CBD Oil for Anxiety: 5 Products to Help You Relax
Top 5 CBD Oils for Anxiety – Quick Summary
* Please consult your primary care provider before starting any new supplement, to make sure they are right for you.
(Ad) If you struggle with symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or constant worry, you might want to shop around for the best CBD oil for anxiety.
Your situation may be more common than you might think. Many adults are affected by anxiety disorders like general anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Luckily, there are several natural treatments and remedies for anxiety disorders, one of which is CBD.
As CBD becomes more popular and new brands introduce their own products and formulas, buying CBD oil has become a bit harder.
It’s important to look for CBD tinctures that have been lab-tested and have received plenty of positive reviews, as well as speaking to your doctor. While we recommend doing your own research, we also strongly feel that these five CBD oil brands are some of the very best on the market—and well worth trying if you struggle with anxiety.
Top 5 CBD Oils for Anxiety – Quick Summary
- Soul CBD Oil Drops: Best Overall CBD Oil
- CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD Oil: Best Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- CBDFx Calming Tincture: Best Oil with CBN
- Green Roads Broad Spectrum Option CBD Oil: Best Broad Spectrum Option
- Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops: Best CBD Oil With Added Herbs
What Goes into the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety?
There are several common types of CBD oil on the market: broad spectrum, full spectrum, and isolate.
Broad spectrum CBD products contain CBD plus other beneficial hemp compounds that were extracted along with the CBD. Meanwhile, full spectrum CBD oil can contain traces of THC. Then there is CBD isolate—pure CBD without other hemp compounds. Some companies also make CBD products with other cannabinoids and herbs added for additional therapeutic benefits.
But what one person believes is the best CBD oil for anxiety may not work for someone who prefers a different type of CBD. To make sure we captured this diversity in CBD oils, we chose oils that are made from different types of CBD and other natural ingredients.
1. Best Overall CBD Oil: Soul CBD Oil Drops
What we love
If we had to choose just one product as the overall best CBD oil for anxiety, we would choose Soul CBD Oil Drops.
We were really impressed by this brand’s focus on quality and purity. We also love that it offers CBD oil in a wide range of flavors. If you’re new to CBD oil you may be turned off by the strong hemp flavor of plain CBD oils. But the Soul CBD Oil Drops are inviting and delicious.
High quality CBD oil
Soul ensures quality and purity at every step of its manufacturing process. The CBD in the Soul Oil Drops is sourced from non-GMO hemp, farmed using organic practices.
Other ingredients include stevia as a natural sweetener and coconut-derived MCT oil as a carrier oil. Soul also has its CBD products lab-tested, and posts results for every batch on its website.
Variety of potency
This CBD tincture comes in three strengths, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re new to using CBD for anxiety, you may want to try the lowest dosage. More experienced CBD users may favor the 1000 mg and 1500 mg formulas.
The Soul CBD Oil Drops is a CBD isolate product, meaning it’s completely THC-free. This makes them a great choice for anyone who finds that THC makes them more anxious.
About Soul
Founded by a brother-sister duo, Soul CBD was founded to deliver natural, doctor-formulated products worthy of your taste buds. All of the treats are USA-grown, organically farmed, gluten-free, and contain no THC. Plus, they go through multiple rounds of third-party testing (jargon for: relief, sans the worry).
The founders themselves say that they know what it’s like to live with pain and anxiety and use the products themselves, which is why they’ve worked so hard to create treats that make your brain (and mouth) very happy.
What customers love
Customers say that Soul CBD Oil Drops help them feel centered, grounded, and less overwhelmed. We saw positive reviews from those who struggle with mild anxiety and rumination, and also from those with more serious and pervasive PTSD or social anxiety disorders. Several reviewers said this CBD was the remedy that finally enabled them to get their symptoms under control and resume a more ordinary life.
Reviewers also praise the flavors of this CBD oil. When customers buy other CBD-related products, often there are complaints of a hempy or harsh aftertaste—this is not the case with Soul. The brand prides themselves on taste, particularly for their delicious tinctures and oils. The lemon-lime flavor is especially popular.
Pros:
- Made with CBD isolate for THC-free formula
- Comes in six tasty flavors
- Comes in three strengths
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Sweetened naturally with stevia
Cons:
- Not for someone with a coconut allergy
Specs:
- CBD Type: Isolate
- Size: 1 ounce
- Strength: 500 mg/bottle, 1000 mg/bottle, 1500 mg/bottle
- Flavor(s): Raspberry Lemonade, Orange, Watermelon Mint, Lemon Lime, Peppermint, Pineapple Mango
Learn more about Soul CBD Oil Drops here
2. Best Full Spectrum CBD Oil: CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD Oil
What we love
Full spectrum CBD oil contains hemp terpenes. Some of these terpenes, like linalool, have calming and anti-anxiety benefits.
