In this review, we cover the top 10 CBD oils for possible anxiety-relief.
People who suffer from anxiety issues generally don’t smoke weed. They observe its relaxing and enjoyable effects on others and wonder what the deal is. On the rare occasions they have imbibed, it has been an uncomfortable, panic-inducing activity never to be repeated. So it comes as no surprise that people with anxiety are a little suspicious of anything resembling marijuana.
If you could reap the potential mental health benefits of cannabis without having to endure the over-arousal and uncomfortable sensation of the high, would you?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been steadily gaining traction in the mainstream market as the inevitable result of new laws legalizing the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana in many states and jurisdictions. This is excellent news for anxious people, as the existing evidence strongly supports that CBD may potentially help with anxiety and panic disorders. Not only that, but it could help protect the body from the long-term cumulative effects of these negative emotions.
The best part is that CBD oil does not produce the unwanted psychotropic effects of THC, which is the compound in marijuana that is responsible for the high. In fact, studies conducted on anxiety and CBD oil suggest that it may even counter the unwanted effects of THC.
There are numerous CBD oils and tinctures on the market that can enable you to reap the possible mental health benefits of cannabis without the paranoia, panic, and disorientation sometimes seen among people who have a low tolerance to THC. And because CBD sourced from hemp is (usually) legal to purchase and consume, it is an ideal option for individuals residing in non-pot-friendly states.
The CBD market is still in its infant stages and is largely unregulated. This situation has led to a flood of unscrupulous companies attempting to profit from people who are desperate for cures. When trying to find the best CBD oil for anxiety, consumers are faced with a barrage of options, not all of which are legit. We should say right off the bat that properly extracted CBD oil, while incredibly beneficial, is not cheap. The process of manufacturing requires a lot of time and expensive equipment. High-quality oils can run between 10-20 cents or more per milligram. To determine the cost per milligram of a product, take the total price divided by the number of milligrams the bottle contains.
The research we conducted for this list requires any company who makes the top 10 list to have the following criteria:
Extraction: The oil should be extracted using a method known as the supercritical CO2 method or the clean ethanol extraction method. These methods produce the safest and purest oils available on the market.
Third-party lab results: Any company that has the health and safety of its consumers in mind will allow for third party testing that checks the product’s potency and tests it for solvents, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and pesticides. This information should be readily available to the public.
Source: Some CBD products use oil extracted from industrial hemp that has been grown in non-food grade and potentially contaminated soil conditions. You should try to find whole-plant cannabis oil that is certified organic and sourced from a reputable grower.
1. Joy Organics
500mg Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
Unlike many CBD brands that use full-spectrum oil, Joy Organics uses a broad-spectrum CBD oil, which means it is completely THC-free. With broad-spectrum products, you can still benefit from the entourage effect that full-spectrum oils are famous for. CBD oil tinctures from Joy Organics all come in the same 1 oz bottle, but you can choose between four different concentrations (25omg, 500mg, 1000mg, and 1500mg) and four different flavors (Natural, Tranquil Mint, Orange, and Lemon).
Joy Organics also conducts rigorous tests of their products before making them available for purchase. They check not only for the proper concentrations of cannabidiol, but also verify that there’s no danger of microbial or heavy metal contamination.
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2. NuLeaf Naturals
725mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil, High-Grade Hemp Extract
NuLeaf creates CBD oils utilizing a combination of subcritical and supercritical CO2 extraction methods to develop whole plant extracts. Their carefully bred hemp is grown on licensed farms in Colorado using sustainable and organic farming practices. The oils are lab tested by a third party to ensure proper amounts of CBD and are rigorously tested for over 200 mold, fungi, pesticides, heavy metals, and herbicides.
NuLeaf’s full-spectrum CBD oil contains no additives, preservatives, or flavorings of any kind.
3. Receptra Naturals
Receptra Naturals Pure Hemp CBD Oil Prime
Receptra recommends their CBD Oil Prime for anyone who is new to CBD. The hemp used in their CBD oil is all grown on family-owned farms in Colorado using only the whole hemp flower and aerial parts through the cold ethanol extraction method. Every batch of hemp oil produced by Receptra is third-party tested with results readily available.
