Anxiety is normal in daily life and is even considered a defense mechanism in perceived danger. A state of excessive anxiety is a medical condition known as Anxiety disorder. In the USA, 40 million adults from 18 and above are suffering from an Anxiety disorder. In severe cases of anxiety, one can have difficulty carrying out the simplest daily activities. Even though anxiety disorders are highly treatable, only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment. Anxiety disorder can also lead to other medical ailments, like stress and depression. If you’re suffering from anxiety or depression, you’re not alone. COVID-19 has destabilized people’s personal and professional lives since late 2019.
The combination of record unemployment, economic turmoil, and social isolation has strained even the most resilient individuals. One fallback people are using to cope with anxiety and depression is CBD oil. CBD oil has been reported to offer an effective natural remedy for Anxiety amongst other benefits. As this Neurotherapeutics publication reports of CBD as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders.
However, finding the best CBD oil for anxiety can be an overwhelming task, considering the broad selection. To help you find the best CBD oil, we’ve researched the top brands on the market. We evaluated each CBD company based on their hemp source, potency, Transparency, Extract type, Pricing, Reputation and much more to help you make an informed decision. Here are the best CBD oil brands to help cope with anxiety, depression, and stress.
Best CBD Oil for Anxiety
- Fab CBD
- Populum
- CBDistillery
- NuLeaf Naturals
- Joy Organics
How Did We Put This List of Top CBD Oils Together?
To ensure we recommend only the best CBD oils, we analyzed each CBD oil with specific categories. Here are some of the parameters we checked and our recommendations when making a selection for the best CBD oil in quality and Safety:
Hemp Source
Brands that source their hemp plants from regulated farmlands in the USA or the EU, can be relied on to produce high quality and pure (free of contaminants or high levels of THC, which is the main psychoactive component).
Most brands are willing to be transparent by providing information that helps to boost confidence in their products.
Extract
The type of hemp extract is a key factor in determining the effectiveness of the oil. There are three types of hemp extracts, depending on their chemical composition, i.e., (CBD) isolates, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum hemp extracts. CBD isolates contain only CBD with no additional components. The other two contain a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, minerals, proteins, vitamins, and essential oils.
The difference between the two is that broad-spectrum CBD extracts do not contain any THC, while traces of THC (within 0.3%) is present in full-spectrum extracts.
These two extract types provide the much-hyped entourage effect that ensures that makes CBD oil is more effective:
Strength: The higher the potency of the CBD, the faster the effect of the CBD oil and the longer it lasts.
Flavor: Pleasant aromas and flavors play a significant role in the overall experience of the consumer. Pleasant flavor in CBD oils encourages the user to consume comfortably, therefore, overcome the symptoms.
Not everyone is comfortable with the hemp flavor of CBD, the reason why brands strive to provide options of both natural-flavored and fruity-flavored variants in CBD oils.
Transparency: Tests of the CBD oil by an independent third-party lab and ensuring easy access to the lab results are always vital.
Transparent brands that are confident with their products will post their lab results on their website. By doing this, it helps potential consumers to make an informed decision.
Customer Experience: Testimonials by customers about their experience with the oil and how effective it has been for managing stress and anxiety counts. We consider the oil to be of high quality if the customer reviews are positive.
Pricing: The price is an important consideration for brands that offer affordable products that provide value. Affordability will make it easier for those with anxiety disorders to have access to CBD oil.
Ingredients: Information about ingredients contained in the product is important for consumers to enable them before purchasing a product.
The composition of the product can tell you a lot about the quality and quantity of ingredients used. The formulation and combination of ingredients used can influence the result. Besides the CBD extract, other ingredients, such as carrier bases, flavorings, and add-on components, are added to enhance CBD’s effects or boost its absorption capacity.
Our Top CBD Oils for Anxiety Disorders Reviewed
1. Fab CBD
In-Depth Review
Few companies have distinguished themselves in the fast-growing CBD industry. Fab CBD has distinguished itself in the fast-growing CBD industry. It offers premium full-spectrum cannabinoid blends extracted of organically grown Colorado hemp, using state-of-the-art growing, extraction, and & cloning equipment to ensure top-quality CBD products. FABCBD Oil tinctures come in different potencies and flavors offer support for anxiety or depression.
Ingredients: Hemp Extract (organic), Full Spectrum Cannabinoid blend, flavoring from natural sources, Terpenes, Medium Chain Triglycerides.(THC <0.3%).
