorder (AVPD).
• In a 2019 Colorado study, CBD lowered anxiety scores in people with anxiety and sleep issues.
• A 2015 review found that “existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
• In a 2011 study in Brazil, CBD lowered anxiety caused by public speaking in people with SAD.

Numerous studies in animals and humans back CBD’s anxiolytic (anxiety-lowering) effects. But more high-quality research is needed to fully understand:

• How CBD works
• The right dosage for anxiety
• CBD’s place in the treatment of anxiety disorders

When choosing the right CBD product for you, it’s essential to keep certain factors in mind. There are various CBD products, including oils, gummies, capsules, and more. Some CBD products include additional ingredients for added anti-anxiety benefits, and CBD itself comes in different varieties. We break down these considerations below.

CBD oil is the best option for most people seeking anxiety relief. But you can also use other CBD products, such as edibles, softgels, and vape pens. Here’s a quick comparison of the advantages and downsides of each option.

Standard CBD products are a great option for anxiety. But you may find that you’re not getting the benefits you’re looking for. If so, you can also consider tailored formulas with other helpful anti-anxiety ingredients, such as:

• L-theanine
• Ashwagandha
• Lemon balm
• Chamomile
• Black seed oil

The last and arguably most important consideration is the type of CBD extract. CBD products can contain one of three types of CBD:

1. Isolate: Purified cannabidiol, the least effective form.

2. Full-spectrum: Whole-plant hemp extract containing all of the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other natural compounds, including up to 0.3% THC.

3. Broad-spectrum: A whole-plant hemp extract where THC is removed to undetectable levels.

Generally speaking, full-spectrum CBD is the best option. However, a minority of highly sensitive individuals to THC can experience anxiety from the small amounts present in full-spectrum formulations. In that case, we recommend either careful dosing with full-spectrum products or switching to broad-spectrum CBD.

For a detailed comparison of the different kinds of CBD, take a look at our detailed CBD guide.

According to decades of research, CBD is considered a generally safe, non-intoxicating compound. It’s been shown to have mostly mild side effects, including:

• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea and nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Changes in appetite or weight

CBD can also impact liver enzymes, which means it may have some drug interactions.

But the good news is that these side effects have only been reported by studies using high oral doses of CBD. Most CBD users take much smaller amounts and opt for full-spectrum products, which appear less likely to cause side effects than pure CBD.

Editor’s choice

Our top recommended CBD product for anxiety is Five CBD’s Full-Spectrum CBD Oil. Not only does it provide a whole-plant blend of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, but it includes much higher amounts than standard CBD tinctures.

True to its name, Five CBD’s oil has a 5:1 ratio of CBD to minor hemp cannabinoids. In comparison, most CBD oils usually have a ratio of 10:1 or lower. These high-potency CBD oils provide 1500-6000 mg of full-spectrum CBD in a 30 or 60 ml bottle with citrus and mint chocolate flavors. They also cost only 3 cents per mg of CBD, which is a very low price for full-spectrum CBD oil, especially one rich in minor cannabinoids.

Five CBD also lets you subscribe for monthly deliveries for a further 30% off and offers a 40% discount for veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers. Five CBD uses American organic hemp to make its products and provides comprehensive third-party lab reports.

Best budget option

The high-potency, full-spectrum CBD oil tincture from Lazarus Naturals is the best budget pick on the market. It costs only 2-3 cents per mg of CBD, which is much cheaper than the average price for CBD oil. Better yet, you can get free shipping by spending over $50, and Lazarus Naturals also has an assistance program with a hefty 60% discount for veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income families.

This USDA-certified organic CBD oil provides a high potency of 50 mg CBD per ml and comes in 15-120 ml bottles with 750-6000 mg of full-spectrum CBD. Aside from the natural flavor, you can also choose chocolate mint, French vanilla mocha, and yuzu.

Lazarus Naturals is an employee-owned company offering affordable, third-party-tested CBD products. It grows USDA-certified organic hemp in Central Oregon and does everything in-house from seed to sale.

Strongest option

Some people require large amounts of CBD to get noticeable effects. Our top pick for a high-strength CBD product is the 5000 mg full-spectrum CBD oil from CBDistillery. That’s a potency of 167 mg per ml, one of the highest we found. In contrast, most high-strength CBD oils top out at about 50-83 mg per ml.

This third-party tested tincture has a below-average cost of 5 cents per mg CBD and qualifies for CBDistillery’s free shipping over $75. If you subscribe to monthly deliveries, you can also get 20% off. Join the loyalty program for even further discounts and benefits.

