8 Best CBD Oils for Anxiety in 2023

A quick look at the best CBD oils for anxiety

• Best extra-strength: CBDfx Calming Tincture |Skip to review
• Best flavored: FOCL Premium CBD Drops | Skip to review
• Best isolate: CBDistillery CBD Oil Isolate | Skip to review
• Editor’s pick: Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Oil | Skip to review
• Best organic: Kanibi CBD Pure Isolate, Skittles | Skip to review
• Best topical: Lord Jones Royal Oil | Skip to review
• Best full-spectrum: Lazarus Naturals Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture, Chocolate Mint | Skip to review
• Best for beginners: FAB CBD Oil, Natural, 1,200 mg | Skip to review

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Although research into its effects is ongoing, some studies suggest that it may be able to help ease symptoms of conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, and even anxiety.

If you’ve been considering grabbing a bottle of CBD oil to ease worry and stress, you may have found yourself surprised — maybe even overwhelmed — by all the choices out there, not to mention the vocabulary. What the heck is a terpene anyway?

Although nothing makes one CBD oil better than another at reducing anxiety, if you choose a quality product you stand to gain the most benefit. We’ve done the research to help you choose a CBD oil or tincture that fits your needs, including some that contain other ingredients that may help bring about a sense of calm.

How we chose the best CBD oils for anxiety

We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Each product in this article:

• is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
• is made with U.S.-grown hemp
• contains no more than 0.3% THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
• is below the legal limit for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, according to the COA

We also considered:

• company certifications and manufacturing processes
• product potency
• overall ingredients
• indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
  • customer reviews
  • whether the company has been subject to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter
  • whether the company makes any unsupported health claims

Healthline’s picks of the best CBD oils for anxiety

Best extra-strength

CBDfx Calming Tincture

• Price: $$
• CBD type: full-spectrum
• CBD potency: 500–6,000 mg
• COA: available online

Many CBD companies are now offering CBD combined with cannabinol (CBN). Although there’s a lack of solid research on the benefits of CBN oil, people often use it for relaxation and sleep. This CBN and CBD tincture comes in a wide range of potencies and is unflavored. It’s also organic, vegan, and gluten-free.

The COA is available online.

Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off.

Best flavored

FOCL Premium CBD Drops

• Price: $$
• CBD type: broad-spectrum
• CBD potency: 1,000 mg, 2,000 mg, or 3,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
• COA: available on product page

FOCL Premium CBD Drops is a broad-spectrum CBD tincture. It comes in a range of flavors, including Mint, Orange Cream, Cherry, and Natural. It’s also vegan and verified non-GMO (genetically modified organisms).

Several potencies are available, including 1,000 mg, 2,000 mg, and 3,000 mg CBD per bottle. FOCL offers subscribe and save discounts, making reordering easier on your bank account.

FOCL makes their products with U.S.-grown hemp in facilities that are compliant with the FDA’s current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs).

Use code “HEALTHLINE20” for 20% off your first order.

Best isolate

CBDistillery CBD Oil Isolate

• Price: $$$
• CBD type: isolate (THC-free)
• CBD potency: 500 milligrams (mg), 1,000 mg, or 2,500 mg per 30-milliliter (mL) bottle
• COA: available on product page

If you’re sensitive to other cannabinoids, you may prefer a high potency CBD isolate and nothing else — no trace amounts of THC, no other plant compounds, and no added flavors. Available in three potencies ranging in price from $42 to $130, you can choose which strength is best for your needs.

CBDistillery is behind the “The CBD Movement Podcast” and aims to educate people about the science behind cannabis and its intersection with wellness. Read our in-depth review of the company here.

Use code “healthline” for 20% off sitewide or choose the subscription option for 20% off the first 2 subscription orders and 25% off the 3rd order.

Editor’s pick

Aspen Green Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

• Price: $$
• CBD type: full-spectrum
• CBD potency: 1,000–3,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
• COA: available online

This full-spectrum CBD oil is sold in Original, Citrus, and Mint Flavors, and comes in three different potencies. It’s also U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic.

