Key takeaways:
CBD (cannabidiol) may help ease anxiety for some people, but research is still limited and mixed on its effects. Currently, CBD is only FDA approved for certain rare seizure disorders, not for anxiety.
If you decide to try CBD, start with a low dose and talk to your healthcare team first — especially if you take other medications.
CBD products aren’t well regulated and may contain contaminants, including unlabeled THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Check product quality carefully and avoid CBD if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you’ve been feeling more anxious than usual, you’re not alone. Many people deal with anxiety and are looking for natural ways to manage it. One option that’s getting a lot of attention is CBD, short for cannabidiol. CBD comes from the cannabis plant — but unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it doesn’t make you feel “high.” Some people say CBD helps them relax and sleep better. But does CBD work for anxiety?
In this article, we’ll explore what researchers know (and don’t know) about how CBD may help with anxiety. We’ll also talk about dosages and possible side effects to consider. Whether you’re new to CBD or just curious, this guide is here to help you make informed choices about your health.
Does CBD work for anxiety?
Possibly, but researchers don’t know enough yet to say for sure.
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CBD is currently only FDA approved for certain rare seizure disorders under the brand name Epidiolex. All other CBD products are considered over-the-counter (OTC) supplements. The FDA does not regulate OTC products as strictly as prescription medications. So manufacturers aren’t required to prove that OTC medications are safe and effective for any medical conditions.
Clinical studies on CBD for anxiety are mixed. Some show positive results, while others show no benefit. There is some evidence that CBD can help with anxiety related to:
General anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
But many studies on CBD for anxiety only include a small number of people. And they use a variety of different CBD forms and dosages. This makes it hard to interpret the results and determine exactly what role, if any, CBD can play in treating anxiety symptoms.
Does CBD work for depression?
There isn’t much research on using CBD for depression, and what little there is involves animals, not humans. So until there’s more information, researchers can’t say for sure if CBD may or may not help with depression symptoms.
How does CBD work for anxiety?
CBD affects a variety of systems and receptors (binding sites) in the body. Experts believe its effects on anxiety are related to those reactions. In the body, CBD:
Increases levels of a chemical called anandamide, a natural compound that helps reduce anxiety
Blocks TRPV1 (vanilloid) receptors, which helps reduce anxiety
Activates certain serotonin receptors that help reduce anxiety
Enhances the activity of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming effect on the brain and body
How does CBD oil make you feel? People offer insights from their firsthand experiences with CBD oil.
CBD dosages: Here’s a review of the FDA-approved dosages for Epidiolex, along with general dosing recommendations for OTC CBD products.
Tips for buying CBD: Follow these pharmacist-backed tips to help protect your safety when purchasing over-the-counter CBD products.
What’s interesting about CBD is that only low and medium doses seem to reduce anxiety. At high doses, it doesn’t seem to be effective for anxiety symptoms.
What’s the best dose of CBD for anxiety?
Since CBD isn’t FDA approved for anxiety, there isn’t a set dosage that’s been proven safe and effective. In studies, an average of 300 mg to 600 mg of CBD daily seems helpful for anxiety. But most experts recommend starting with a low dose of CBD, such as 5 mg twice a day, then slowly increasing it over time. This helps your body adjust to it and helps you find the lowest effective dose for your needs. Keep in mind that higher doses of CBD (more than 600 mg daily) may be less effective for anxiety.
The dosage form of CBD you use can also influence its effects. Inhaled CBD works the fastest, but doesn’t last very long. CBD edibles or capsules take longer to work, but last much longer. And CBD oil or lozenges lie somewhere in the middle.
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What are the risks and side effects of CBD?
CBD is typically tolerated well. In clinical studies of Epidiolex, common side effects included:
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Decreased appetite
Insomnia
Diarrhea
These side effects are more common with high doses of CBD. There’s also a risk of increased liver enzymes with high CBD dosages.
CBD can also interact with other medications. So it’s best to talk to your healthcare team before trying it to make sure it’s a safe option for you.