If you are looking for a full spectrum CBD oil to help with your anxiety, we recommend considering Relief + Relax CBD Oil from CBDistillery. It’s made from US grown hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC.
Multiple strength levels
CBDistillery makes Relief + Relax CBD Oil in three strengths, so you can choose the formula best suited to your needs. All three formulas have been lab-tested, with results available on CBDistillery’s website.
Simple ingredients
There are only two ingredients in this full spectrum CBD oil: hemp extract and MCT oil. MCT oil—the carrier oil in this CBD tincture—has its own health benefits, like improved cognition.
CBDistillery recommends placing this CBD oil beneath your tongue and holding it there for 10 to 20 seconds before swallowing. They advise customers to start with a dose of 5 to 10 mg of CBD and work up to a dose of 30 to 60 mg per day. Speak to your doctor about proper dosing to be sure you’re getting the full benefit.
About CBDistillery
CBDistillery aims to make the purest, most effective CBD oils possible, and does it by overseeing every step of the process.
The company follows industry guidelines set by the FDA, commits to third-party lab testing, and works with health care professionals to perfect its CBD oil formulas.
CBDistillery is a member of the National Hemp Association, and offers discounts to Veterans and US Military members. Its products come with a 60-day guarantee.
What customers love
Customers report using this CBD tincture for a wide variety of purposes including pain relief, but we did see an astounding number of reviews from customers with anxiety.
They say that taking this oil in the morning helps keep them relaxed and stress-free throughout the day. Plenty of customers also take this CBD oil before bed. They say it helps combat insomnia, prevent bad dreams, and promote more restful sleep.
And we saw several reviews mentioning the flavor of this oil. It does reportedly have a strong hemp flavor, as is typical of full spectrum CBD products, but reviewers generally find it tolerable and say they get used to it quickly.
Pros:
- Comes with detailed dosing instructions
- Made in three strengths
- Sourced from non-GMO, US-grown hemp
- Formulated with MCT oil
Cons:
- Strong hemp flavor and aroma
Specs:
- CBD Type: Full spectrum
- Size: 1 ounce
- Strength: 500 mg/bottle, 1000 mg/bottle, 2500 mg/bottle
- Flavor(s): Flavorless
Learn more about CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD Oil here
3. Best Oil with CBN: CBDfx Calming Tincture
What we love
CBDfx Calming Tincture is a great CBD oil to try if you’re looking for a sleep aid. This tincture is formulated with a 3:1 ratio of CBD to CBN, as well as a blend of calming terpenes. It also comes in four different strengths, so there’s something for every preference.
CBN helps with sleep and anxiety
CBN is another cannabinoid with effects similar to those of CBD. Studies suggest it may help promote sleep, especially when used in conjunction with CBD. So, if you struggle with evening anxiety and plan on taking CBD at night, you may want to consult with your doctor and consider this CBD tincture.
Ensured quality
CBDfx Calming Tincture is medically reviewed and lab-tested, so you can be confident in its purity. The company also makes ethics a priority, because this oil is certified cruelty-free, and vegan.
CBDfx sources all of its hemp from Kentucky farms, choosing only the best organically-grown plants.
Natural ingredients
The formula for CBDfx Calming Tincture is simple. It contains hemp extract, terpenes, MCT oil, and stevia for a hint of natural sweetness. This makes it a good choice for those who want a pleasant-tasting oil but wish to avoid sugar.
About CBDfx
Based in California, CBDfx has been creating pure, therapeutic CBD oils and hemp products since 2014. Many of its newer formulas also contain other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, and herbs. The company works with doctors and pharmacists to formulate effective products.
CBDfx is a BBB-accredited business and offers a 60-day guarantee. Customers who join its VIP Club can earn points toward discounts on future purchases.
What customers love
Most people use this CBD tincture for anxiety before bedtime and find that it helps keep their minds from wandering. By the time they crawl into bed, customers report feeling at-ease and ready to relax. They rave that this oil leaves them feeling refreshed and truly rested the next morning.
Some customers use the CBDfx Calming Tincture to take the edge off daytime anxiety. A few reviewers say they only need a couple of drops to prevent anxious thoughts and restlessness at work.
We also read reviews from a few people diagnosed with PTSD. They find this oil helps prevent nightmares and flashbacks, especially when used as a complement to therapy.