Why we like it: Editor Christy Snyder chose this oil as a frontrunner in our list because of its effectiveness. “It’s a great oil for more advanced users of CBD, especially the 3,000 mg bottle (100 mg CBD per full 1 mL dose). Even those with experience using CBD may want to start with half a dropper (50 mg CBD per .5 mL dose). This oil, in all flavors, does have an earthy taste to it. Keep that in mind if you don’t like the taste of hemp.”

In addition to oils, the company offers balms, creams, and other products.

Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off.

Best organic

Kanibi CBD Pure Isolate, Skittles

• Price: $$
• CBD type: isolate (THC-free)
• CBD potency: 750 mg per 30-mL bottle
• COA: available on product page

When you want a CBD product that goes down smoothly but also offers peace of mind in what you’re getting, this Kanibi product may do the trick. This CBD isolate offers pure CBD from organic hemp. The CBD is extracted with carbon dioxide (CO2), which is believed to be a cleaner way to extract CBD than ethanol extraction.

No other plant compounds are present in this oil, giving you just CBD in an MCT carrier oil and zero artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. If you’re looking for a more potent product, the company also offers a 1,500-mg bottle.

Use code “HEALTHLINE10” for 10% off.

Best topical

Lord Jones Royal Oil

• Price: $$
• CBD type: broad-spectrum
• CBD potency: 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
• COA: available online

This multipurpose oil is made with just two ingredients: CBD and grapeseed oil. When used topically, it soothes and hydrates. Grapeseed oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can calm skin prone to breakouts during times of stress and anxiety, and CBD might also be beneficial for the skin.

Lord Jones offers discounts to teachers, military members, and medical personnel. And if you like the product, the subscribe and save option takes reordering off your plate.

Best full-spectrum

Lazarus Naturals Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture, Chocolate Mint

• Price: $$$ (offers assistance programs)
• CBD type: full-spectrum (less than 0.3% THC)
• CBD potency: 6,000 mg per 120-mL bottle
• COA: available on product page

At 50 mg per 1-mL dose, this is a high potency product. It’s made from hemp grown on the Lazarus farm in central Oregon.

Though this is a flavored oil, reviewers describe the taste as subtle and still somewhat earthy. As a bonus, it pairs well in a cup of joe when you want some calm along with your caffeine.

Customers also rave about the brand’s commitment to making CBD accessible with their assistance programs for veterans, people on long-term disability, and low income households.

Use code “Healthline10” for 10% off your first order. One-time use only.

Best for beginners

FAB CBD Oil, Natural, 1,200 mg

• Price: $$ (offers discount program)
• CBD type: full-spectrum (less than 0.3% THC)
• CBD potency: 1,200 mg per 30-mL bottle
• COA: available on product page

With 1,200 mg of CBD per 30-mL bottle, this product is a good potency for beginners. FAB CBD recommends using a half a dropper as one serving, which offers 20 mg of CBD. This CBD is extracted from Colorado-grown, organic hemp.

FAB CBD offers quite a variety when it comes to their CBD oil. They have weaker and stronger potencies if you want a different dosage of CBD. While this product has a Natural flavor, there are four flavored options available: Citrus, Mint, Vanilla, and Berry.

If you’re interested in saving on CBD, FAB CBD has a subscribe-and-save discount club, which offers a 20% discount when you sign up. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 20% off your first purchase.

Comparing the best CBD oils for anxiety

While we’ve chosen to highlight a few specific flavor options in this article, many of the products featured also come in additional flavors, which you can find listed below.

Is CBD effective to treat anxiety?

Research on CBD and its use for anxiety and depression is still ongoing. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to determine effective doses for specific conditions.

But a 2020 review of existing studies concludes that CBD has potential for treating anxiety disorders like:

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• generalized anxiety disorder
• social anxiety disorder

How to choose a CBD oil for anxiety

You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to choosing a CBD oil for anxiety. At a minimum, look for a product that has been third-party tested. Reputable CBD companies will send out their products to accredited, third-party labs to be tested. Then, they’ll make the testing results available to the public through certificates of analysis, or COAs.

