CBD for Stress Relief: 5 Oils to Relieve Anxiety and Reduce Stress

(Ad) With our increasingly fast-paced lifestyles resulting in ever-increasing anxiety levels, it’s no wonder so many people are turning to CBD for stress relief.

Stress doesn’t only result in anxiety disorders—like generalized anxiety disorder, for example—it can also affect your physical health.

Peer-reviewed research has consistently demonstrated that stress can be a causal or contributing factor in the development of many diseases, as well as harming the brain and the cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems.

Fortunately, it is now easier than ever to access CBD oil, which many users believe can help deal with not only stress and anxiety disorders, but also other conditions, like obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. CBD oil is not an FDA regulated substance and is not approved to treat any health condition. That said, many people with those conditions are trying it and appreciate the experience.

But when you’re trying to find CBD for stress relief, where do you even start?

If this supplement is entirely new to you, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. And even if you’re not a stranger to CBD, you might still be looking for a trusted go-to product to relieve stress.

Well, we’ve got you covered. We rounded up five of the very best CBD products that people claim help them with  anxiety.

Top 5 CBD Oils for Stress Relief

1. Best Overall: Soul CBD Oil Drops
2. Best Full Spectrum: CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
3. Best Broad Spectrum: CBDfx CBD + CBG Oil Wellness Tincture
4. Best Flavors: Kanibi Full Spectrum CBD Oil TIncture
5. Best Value: Extract Labs Organic CBD Oil

Treating anxiety was our No. 1 question when compiling these products. To find the ones that people say may help relieve stress, we looked at things like CBD dosage, CBD type, mind and body benefits, and flavors.

The Best CBD Oils for Stress—Full Reviews and Analysis

1. Best Overall: Soul CBD Oil Drops

The Soul CBD Oil Drops are our absolute favorite product for people experiencing all sorts of stress, from generalized anxiety to insomnia and more.

Great taste

The range of options Soul CBD offers is certainly impressive. This CBD oil comes in six refreshing flavors to mask the earthy hemp taste.

For every experience level

These drops also come in three strengths. This means whether you’re a new CBD user, you’ve been going steady for a while, or you need a little extra power to shift your stress, Soul CBD has you covered.

Quality ingredients

This CBD oil is made with organically grown hemp and is vegan and gluten-free, so you know you’re getting the highest-quality product.

And Soul CBD Oil Drops are made with CBD isolate, so they’re a good supplement if you’re looking to avoid a product with THC.

Prioritizes customers

All Soul CBD products are tested by a third-party lab to ensure purity and effectiveness. This process also confirms that they are completely free of THC. Copies of these certificates are freely available on its website.

The company also offers a membership plan that gives you a discount on CBD products and other perks.

Pros:

• Vegan, organically farmed, and gluten-free
• Lab-certified as pure and THC-free
• MCT for better absorption
• Membership options available

Cons:

• No entourage effect

What Customers Are Saying

Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the refreshing flavors and relaxing properties of the drops.

Many people say they experienced relief from stress and anxiety and were able to sleep easier because of them.

The fact that these drops are guaranteed to be free from THC was also something buyers loved.

Specs

• Type: Isolate
• Size: 1 ounce
• CBD dosage: 500 mg/bottle, 1,000 mg/bottle, 1,500 mg/bottle
• Flavor(s): Raspberry Lemonade, Pineapple Mango, Watermelon Mint, Lemon Lime, Peppermint, Orange

Learn more about Soul CBD Oil Drops today  
 

2. Best Full Spectrum: CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture

CBDistillery’s Relief & Relax Tincture brings plant-powered relaxation to users with healing plant compounds, 100% clean ingredients, and high-quality, non-GMO, U.S.-grown industrial hemp. 

It’s carefully formulated by the company’s expert botanists and comes highly recommended by Dr. Kevin Frey, a Mayo Clinic-trained internal medicine specialist.

Optimal health & wellness

This tincture contains all the vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial chemicals naturally found in cannabis plants. It empowers you to achieve optimal health and wellness benefits by extracting plant compounds and vital nutrients to help improve your life—from the inside out. 

Variety of options

These tinctures are available in a number of strengths, including some notably more potent options. So they are perfect for those who may be less responsive to the more standard doses.

Brand transparency

The company is open about the exact breakdown of these chemicals and provides independent laboratory test results. This way, you can be sure you are getting everything you expect.

Pros:

• Uses food-safe extraction methods
• All products are rigorously third-party lab tested
• High-strength options available
• Subscription option offers big savings

Cons:

• Unsuitable for use while pregnant

What Customers Are Saying

Customers praise CBDistillery for the quality of its products and services. Some people use them to stay calm and relaxed in the workplace, while others use them as a sleep aid.

