Various studies show that CBD may act as a natural aid to relieve anxiety and depression (1, 2).
But CBD isn’t the only anxiety-reducing compound that comes from hemp plants. Hemp plants contain various anxiolytic cannabinoids and terpenes (3, 4).
Based on:
- experience,
- several studies, and,
- well-established principles among herbalists and natural/holistic health professionals,
it’s likely that combining other hemp compounds with CBD, has a higher chance for relieving anxiety and depression (5).
For example:
Low doses of THC may have anxiety-reducing and anti-depressant effects as well.
Thus our list of CBD oils for anxiety consists mostly of ‘full-spectrum’ CBD oils.
A small percentage of CBD users will be sensitive to ‘THC’ or undergo regular drug tests. For those, we have listed a high-quality THC-free option.
Keep reading!
Table of Contents
- #1 Receptra Naturals Seriously Relax (Best Formulation for Anxiety)
- #2 R+R Medicinals Full-Spectrum Tincture (Best Value Full-Spectrum Tincture for Anxiety)
- #3 R+R Medicinals THC-Free Tincture (Best Value Broad-Spectrum Tincture for Anxiety)
- #4 NuLeaf Naturals CBG Oil (Best Mood-Enhancement Cannabinoid-Product)
- #5 CBDfx CBD + CBN Calming Tincture (Best Sedative Tincture for Anxiety)
- #6 NuLeaf Naturals (Best Customer-Rated Oil for Anxiety)
- #7 Charlotte’s Web Original Formula (Honorable Mention)
Comparison of the Best CBD Oils for Anxiety
Product |
Receptra Naturals
|
R+R Medicinals
|
R+R Medicinals
|
NuLeaf Naturals
|
CBDfx
|
NuLeaf Naturals
|
Charlotte’s Web
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ranking | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Ratings | 4.62/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.47/5 | 4.47/5 | 3.67/5 | 4.47/5 | 4.65/5 |
CBD/$ | 11mg | 25.7mg | 20mg | 0mg (14.1mg CBG) | 14.28mg | 11.36mg | 14.7mg |
Minor cannabinoids + terpenes/$ | 6mg | 3mg | 1.5mg | 2mg | 2.5mg | 1.5mg | 3mg |
Cannabinoid-profileThe number of different cannabinoids present, and in what concentrations.: | |||||||
Terpene-profileThe number of different terpenes present, and in what concentrations: | |||||||
TransparencyBacked by 3rd-party lab-test reports? Transparent about where hemp is sourced?: | |||||||
ValueHow many CBD + minor cannabinoids and terpenes you get per dollar: | |||||||
Full-spectrum ratio | 0.55 | 0.11 | 0.07 | 0.14 | 0.16 | 0.13 | 0.19 |
Read Review | Receptra Naturals | R+R Medicinals | R+R Medicinals | NuLeaf Naturals | CBDfx | NuLeaf Naturals | Charlotte’s Web |
#1. Receptra Naturals Seriously Relax (Best Formulation for Anxiety)
Pros and Cons
- Best CBD Tincture for Anxiety
- Besides CBD, loads of other cannabinoids and terpenes
- Added Lavender, Passionflower, Limonene, Lime, and Ginger
- Looks pricey, but more effective than most other products
Check current price at:
Read full review
Price comparison to averages
Cannabinoid-profile
Hemp contains many anxiety-reducing compounds other than CBD. Cannabinoids like CBG, THC, and CBDA have anxiety-reducing effects. And terpenes like linalool, myrcene, and limonene have anxiety-reducing effects as well.
The best CBD oil for anxiety has CBD. But also many other hemp compounds with anxiety-reducing effects.
When it comes to CBD tinctures that contain many different anxiety-reducing hemp compounds…
Receptra Naturals Seriously Relax makes it to the top of the list.
Besides CBD, this tincture contains high concentrations of other hemp-derived anti-anxiety compounds:
- Cannabichromene, or ‘CBC’ (a cannabinoid);
- Cannabigerol, or ‘CBG’ (a cannabinoid);
- Limonene (a terpene);
- Terpinene (a terpene), and;
- Humulene (a terpene).