Consumer Feedback: Thousands of 5-star customer reviews about the effectiveness of the oil and excellent Customer Service are posted on its website.
Highlights
- Non-GMO
- Shipped to all 50 states in the USA.
- Organically grown Colorado hemp
- Third-party lab tested
- Offer free USA shipping for orders of $99 and above.
- 30 Day return Policy.
- Gummies, Body Salve, Cream, Dog Treats, Green Superfoods.
2. Populum
In-Depth Review
This popular choice of Full-Spectrum oil is extracted from ethically grown hemp CBD from Colorado. Populum puts a lot of investment into quality. Populum CBD oil comes in different concentrations, with pricing that offers a 20% discount with a monthly subscription.
All their products are lab tested at every step of the formulation process for quality and purity, certified PhD inspects, and sign off on all products to ensure quality and purity. This 3 step lab testing is a unique factor in the CBD industry, where most brands only test their products once.
Ingredients:
- Cold-pressed orange oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Hempseed oil
- Coconut oil
- Hemp extract
- Stevia extract
Consumer Feedback: The Brand’s team has a person-to-person connection with their customers. The brand claims to have more than 25,000 customers, with that number growing every day.
Populum customer service is second to none, backed by 650+ verified customer reviews with a 4.7/5.0 rating.
Highlights
- Full Spectrum Extracts
- Triple Lab Tested
- Hemp Sourced in the USA
- Science-Driven
- Vegan & Non-GMO
- Cruelty-Free
- Free $ Fast Shipping
- Capsules, Hemp Rub, Face Oil, Zen Pet Oil, and Pet Chews
3. CBDistillery
In-Depth Review
CBDistillery has one of the best collections of CBD oils that offer good support for anxiety because of its unparalleled variety. It offers full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. The brand even offers tinctures with cannabigerol and cannabinol, mildly psychoactive compounds that are similar to THC. New users can sign up for a CBDistillery subscription and save 20 percent on every purchase.
Ingredients:
- Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT)
- Full Spectrum CBD Hemp Extract
Consumer Feedback: According to the brand’s website, they have 9K+ verified 5-star customer reviews. It shows they are a highly valued and trusted brand.
Highlights
- Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates
- High-potency compared to other brands
- Great support for relaxation, stress, and sleep
- Other CBD products: Soft Gels, Gummies, Topicals, Powders, Vapes, CBD for Pets
4. NuLeaf Naturals
In-Depth Review
This Colorado-grown full-spectrum formula comes in a range of CBD concentrations. This Full Spectrum oil comes in a range of CBD strengths that are natural and made of Colorado-grown organic hemp, it is additive and pesticide-free and is made through a unique process of a combination of subcritical and supercritical CO2 extraction that yields a potent blend without any harsh chemical solvents.
The oil is slightly bitter and nutty in taste because it uses full-spectrum CBD. It is great to support managing anxiety, stress, and depression by promoting a sense of calm and wellness.
Ingredients:
- Full Spectrum Hemp Extract
- Organic Virgin Hemp Seed Oil
Consumer Feedback: Nuleaf Naturals customer service is second to non-backed by 23340+reviews with a 4.9/5.0 rating.
Highlights
- Full Spectrum Extract
- Organic & Natural
- Independent Lab Verified:
- Green Extraction Methods:
- USA Grown Hemp
- Free 2-3 Day Shipping Within the USA
- 30 days of return policy
- Other CBD Products: Softgels, Topicals, Pet CBD oils
5. Joy Organics
In Depth Review
Joy Organics’ Organic offers THC-free oil tinctures made from regulated and organic hemp farmlands of Colorado. Their hemp extracts are gluten-free, safe, pure, highly potent, and don’t contain any synthetic chemicals. Along with its organic farming practices, Joy Organics also warrants a safe and sustainable extraction process, by using food-grade ethanol for extracting its cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis-based compounds.
Its proprietary nanotechnology, which can break down CBD molecules into 25-60 nm-sized particulates, ensures quick and easy absorption of CBD along with an enjoyable, safe, and memorable experience. Their high-quality CBD tinctures are third-party lab tested and reasonably priced. According to one site Alexa, Joy Organics ranks as the No. 1 source for THC-free broad-spectrum products.
Ingredients:
- Organic MCT Oil
- Organic Phytocannabinoid-Rich Hemp Extract
- Organic Oils
- Organic Stevia
Consumer Feedback: Not only are reviews of Joy Organics products overwhelmingly positive, but they also speak highly of the company’s customer service and return policy. Many reviewers mentioned quick delivery and super easy returns if products weren’t meeting their standards.
