Best CBD Oil for Anxiety and Stress

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.

Our picks

Best Overall — Chill Tonic

Our top choice for dealing with anxiety is the Chill Tonic tincture from the New York brand Tonic. Aside from full-spectrum CBD, it contains a blend of research-backed herbs that can help with anxiety and stress, including ashwagandha, lemon balm, and passionflower.

Learn more by reading our TONIC CBD Review.

Third-party tests confirm that this CBD oil carries 800 mg of CBD and is free of contaminants.

Whereas most CBD companies buy their hemp from other producers, Tonic grows its own plants on Tricolla Farms in Berkshire, New York.

This tincture is made with full-spectrum hemp CBD, which provides the complete benefits of hemp.

Tonic’s Chill tincture contains not only minor hemp cannabinoids but other herbal ingredients shown to help with stress and anxiety: ashwagandha, passionflower, lemon balm, and black seed oil.

The Chill Tonic costs $0.10 per mg of CBD, which is about average for CBD oil. But you’re also getting other beneficial ingredients, so the value is good.

Best Vape Product — CBDfx Terpene Vape Liquid

For those who need immediate anxiety relief, vaping CBD can be a fast-acting alternative to CBD oil. Our top pick is the terpene vape liquid from CBDfx, which comes in four flavors and two potencies: 500 mg (17 mg/ml) and 1000 mg (33 mg/ml).

It contains a blend of terpenes inspired by popular cannabis strains. CBDfx also sells a vape kit if you don’t have a vape.

Learn more by reading our CBDfx Review.

Third-party tests confirm that this vape juice contains the advertised amount of CBD.

CBDfx uses organic Kentucky hemp to make its products.

CBDfx’s vape juice contains pure CBD isolate.

This vape juice contains a blend of terpenes from one of four cannabis strains. Terpenes add flavor and may have beneficial properties. 

CBDfx’s terpene vape liquid costs $0.07-0.10 per mg of CBD, which is cheaper than most CBD vape oils.

Best THC Free — Medterra Ultra Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

If you need to completely avoid THC, we recommend choosing a broad-spectrum tincture. Our top pick is the 2000 mg ultra broad-spectrum CBD oil from the popular brand Medterra. What makes it unique is a 10:1 ratio of CBD to minor hemp cannabinoids.

Since minor cannabinoids work in synergy with CBD, this high ratio means you’re getting a more effective tincture. 

Learn more by reading our Medterra CBD Review.

Third-party tests verify the purity and potency of this flavored CBD tincture.

Medterra’s products are sourced from organic Kentucky hemp. The company is also certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority. 

This tincture contains broad-spectrum hemp extract, which is considered more effective than pure CBD.

Third-party tests show a high ratio of CBD to minor cannabinoids (close to the advertised 10:1).

At $0.05 per mg of CBD, this tincture is slightly cheaper than average.

Best Potency — CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture

Some people need to take high-strength products to get the effects they’re looking for. Our top choice is the strongest (167 mg/ml) CBD oil from Colorado’s CBDistillery, one of the best CBD brands on the market.

Learn more by reading our CBDistillery Review.

Third-party tests confirm the purity and CBD strength of this tincture.

CBDistillery uses organic Colorado hemp and is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority.

This CBD oil is made with full-spectrum hemp extract, which may have greater effects than products made with pure CBD.

According to third-party tests, this tincture contains THC and beneficial minor cannabinoids.

CBDistillery’s tincture costs $0.05 per mg of CBD, which is cheaper than average.

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.

Learn more by reading our Lazarus Naturals Review.

According to third party tests, this CBD oil is free of contaminants and contains an accurate amount of CBD.

Lazarus Naturals’ products are derived from organic hemp cultivated in central Oregon.

This CBD oil contains full spectrum hemp extract, the most effective form of CBD.

Third party potency tests show multiple cannabinoids aside from CBD, which is a sign of a high quality full spectrum extract.

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.

Best Capsules — R+R Medicinals Full-Spectrum CBD Softgels

If you prefer capsules over CBD oil, the full-spectrum CBD softgels from Colorado’s R+R Medicinals are a great choice. They provide 30 mg of CBD sourced from organic Colorado hemp.

Learn more by reading our R+R Medicinals CBD Review.

Third-party tests verify the potency and purity of these softgels.

R+R Medicinals is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority and uses USDA-certified organic Colorado hemp to make its products.

These softgel capsules are made with full-spectrum hemp extract, which is considered more effective than pure CBD.

Third-party tests show terpenes, THC, and minor cannabinoids that work in synergy with CBD.

At $0.05 per mg of CBD, these capsules are cheaper than average.

Best Gummies — Five CBD Full-Spectrum Gummies

Although they’re not as effective as CBD oil, gummies offer unrivaled taste and convenience. The best gummies we’ve come across are offered by Five CBD. 

These multi-flavored edibles are not only full-spectrum but also provide a 5:1 ratio of CBD to minor hemp cannabinoids, which means you’re getting a more effective product. Each gummy has 25 mg of CBD with 2 mg of THC.

Learn more by reading our five CBD Review.

Third-party tests confirm that these gummies are free of contaminants and match the labeled CBD strength.

The CBD is sourced from organic American hemp.

Most gummies on the market are made with pure CBD (isolate). These contain full-spectrum hemp extract, which is more effective.

Third-party tests show that these vegan gummies contain THC and high amounts of minor cannabinoids.

Five CBD’s gummies cost $0.05 per mg of CBD, which is cheaper than average.

Best Vape Oil — CBDfx Terpene Vape Liquid

If you’re a fan of vaping CBD, we recommend CBDfx. This brand is arguably the most popular choice for CBD vape oils and pens. We like its terpene vape liquid, which comes in multiple flavors and has two strengths (500 mg and 1000 mg).

It’s flavored with various blends of cannabis terpenes, including OG Kush, Pineapple Express, Gelato, and Platinum Rose. CBDfx also offers a refillable vape kit designed for CBD.

Learn more by reading our CBDfx Review.

Third-party tests confirm the potency and purity of this vape oil

CBDfx uses organic Kentucky hemp to make its products.

CBDfx’s vape liquid is made with purified CBD (isolate).

This vape juice is flavored with a blend of cannabis terpenes, which may have beneficial effects.

At $0.07-0.10 per mg of CBD, this terpene e-liquid is cheaper than most vape oils.

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.