Pros:
- Contains CBN and calming terpenes
- Organic, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Comes in four strengths
- Naturally sweetened with stevia
Cons:
- Some find it too relaxing for daytime use
Specs:
- CBD Type: Full spectrum
- Size: 1 ounce
- Strength: 1000 mg/bottle, 2000 mg/bottle, 4000 mg/bottle, 6000 mg/bottle
- Flavor(s): Not specified
Learn more about CBDfx Calming Tincture here
4. Best Broad Spectrum Option: Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
What we love
Broad spectrum CBD oils contain terpenes and minor cannabinoids, but any traces of THC have been removed. If you want to get the entourage effect without any THC, consider ordering Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil.
We were impressed by the fact that this oil is formulated by pharmacists. We also like that it comes in three flavors and two strengths, allowing each customer to choose the formula best suited to their needs and taste preferences.
Premium ingredients
Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil is vegan and gluten-free. It is made with a combination of MCT oil and hemp seed oil as carrier oils.
Hemp seed oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that may help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
Tasty flavors
The Apple Kiwi Bliss and Mint Breeze versions of this oil are flavored naturally. All three flavors are lab-tested for purity and potency.
Whichever strength and flavor you choose, Green Roads recommends taking the oil by placing it in your mouth and waiting about 30 seconds before swallowing. It promises this oil is well-absorbed and will go to work quickly.
About Green Roads
Green Roads is one of a few pharmacist-founded CBD companies. It has strong community values and strives to help people improve their health through the power of plants.
Green Roads offers discounts for teachers, military members, and first responders. They also have a Rewards Program available to all customers.
What customers love
This oil appears to be popular among those with SAD, or Social Anxiety Disorder. Some customers like to take it before stressful work meetings. Others take it daily when they know they have to go out and interact with the public. They say it helps them feel less anxious not only when out, but also when planning to go out.
Reviewers have good things to say about the flavors, too. The Mint Breeze is especially popular. People say they like using it in public because they feel the mint flavor masks some of the hemp smell.
Pros:
- Formulated by pharmacists
- Comes in three flavors
- Available in two strengths
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Made with beneficial hemp seed oil
Cons:
- Some find the Apple Bliss flavor overly sweet
Specs:
- CBD Type: Broad spectrum
- Size: 1 ounce
- Strength: 750 mg/bottle, 1500 mg/bottle
- Flavor(s): Original, Apple Kiwi Bliss, Mint Breeze
Learn more about Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil here
5. Best CBD Oil with Added Herbs: Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops
What we love
CBD is a popular remedy for anxiety, but it is not the only natural solution. If you’re looking for a CBD oil that’s formulated with other beneficial herbs, consider trying Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops.
Herbal ingredients
CBD is the key, active ingredient in this oil, but the formula also contains other therapeutic botanicals:
- Shilajit: may help improve your immune health and memory. If anxiety ever causes you to feel forgetful, this might be helpful.
- Black seed oil: may help manage high blood pressure.
Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops are made with full spectrum CBD, so you get the benefits of various hemp terpenes and minor cannabinoids. The oil is lab-tested for purity and potency and made from non-GMO hemp grown without fertilizers or pesticides.
Secret Nature recommends placing your desired dose beneath your tongue, holding it there for 30 seconds, and then swallowing.
About Secret Nature
Secret Nature is an artisanal CBD company that makes 100% organic products. It strives to extract CBD in a way that preserves as many beneficial terpenes as possible. All of its products are lab-tested, and you can see the lab reports on the company’s website.
Secret Nature ships its products in discreet packaging and often offers free shipping on orders that meet a minimum cost requirement.
What customers love
Customers say taking this full spectrum oil in the morning makes them feel better overall. Not only does it take the edge off anxiety and promote calmness, but it also helps ease mild pain, promote mental sharpness, and keep them thinking positively.
Reviewers praise the mint variety of this oil for being herbal and pleasant. They say peppermint oil blends well with the hemp flavor instead of attempting to mask it.
We saw several reviews from customers who use this oil after surgery or major injuries. They report that it helps with pain control, inflammation control, and the anxiety they experience during the recovery process. Speak to your doctor to see if this might be a natural option for your injury.
Pros:
- Contains beneficial shilajit and black seed oil
- Made with full spectrum CBD
- Sourced from organic, non-GMO hemp grown in Colorado
- Vegan
Cons:
- Has a strong, herbal aroma and aftertaste
Specs:
- CBD Type: Full spectrum
- Size: 1 ounce
- Strength: 1500 mg/bottle
- Flavor(s): Raw, Mint
Learn more about Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops here
How We Picked the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety
Soon after we started searching for the best CBD oil for anxiety, we realized we would not be able to pick one single product to recommend. The CBD industry is growing rapidly, and excellent CBD products are being introduced all the time.