Receptra’s Lab technicians extract their CBD oil at a fully licensed, safe, and contaminant-free facility to ensure a quality product.
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4. Charlotte’s Web By The Stanley Brothers
CW Hemp Original Formula
Charlotte’s Web is a high-CBD cannabis strain developed by Jesse and Joel Stanley of Colorado. The strain was named after an American child named Charlotte Figi whose story drew international attention in 2013. The girl exhibited immediate relief from a severe seizure disorder after her parents administered CBD oil made by the Stanleys. Their flagship product, CW Hemp original formula, contains a whopping 50 mg of hemp extract per dose. It comes in mint chocolate or olive oil flavor.
Sourced from locally grown 100 percent organic hemp that is stringently tested and monitored from start to finish, CW bills itself as having “the world’s most trusted hemp extract.”
5. Fab CBD
CBD Oil Drops
Fav’s CBD oil drops are crafted with full-spectrum CBD that has been sourced from organically-grown hemp. This means that they contain all the necessary terpenes and cannabinoids to promote the entourage effect. The drops are available in several potencies, 300, 600, 1200, and 2400 mg of CBD per bottle. You can also choose from among several flavors—mint, citrus, berry, vanilla, or natural (shown here).
All of Fab’s premium CBD products are reasonably priced, and orders of $89 or more ship free.
6. Endoca
RAW Hemp Oil Drops 1500mg CBD + CBDa(15%)
Awarded by the UN for clean production and resource efficiency, Endoca makes its CBD oil from certified organic cannabis grown without the use of any pesticides. They control the process from beginning to end starting with their own seed bank and breeding program. Endoca’s CBD oil is extracted using the CO2 method. Their harvesters run on waste oil from the food industry, and leftovers from production are fed to cattle thus eliminating the need for antibiotics. Endoca is close to having a 100% sustainable operation.
Endoca recommends their raw hemp oil drops for treating anxiety and insomnia and to promote relaxation and well-being.
7. Elixinol
CBD Tincture – Broad Spectrum Daily Balance
Elixinol sources the highest quality hemp from around the world to manufacture their extensive line of hemp-based products. All of the products that ship from their facility have undergone rigorous testing for potency, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbiological contamination. They publish certificates of analysis on all of their products as well as provide batch and lot numbers for everything they manufacture to ensure the highest transparency.
Their broad-spectrum tincture contains all the essential cannabinoids and terpenes of the plant without the inclusion of THC. It comes in a dropper bottle that has a light winter mint flavor.
8. Cannabidiol Life
CBD Oil 750 mg
Cannabidiol Life products are created in a Denver environmental health compliant facility using an ethanol extraction method. Their full-spectrum oils are considered to be medium/high CBD oil concentrates that offer what is known as the “Entourage Effect.”
An ideal starting point for possibly reducing symptoms of anxiety is to dose with this 750 mg oil by taking it sublingually or mixing it in with your favorite beverage.
9. Mission Farms
Relax CBD Oil
All of Mission Farms’ organic hemp is grown in the rich volcanic soil and natural sunlight of Central Oregon. Cultivated on select family farms, it is then hand dried and crafted into CBD in small batches to ensure the highest quality products available. The brand’s Relax formulation is practically custom-made for those who suffer from anxiety. It contains full-spectrum CBD with a profile of additional cannabinoids and terpenes. However, the inclusion of calming botanicals like Lavender, clary sage, and grapefruit essential oils is what makes this tincture unique.
Mission Farms Relax CBD Oil comes in a 1000 mg dropper bottle, but if you want to try it out first you can purchase a trial size bottle containing 250 mg.
10. Mana Artisan Botanics
Hawaiian Turmeric Hemp Oil 3X
Mana Artisan Botanics uses high end, organically grown, CO2 Extracted hemp from Colorado. Then they infuse it with Hawaiian botanicals, spices, and other ingredients from Honaunau Farm in Hawaii to create one-of-a-kind artisan blended CBD oil. All of their products are tested at independent laboratories like Steep Hill Labs in Hawaii, and the results of the testing are always available.
