You can’t shop from your health food store or e-commerce site without seeing CBD products. CBD is quickly becoming a household name, thanks to its proposed health benefits. Today, our interest is in the use of CBD for anxiety.

Enthusiasts tout CBD as a possible solution to several ailments, including stress and anxiety. Let’s look at how CBD can help with anxiety, the evidence, and how you can use CBD to manage anxiety.

We’ll also share a guide on how to dose, list the possible side effects, and tell you more about CBD’s legal status.

Does CBD Help Anxiety?

Studies show that CBD may help with anxiety by affecting the brain’s serotonin levels. Serotonin plays a role in a person’s mood, behavior, sleep, and digestion.

Research reveals that it’s possible to ease anxiety by increasing serotonin levels. Drugs like antidepressants work by increasing the brain’s serotonin levels. Some studies suggest that CBD works similarly to these meds.

Furthermore, studies indicate that cannabinoids like CBD interact with receptors in the brain. These receptors are called cannabinoids receptors, namely: CB1 and CB2.

The interaction between CBD and these receptors plays a role in how it helps with anxiety. By interacting with 5-HT1a, a sub-serotonin receptor, CBD also activates CB1 receptors present in the amygdala.

The brain’s amygdala is associated with emotional processing. When the CB1 receptors in this part of the brain are blocked, anxiety levels increase. Here, CBD acts as an anxiolytic by activating these receptors.

What Does Research Say about CBD and Anxiety?

Due to the interest in CBD and hemp plants, there’s been an increase in research. Some of these studies examine the effects of CBD for anxiety on patients with different anxiety disorders.

A 2011 study showed that CBD reduced symptoms in participants with social anxiety disorder. Also, in 2011, another study found how CBD helped reduce anxiety during public speaking.

Furthermore, in 2015, there was a review of past studies on CBD for anxiety. Evidence suggests that CBD could be a potential solution to:

  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder, and
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Also, a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine examined 11 patients with PTSD. Results showed that 91% noticed reduced symptoms after taking CBD.

Most of the results on the application of CBD for anxiety are positive. However, a 2017 study didn’t show any evidence that CBD could relieve anxiety or paranoia in some people.

Studies are still ongoing on the use of CBD for anxiety relief. Keep in mind that many of the current studies are small sample sizes. So, these results may not be the same for the general population.

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association (ADAA), there is insufficient evidence to support the use of CBD for anxiety. However, that doesn’t mean it cannot help you.

How to Use CBD for Anxiety

CBD comes in many various forms. Some of the popular CBD products on today’s market include:

  • Oils and tinctures
  • Capsules
  • Vapes
  • Creams and gels
  • Edibles like CBD gummies

You can try different forms to decide which one is most suitable for your needs. Also, the method of administration you go with influences the onset of effects.

According to an article by Medical News Today, oral administration begins to work within 30 minutes to about 2 hours. On the other hand, vaping CBD provides a more immediate result.

There are a few tips on how to use CBD oil for anxiety. The first is to place a few drops under your tongue. Do not swallow yet. Wait for about twenty seconds before you do that.


Placing the oil under your tongue and leaving it for a few seconds improves absorption. It allows the sublingual veins in your mouth to absorb the product. These veins transport the CBD into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.

What’s more, always select high-quality CBD oil for anxiety. Whether you decide to use oils, tincture, gummies, or vapes, you want to prioritize going for superior brands. The reason is the product’s quality determines how effective it will be and if you’ll get results.

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CBD Dosage for Anxiety

After you choose the right CBD oil for anxiety, the next question is: how do you dose? CBD dosage can be tricky sometimes and often requires experimentation.

Unfortunately, there is no known CBD oil dosage for anxiety disorders. Researchers used varying CBD doses in their studies effectively. So, there is a need for further research.

Generally, the rule of thumb is to start low and slowly work your way up. Many clinical trials jump directly to using high CBD doses. Some studies used 300mg and 600mg of CBD successfully for anxiety.

However, other clinical trials used lower doses and found them effective also. For instance, participants in this study received 25 to 75 mg for anxiety and sleep issues.

Moreover, different factors impact the amount of CBD your body needs. Some of these are bodyweight, concentration, and the level of discomfort you’re experiencing. For example, a lighter person may require only a low CBD dose to achieve effects. But someone with a heavier weight may need higher doses to achieve similar results.

We have many CBD oil brands for anxiety. Some of these companies provide direction and guidelines on their products. You can start from the brand’s lowest recommended dose.

What are the Side Effects of CBD?

CBD is a generally safe substance. However, research reveals that CBD can cause mild side effects. Some of them are:

  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness

Per this CNET report, CBD can cause liver damage. It can interact with a few drugs, leading to unwanted negative effects.

Some of these drugs are antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, opioids, and others. To stay safe, always discuss with your health care professional before using CBD oil for anxiety relief.

Is CBD Legal?

You may be wondering: Is CBD oil legal to buy?

The legal status of CBD is continually evolving. At the moment, CBD is legal on a federal level in the United States. Only CBD products derived from hemp plants containing 0.3% THC or less are legal.

Different states legalized CBD to varying degrees. So while CBD is completely legal in major states, some may have restrictions. It’s best to check your state laws regularly to keep up with CBD’s legal status.

Final Thoughts

CBD burst into the wellness industry as a supposed treatment for numerous ailments. The research into the effects of CBD looks promising. Studies show that CBD could help people with anxiety, a common mental health disorder.

However, the FDA hasn’t approved any CBD product for the treatment of anxiety. As a result, there is no known recommended dosage for those using CBD. The dosage you need varies depending on the product and the severity of your conditions.

Overall, CBD is safe and well-tolerated. But, always consult a doctor before using CBD if you’re on prescription medication.

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