Highlights
- USDA Certified-Organic
- Full Spectrum: Broad Spectrum
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan, and Alcohol-free
- USA Hemp
- 30 Day Return Policy
- Free Shipping on orders above $50 to all US states
- Gummies, Softgels /Pills, Topicals, CBD energy drink, Pet products
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, (CBD) is one of over 100 components known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis or Cannabis sativa. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another type of cannabinoid found in psychoactive cannabis, therefore, gives the sensation of getting “high” that’s often associated with marijuana. CBD is not psychoactive therefore will not ‘get you high’.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. CBD oil is a preferred natural option for treating symptoms of Anxiety, Chronic pain, Sleep disorder, Depression, inflammation, and much more, this is because it does not have the mind-altering effects of marijuana or certain pharmaceutical drugs. Hemp-derived CBD oil (with <0.3 percent THC) is legal on the federal level but is still illegal under some state laws.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal human response to dangerous stimuli, what is referred to as a “fight-or-flight” response, where the body may react in different ways, a rush of adrenaline, sweating, increased heartbeat, and sensitivity to environmental triggers. However when the anxiety is excessive then it is classified as a medical condition known as an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is classified in four types and is manifested in different symptoms depending on the level of anxiety. Anxiety can be experienced from childhood, teenage into adulthood. In severe cases of anxiety, the person’s mental health and daily function are affected making it difficult for them to carry out even the simplest daily activities.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorder is classified into four types:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This occurs when the person gets anxious for no specific reason.
Social Anxiety Disorder: This happens when a person is in a social setting, it triggers an overwhelming worry about social interactions, a state of constant fear of been being judged.
Phobias: Here the person experiences overwhelming fear about a specific situation or object, this prevents the person from engaging in normal activities out of excessive fear.
Panic Disorder: Panic attacks happen randomly and are accompanied by symptoms like breathing difficulty, shaking, dizziness, tremors, confusion, and nausea. It can last anywhere between a few minutes to an hour.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
The following are symptoms of a person suffering from any of the above anxiety disorders
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness
- Excessive Sweating
- Inability to stay calm
- Feelings of insecurity
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Panic Attacks
- Insomnia
- Somatic complaints
- Tense muscles
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are very complex, many factors can be because of this medical condition as outlined below:
Genetics: It may be as a result of genetic makeup, which runs in the family.
Environmental Factors: Certain environmental conditions can trigger anxiety, chronic stress at work or school or even at home, the loss of a loved one, or a bad financial situation. Exposure to high-altitude areas is also a trigger for Anxiety. Some of these factors can lead to insomnia which worsens anxiety.
Changes in Brain Structure: A Traumatic event or genetic changes to the brain may trigger anxiety disorder where communication between neurons is compromised.
Medical Conditions: Other medical conditions, prescription drugs, or health supplements can change the structure of the brain and lead to severe stress.
Effectiveness of CBD Oil for Anxiety
CBD is considered effective for anxiety treatment because it works with the Endocannabinoid system to regulate the body to a state of homeostasis. Vital functions such as memory, mood, sleep, immune response, cognition, appetite, pain, and more are therefore are maintained in a healthy balance.
If there are imbalances in your neurochemicals, they may trigger an anxiety disorder. Now if the body suffers a traumatic event, your receptors and neurons get out of balance and the body will start a search for something to restore that balance.
And this is where CBD comes in:
CBD is a 5-HT1A Agonist: In other words, 5-HT1A works as a serotonin receptor and is responsible for the way your body absorbs serotonin.
It’s also the target of the most popular antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, which belong to the group of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
SSRIs can block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing the brain’s ability to transfer more signals, improve mood, and curb anxiety. CBD has a similar effect on 5-HT1A.
CBD and Hippocampal Neurogenesis: The hippocampus is the region in your brain that can regenerate neurons. CBD helps to stimulate the hippocampus and thus improve its functioning, which helps to treat anxiety. By stimulating the regeneration of neurons, there’s a chance that fearful behaviors will be minimized.
CBD and GABA: GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system. It works as the handbrake for our brain to slow the nervous system down when we get too agitated. The sedating effects of Valium and other benzodiazepines are triggered by their interaction with the GABA-A receptor. By modulating this receptor, CBD can amplify the natural calming effect of GABA and reduce anxiety.
