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Our editors tested and selected the best CBD gummies for anxiety. Aspen Green is our top pick, but we’ve chosen other suitable options from Cornbread Hemp, Sunday Scaries, and more.
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Cannabidiol (CBD) gummies are easy to ingest, discreet, portable, and palatable, making them an excellent choice if you’re new to CBD. In a recent Healthline survey, 79% of those who reported being interested in trying CBD said they were specifically interested in CBD gummies.
Promising evidence suggests that CBD may be helpful for several issues, including anxiety. But not all gummies are created equal.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t currently regulate CBD products in the same way as medications or supplements — though they can send companies warning letters if they make unfounded health claims. That’s why it’s so crucial for you to do your research.
Buying a quality product ensures you stay safe and get your money’s worth. Below, you’ll find our top picks for CBD gummies for anxiety — all expertly vetted by our team. Our editors have tested all the gummies in this article and provided feedback to help make shopping a little easier for you.
whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
While CBD alone may help with anxiety, some gummies also contain extra ingredients meant to soothe anxiety, like melatonin, lemon balm, and chamomile.
However, experts aren’t yet sure how CBD interacts with these ingredients. For that reason, we stuck to CBD-only gummies, with no added vitamins, minerals, or supplements.
Our evidence-driven reviews and comparisons break down the top CBD oils, gummies, creams, and more so you can feel confident choosing what’s right for you.
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CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s similar to THC but without the intoxicating effects.
It comes in a few forms, each with important differences. Here’s a breakdown of the CBD types on the market:
CBD isolate: This is pure CBD. It doesn’t contain any THC or other cannabis compounds.
Broad-spectrum CBD: This type of CBD contains most cannabis compounds, but the THC has been removed. Trace amounts of THC may still be present and could show up on a drug test.
Full-spectrum CBD:Full-spectrum products contain all cannabis compounds, including THC (less than 0.3% if the product is federally legal).
Research also suggests that CBD may help reduce the symptoms of certain types of anxiety. Plus, it’s easy to purchase over the counter.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s without risks.
If you’re taking medication for any type of anxiety disorder, don’t assume you can stop taking it and use CBD instead.
More research is needed before CBD could be considered an effective treatment alternative. And right now, it’s not an approved treatment for any mental health condition. There are also no studies on its potential long-term effects.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while CBD may help calm you down, THC has the potential to induce panic attacks in some people. That means that people with anxiety might respond negatively to full-spectrum CBD, which contains both THC and CBD.
If you have anxiety and want to try CBD, make sure to talk with a clinician, doctor, or mental health professional before doing so.
All CBD products may contain trace THC
It’s important to keep in mind that since CBD products come from cannabis, they may include trace levels of THC. That’s true even for “THC-free” products.
If you undergo drug testing, you may want to avoid CBD products altogether.
If you’re not concerned with drug testing, but you still want to avoid THC, isolate products will be as close to THC-free as you can get.
When you’re shopping for CBD gummies, keep the following in mind:
CBD type: Does the gummy contain CBD isolate, full-spectrum, or broad-spectrum CBD? Isolates are a good choice if you’re interested in staying away from THC. However, the extraction process strips the resulting CBD of a variety of beneficial compounds. Because broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products contain additional cannabinoids, they may have heightened therapeutic benefits compared with CBD isolate. This happens due to the entourage effect.
Potency: Dosage can vary depending on the product, but it also depends on the CBD source. Full-spectrum CBD gummies may pack more of a punch than isolate chews, for instance.
Ingredients: If you’re worried about ingesting artificial additives and high fructose corn syrup, or you need to avoid animal products, read the ingredient label carefully. Your best option is to choose an organic CBD gummy made with natural flavors and real sugars. Additional ingredients like melatonin are sometimes included to help ease anxiety and promote sleep, but there isn’t much research on how these ingredients interact with CBD. It may be best to steer clear until we know more.
Third-party testing: Check for an up-to-date COA to ensure you’re buying a product free of contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and molds. A COA also lets you know that what’s on the label — including the amount of CBD and THC — is true and accurate.
Brand reputation: Stay away from companies that make any wild claims or promises about their products. You can also check for FDA warning letters and do a Google search to look for any lawsuits.
CBD gummies are one of the easiest CBD products to take: You chew and swallow them like any other gummy.
You can take CBD at any time of day, though some people find it makes them a little tired. If that’s the case for you, you may want to take them right before you’re about to get some shut-eye.
Dosage
Most CBD gummies contain at least 5 mg of CBD. Go with a single 5 mg gummy if you’re trying CBD for the first time — you can even cut one in half if 5 mg seems too potent.
Be patient. It can take time to feel the effects of CBD. Wait at least 2 hours to check in with how you feel before taking another gummy. You can find out more about CBD dosage here.
However, if you take a large enough dose of a potent enough full-spectrum product, you could consume enough THC to cause an intoxicating effect. Go with isolate or broad-spectrum products if you’re concerned about this.
Research from 2017 found that CBD is generally considered safe, though you shouldn’t take it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, you should know about a few potential side effects:
diarrhea
fatigue
changes in appetite and weight
CBD may interact with certain medications, including those with a grapefruit warning. It’s important to talk with a clinician before trying any kind of CBD product, especially if you take medications or supplements.
Be careful about what you eat when taking CBD. Taking a chew or gummy alongside a high fat meal can heighten your risk of experiencing side effects, according to a 2020 study.
Lastly, keep in mind that CBD gummies look a lot like candy, but they’re only intended for adults over age 18. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
When to contact a doctor
CBD may lower anxiety, but more research on its effects is needed. CBD gummies are not fast acting, so they may not be the right choice for acute symptoms or anxiety attacks. If you are experiencing severe anxiety or persistent anxiety symptoms, you may want to visit your clinician.
You may also want to visit your clinician if:
You are worrying so much that it’s getting in the way of your daily life, including taking care of yourself, school, work, or your social life.
Your anxiety or fears are upsetting to you and difficult for you to manage on your own.
You feel depressed or have other mental health conditions besides anxiety.
You feel as if your anxiety may be caused by an underlying mental health condition or another health issue.
Anecdotally, some people say that CBD helps with anxiety. Some research also supports this, though more research is needed to say for sure.
How fast do CBD gummies work for anxiety?
It can take up to 2 hours for CBD gummies to kick in.
When should I take CBD gummies for anxiety?
The manufacturer might recommend when and how to take their CBD gummies. Many people prefer to use CBD on a daily basis. You can take an extra dose of CBD if you feel particularly stressed or anxious, but it’s best to start with a low dose and gradually increase it.
How many CBD gummies should I take for anxiety?
Check the product label for the manufacturer’s recommendation. However, the amount that’s best for you will depend on your body chemistry, weight, and experience with CBD. Your best bet is to start with a low potency gummy and work your way up to a higher dose if needed.
CBD gummies may help if you have anxiety, though more research is needed to determine their risks and benefits.
Gummies are also a great way to try CBD for the first time. They’re easy to dose and don’t have the aftertaste of other cannabis-derived products.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book.
Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Crockett J, et al. (2020). A phase 1, randomized, pharmacokinetic trial of the effect of different meal compositions, whole milk, and alcohol on cannabidiol exposure and safety in healthy subjects. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/epi.16419