Another risk to be aware of when it comes to CBD is the chance of contaminants in OTC products. This may include toxins, such as heavy metals and pesticides. Or it may include unlabeled ingredients, including THC.
Good to know: You should avoid CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding. Early research shows it may affect fetal growth and development. And there’s also a risk of exposure to harmful contaminants found in some CBD products.
Frequently asked questions
No, CBD isn’t likely to cause or worsen anxiety in most people. THC, on the other hand, can worsen anxiety symptoms — especially at high doses. Keep in mind that OTC CBD products may contain unlabeled THC and other contaminants. So if you’re taking a product that worsens your anxiety, it may be worth trying a different brand or product.
No, CBD isn’t an intoxicating substance. So you won’t feel “high” after consuming it the way you can with THC and other cannabinoids. CBD also doesn’t lead to substance misuse or dependence the way that THC can.
However, as mentioned, some CBD products may contain THC. And the presence and amount of THC isn’t always accurately labeled. This could make you feel high after consuming the product.
It’s unlikely for CBD to show up on a drug test, but possible. Most drug tests are looking specifically for THC. But if your CBD product contains any THC (even small amounts), it may cause a positive drug test. Keep in mind that the presence and amount of THC may not be correctly labeled on the CBD product. So it can be hard to know for sure exactly what the risk of a failed drug test is.
At the federal level, CBD extracted from cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC (also known as hemp) is legal. CBD products also have specific conditions they must meet. For example, the grower must be licensed and follow federal and state regulations. But there are different restrictions on the production and sale of CBD at the state level. So it’s best to check the laws in your state to know if CBD is legal where you live.
No, CBD isn’t likely to cause or worsen anxiety in most people. THC, on the other hand, can worsen anxiety symptoms — especially at high doses. Keep in mind that OTC CBD products may contain unlabeled THC and other contaminants. So if you’re taking a product that worsens your anxiety, it may be worth trying a different brand or product.
No, CBD isn’t an intoxicating substance. So you won’t feel “high” after consuming it the way you can with THC and other cannabinoids. CBD also doesn’t lead to substance misuse or dependence the way that THC can.
However, as mentioned, some CBD products may contain THC. And the presence and amount of THC isn’t always accurately labeled. This could make you feel high after consuming the product.
It’s unlikely for CBD to show up on a drug test, but possible. Most drug tests are looking specifically for THC. But if your CBD product contains any THC (even small amounts), it may cause a positive drug test. Keep in mind that the presence and amount of THC may not be correctly labeled on the CBD product. So it can be hard to know for sure exactly what the risk of a failed drug test is.
At the federal level, CBD extracted from cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC (also known as hemp) is legal. CBD products also have specific conditions they must meet. For example, the grower must be licensed and follow federal and state regulations. But there are different restrictions on the production and sale of CBD at the state level. So it’s best to check the laws in your state to know if CBD is legal where you live.
The bottom line
CBD (cannabidiol) may help some people feel calmer or reduce symptoms of anxiety. But there isn’t enough evidence to say for sure that CBD is effective for anxiety. While some small studies show promise, results are mixed. And so far, CBD is only FDA approved for certain rare seizure disorders.
If you choose to try CBD, start with a low dose and talk to your healthcare team first — especially if you take other medications. CBD products aren’t well regulated and often contain contaminants, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). So be cautious about product quality, and avoid CBD entirely if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
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References
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Han, K., et al. (2024). Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research.
Hudak, J. (2018). The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer. The Brookings Institution.
Larsen, C., et al. (2020). Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: A systematic review of human trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research.
Lee, J. L. C., et al. (2017). Cannabidiol regulation of emotion and emotional memory processing: relevance for treating anxiety-related and substance abuse disorders. British Journal of Pharmacology.
Lichenstein, S. D. (2022). THC, CBD, and Anxiety: A review of recent findings on the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of cannabis’ primary cannabinoids. Current Addiction Reports.
Papagianni, E. P., et al. (2019). Cannabinoid regulation of fear and anxiety: An update. Current Psychiatry Reports.
ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Anandamide.
Skelley, J. W., et al. (2019). Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders.Journal of the American Pharmacists Association.
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