Why do I stress the fact that these are hemp-derived compounds?
While adding other types of non-hemp anti-anxiety compounds to CBD products could make them more effective…
They won’t make the anti-anxiety effects of CBD more effective.
This oil has many cannabinoids and terpenes that come from the same plant as CBD. Thus they have a high chance to increase the anti-anxiety effects of CBD.
That said, Receptra Naturals Seriously Relax is bolstered with even more anti-anxiety compounds.
And while these other anti-anxiety compounds don’t come from the hemp plants as the CBD…
They are all completely natural and plant-based.
Some of these compounds include:
- Lavender;
- Passionflower;
- Limonene;
- Lime, and;
- Ginger.
All these compounds have anti-anxiety or anti-depressant effects (6, 7, 8, 9).
This oil has a very strong hemp-based foundation of:
- CBD,
- other cannabinoids like CBG and CBC, and,
- terpenes like limonene and terpinene.
Plus, it has many other natural anti-anxiety compounds. It’s a potent cocktail of anxiety-reducing compounds. It has the highest chance of relieving your anxiety and/or depression.
- Receptra Naturals 15% off coupon code: Herbonaut
Next up …
#2. R+R Medicinals Full-Spectrum Tincture (Best Value Oil for Anxiety)
Pros and Cons
- True full-spectrum product with many cannabinoids and terpenes
- Best value for money CBD oil
- Produced from organically cultivated Hemp in Colorado (USDA Organic certified)
- Relatively new brand (may have inconsistent cannabinoid- and terpene-profiles across batches)
Cannabinoid-profile
Besides Receptra Naturals, very few CBD brands have a formulation for anxiety relief. That said, any CBD oil that contains:
- A high concentration of CBD;
- A little bit of THC, plus;
- Other anxiety-relieving cannabinoids like CBG and CBC and terpenes,
Is THE foundation of an effective anxiety-relieving CBD product.
R+R Medicinals provides exactly this type of tincture, and here comes the best part:
It does so at a much lower price point than any other CBD brand I’ve come across.
Their 2500mg tincture contains 9.3% of CBD. With a single dropper, you’re taking 83mg of CBD + 8,3mg of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Some people only experience CBD’s anxiety-reducing effects at doses of 50+ mg.
Well, for those people this tincture is the most straightforward choice.
When it comes to CBD oils for anxiety you get the most bang for your buck in with R+R Medicinals Tincture.
For one dollar ($1), you get 25.7mg of CBD and 4,2mg of other hemp-derived cannabinoids and terpenes. When it comes to anxiety-relieving CBD products, you won’t find better value for your money.
Looking at the amount of CBD you get in a single drop, this is also the strongest CBD oil on the list.
What’s the bottom line?
If you’re looking for the most affordable option to relieve anxiety with CBD, definitely give R+R Medicinals a try:
Next up …
#3. R+R Medicinals THC-Free Tincture (Best Value Broad-Spectrum Oil for Anxiety)
Pros and Cons
- Good cannabinoid- and terpene-profile for a broad-spectrum product
- Best value for money broad-spectrum, THC-free tincture
- Produced from organically cultivated Hemp in Colorado (USDA Organic certified)
- Less favorable cannabinoid- and terpene-profile than their full-spectrum products (still much better than most broad-spectrum producers though)
Cannabinoid-profile
Although small doses of THC have anxiety-reducing and anti-depressant effects…
Not everyone wants THC in his/her CBD product.
Here are some reasons why you might want to avoid THC:
- You undergo regular drug tests. Drug tests always check for THC and you might fail one if you take a full-spectrum CBD product;
- You know from experience that you’re sensitive to THC. Everyone reacts differently to cannabinoids. Some people are genetically pre-disposed to give a very strong reaction to THC. If you think you are one of these people, you might want to avoid THC (keep in mind that this is quite rare).
Now:
If you want to avoid THC, why not get a CBD isolate product?
Well, even if you don’t want any THC, you still want other cannabinoids and terpenes. Thus I recommend getting a broad-spectrum oil like this one.