We wanted to showcase the diversity of all the options available. So, we decided to choose top CBD products across five different categories.
This approach did not, however, mean that we relaxed our standards. In order for a CBD product to be considered for our list, we looked for a few things:
Independent lab testing
Every CBD product had to be lab-tested for cannabinoid content and for purity. We also prioritized companies that make these lab results readily available, so customers can verify a product’s quality and purity for themselves.
High quality ingredients
We only considered products with detailed labels and complete ingredients lists. While it was not a strict requirement, we preferred products that were vegan, non-GMO, and organic. Not only do these practices make for better CBD oil, but they also show a company’s dedication to sustainability and quality.
Positive customer reviews
Setting these standards from the beginning narrowed down our options quite a bit, but we still had a lot of CBD oils to consider. So, we read plenty of reviews to see which CBD oils customers found most helpful for anxiety. We looked specifically for reviews from customers with GAD, SAD, PTSD, and OCD. We also sought to learn how customers with insomnia reacted to each CBD oil.
Firsthand product testing
Finally, we put our top products to the test. We relied on our own testers to tell us how the oils worked, how well they relieved anxiety symptoms, whether they liked the flavors, and so forth. Before long, we discovered five best CBD oils that stood out from the crowd. We’re proud to tell you all about them here.
What Is CBD?
The cannabis plant makes many different compounds. Some of these interact with various receptors in your brain and body. Those that do are known as cannabinoids. CBD is one of the best-known and most widely researched cannabinoids. The initials “CBD” stand for “cannabidiol,” which is the more formal name for the substance.
CBD does appear to have some psychoactive properties. It can lower anxiety levels and make people feel sleepy. However, it is not intoxicating and does not make users feel high. CBD is often extracted from hemp, which is a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. CBD is not yet legal in all 50 states yet, check your local state laws to be sure it’s legal in your state.
People often take hemp-derived CBD products to manage anxiety, but we believe it may also used for a variety of other health conditions, including:
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Depression
- Opiate addiction
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
If you’re taking medication for a current diagnosis, speak to your doctor to be sure CBD oil won’t affect your current medication.
Types of CBD
There are three main types of CBD that you’ll find in CBD oil for anxiety.
Full spectrum CBD
If a product is labeled “full spectrum hemp extract” or “full spectrum CBD,” that means it contains several components found in hemp plants, including tiny amounts of THC. Full spectrum CBD oils sometimes have more benefits than other CBD products because those different components are working together.
Broad spectrum CBD
If a product is labeled “broad spectrum hemp extract” or “broad spectrum CBD” then it shouldn’t contain any THC at all. But broad spectrum CBD extract will still contain other parts of the hemp plant, so it won’t be just CBD alone.
CBD isolate
If a product is labeled “CBD isolate,” that means it’s pure CBD. On the one hand, CBD isolate products won’t have the added benefit of different cannabis components working together because it’s just CBD oil. But pure CBD isolate products could be a good choice if you don’t want a strong earthy taste—or if you just want to avoid THC altogether.
What Does CBD Oil Do for Anxiety?
People often find that taking CBD helps ease the symptoms of their anxiety and make them feel less on-edge. Science appears to support the effectiveness of CBD as an anxiety treatment, as well. It may be used not only for general anxiety, but possibly for other anxiety disorders, including:
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- PTSD
CBD Oil for PTSD
In one study, patients with PTSD were given oral CBD in combination with routine psychiatric care. Most participants experienced a reduction in PTSD symptoms throughout the course of treatment. CBD specifically appeared to reduce the frequency and severity of nightmares among the participants.
CBD Oil for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Another study investigated the effects of CBD in patients with SAD, or social anxiety disorder. The researchers found that patients given CBD experienced a greater reduction in anxiety symptoms than those given a placebo.
CBD Oil for General Anxiety
Scientists still don’t know exactly how CBD works to relieve anxiety symptoms. One common theory is that it interacts with certain receptors in the brain to trigger the release of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects your mood. People with anxiety or anxiety-related disorders often have low levels of serotonin, and increasing their serotonin levels with a remedy like CBD helps ease their anxiety symptoms.
How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety
The best way to take CBD oil for anxiety is usually to place it under your tongue. Hold it there for about 20 seconds, or even a bit longer, before swallowing. Putting the product under your tongue allows some of the CBD to be absorbed quickly into your bloodstream. This method is known as sublingual dosing.