Hawaiian Turmeric Hemp Oil 3X is an infusion of Colorado-grown hemp and Hawaiian macadamia nut oil, organic fair-trade vanilla bean, and turmeric. It delivers 450 mg of full-spectrum CBD per ounce.
What Is CBD?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol, which is a cannabinoid. Both marijuana and hemp contain cannabinoids, and both come from the same species of plant, cannabis sativa. There are over 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, but the two most widely recognized are CBD and THC. CBD oil can be made from either of these sister plants.
THC is the psychoactive component of the marijuana plant and the substance that most people are familiar with. For many individuals, the “high” associated with smoking pot or ingesting something that contains THC is a pleasant and blissful experience. But for other people, it can induce anxiety and panic. People who have anxiety disorders typically shy away from the substance as it has proven to them from experience to bring on unpleasant sensations that they can do without. CBD, on the other hand, has polar opposite properties from THC and is often used for anxiety because of its potential relaxing and calming effects.
The difference between CBD oil made with marijuana and CBD oil made from hemp is the amount of THC that its bud contains. For a plant to be classified as hemp, it can not contain any more than 0.3% THC by weight. (In contrast, some strains of marijuana contain a THC content as high as 30%.)
For consumers who cannot tolerate the psychoactive effects of THC, a high-quality CBD oil sourced from hemp is an ideal solution for possibly combating anxiety. Remember, the best CBD oil for anxiety is one that works with your body’s individual needs and makes you feel the most comfortable.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
Cannabinoids like CBD are chemicals that interact with receptors in the human body called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors were only recently discovered in the 90s. While nearly everyone knew about cannabis, it was not understood before this point that our bodies have another whole system that regulates our body’s tissues and organs called the endocannabinoid system. Our endocannabinoids have a vital role in maintaining our cognitive functions, appetite, fertility, mood, memory, and pain perception.
Cannabinoids originating in plants are known as phytocannabinoids. Cannabinoids originating in the human body are called endocannabinoids. What is exciting about all of this is that they work symbiotically in the human brain.
The endocannabinoid system has two receptors, CB1 receptors, and CB2 receptors. They are found in our nervous system, glands, organs, immune system, and all throughout the body. Ingesting phytocannabinoids (or smoking them) has a synergistic effect on CB1 and CB2 receptors. While THC acts as a direct stimulant on these receptors, CBD oil does not stimulate the receptors directly. Instead, it signals your body’s natural cannabinoids to activate its receptors to do the job of keeping your body in homeostasis.
Does CBD Oil Really Work For Anxiety?
Cannabidiol possesses both antipsychotic and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties.
Dr. Ethan Russo, a cannabis researcher, and neurologist, has hypothesized that many people who are plagued with hard-to-treat conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, PTSD, anxiety, and other illnesses might have a condition he coined as “endocannabinoid deficiency” which can make cells send abnormal messages of physical and emotional pain to the body. Phytocannabinoids essentially mimic our bodies’ own endocannabinoids and cause these cells to cease the pain messages, thus bringing a state of balance back to the system.
CBD may help with anxiety in two noticeable ways.
It affects the 5-HT1A agonist. 5-HT1A is a vital serotonin receptor subtype whose function is essential to maintaining proper serotonin levels in the brain. In some cases, CBD has been shown to work similarly to SSRIs (drugs used to treat anxiety and depression) by enhancing the transmission of 5HT1A and has also been shown to have a faster effect than SSRIs.
The second effect it has is on the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a critical role in many brain functions. Brain scans of people who have anxiety often reveal a smaller, impaired hippocampus. This is particularly important because evidence suggests that when impaired, the hippocampus can lead to suicidal behaviors. CBD has been shown to regenerate neurons in this area of the brain (neurogenesis). Because of its potential as a safe and therapeutic alternative to pharmaceuticals, the research on the cannabinoid to possibly help individuals with anxiety disorders is highly promising.
While more studies are in order, a large body of evidence illustrates the benefits of CBD oil for anxiety disorders of all types ranging from mild social anxiety disorder to severe PTSD and everything in between. For example, the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s Library of Medicine maintains an extensive database of white papers full of research and clinical results that point toward the efficacy of CBD oil for anxiety. Additionally, in April of 2018 ScienceDaily published the findings of a study that examined anecdotal evidence strongly suggesting that Cannabis is an effective anti-anxiety agent.