Here’s why:
Studies suggest that these cannabinoids and terpenes may improve CBD’s anxiety-reducing effects.
But also:
Some of these other cannabinoids and terpenes have anxiety-reducing effects of their own.
These types of products are also called ‘broad-spectrum’ products.
And when it comes to high quality and affordable broad-spectrum CBD products…
This THC-free tincture from R+R Medicinals makes it to the top of the list.
For every dollar you get:
- 20mg CBD, and,
- 1.5mg minor cannabinoids and terpenes per dollar.
This is the most affordable broad-spectrum tincture for anxiety relief.
Next up …
#4. NuLeaf Naturals CBG Oil (Best Mood-Enhancement Cannabinoid-Product)
Pros and Cons
- One of the only full-spectrum CBG oils
- Made from organic Hemp grown in Colorado
- CBG was less sedative than CBD in our experience, could be a better option for daytime
- No satisfaction-guarantee
- CBG is still relatively under-researched compared to CBD
- Could be too stimulating for nighttime
Check current price at:
Read full review
Price comparison to averages
Cannabinoid-profile
Although CBG isn’t the same as CBD…
I assume that you’re interested in the right cannabinoid-based solution for anxiety relief. Thus you shouldn’t rule out other cannabinoids.
Here’s why:
Hemp contains many different cannabinoids, and CBD is only one of them.
And while CBG has much less scientific backing for its anxiety-relieving effects…
There’s at least one study that shows CBG has anti-depressant effects (10). There are also plenty of anecdotal reports showing that CBG may be useful for anxiety relief.
Our tests showed that CBG has stronger mood-elevating effects than CBD. CBG can be more stimulating and energizing than CBD.
Now:
Not everyone is looking for stimulating or energizing effects. During the night, taking too much CBG could interfere with your sleep routine.
But if you find CBD too sedative or want something more stimulating…
This CBG oil may be more effective in relieving your anxiety and/or depression than the CBD.
For me, CBG has a slightly stimulating effect. But it wasn’t anything like coffee for example. It was a calm and centered stimulating effect, not jittery.
Still, I prefer to combine CBG with CBD in a 1:1 ratio.
As this is a full-spectrum hemp-extract, you also get a decent amount of CBD in it (0.13%). But the main compound is CBG (5.9%). This is a CBG-dominant product.
Everyone reacts slightly differently to cannabinoids.
But if you’ve tried CBD:
- without much effect, or,
- found it too sedating,
combining this CBG oil with your favorite CBD product, or even trying this alone, may yield positive results.
Next up…
#5. CBDfx CBD + CBN Calming Tincture (Best Sedative Tincture for Anxiety)
Pros and Cons
- High-levels of CBN, in addition to CBD
- Good value
- Doesn’t contain other cannabinoids than CBD and CBN
- Supposedly contains terpenes-complex, but no terpene test to show
Cannabinoid-profile
Depending on what side effects anxiety is causing you, this oil may prove to be more useful than regular CBD.
Let me explain.
Besides, CBD this calming tincture has an above-average concentration of CBN (0.46%).
There are no studies that show CBN has anti-anxiety or anti-depressant effects. But there are studies that suggest CBN is the ‘most sedative’ of all cannabinoids.
Our tests with CBN indeed show that CBN has stronger sedative effects than CBD.
Since this is still a CBD-dominant product, you would get the proven anti-anxiety effects of CBD. But because this product has high levels of CBN, you may experience stronger sedative effects than with regular CBD oil.
So this tincture could prove to be useful during evenings and the night, just before you go to sleep.
This product also comes with a terpene-blend specifically formulated for anxiety. But since there’s no lab-test report with the terpene-profile, we take this with a grain of salt.
That said, the cannabinoid-profile is verified with a lab-test report. And you can 100% sure this product contains the advertised amount of CBD and CBN.
The bottom line is that when:
- anxiety is interfering with your sleep, or,
- you’re just looking for a more potent sedating product,
try out this calming tincture.
