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Best CBD Oil for Anxiety and Stress in 2021
Medically reviewed by |Last Updated:
You’re probably familiar with cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main active components of cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t cause intoxication.
CBD products are used by a growing number of people to help with a wide variety of health issues, including anxiety.
Although more studies are needed, research has shown that CBD has potent anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) effects that can help with occasional anxiety as well as specific anxiety disorders.
But with so many products to choose from, it can be tough to make a choice. That’s why we compared different brands to find the best CBD products for anxiety.
What does science say about CBD and anxiety?
Multiple clinical studies have shown that CBD can relieve various types of anxiety:
- In a 2019 Japanese study, CBD oil decreased anxiety in teenagers with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and avoidant personality disorder (AVPD)
- In a 2011 Brazilian study, CBD capsules reduced anxiety induced by public speaking in people with SAD
- In another 2019 study out of Colorado, CBD capsules improved anxiety in people with sleep or anxiety disorders
- A 2020 review paper of all the available evidence on the use of CBD for anxiety concluded that “CBD has a promising role as alternative therapy in the management of anxiety disorders”
Overall, the findings are quite promising and confirm anecdotal reports of CBD users. Still, researchers stress the need for further high quality studies to figure out the best CBD dosage for anxiety and other specifics.
How we chose these products
Our team of medical doctors, nutritionists, and other health experts chose these products based on their quality, transparency, price, and other criteria. For example, all of the products we recommend are tested by a third party lab to verify their potency and safety.
We also consider factors relevant to anxiety. For example, we suggest THC free options because some people are sensitive to THC and may feel anxious from a large dose of a full spectrum product. Check here for more details on how we choose products.
We also use an objective ranking system that rates brands and products out of 100 points.
#1 BestLeafreport’s picks of the Best CBD oils
Our picks
Best Overall — NuLeaf Naturals
Our overall top pick for anxiety is the full spectrum CBD oil from NuLeaf Naturals. This established Colorado brand is known for offering high quality full spectrum products.
Its full spectrum tincture has a high potency of 60 mg of CBD per ml for a total of 1800 mgMultiple bottle sizes are available.
Quality Assurance
Third party tests confirm that this CBD oil has no contaminants and provides as much CBD as advertised.
Hemp Quality
Like all NuLeaf Naturals products, this tincture is sourced from organic hemp cultivated in Colorado.
Extract Type
This is a proper full spectrum CBD tincture that provides the complete benefits of hemp.
Additional Ingredients
According to third party testing, this CBD oil contains multiple minor cannabinoids.
Price
With a cost of $0.10 per mg of CBD, you’re getting a price that’s about average for CBD tinctures.
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Best THC Free — CBDistillery
Some people, and especially those suffering from anxiety, are sensitive to THC. This means they can experience an increase in anxiety even from the small amount of THC (<0.3%) present in a full spectrum product.
For those people, we recommend the broad spectrum CBD oil from CBDistillery, which carries 33 mg of CBD per ml, for a total of 1000 mg.
Quality Assurance
Third party tests verify that this CBD oil is free of THC and contaminants, although it may contain more CBD than stated on the label.
Hemp Quality
CBDistillery is a popular brand that’s certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority for adhering to high quality standards. Its tinctures are made from organic Colorado hemp.
Extract Type
This tincture is made with broad spectrum CBD, which has no THC while retaining other beneficial hemp compounds.
Additional Ingredients
Aside from CBD, this broad spectrum CBD oil contains multiple cannabinoids.
Price
With a price of $0.06 per mg of CBD, this CBD oil is cheaper than average.
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Best Potency — Endoca
Everyone’s ideal CBD dosage is different. If you find that you need large doses, we recommend the strong CBD oil from Endoca, one of the oldest and most respected CBD companies in the world.
This full spectrum tincture has a very high potency of 150 mg of CBD per ml, with a total of 1500 mg of CBD in the 10 ml bottle. You can choose the natural or chocolate mint flavor.
Quality Assurance
According to third party and in house tests, this tincture contains the correct amount of CBD and is free of pesticides and other potential contaminants.
Hemp Quality
This CBD oil is sourced from organic Danish hemp cultivated by Endoca and the local farmers it partners with.
Extract Type
This is a high quality full spectrum CBD oil so you’re getting the most out of hemp’s benefits.
Additional Ingredients
Our third party test study found that Endoca’s tinctures contain multiple minor cannabinoids aside from CBD, which is a great sign.
Price
Endoca’s CBD oil costs $0.10 per mg of CBD, which is an average price point.
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Best Value — Lazarus Naturals
Lazarus Naturals is our top pick for the value oriented shopper. The company’s high potency (50 mg/ml) tincture provides 3000 mg of CBD at an exceptionally low price.