Consumers also love the regular deliveries through the subscription service because they make it easier to build a healthy habit.

In an athlete exercise recovery study conducted by CBDistillery in 2022, 80% of participants “Agreed to Strongly Agreed” that they were able to improve their overall endurance while using the Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture.

Specs

• Type: Full spectrum
• Size: 1 ounce
• CBD dosage: 500 mg/bottle, 1,000 mg/bottle, 2,500 mg/bottle, 5,000 mg/bottle
• Flavor(s): Not specified

Learn more about CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture today  
 

3. Best Broad Spectrum: CBDfx CBD + CBG Oil Wellness Tincture

This CBD oil utilizes an additional cannabinoid to produce even more calming properties that assist with managing anxiety symptoms.

Contains CBG

The broad-spectrum blend from CBDfx contains both CBD and CBG in a 2:1 ratio. CBG is used as an anxiolytic in its own right. But when paired with CBD, these cannabinoids enhance each other’s effects for better results. Additionally, CBG can be energizing, making it the perfect inclusion to counteract the potential drowsiness that CBD can induce.

Physical benefits

As well as CBD and CBG, this blend contains curcumin and coenzyme Q10. These naturally occurring antioxidants can protect your body from dangerous free radicals and reduce inflammation, lowering your risk for many diseases. Curcumin also supports healthy brain function and mood balance, making it a perfect inclusion when you’re aiming to combat the effects of a stressful life.

Pros:

• Contains both CBD and CBG
• Curcumin and CoQ10 fight inflammation and produce energy
• High-potency options
• Certified cruelty-free

Cons:

• May be too strong for beginners

What Customers Are Saying

Customers credit this product with a wide range of benefits to their mental health, like clearing their stress and anxiety, energizing them during the day, and helping them sleep at night.

Some reviewers also say it helps with physical problems like pain and mobility issues. 

Specs

• Type: Broad spectrum
• Size: 1 ounce
• CBD dosage: 1,000 mg/bottle, 2,000 mg/bottle, 4,000 mg/bottle, 6,000 mg/bottle
• Flavor(s): Not specified

Learn more about CBDfx CBD + CBG Oil Wellness Tincture today  
 

4. Best Flavors: Kanibi Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture

Kanibi offers a full-spectrum CBD oil suspended in an MCT solution, meaning that you get all the mental health benefits that the cannabis plant has to offer and increased absorption from the MCT oil.

Something for every flavor preference

This Kanibi CBD oil is available in five fun and unique flavors, which is great if you don’t love the natural, earthy flavor of hemp. And if you’d rather not take a flavored CBD oil, there’s also an unflavored option.

Quality manufacturing process

Kanibi is committed to purity and maintaining the highest quality standards in its manufacturing process. Thanks to the company’s science-backed, GMP-compliant manufacturing methods and its FDA-inspected facility, you can be sure that this CBD oil is made to the highest standard. 

Kanibi also guarantees that its products are all-natural, never using any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Pros:

• Full-spectrum CBD oil, including calming properties of THC
• Available in several fun flavors, plus an unflavored option
• GMP-compliant manufacturing in an FDA-inspected facility
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Cons:

• Only two strengths available

What Customers Are Saying

Kanibi’s customers say this CBD oil helps with things like stress, anxiety, and insomnia. But they also experienced a noticeable improvement in their general sense of well-being. Unsurprisingly, many people praise the flavor options of this CBD oil, because a lot of other products have an earthy hemp taste.

Specs

• Type: Full spectrum
• Size: 1 ounce
• CBD dosage: 750 mg/bottle, 1,500 mg/bottle
• Flavor(s): Skittles, Peppermint, Lemon Lime, Choco Mint, Cinnamon, Unflavored

Learn more about Kanibi Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture today  
 

5. Best Value: Extract Labs Organic CBD Oil

Extract Labs’ organic CBD oil is the perfect option for those looking to enjoy the stress-relieving and mood-boosting effects of CBD on a budget.

Affordable

The price of this CBD oil is reasonable and significantly lower than those of many competitors. But the cost can be lowered further by receiving regular shipments. You can save 25% through Extract Labs’ subscribe and save program.

There’s also a decent selection of potency options, starting at the standard 1,000 mg and going as high as 4,000 mg, meaning that even those who need something stronger to deal with their stress can get it on a budget.

Entourage effect

This is still a full-spectrum product, so you get the reported benefits of CBD and all the other potential stress- and anxiety-relieving compounds that naturally occur in the cannabis plant. 

Pros:

• Certified vegan and GMP-compliant
• 60-day money-back guarantee
• Subscription option saves another 25%
• International shipping

Cons:

• Subscription requires two-month minimum equipment

What Customers Are Saying

Customer reviews praise this product for providing stress relief and increased focus. Some people also believe this oil resulted in an increased sense of relaxation and wellness. A number of those leaving reviews have said they liked the product so much that they have recommended it to friends and family.