Colorado’s CBDistillery is one of the giants of the CBD industry. It’s certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, highlighting its adherence to hemp industry best practices. A vertically integrated brand, it oversees every step of the manufacturing process, starting with American organic hemp.

Best THC-free option

Some people have to avoid THC because of drug testing. Others are so highly sensitive to THC that they can actually experience anxiety from full-spectrum CBD products. For those situations, we recommend Medterra’s Ultra Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil. It’s rich in beneficial minor cannabinoids that work together with CBD. Most broad-spectrum products have a CBD to minor cannabinoid ratio of 20:1 or lower, whereas Medterra’s tincture has 10:1.

It comes in unflavored, citrus, and strawberry mint flavors in two strengths: 1000 mg (33 mg/ml) and 2000 mg (67 mg/ml). At 5 cents per mg of CBD, this CBD oil is slightly cheaper than average. You can get free shipping and a 30% discount by subscribing to monthly deliveries. Medterra also has an assistance program for veterans and people with long-term disabilities.

Medterra is a leading CBD brand certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority. Its third-party tested products are sourced from organic hemp cultivated in Kentucky, a state with a rich history of hemp cultivation.

Best gummies

The Calm CBD Gummies from PureKana get our recommendation for best CBD gummies for anxiety. They contain 25 mg of broad-spectrum CBD and three additional herbal ingredients that can help with stress and anxiety – ashwagandha, black seed oil, and lemon balm.

These grape-flavored gummies are made with vegan ingredients and come with 60 pieces per container. You’ll pay 6 cents per mg of CBD, which is a great price considering the additional ingredients. Plus, PureKana offers free shipping on all orders and has a special discount for veterans, individuals with low income, and people with disabilities.

This popular Arizona-based company makes CBD products from organic, Kentucky-grown hemp and provides detailed third-party test reports.

Best capsules

Lazarus Naturals’ Relax CBD capsules have the best anti-anxiety formula we’ve seen. They combine 25 mg of full-spectrum CBD with ashwagandha, l-theanine, and chamomile – three botanical ingredients frequently used to lower anxiety.

They’re available in 10-, 40-, and 200-count containers for only 2-4 cents per mg of CBD. That’s exceptionally inexpensive for a multi-ingredient, full-spectrum CBD product.

Best vape

If you prefer immediate relief, vaping products are the best option. We like the CBD vape pen from CBDfx. This disposable vape is incredibly simple to use. With a cost of only $0.06 per mg of CBD, this disposable pen is also cheaper than most competitor products.

The 2 ml tank contains 500 mg of broad-spectrum CBD extract dissolved in a standard 50/50 mix of PG/VG, good for about 800 puffs. You can choose from four flavors: blue raspberry, strawberry lemonade, tropic breeze, and fresh mint.

It’s one of many innovative products offered by CBDfx, a popular California-based brand known for its unique formulas and delicious flavors. CBDfx provides up-to-date, third-party test results for all products.

Can I get anxiety from CBD products?

Products containing pure or broad-spectrum CBD can’t cause anxiety. But some people who are highly sensitive to THC may experience anxiety from full-spectrum CBD products, especially when taking large doses.

When should I take CBD for anxiety?

If you only experience anxiety during specific situations, you can take CBD 30-60 minutes beforehand. Meanwhile, if you experience ongoing anxiety, a better option is to take CBD multiple times throughout the day. For example, you might take it after you wake up, in the middle of the day, and before bed (if anxiety also disrupts your sleep).

How much CBD should I take for anxiety?

There’s no one-size-fits-all CBD dosage for anxiety. Start with a small amount (like 5 or 10 mg) or the dosage suggested by your product. If you don’t notice any effects after a few hours, gradually raise the dosage over time until you start to experience relief.

What’s the best CBD product for anxiety?

CBD oil is the best option for most people. But if you prefer immediate effects, vapes are a good alternative. Capsules and gummies are less effective but preferred for their convenience and taste.

How does CBD help with anxiety?

According to research studies, CBD can improve anxiety in several ways. First, CBD can reduce the breakdown of anandamide, an anxiety-lowering endocannabinoid made by our bodies. CBD has also been shown to interact with serotonin 5HT1a and TRPV1 receptors that appear to regulate anxiety.

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions involving staying healthy and living healthier lifestyles.

We extensively test each health product and service we review. We try our best to give you, our readers, unbiased exploration of products and services, free of marketing jargon or gimmicks. We base our evaluations on adherence to quality, the latest medical evidence and health standards, and a simple question: would we buy the product or service ourselves if it weren’t part of our job, and would we recommend it to family and friends?

Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this guide was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy.