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CBD Oil for Anxiety: Where Does the Research Stand?
Many people who experience anxiety are interested in natural wellness support. Here’s what the science says about CBD and anxiety.
Research on CBD for anxiety shows mixed but promising early findings in human trials, especially in small studies looking at situational anxiety like public speaking. CBD is not FDA-approved for treating anxiety, and current evidence remains limited.
If you’re considering CBD for anxiety, talk with a qualified clinician for safe, personalized guidance.
Safety considerations before using CBD for anxiety
There are a few things to note before considering CBD use for anxiety. Here’s what to keep in mind, at a glance:
- Common side effects may include fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.
- Some studies report liver enzyme elevations, which may be concerning for those with preexisting liver conditions.
- CBD can interact with the CYP450 enzyme system, potentially altering how medications like SSRIs, benzodiazepines, or sedatives are metabolized.
- CBD is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
- Drowsiness is uncommon but possible. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how CBD affects you.
- The only FDA-approved CBD product is Epidiolex, which is used for rare seizure disorders and not anxiety.
- Always consult a healthcare provider before adding CBD, especially if you take medications or have chronic conditions.
Evidence summary: Does CBD help with anxiety?
The difficulty of studying supplements like CBD is the lack of protocol. When a medication is studied, studies need to be designed in a particular way.
When a product like CBD is studied, researchers have a lot more freedom in exploring potential benefits. This can make it difficult to determine exactly what the evidence says.
What the evidence shows so far
Research on CBD for anxiety is still in its early stages. A handful of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and experimental studies suggest CBD may reduce symptoms in specific situations.
One well-cited study found that a single oral dose of CBD lessened anxiety in participants with social anxiety disorder during a mock public speaking test.
Limitations of the evidence
Most human studies use small sample sizes, test people with a single serving of CBD, or focus on short-term effects in controlled settings. This makes it difficult to know how CBD works in the real world with long-term use for generalized anxiety or chronic stress.
CBD has no official serving size, which can make things even trickier. This means that studies can choose however much (or little) CBD without sticking to a uniform number. The amount of CBD can have a huge impact on results, and without a single standard, comparing the results of CBD studies can be difficult.
Expert consensus
Trusted health authorities such as the World Health Organization and reputable clinical reviews note that CBD shows potential for anxiety-related conditions. Still, they emphasize that there isn't enough evidence to say for sure exactly what that potential may be.
At this time, CBD is not FDA-approved for anxiety treatment. This may change as more studies are released, especially since there's an increased interest in natural alternatives for anxiety treatment.
Takeaway
CBD may help reduce situational anxiety for some people, but research is not strong enough or uniformly designed to guarantee effectiveness across all forms of anxiety. Anyone considering CBD should treat it as a helpful supplement rather than a perfect solution.
As with all supplements, use caution, and keep your doctor in the loop if you decide to start using it as part of your treatment for anxiety disorders.
Safety and interactions
When deciding if CBD is a good fit for you, your top consideration should be your safety. CBD may pose safety risks to people with certain conditions and people who use specific medications.
Liver considerations
Some human studies report elevated liver enzymes in people using large servings of CBD, especially alongside other medications. People with existing liver disease and people on hepatically metabolized drugs should be cautious.
Medication interactions
CBD interacts with the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. This means it may affect the metabolism of medications such as SSRIs (like sertraline), benzodiazepines (like diazepam), blood thinners (like warfarin), and sedatives. This can lead to higher or lower drug levels in the bloodstream, increasing risks of side effects or reduced effectiveness.
Usage precautions
CBD should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. People with certain medical conditions, like liver impairment, severe psychiatric disorders, or cardiovascular concerns, should also exercise caution.
Drowsiness and safety
CBD can cause drowsiness or interact with sedating medications by boosting their sedative effects. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or combining CBD with alcohol or sedatives until you know your individual response.
Workplace and drug testing
Full spectrum CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC. Over time, this can accumulate and potentially trigger a positive drug test. Broad spectrum and isolate products lower this risk, but no CBD product can guarantee you’ll pass.
Legal and regulatory note
Hemp-derived CBD with ≤0.3% delta-9 THC is federally legal in the U.S., but state laws vary. CBD is not FDA-approved for anxiety.
Bottom line
Safety considerations matter just as much as the potential benefits of CBD. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting CBD, especially if you take other medications.
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural part of life, but when it becomes persistent or overwhelming, it can start affecting daily routines, energy levels, and overall well-being. Understanding what triggers anxiety can help in developing healthy coping strategies.
There is a difference between occasional feelings of anxiety and anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders have different causes and are managed in different ways.
Life stressors and daily pressures
Life moves fast, and with that comes stress from work, relationships, finances, health, and responsibilities. Significant life changes are major contributors to temporary anxiety. A career shift, moving to a new place, or a major change in a close relationship can cause anxiety until you've grown comfortable with a new situation.
Even small, everyday stressors like traffic jams, packed schedules, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks can add up over time, making it harder for the mind to relax and reset. You may have moments where it feels like everything is happening at once, which can lead to emotional overwhelm.
Overthinking and mental habits
The human mind is powerful, but sometimes, it gets stuck in loops of worry and overthinking. Thoughts about the future, past mistakes, or things beyond one’s control can intensify feelings of unease.
Some people tend to be naturally more analytical, and while this can be a strength, it can also lead to rumination, where the mind replays worries over and over. Learning how to shift focus from overthinking to being present can help break this cycle.
Lack of rest and recovery
The mind and body are closely connected, and not getting enough quality sleep can make anxious thoughts feel even more intense. When the body is exhausted, overwhelmed, or overstimulated, it struggles to regulate emotions properly.
A healthy nighttime routine, limiting screen time before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques can help you get better rest.
Nutritional and lifestyle factors
What we put into our bodies matters. High levels of caffeine, sugar, or processed foods can overstimulate the nervous system, making it harder to feel calm. Likewise, not drinking enough water, skipping meals, or lacking essential nutrients can throw off the body’s natural balance.
Movement also plays a role. Spending too much time indoors or not getting enough physical activity can increase stress levels. Simply going for a short walk, stretching, or practicing deep breathing can make a big difference in helping the mind unwind.
Genetics and brain chemistry
For some people, anxiety runs in the family. Research suggests that genetics and brain chemistry may contribute to how an individual processes stress.
While lifestyle choices and wellness practices can help, understanding one’s unique emotional patterns can be valuable in creating a balanced approach to self-care.
How does CBD work?
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is a massive network of receptors throughout the human brain and body. Your body manufactures its own cannabinoids for this system to use.
Cannabinoids like CBD are very similar to the cannabinoids your body produces, which allows them to interact with your endocannabinoid system in a similar way.
The endocannabinoid system contains receptors in the areas of your brain and body that regulate things like mood and stress responses, sleep cycles and rest quality, cognitive function and focus, and your overall sense of well-being.
You have natural processes designed to help your body function efficiently across these key areas. Your body wants you to feel good and sleep well because it's beneficial for your overall health to do so.
Cannabinoids like CBD may influence your endocannabinoid system by sending signals to jumpstart these natural processes, which may help you feel more at ease without fundamentally changing the way your body works.
What is CBD’s role in emotional balance?
CBD interacts with receptors in the brain to support overall balance. In addition to reacting with cannabinoid specific receptors, CBD may also be able to interact with several key receptors throughout the brain to encourage them to fulfill their natural functions.
These receptors include:
- Serotonin Receptors (5-HT1A): These receptors play a big role in mood and emotional wellness. Some studies suggest CBD may enhance serotonin signaling, which could help support a sense of calm and ease.
- GABA Receptors: GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps the body and mind relax. By influencing GABA activity, CBD may support mental clarity and relaxation without causing drowsiness.
- Dopamine Receptors: Dopamine is associated with motivation and pleasure. Some research suggests CBD may help regulate dopamine activity, which could contribute to an overall sense of balance.
All of these receptors work together to create a balanced sense of overall emotional wellness. CBD may provide noticeable mood support by encouraging harmony among key processes. Your body is doing the work. CBD may just be giving it a nudge in the right direction.
