What's the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety in 2022? These 11 Products Earn High Marks

The science on CBD and anxiety

The current research on CBD and anxiety is in its early stages but has already seen promising results. "There is a long body of research showing CBD's effectiveness in animal models and there are new studies being published all the time confirming what we already know; that CBD works to address the symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders," Florida-based psychiatrist Andrew Levinson, MD, tells Health.

For example, a 2019 retrospective case study looked at the effects of CBD on sleep and anxiety. Results showed that CBD helped to reduce the anxiety scores of nearly 80% of the adults in the study after just one month of daily treatment using 25 milligrams of CBD oil in capsule form.

Another 2019 study looked at the impact of CBD oil versus a placebo in treating social anxiety disorder. Results showed that over a four-week period, 300-milligram daily doses of CBD oil significantly reduced social anxiety disorder symptoms that were measured using the Fear of Negative Evaluation Questionnaire and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale.

Furthermore, a 2019 literature review looked at the results of eight studies regarding the effects of CBD on anxiety. It concluded that in daily doses ranging from 6 milligrams to 400 milligrams, CBD shows promise as an effective alternative therapy for reducing anxiety symptoms.

So, how does it work? CBD inhibits the inactivation of anandamide, which is a neurotransmitter in the body's endocannabinoid system. This leads to activity on the CB1 receptor and, along with serotonin activity (or "feel-good" hormone receptors), helps reduce symptoms of anxiety.

How to find the best CBD oil for anxiety

When looking for a CBD oil to help with anxiety, it's important to do your research. Not all CBD products are alike, so you want to make sure the one you choose best fits your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind.

Types of CBD

CBD oil comes in three major types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and pure CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains the pure, natural form of the hemp plant, which has other cannabinoid compounds like terpenes (which provide aroma and flavor) as well as small amounts of THC—less than 0.3%. CBD and these other compounds work together to produce an "entourage effect," meaning they interact synergistically to enhance the effects of the CBD oil product.

Like full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoid compounds. However, broad-spectrum options are THC-free, meaning you won't experience any psychoactive effects. It's important to note that even if you choose a full-spectrum product with THC, it won't create a high like the one you'd get if you consumed THC on its own. But full-spectrum CBD oil products can still show up on a drug test. As for pure CBD isolate, it contains 99.9% pure CBD without any THC.

CBD extract from industrial hemp is legal in the U.S. no matter what spectrum you select. It's recommended you choose brands that use organic hemp grown in the U.S. to ensure it's pure, potent, and safe.

Strength

Always check the potency of the CBD oil products you purchase. Read the label for dosages. It can take several hours to feel the effects of CBD oil products when you apply them to skin, but if you place the oil under your tongue or add it to a food or beverage, it typically takes just 30 to 45 minutes for the effects to kick in.

Third-party lab testing

When choosing an organic CBD oil, keep an eye out for certain certifications or testing methods that indicate the product you're buying is pure and safe. One thing to look for is a certificate of analysis, which may be located on the bottom of the product box (sometimes, you can find this information on the company website). This type of certificate details the potency and purity of a product. It also helps to have third-party lab testing to confirm that the product adheres to proper safety standards.

Other certifications that ensure strict safety and quality standards include the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification, the ISO 9001 certification, and the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification. Before you try any type of CBD oil, read through the ingredient list and only use products that contain natural flavorings and ingredients to reduce the risk of negative side effects.

How to use CBD oil

CBD oil can be taken as a tincture of drops under the tongue, in an oil-filled capsule, or applied to the skin in topical form. Under the tongue drops typically take effect in 30 minutes or less while topicals, gummies, and capsules may take up to two hours.

How much CBD should you take for anxiety?

The amount of CBD oil you should take for anxiety depends on a number of different factors, including your height, weight, and whether or not you've taken it before. If you're new to CBD, it's recommended you start with a small dose, but you should talk to your doctor before trying a product for the first time.

For help managing anxiety, Dr. Levinson advises taking "25 milligrams as a first dose and assess how your body and mind responds to it. If there is no meaningful response, let the next dose be at 50 milligrams, and then, based on that experience, adjust to a dose in the middle that feels right for you." If you suffer from severe anxiety symptoms, talk to your doctor about the best forms of treatment.

No matter how bad your anxiety is, it's recommended that you work with your healthcare provider to find a dose that's right for your specific needs. Your doctor can also provide valuable insights into whether a CBD oil product may react negatively with any of your medications. For instance, CBD oil has been known to increase the levels of Coumadin, a prescription blood thinner.

Are there any side effects to CBD oil?

The most common side effects associated with CBD oil are dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue. While these side effects tend to be mild, your chances of experiencing them are reduced if you take proper doses and use high-quality products. Dr. Levinson notes that CBD "is safe, even at heroic doses, and has limited side effects." He also adds that "individuals' symptoms of anxiety have little to risk by endeavoring to try CBD."

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently evaluate CBD oil products like they do with dietary supplement products. It's important to consult with your primary care physician or mental health care provider before trying any CBD products, especially if you have a serious medical condition or take prescription medications.

Staci Gulbin, MS, MEd, RD, is a registered dietitian, freelance writer, health editor, and founder of LighttrackNutrition.com. She has been a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2010 and has over a decade of experience in the nutrition and dietetics industry.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before consuming or using any of the products mentioned on this site. For additional information read Health.com's editorial standards and guidelines.