Compare the COA with the product label and make sure it actually contains the amount of CBD and THC it says it does. You can also verify that it doesn’t have dangerous levels of contaminants like molds, pesticides, and heavy metals.

Once you’ve found some quality products, a selection really comes down to personal preference and your needs. If anxiety keeps you up at night, a CBD product that contains calming ingredients might be helpful.

But if anxiety is more prevalent during your out-and-about hours, you might prefer a low potency CBD you can take on the go, upping your dose as needed.

Reading a CBD label can feel a little tricky until you’re familiar with the terminology. Keep in mind that if you’re hoping for an entourage effect of all the phytocannabinoids and terpenes working together, you’ll want a full-spectrum product.

A broad-spectrum option will offer other cannabis plant benefits, as well, but won’t include any THC. A CBD isolate product will contain no THC and no other cannabinoids or plant compounds. So, if exposure to anything but CBD is a concern, opt for an isolate.

And, of course, the taste will come into play. If the smell or taste of cannabis is a turnoff, you may prefer a flavored product to mask any overt earthiness.

Pros and cons of CBD oil for anxiety

Frequently asked questions

How should I use CBD oil?

CBD oils and tinctures are best taken sublingually. Use the dropper to measure your desired dose, then squeeze the drops under the tongue. Hold the liquid there for about 20 seconds before swallowing.

A CBD oil label usually lists the total amount of CBD in the bottle. The serving size, which may not be clearly listed, is actually the amount of CBD per milliliter. For example, a 1-ounce (30-mL) bottle with 1,200 mg of CBD will deliver 30 servings of 40 mg per mL (usually the size of the dropper).

But that doesn’t mean you have to take a full dropper or that you have to stick to just one dropper either. If you’re new to CBD, start with a smaller dose to see how it affects you before trying more.

Can you get ‘high’ from CBD oil?

CBD does not have any psychoactive properties, so it doesn’t make you feel “high.” The cannabinoid that does give you the “high” feeling is THC, and although some CBD oils contain trace amounts of THC, it’s typically not enough to make you have that sensation. However, more CBD products have become available that contain 5-10 mg THC per ml/unit – so be aware that there is potential to experience impairment.

If you don’t want traces of THC in your system, it may be best to avoid CBD oils that contain them altogether. You can shop for isolate CBD products, which do not contain any THC.

Is CBD oil safe?

CBD is generally reported to be safe, but side effects may occur. These may include:

• fatigue
• diarrhea
• changes in appetite
• changes in weight

Does CBD help with anxiety?

More evidence is needed before researchers can conclude that CBD can help with anxiety. There is a lack of large-scale clinical human trials that study CBD’s potential to treat mood disorders.

However, several studies suggest that CBD might have anti-anxiety effects. More research is needed to learn more about CBD’s therapeutic potential.

How long does CBD oil take to work for anxiety?

Because there is a lack of clinical trials on using CBD for anxiety, there’s no clear consensus on how long it takes for CBD to start working.

However, in a 2018 study on using CBD for social anxiety, participants were given CBD before undergoing a simulated public speaking test. The study concluded that 300 mg of CBD administered orally 90 minutes before the test significantly reduced the participants’ anxiety.

Safety and side effects 

Before trying CBD for anxiety, talk with a healthcare professional or a knowledgeable cannabis clinician, especially if you’re taking any medications. CBD may interact with certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins or supplements.

CBD may also cause liver toxicity or injury, according to a 2019 study. However, this study was conducted on mice, and researchers say you’d have to be taking extremely high doses for this to be a concern.

One more thing: Be careful when consuming CBD along with high fat meals. Fats can increase CBD blood concentrations, upping the risks for side effects, according to a 2020 study.

Takeaway 

Research is still ongoing as to how CBD might help ease anxiety and depression. If you’ve been considering trying CBD oil to see if it makes you feel more relaxed in times of stress or your day-to-day, we hope our list of fully vetted recommendations helps you choose a product that fits your needs.

Remember to talk with a healthcare professional first, especially if you already take medications or supplements.

Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.

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.