Quality Assurance
According to third party tests, this CBD oil is free of contaminants and contains an accurate amount of CBD.
Hemp Quality
Lazarus Naturals’ products are derived from organic hemp cultivated in central Oregon.
Extract Type
This CBD oil contains full spectrum hemp extract, the most effective form of CBD.
Additional Ingredients
Third party potency tests show multiple cannabinoids aside from CBD, which is a sign of a high quality full spectrum extract.
Price
Lazarus Naturals’ high potency CBD tincture costs only $0.02 per mg of CBD, which is far cheaper than the average market price. The company also offers a 60% discount for veterans, people with disabilities, and low income families.
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Best Capsules — PlusCBD
Many people prefer to use CBD capsules because of their convenience. Our top pick for anxiety is the extra strength softgels from PlusCBD, one of the first American CBD brands.
They provide 15 mg of full spectrum CBD in each softgel with 60 softgels per bottle.
Quality Assurance
Third party and in house tests confirm that these capsules carry the advertised amount of CBD and are free of contaminants. Additionally, PlusCBD holds the FDA’s self affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status, which means its products passed rigorous safety testing.
Hemp Quality
Unlike most American brands, PlusCBD sources its CBD from organic hemp grown in Europe. PlusCBD is also certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority.
Extract Type
These vegan friendly capsules are made with full spectrum hemp extract, providing the full benefits of hemp.
Additional Ingredients
According to potency tests, PlusCBD’s capsules contain multiple minor cannabinoids.
Price
PlusCBD’s softgels cost $0.08 per mg of CBD, which is on the lower end of the average cost of CBD capsules.
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Best Gummies — Fab CBD
If you’re after the delicious convenience of gummies, we recommend Fab CBD. The company’s fruit flavored chews carry 25 mg of pure CBD per piece, with 30 gummies per container.
Quality Assurance
Third party tests confirm that these gummies are free of contaminants and contain an accurate amount of CBD.
Hemp Quality
The CBD is sourced from organic hemp grown in Colorado.
Extract Type
Like most gummies, these sweets are made with pure CBD isolate.
Additional Ingredients
These gummies are free of artificial sweeteners and made with organic, vegan friendly ingredients.
Price
Fab CBD’s gummies cost $0.08 per mg of CBD, which is close to the average price for CBD gummies.
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Best Vape Product — Koi CBD
For those who prefer immediate anxiety relief, vaping CBD can be a fast acting alternative to CBD oil. We recommend the CBD vape juice from California’s Koi CBD, a reputable brand known for its vape products.
It comes in a 30 ml bottle with 1000 mg of CBD, giving it a medium strength potency of 33 mg per ml.
Quality Assurance
Third party tests confirm that you’re getting as much CBD as you paid for and a safe, pesticide free product.
Hemp Quality
This vape juice is made from organic hemp cultivated in Colorado.
Extract Type
Like most CBD vape products, this e-liquid is made with CBD isolate.
Additional Ingredients
This vape juice has a simple yet straightforward formula consisting of CBD dissolved in a 50%/50% mix of VG/PG with added flavoring.
Price
This vape juice costs $0.06 per mg of CBD, which is cheaper than most CBD vape e-liquids.
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How to choose the best CBD for anxiety
It can be difficult to choose a CBD product for anxiety with so many options. We put together some tips to help you make an educated choice:
- Third party testing: Reputable brands send their products for testing at an independent lab to verify their safety and CBD content. You should only buy third party tested products.
- Consumption method: CBD can be taken in different ways, each with its advantages and weaknesses. For example, some people prefer to vape CBD because it offers instant effects.
- Type of CBD: There are three types of CBD; isolate, full spectrum, and broad spectrum. Full spectrum is considered the most effective but some people may prefer the other two types.
- Dosage: The right amount of CBD is different for everyone. You should start with a small dose and raise it slowly. The next time you buy CBD, you can match your dosage to the optimal product potency.
We have a detailed guide for a full explanation of how to find reputable CBD companies and choose the best product for yourself.
Safety and side effects
CBD has been extensively studied, and the results suggest that it’s a safe and well tolerated compound. While it can cause some side effects, they’re usually minor, and include:
- Tiredness and drowsiness
- Diarrhea and nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Dry mouth
CBD can also interact with prescription medications. The good news is that these effects were only reported by studies using high doses of pure CBD. As such, they’re not likely to happen for most people.
Still, we recommend consulting your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you’re taking prescription medicine.
Legality
CBD products derived from hemp (cannabis containing 0.3% or less THC) are legal under federal law in the United States. However, you also have to consider individual state laws. For example, some states ban CBD entirely or only allow products with zero THC.
You can also take CBD while driving. However, if you use a full spectrum product, you may have a detectable amount of THC in your body. That means you can test positive for marijuana if you get pulled over in a state where it’s illegal.
