Taking cannabidiol (CBD) gummies for anxiety is an increasingly common self-care technique. See our top picks for improving day-to-day anxiety and stress, plus insights from our product testers.
| Price | Size | Potency | |
|---|---|---|---|
CBDfx Full Spectrum | $54.99 to $114.99 | 60 gummies | 25 to 100 mg per gummy |
CBDfx Broad Spectrum | $54.99 to $114.99 | 60 gummies | 25 to 100 mg per gummy |
Cornbread Hemp | $39.99 to $99.99 | 30 gummies | 50 mg per gummy |
We selected these CBD gummies for anxiety according to criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
In addition, we test CBD products firsthand to get feedback from individuals who manage stress and anxiety in their everyday lives. Read more about how we review CBD products.
We only include products from brands that consider anxiety relief a key benefit of their product. We consider how our internal testers and existing customers rate gummies based on their effect on anxiety. We also think about how the products we feature can help relieve other effects that anxiety has on the body, such as muscle tension and sleep disturbances.
Read more about how we vet products and brands.
A person may wish to consider the following when choosing gummies for anxiety:
- Ingredients: Look for quality ingredients and review the quality of the hemp, including the location of the hemp farms, any certifications, and the extraction process the company uses.
- CBD type: Full-spectrum CBD may have more potent effects, so people living with more severe anxiety and those who are already used to using stronger CBD products may find full-spectrum CBD better for their needs. Anyone new to CBD or looking for milder effects needs to consider CBD isolate or broad-spectrum gummies.
- Potency: Select products with the right potency for their CBD experience and reasons for use. For example, those newer to CBD may wish to choose the lowest possible potency and gradually increase it over time.
- Customer reviews: Reading customer reviews can help a person choose the right CBD brand and product. Many companies ask reviewers to state what they use CBD for, and individuals can search within reviews to find relevant experiences. Looking for reviews that specifically mention anxiety can help narrow down the best option for a person’s needs.
- Transparency and quality: Choosing products that undergo third-party testing and have a readily available certificate of analysis (COA) means people are less likely to choose products that contain substances harmful to health.
There is no set dosage of CBD for anxiety. A 2020 review found that taking anywhere from 300 mg to 900 mg of CBD orally can help reduce symptoms of anxiety. However, none of the studies in the review investigated the effects on people with clinical anxiety.
It is always best for someone to start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase the amount of CBD they ingest until they reach the desired effect. Many factors can affect how much CBD someone might need, including:
- Weight: People who have a lower body weight are likely to notice any effects with less CBD.
- Food intake: If a person has just eaten, they may find CBD takes longer to have an effect than if they have an empty stomach.
- Other medications: Some medications can interact with CBD, which means a person may feel more or less of an effect. An individual always needs to check with a healthcare professional before using CBD if they are taking any medications.
Research has shown that people who use CBD may see an improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms, sleep quality, and their ability to complete daily tasks.
There are three different types of CBD: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Each type may affect anxiety differently.
Full-spectrum CBD gummies
Full-spectrum CBD contains all extracts of the cannabis plant, including CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids. It contains THC at a concentration of
Terpenes are one of the elements of full-spectrum CBD that contribute to the entourage effect. They may enhance the ability of CBD to relieve anxiety, as combining terpenes with cannabinoids
Flavonoids are a group of natural compounds in fruits, vegetables, and other plants. They may also help
A
Broad-spectrum CBD gummies
Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum CBD, except manufacturers remove all or most of the THC.
Similar to full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD benefits from the entourage effect, which may make it more effective at relieving anxiety than CBD isolate.
However, as trace amounts of THC may be present in broad-spectrum CBD, it may be unsuitable for those wishing to avoid THC.
CBD isolate
CBD isolate is also known as pure CBD and does not contain THC, so it does not have a smell or taste. Therefore, it may suit people who wish to avoid the aftertaste of hemp that they may experience with some full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD gummies.
CBD isolate does not contain other extracts from the cannabis plant. As a result, it may be
CBD isolate may be most suitable for people trying CBD gummies for the first time as it is less likely to have as strong effects as broad- or full-spectrum CBD. However, it may make it unsuitable for those looking for a more potent form of anxiety relief.
When using CBD for anxiety or any other condition, it is best for a person to consult with a medical professional, particularly if they are taking prescription medications.
Anecdotally, many attest that CBD can help reduce anxiety. However, from a medical perspective, more research on the safety and efficacy of CBD is necessary.
According to the
- drowsiness or changes in level of alertness
- interactions with other medications
- mood changes, including irritability
- digestive issues, such as loss of appetite or diarrhea
- liver damage
CBD may interact with some medications, including antidepressants and benzodiazepines, which healthcare professionals may prescribe for anxiety.
A person needs to consult a medical professional before taking CBD to ensure it is safe to take alongside other drugs.
The best strength of CBD for anxiety will depend on the severity of a person’s anxiety and how well they can tolerate CBD. A 2022 review suggests 300 mg to 400 mg of CBD may be effective for reducing anxiety.
A person needs to start with a low dose and work up to get their desired effect without exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
Generally speaking, anyone intending to take CBD for the first time for anxiety should start at around 10 mg to 40 mg to see how they react. First and foremost, though, a person should always follow the dosage instructions on their chosen product and discuss CBD use with a doctor to make sure it is a safe option for them.
While CBD comes in different ingestible forms, including capsules, oils, and tinctures, many people find gummies the easiest form to take because they typically include flavorings (and some sugar) to cover up the hemp taste. They are also convenient to travel with.
In terms of CBD type, both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD may help manage anxiety. The main difference between them is that full-spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% THC, whereas broad-spectrum does not contain any THC. Therefore, those who wish to avoid THC, even in small amounts, should consider broad-spectrum CBD.
Cannabidiol (CBD) gummies can help reduce symptoms of anxiety. While a person should not take these products instead of prescription medication, they may form a part of a general wellness routine.
Various gummies are available for purchase online. Before making a purchase, a person needs to carefully read reviews and ensure each product has a current certificate of analysis.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