Dosing evidence
CBD is not a necessary vitamin or nutrient, so there is no established number for how much you'd need to ingest daily.
What research has tested
Clinical studies often use moderate single doses of oral CBD ranging from 150 mg to 600 mg to test CBD's impact on feelings of anxiety and emotional response for patients with anxiety disorders. These amounts are significantly higher than typical retail CBD gummies or oils, which often contain 10-50 mg per serving.
Differences between research and consumer use
This gap matters a lot, especially for people seeking to use CBD as relief for more than daily minor anxiety. What’s observed in a controlled trial may not translate directly to most CBD supplements.
In addition, trial formulations are standardized. This means that studies tend to use isolated CBD made in a laboratory for study participants, rather than the CBD that naturally occurs in hemp.
Some of the potential benefits of CBD may come from CBD working in conjunction with other naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant, and studies usually don't consider the bigger picture.
Delivery methods
Here’s an overview of different delivery methods and their onset time:
- Oils/tinctures: Generally start to work within 30-60 minutes and effects last four to six hours.
- Capsules/gummies: Generally start to work in one to two hours and lasts for six to eight hours.
- Vaping/inhalation: Generally work within minutes, but the effects also wear off quickly.
General principles
Because everyone is different, experts emphasize the principle of “start low and go slow.” Start with small amounts, consider how CBD makes you feel, and adjust your serving size based on your experience.
Always check the certificate of analysis to verify the potency of your product. It's important to make sure you're getting exactly the amount of CBD stated on the packaging.
Clinician guidance
Anyone considering CBD for anxiety should consult a doctor, especially since there is no officially recognized safe, effective dosing for long-term anxiety management.
How to choose CBD products
You'll face several important choices when choosing a CBD product for your wellness routine. You'll need to carefully consider the formulation of the product, your personal feelings on THC, and the reputation of the brand you choose.
Full spectrum vs. broad spectrum vs. isolate
You'll encounter three CBD formula types while browsing for your ideal CBD supplement.
Here are the terms you need to know:
- Full spectrum: Contains CBD plus negligible trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids and terpenes. Some find the plant synergy beneficial and prefer to use whole hemp extract.
- Broad spectrum: Multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, but nondetectable THC. It's the best of both worlds for people who prefer to avoid THC.
- Isolate: Pure CBD, which is the best choice for people who are only interested in CBD specifically.
Choose the formula that works best for your needs and lifestyle. The best CBD for you is whichever formula you’re most comfortable with.
THC sensitivity and anxiety
THC can affect you in two ways, depending on the amount you use. Very low amounts may feel calming, but higher amounts can worsen anxiety in sensitive people. If you're prone to anxiety, broad spectrum or isolate may be safer starting points.
It’s worth noting that the amount of THC in CBD products is so little that you’re very unlikely to experience its effects in any meaningful way.
COAs and transparency
Always review third-party lab reports to confirm cannabinoid content, THC levels, and absence of contaminants. The certificate of analysis should match the product’s batch number. You should be wary if a brand doesn't offer lab-tested CBD and show their results. Reputable brands have nothing to hide.
Extraction basics
CO₂ and ethanol extractions are common and generally safe. Ethanol extraction uses food-safe alcohol to make a concentrated extract, similar to how vanilla extract is made.
Avoid products without clear sourcing or method transparency. They may be made with solvents you don’t feel comfortable using (like butane), and they may contain residual amounts of these solvents.
Label red flags
Be cautious of products making disease-treatment claims, lacking lab reports, or using vague language like “hemp oil” without specifying CBD content. Hemp oil is a product used in cooking. It doesn't actually contain any CBD. Shady brands sometimes try to mislead consumers into buying a product that doesn’t actually provide what they need.
Terpenes
Some products highlight terpenes like linalool (often linked with calmness) or limonene (linked with mood-elevating effects). Some people find that terpenes highly influence their experience with CBD. There’s an expression: “the nose knows.” Some people can tell by smelling a CBD product if the terpenes impact their mood in the way they’re seeking.
Brand practices
Reputable companies provide accessible lab reports, clear labeling, and educational resources. It’s usually not a wise idea to buy a CBD product out of a case at a corner store, especially because you don’t have access to information about the brand. Stick to reputable retailers and view information on their website before you make a purchase.