Specs

• Type: Full spectrum
• Size: 1 ounce
• CBD dosage: 1,000 mg/bottle, 2,000 mg/bottle, 4,000 mg/bottle
• Flavor(s): Natural hemp

Learn more about Extract Labs Organic CBD Oil  
 

How We Picked the Best CBD for Stress Relief

This list was created by our team based on our fair and transparent five-step analysis framework. This allows us to maintain our independence and stay as objective as possible when making our recommendations. We’ll break down each of these five steps:

Step 1: Considering the opinions, reviews, and comments of researchers and other experts

We reviewed expert opinions on each CBD product we recommended. We paid particular attention to the ways in which these comments related to the products being tested and overall industry trends.

Step 2: Reviewing feedback left by real customers

We wanted to examine customer reviews for overall trends. Reviews from people who have used these oils give us an unbiased indication of how effective each CBD product is. They also provide some verification of whether a company’s claims are accurate.

Step 3: Analyzing information provided by the company

Any company worth trusting should be willing to provide details of the potency and ingredients of its products, as well as details of its farming and manufacturing standards. This should all be appropriately backed up by lab reports and certifications. 

Step 4: Verifying claims 

This applies not only to claims regarding the effectiveness of the CBD and other cannabinoids included in the oils we reviewed, but also to claims regarding the safety and benefits of any additional ingredients mentioned. If these can be verified through certifications and lab results, you’ll know you’re getting a high-quality CBD oil as advertised.

Step 5: In-house testing 

We wanted to further verify the effectiveness and reliability of each product through our own trials. We also wanted to provide information about the subjective experience of not only using the product, but also identifying any problems in the process of dealing with the supplier. 

What Should You Consider When Buying CBD for Stress Relief?

Many people take—or are considering taking—CBD for anxiety or general mood improvement. But not all CBD products are created equal.

Whether you opt for one of our five favorites or want to do some more research on your own, there are several factors to consider:

Usage Method

We’ve considered only CBD oils here, but CBD products come in other forms, such as edibles (like gummies), capsules, and topical creams.

Topical products are typically intended to treat localized issues such as skin problems or physical pain. Therefore, a CBD cream may not be the most effective stress-relieving product.

Edibles do have an overall mental effect in a similar way to oils. But because they have to pass through the digestive system, they take longer to kick in and are not so well absorbed.

Type of CBD

All CBD products fall into one of these three categories, depending on which components of the cannabis plant are included:

Full-spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum oil contains all the compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC.

The additional compounds included in this type of CBD oil, including THC, are believed to synergize, increasing the effectiveness of the CBD and providing additional benefits. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect.

Broad-spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains almost all of the compounds found in the cannabis plant but does not include any THC.

However, broad-spectrum CBD products still allow you to benefit from the entourage effect, although to a slightly lesser extent because of the absence of THC.

CBD isolate

Every CBD isolate product consists of pure CBD and excludes all other compounds found in the plant.

Although isolate CBD oil contains only CBD and no other compounds—and therefore does not bring the synergistic benefits of the entourage effect—it does have its advantages.

Using an isolated product allows you to be sure that all the effects are resulting from the CBD itself, with no uncertainty about other compounds.

Product Strength

CBD oils come in a range of strengths, and how your body reacts to any given potency will vary from person to person.

It is recommended that those new to using CBD oil start with a lower-strength option. This provides a gentler introduction while giving your body and mind time to adjust. More experienced users may opt for a higher CBD dosage.

If the potency you use is working well for you, there is probably little reason to change, but if you feel underwhelmed by the results of your current solution, stepping up to something a little stronger could be just what you need.

Other Ingredients

Certain CBD oil products contain additional ingredients that can contribute to physical and mental health. Some of these supplemental components are designed to help with things like chronic stress or anxiety disorders.

Taste and Flavoring

While flavoring may not seem like the most important thing, you will probably be taking CBD for stress relief at least once a day. And because our top picks are all CBD oil products, you’ll be taking them orally or under your tongue.

That means choosing a flavor you like can make this a much more pleasant experience. If you like how your CBD oil tastes, it becomes easier to take regularly.

What Are the Stress-Relieving Benefits of CBD Oil?

Studies show that CBD oil may have potential to manage many conditions, so it should be no surprise that it could also have a number of stress-relieving benefits. CBD and other cannabinoids work to boost your mood directly, but their other benefits also contribute to stress reduction:

Relieve anxiety

There is academic research that shows CBD reduces symptoms of performance anxiety and social anxiety disorder. Stress and anxiety are closely linked, so it’s little surprise that the best CBD for anxiety could also provide great stress-relieving benefits.