Additional resource: 10 Best CBD Oil For Sleep
How Do I Figure Out The Correct Dosage Of CBD Oil For Anxiety?
There is a lot of confusion around dosing amounts when using CBD oil for anxiety. The truth is, the amount varies from product to product and can be vastly different depending on the individual. Because there are no official dosing guidelines in place yet, it can take some time to figure out the correct amount for you. Doses can fall anywhere between the 25 mg to 100 mg range. Before you decide to go with the highest dose, realize that everyone’s needs are different. Here are some suggested guidelines to help you determine how to use CBD oil for anxiety.
Review the information that came with the product. Every product is going to have slight differences and varying recommendations for dosing ranging from one drop under the tongue to an entire dropper full. Review the information about your specific CBD oil or tincture and, if you can’t find what you need, visit the product’s website. Most will have dosage recommendations, and many will have online customer service experts to help answer your questions.
Start with a Low Dose. When taking the product for anxiety, always begin with the lowest possible dose. This will give your body time to accustom to the cannabinoid slowly and let you become comfortable with its effects.
Increase the Dosage Slowly. If you don’t notice your anxiety improving, gradually increase the dosage every few days. Sometimes it can take a little bit of time for the CBD to build up and affect the endocannabinoid system. While THC triggers fast results, CBD is milder and may take a few days for changes to become evident.
Take smaller doses throughout the day. If you find that yourself feeling you are taking too many drops at one time, spread the dosage throughout the day by taking smaller amounts. This may help with the rate of absorption and metabolization.
Speak with a Doctor. CBD oil can increase the potency of other medicines so you should also check with your physician. Don’t stop taking SSRIs or anti-anxiety prescriptions “cold turkey” just because you are taking CBD oil. If you plan to discontinue your pharmaceuticals, you should wean off them with the guidance of your doctor. Be patient and check-in with yourself every week to see how you are feeling, adjusting your dose of CBD oil either up or down as needed.
Is It Legal To Purchase CBD Oil?
Lawmakers across the country continue to debate the legalization of cannabis. As of August 16, 2018, nine states plus Washington, DC, have made recreational marijuana use in adults over 21 years of age legal. These are Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. Thirty other states have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes and some districts and jurisdictions have their own regulations regarding its use.
While individual states have taken matters into their own hands and made bold moves toward legalization, the Federal government continues to lag behind. The 2014 Farm Bill appeared at first glance, to make growing, processing, and distributing CBD legal across the US. However, the DEA has made it clear that they still consider hemp be a Schedule I substance. Adding to this confusion, The U.S. Customs and Border Protection department allows the import of hemp-derived CBD oil under certain conditions. So, the bottom line is that yes, CBD oil is legal in all states provided that it has been sourced outside of the US—unless of course, it’s not legal. See the problem here?
Currently, CBD oil that is derived from imported hemp is legal in most of the United States, and CBD oil derived from marijuana is only permitted in specific states and jurisdictions. Because the laws are ambiguous and varying around this substance, it is essential that you research your particular state.
It is no surprise that phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD which are similar in structure to our own natural endocannabinoids can bind to our receptors and potentially aid in healing our bodies and minds. Nature, in its perfection, has provided a plant medicine that harmonizes with our own body chemistry.
Dr. Ethan Russo has said “Let’s consider this. There are more cannabinoid receptors in the brain than there are for all of the neurotransmitters put together. That being true – and it is – recognizing that fact, why would one ignore this system? Why isn’t this being taught? Our public needs to know about this and how lifestyle and diet affect this system, and how it could be brought to bear to improve their life condition.”
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
All content at Best Choice Reviews concerning CBD (Cannabidiol) or other health-related matters are for informational purposes only and are not to be considered as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If a reader has further questions about the use of these products, we encourage them to consult with a licensed physician or other qualified health care provider. The information included here is for educational purposes only and Best Choice Reviews is not responsible for inappropriate use of these products.