How to use CBD responsibly
Wellness supplements are made to be used with intention. Consider how CBD fits into the broader context of your holistic wellness plan and how it may work with other aspects of your self-care plan.
Timing and consistency
Some people prefer CBD during the day for situational anxiety, while others take it at night for relaxation. Consistency matters. Track timing and effects to learn what works best. Most people find that CBD's potential benefits are cumulative. Using CBD daily for up to a month is more likely to make a meaningful difference than using CBD occasionally.
Journaling
Keep a simple log of dosage, timing, and effects. This can help identify patterns relating to how you feel, when you take your CBD, and which wellness practices work best in conjunction with your CBD. Remember that CBD is only one part of an overall wellness routine.
Pairing with proven strategies
CBD should not be your only tool for anxiety. CBD's benefits may be supportive, but the only way to manage anxiety completely is to address the root cause of your feelings. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sleep hygiene, exercise, and mindfulness are highly effective evidence-based approaches that can complement CBD use.
When to stop or seek care
If your anxiety becomes unmanageable, if you experience concerning side effects, or you experience red flags (severe mood changes, liver issues, medication side effects), it's best to stop using CBD and talk to your doctor about other options.
Expectations
CBD is not a cure for anxiety. Set realistic expectations. CBD may support a calm mood, but results vary and research is ongoing. It’s important to approach things like anxiety from multiple perspectives. Most people find that things like talk therapy are an important part of their journey in anxiety management.
FAQs
Is CBD approved by the FDA for anxiety?
No. The FDA has not approved CBD for treating anxiety. The only FDA-approved CBD medicine, Epidiolex, is for certain seizure disorders.
Any use of CBD for anxiety is considered experimental and should be supervised by a doctor who is helping you explore anxiety management techniques.
Can CBD make anxiety worse?
Yes, it’s possible. High amounts of CBD, products contaminated with THC, or sensitivity to cannabinoids can increase anxiety in some people.
It’s essential to read the certificate of analysis to make sure your CBD product really contains what the label states it contains. If anxiety symptoms worsen, stop using CBD and consult a healthcare professional.
How long until CBD kicks in?
It depends on the delivery method. Oils/tinctures may take 30-60 minutes, capsules/gummies one to two hours, and inhaled methods work almost immediately. Consistency of use and the way your body responds to supplements also play a key role in how long CBD takes to work and how long the effects will last.
Can I take CBD with SSRIs or benzodiazepines?
CBD may interact with medications via the CYP450 pathway, which can affect your body's process for drug metabolism. This could alter the effects of SSRIs, benzodiazepines, or sedatives.
Always consult the doctor who prescribed your medication before you use CBD. Your pharmacist may be able to answer questions about potential drug interactions.
What dosage did studies use?
Most clinical studies used single oral doses between 150 mg and 600 mg, often in test models like simulated public speaking tests. These amounts are higher than typical retail servings, so translating them to everyday use can be more challenging.
Most people experiment by slowly increasing their daily CBD intake until they find a serving size that works best for their needs.
Will CBD show on a drug test?
CBD isn’t considered a controlled substance, and it isn’t part of normal drug test panels. Pure CBD itself doesn’t show on standard drug tests, but full spectrum products may contain trace THC. Over time, this could cause a positive result.
Choose broad spectrum or isolate to reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of misleading drug test results.
Is CBD legal where I live?
CBD is usually legal, but there may be some differences depending on what type of plant the CBD came from and how states choose to handle the issue of CBD supplement use.
In the U.S., hemp-derived CBD with ≤0.3% THC is federally legal, but state laws differ. International regulations vary widely. Always check local rules before purchasing or using CBD.
What’s the difference between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate?
Full spectrum includes CBD plus trace THC and other compounds. Broad spectrum includes multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, but nondetectable THC. Isolate is pure CBD. Your choice depends on THC sensitivity, personal goals, and workplace requirements.
Sources:
The endocannabinoid system: a general view and latest additions | National Library of Medicine
Diversity of molecular targets and signaling pathways for CBD | National Library of Medicine