Boost physical health

Additionally, CBD can improve sleep quality and reduce the severity of many physical symptoms of stress. It also works to combat other health issues, like pain and inflammation.

How Fast Does CBD Work?

Orally administered CBD can begin to have noticeable effects within two hours, though in many cases, you can feel the impact in as little as 20 to 30 minutes.

This means that CBD can be used to relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety relatively quickly.

You may also wish to use it early in the morning, allowing it to take effect in time for you to begin your work or start dealing with whatever other tasks you need to accomplish that day.

Can CBD Cause Any Side Effects?

While CBD oil is typically well tolerated by the general population, it may still cause side effects. These are typically minor, including issues such as:

• Dryness of the mouth
• Decreased appetite
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue

Usually, they will clear up completely, but if you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor.

It should also be noted that CBD can interact with medications such as blood thinners, so if you are taking any medication or have any preexisting medical conditions, you should speak with your doctor before commencing CBD usage.

The risk of experiencing side effects and their intensity can be substantially reduced by taking a few steps:

1. Purchase your CBD oil from a reputable company 
2. Start with a lower CBD dosage

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD legal?

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 states that CBD must contain less than 0.3% THC to avoid being classified as a controlled substance under federal law.

However, the legality of CBD products varies depending on which jurisdiction you’re in.

Some states have no restrictions, some may allow only oils that have been extracted from hemp, or some may require users to have a medical cannabis license.

Outside of the U.S., there may be further restrictions, such as an outright ban on CBD products or a requirement that they contain no THC whatsoever.

What is CBG?

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a cannabinoid that is typically found in much smaller quantities than CBD.

In most strains of the plant, it forms just 1% of the total cannabinoids, whereas CBD accounts for 20% to 25%. Because of this, it’s relatively unrepresented in both commercially available products and research compared with CBD.

The preliminary research that has been done paints a very positive picture of this compound, however. One study of people using CBG to treat conditions including insomnia, depression, and anxiety found that a majority of patients experienced significant improvements as a result of the treatment. Over 70% found the CBG treatment to be superior to conventional medicines.

What is MCT oil?

MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, are a type of naturally occurring fat. While oil made from MCTs can have a number of health benefits on its own, it shines when used as a basis for CBD products.

MCT oil reduces the breakdown of CBD and other cannabinoids while increasing absorption, meaning that your body can utilize more of the benefits in a shorter amount of time.

What conditions can CBD help with?

Research and anecdotal evidence show that CBD may help  in treating many problems, both physical and mental.

Conditions being studied include:

• Stress
• Anxiety disorders
• PTSD
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Inflammation

It may also be able to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients and reduce the number of seizures in patients with certain types of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Emerging evidence now suggests that it can improve outcomes for diabetic patients, reduce acne, control high blood pressure, and even help ease the situation for those recovering from addictions.

With so many life-changing benefits already known, it seems likely that we’ll be finding even more uses for this wonderful and natural compound as time goes on.

Will I get high from CBD products?

It is not possible to get high from CBD products. While full-spectrum CBD products do contain a small amount of THC, the psychoactive chemical found in cannabis plants, this can form a maximum of 0.3% of the total product. For comparison, THC makes up 25% to 30% of the cannabinoids in most cannabis plants, around 1,000 times as much as the limit for CBD products.

What is the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil?

The term hemp oil can be somewhat confusing. It can refer to CBD oil that has been derived from hemp plants, or it can refer to hemp seed oil. These oils may sound the same, but they’re pretty different.

Hemp seed oil contains many vitamins and essential fatty acids, such as omegas 3 and 6, and therefore has a lot of health benefits but low levels of the cannabinoids that provide the stress-relieving properties we’re looking for.

On the other hand, CBD oils derived from hemp plants contain plenty of cannabinoids. A hemp plant is a type of cannabis plant that contains little to no THC.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to relieve stress and anxiety and want to try CBD, these five CBD oils are simply the best because they come from reputable brands that use honest practices.

Whether you’re suffering from chronic stress, have an anxiety disorder, struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, or just looking for something to support you through a stressful period, we’ve got something for you to try.

And the best CBD for anxiety may be even more effective when incorporated into a more comprehensive treatment plan, perhaps even with medical support and supervision. Whichever way is right for you and your situation, CBD oil may prove to be an effective and natural way to manage your mental health.

Summary

1. Best Overall: Soul CBD Oil Drops
2. Best Full Spectrum: CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
3. Best Broad Spectrum: CBDfx CBD + CBG Oil Wellness Tincture
4. Best Flavors: Kanibi Full Spectrum CBD Oil TIncture
5. Best Value: Extract Labs Organic CBD Oil

This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplement for any condition. Individual results will vary