CBD and Anandamide: Anandamide is one of the two main Endocannabinoids (produced inside your body). It has almost the same structure as THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Anandamide is also known as “the bliss molecule,” as it controls feelings of happiness, euphoria, and keeps us in emotional stability—on top of many other functions. CBD helps keep the levels of anandamide at the right level, reducing mood swings and emotional outbursts.
What Determines the Quality of CBD Oil?
CBD oil is not regulated by the FDA in the USA. It is still considered a health supplement other than medication, even though studies have shown how it effectively helps to manage anxiety disorders better than conventional treatment options.
Some CBD oils are full of synthetic additives or even undisclosed levels of THC but since they are classified as supplements they are not subject to obligatory lab testing, unlike prescription anxiolytics.
To be sure you know what you are buying it is important to know how the oil is manufactured by checking for the following factors:
- Hemp Source
Always buy pure and content oils from brands that use organic plants preferably those grown in American Farms.
If the cannabis plant is grown in contaminated soil, treated with pesticides it will quickly absorb and yield weak and contaminated extracts.
- Extraction Method
Select CBD oil from brands that use supercritical CO2 extraction, as it’s considered the safest and the most effective way to obtain CBD oil.
- Third-Party Lab Tests
Purchase CBD oils from a brand that publishes third-party lab results on their website or attach them to the product’s package. From this information, you are assured of the quality and purity of the oil.
How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety
There are several ways to use CBD oil depending on your purpose for using it. It can be consumed orally, sublingually, and topically for the relief of anxiety or depression. Orally involves adding CBD products to your food or beverage before consuming it. Your body needs time to break down the compounds, so it takes 15 minutes to two hours to feel the full effects.
Sublingual cannabidiol requires you to put the hemp extract under your tongue. It’s slightly faster than oral ingestion because more of the cannabidiol compounds go directly into your bloodstream. The sublingual process can work in as few as five minutes.
Topical CBD treatments are more commonly used than for Anxiety or depression. However one can apply the oil across affected areas, allow it to dissolve after which one can experience relaxation/calmness which can reduce anxiety and stress.
Some people dislike the taste of CBD oil and feel uncomfortable with taking the supplement in oil form. If you’re one of them, opt for other variations, such as capsules, vape oils, or CBD gummies.
CBD Oil Dosage for Anxiety
There is no one size fit for dosage of CBD oil, everybody reacts differently to CBD. Several factors affect the tolerance level of CBD oil in the body:
- Age
- Weight
- Severity of symptoms
- Lifestyle choices.
- Other Medical Conditions
For a first user of CBD oil, dosage requires some trial and error to achieve the desired effect. One should ideally have basic measurements of BMI, determine the severity of anxiety, and then start consumption one drop of CBD oil.
Gradually increase within 30 days while tracking the effects. If you are taking other medications consult your doctor before buying any CBD to be sure no drug interactions between CBD and other prescribed medications. For other medical conditions like chronic pain or sleep disorder, one may take higher doses of CBD oil.
Why CBD Oil Over Conventional Medicine?
Treatment of Anxiety disorder can be complex, involving multiple types of therapies over a long period, which in the majority of the cases proves to be ineffective. The side effects and high cost of conventional treatments have led many people battling with anxiety and depression to seek safer and natural alternative treatment.
For others who cannot take medications due to allergies or their anxiety just isn’t bad enough to qualify for prescription treatment, then natural remedy becomes a better option.
CBD oil is one of the most popular alternative treatments because it has a low-risk profile and nearly nonexistent side effects unless taken in extremely high doses. Studies Suggest, CBD oil is reported to be effective for easing anxiety disorders and their symptoms.
The calming effects of CBD may be beneficial for anyone experiencing anxiety. Aside from its effectiveness, it is generally safe and has not been associated with major side effects.
Final Thoughts
CBD oil is gaining popularity over the last several years because it provides an effective natural option for anxiety and other medical ailments. Research studies are still in progress to better understand CBD and provide more evidence supporting the use of CBD oil for its potential health benefits.
With the passing of the 2018 Farm bill, several CBD brands have emerged with claims of offering high-quality CBD oil. The influx of these new brands has made the selection of CBD oil selection a challenging experience, especially for first-time consumers.
Keep in mind that the CBD industry is unregulated. It is advisable to check for quality standards using the guideline provided. Seek a doctor’s advice on how CBD can work best for you in managing your anxiety. This article provides guidelines and recommendations of some of the best CBD oils in the market to help you make an informed decision.