People often get the best results when they take CBD oil first thing in the morning. This way, they can start their day feeling relaxed and stress-free.
If your anxiety causes you to have trouble sleeping, you can also take CBD in the evening. It has a calming effect on your nervous system and can help quiet your mind so you fall asleep peacefully. Studies have shown that CBD can help both with easing insomnia and treating anxiety when used before bed.
What Are the Side Effects of CBD?
At this time, there aren’t any known harsh side effects caused by CBD. CBD usually doesn’t cause adverse effects when used to manage anxiety.
While side effects of CBD are not overly common, they do occur sometimes. Some people find that CBD makes them feel more drowsy than they’d like to feel. Others find it decreases their appetite and leads to weight loss, and some report that it causes dry mouth.
You may not have to stop using CBD for anxiety because of mild side effects. Often, dry mouth can be managed by drinking more water and chewing sugar-free gum. Running a humidifier in your bedroom may help keep your mouth moist at night. If CBD makes you feel fatigued, try taking it only before bedtime. If your symptoms worsen, stop taking CBD oil and consult with your doctor.
FAQs
What is MCT oil?
Some of the best CBD for anxiety is made with MCT oil as a carrier oil. A carrier oil is simply an oil used to dilute the hemp extract to the desired potency. MCT stands for “medium chain triglycerides.” These are a type of smaller fatty acids that are easily digested and quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. These characteristics make MCT oil a great carrier oil to use in CBD oil, since you want CBD to be absorbed and utilized quickly.
MCT oil is often made from coconut oil, but it can also be made from palm kernel oil. Research suggests MCT oil may be good for memory, and cognition.
What is the best dose of CBD oil for anxiety?
There is no single dose of CBD that works perfectly for everyone. Even if you and a friend have similar anxiety symptoms, you may react to CBD differently and require a different dose. Factors that affect how you react to CBD include your weight, individual metabolism, and digestive health.
Patients often find that they need a dose of 25 to 75 mg CBD per day to manage anxiety. That’s a big range. To find your ideal dose, start by taking just 20 mg CBD. Stick with this dose for a week, and see how you feel. If you’re not getting enough relief, increase the dose to 25 mg. If that’s not enough, add another 5 mg. Keep increasing your dose by 5 mg at a time until you enjoy noticeable relief from anxiety symptoms.
Can kids take CBD oil for anxiety?
No, it’s not a good idea to give kids CBD oil for anxiety. There has not been a lot of research done to determine whether CBD is safe for kids. Psychiatrists generally recommend against using it because they fear it could negatively impact a developing mind.
If you suspect your child may be struggling with anxiety, talk to their pediatrician. Kids with anxiety often benefit from deep breathing techniques, confidence-building activities, and having their emotions validated.
Which hemp terpenes help manage anxiety?
The cannabis plant makes several terpenes that may help manage anxiety. One top option is beta caryophyllene. This terpene has been said to control anxiety-related symptoms in laboratory animals. It has a scent reminiscent of black pepper.
Linalool has also been shown to have anti-anxiety effects in mice. Those who were given linalool showed increased social interaction and decreased aggression.
Limonene, which has a citrus scent and is also found in citrus fruits, may also help with anxiety relief. It has been said to reduce anxiolytic behaviors and increase dopamine levels.
Can you mix CBD oil into your drink?
Yes, you can mix CBD oil into your drink. If you don’t love the herbal, hemp flavor of CBD oil and are looking to hide it, this may be a good solution.
Just keep in mind that when you swallow CBD oil immediately instead of placing it beneath your tongue, it takes longer to kick in. Taken sublingually, CBD starts to kick in after about 15 minutes. If you instead mix it into a smoothie or drink, it may not start working for an hour or two.
Conclusion
If you struggle with an anxiety disorder or high levels of stress, CBD products are a great natural remedy to try. CBD is widely available, and there are countless brands, formulas, and strengths to choose from.
We recommend reading more about the five CBD products recommended above. Each one is a little different, but they are all highly reputable, effective, lab-tested products that customers love. Using CBD oil for anxiety is simple, and it’s maybe worth a try. We hope you find the sweet relief you deserve.
Summary of the Top Anxiety-Relieving CBD Oils
- Soul CBD Oil Drops: Best Overall CBD Oil
- CBDistillery Relief + Relax CBD Oil: Best Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- CBDFx Calming Tincture: Best Oil with CBN
- Green Roads Broad Spectrum CBD Oil: Best Broad Spectrum Option
- Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Drops: Best CBD Oil with Added Herbs
*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 supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.