Click the button below to go to the CBDfx website:
Up next…
#6. NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil (Best Customer-Rated CBD Oil for Anxiety)
Pros and Cons
- True full-spectrum product
- Made from organic Hemp grown in Colorado
- Best customer-rated CBD oil
- No satisfaction-guarantee
Check current price at:
Read full review
Price comparison to averages
Cannabinoid-profile
It comes as no surprise:
Full-spectrum CBD products that come from transparent CBD brands dominate our product roundups.
And when we’re talking about full-spectrum oils…
NuLeaf Naturals full-spectrum CBD oil is one that you can’t ignore.
Here’s why:
When we look at customer reviews, this is the highest-rated CBD oil that we have ever come across.
In 6 years and 20.000+ reviews, NuLeaf Naturals CBD oil has gotten an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
When you look at NuLeaf Naturals’ third-party lab-test reports, you can see why.
This CBD oil has high levels of CBD, with their strongest bottle containing 4850 mg of CBD and a CBD percentage of 5.93%…
Plus, it contains many other hemp compounds like:
- THC,
- CBC,
- CBG, and,
- terpenes like beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene.
Some of these compounds have anti-anxiety/anti-depressant effects as well.
NuLeaf Naturals CBD oil doesn’t have any non-hemp anti-anxiety/anti-depressant compounds. But it does have the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. Many with anti-anxiety/anti-depressant effects.
This oil is made from organic hemp and doesn’t contain ANY additives. It’s the purest hemp-extract on the list. Even the carrier oil is hemp-based (hemp-seed oil). This is the ‘hempiest’ of all CBD products.
- NuLeaf Naturals 20% off coupon code: herbonaut
Up next …
#7. Charlotte’s Web Original Formula (Honorable Mention)
Pros and Cons
- One of the best full-spectrum products
- Charlotte’s Web controls the complete production process, including how the hemp plants are grown
- Consistent cannabinoid- and terpene-profiles between batches
- No terpene test
Check current price at:
Read full review
Price comparison to averages
Cannabinoid-profile
Charlotte’s Web CBD oil is a true full-spectrum oil with many cannabinoids and terpenes. Not just a wide variety, but also in high concentrations.
Their ‘Original Formula’ is better in that regard as it’s ethanol-extracted. Ethanol extraction is one of the most effective extraction methods for preserving terpenes. Receptra Naturals (#1) is another ethanol-extracted tincture.
All other variables kept the same, like:
- hemp strain, and,
- growing conditions,
ethanol-extracted CBD products have the best cannabinoid- and terpene-profiles.
Of all full-spectrum CBD oils we’ve reviewed this one has the highest concentration of CBC (0.38%) . CBC is short for for ‘cannabichromene’ .
There’s no scientific evidence (yet) that shows CBC has anxiety-reducing effects. But there’s some anecdotal evidence on various forums like Reddit.
Whether CBC turns out to be another potent anxiety-reducing cannabinoid or not…
Having such a high levels of CBC can only be good for the effects of a CBD product. CBC could also make CBD’s anti-anxiety effects stronger.
Charlotte’s Web is one of the most transparent CBD brands.
Now:
All CBD oils on the list prove with lab-test reports that they’re contaminant-free.
But if you want an extra layer of assurance…
Charlotte’s Web is a producer that controls the whole manufacturing process. From planting the seed to shelving the final product.
During its production-cycle, a bottle of this oil is subject to 20 different quality control tests.
This is yet another great full-spectrum option for anxiety relief.
- Charlotte’s Web 15% off coupon code: HERBONAUT
How We Rate CBD Tinctures for Anxiety and Depression
Summarized, here’s what we’re looking for when we’re looking for a good CBD oil for anxiety:
- It should contain a full spectrum of hemp-derived cannabinoids and terpenes, and/or;
- It should contain one, or more non-hemp-derived anti-anxiety/depressant compounds, and;
- It should be easy to ingest above-average concentrations of CBD with it. This means a CBD concentration of at least 2%.
To learn exactly how we rate CBD products, please read our CBD products rating system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using CBD Oil for Anxiety
How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety/Depression?
Taking CBD oil or tinctures for anxiety should be taken as for any other purpose.
Orally ingesting CBD tinctures consists of two parts:
- Putting the drops under your tongue for 30-60 seconds (the sublingual method), and;
- Swallowing the drops after it.
If you follow these steps, the CBD will get absorbed in two ways:
- Through the mucous membranes beneath your tongue, avoiding the gastrointestinal tract, and;
- Through the gastrointestinal tract itself.
Since CBD isn’t very well absorbed through the digestive system, we recommend using it sublingually as well.
Learn more:
When to Take?
Everyone reacts differently to CBD.
But in my experience, taking CBD oil in the morning, right after breakfast, works best for anxiety relief.
Never take CBD on an empty stomach.
How Much Should I Take?
Since CBD oil is not a medicine in the traditional sense, there are no official dosage guidelines.
Generally, we recommend starting with low doses and work your way up gradually. Start with the recommended dose from the manufacturer for a single serving.
Studies that looked at the effects of CBD on anxiety found results with large doses of 300-600mg of CBD. Keep in mind that these doses are based on CBD products. You might need a much smaller dose if you use a high-quality full-spectrum oil like the ones on our list.
When Can I Expect Results?
CBD oil is not a medicine. It’s uncertain whether it will provide you with any relief for your anxiety or depression.
But most people experience effects after 1-2 weeks of taking CBD daily.
What Are The Side Effects?
Taking CBD oil is not without risks. The biggest risks relates to potential interactions with traditional prescription medication.
CBD can interfere with the metabolization of various prescription drugs. If you’re on prescription drugs and want to use CBD, please consult with your doctor first.
There are also contamination risks related to taking CBD products. Products can be contaminated with:
- heavy metals,
- residual solvents,
- synthetic cannabinoids,
- bacteria,
- fungi,
- and pesticides.
If ingested over long periods of time, these toxins may worsen your anxiety symptoms.
If you want to learn more about preventing health risks related to CBD-use, click the link below:
Learn More More About CBD
How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety: A review of studies that looked at CBD’s mechanism of action responsible for its anxiety-reducing effects. The article also reviews experimental studies that looked at the effects of CBD on anxiety in humans.
The Best CBD Oils: A list of our most recommended CBD oil brands, includes full-spectrum CBD oils, broad-spectrum CBD oils, and CBD isolates. All are 3th-party lab-tested to confirm they’re contaminant-free and contain high levels of CBD.
The Best CBD Gummies: A list of our recommended CBD gummies. All are 3th-party lab-tested to confirm they’re contaminant-free and contain high levels of CBD.
The Best CBD Vape Oils: A list of our recommended CBD vape oils. All are 3th-party lab-tested to confirm they’re contaminant-free and contain high levels of CBD.
The Benefits of CBD Oil: A review of over 100 studies that found potential health benefits associated with CBD.
CBD Oil and Pain: A review of studies that looked at CBD’s mechanism of action responsible for its pain-reducing effects. The article includes experimental/case studies that looked at the effects of CBD on pain in humans.
CBD and Terpenes: An exploration of the relationship between CBD and terpenes. And why there’s a strong theoretical foundation of combining both.
CBD Isolate vs Full-Spectrum: A deep-dive into the different types of CBD products. CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. Their pros and cons for you as a CBD products consumer.
Scientific References
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Crippa, J. A. S., Derenusson, G. N., Ferrari, T. B., Wichert-Ana, L., Duran, F. L., Martin-Santos, R., . . . Hallak, J. E. C. (2010). Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(1), 121–130. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881110379283
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Shannon, S. (2016b). Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Oil for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia as Part of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report. The Permanente Journal, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/16-005
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Baron, E. P. (2018). Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(7), 1139–1186. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13345
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Souto-Maior, F. N., Carvalho, F. L. D., Morais, L. C. S. L. D., Netto, S. M., de Sousa, D. P., & Almeida, R. N. D. (2011). Anxiolytic-like effects of inhaled linalool oxide in experimental mouse anxiety models. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 100(2), 259–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2011.08.029
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Malcolm, B. J., & Tallian, K. (2017). Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time? Mental Health Clinician, 7(4), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2017.07.147
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