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The information in this article is not intended to be very specific. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Healthline encourages you to talk to your healthcare professional about treatment decisions.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Although research into its effects is ongoing, some studies suggest that it may be able to help ease symptoms of conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, and even anxiety.

If you’ve been considering grabbing a bottle of CBD oil to ease worry and stress, you may have found yourself surprised — maybe even overwhelmed — by all the choices out there, not to mention the vocabulary. What the heck is a terpene anyway?

If you choose a quality product, you will gain the most benefit from using it. We have done the research to help you choose a oil or a drink that will fit your needs, and some that may help bring about a sense of calm.

CBD terminology

  • Terpenes are plant compounds with potential therapeutic benefits.
  • Flavonoids are plant compounds that have antioxidant benefits.
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid associated with the “high” from cannabis, or “marijuana,” use. CBD doesn’t have intoxicating properties.
  • Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally available compounds of the cannabis plant. In hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD, the THC will be no more than 0.3 percent.
  • Broad-spectrum CBD has all the plant’s naturally occurring compounds but no THC (or only trace amounts).
  • CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, separated from all other plant compounds.

We think these products are good indicators of safety, quality and transparency. The product in this article is.

  • The company that made it provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab.
  • It is made with U.S. grown cannabis.
  • contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
  • The legal limit for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds is below.

We also considered that.

  • Manufacturing processes and certifications.
  • Product potency
  • Overall ingredients.
  • indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = $50–$150
  • $$$ = over $150

Best flavored

FOCL Premium CBD Drops

  • Price: $$
  • CBD Type: Broad-spectrum
  • CBD Potency: 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
  • COA: Available on product page

FOCL has a PremiumCannabidiol Drops that is abroad-spectrum. It has a variety of flavors, including orange cream swirl, which is reminiscent of a creamsicle. It is also vegan and non-GMO.

There are a number of potencies, including 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000. FOCL offers discounts that make it easier to reorder on your bank account.

FOCL makes their products with U.S.-grown hemp in facilities that are compliant with the FDA’s good manufacturing practices (GMP). COAs can be found here.

Pros

  • A broad-spectrum formula that does not contain any cannabinoids.
  • Both vegan and cruelty-free.
  • There are a range of options.

Cons

  • No assistance programs.

Best overall

CBDistillery CBD Oil, Isolate

  • Price: $$$
  • CBD Type: Isolate (THC-free)
  • CBD Potency: 5,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
  • COA: Available on product page

If you are sensitive to other cannabinoids, you may prefer a high strength cannabidiol isolate and nothing else. This product is expensive, but it is also potent, with 167 milligrams ofCannabidiol per 1milliliter dropper.

CBDistillery is behind the “The CBD Movement Podcast” and aims to educate people about the science behind cannabis and its intersection with wellness. Read our in-depth review of the company here.

Pros

  • high strength
  • Simple ingredients.
  • “It’s not a drug of dependence.”

Cons

  • pricey
  • It might be too high for beginners.
  • “It is aCBD isolate, so you won’t benefit from the effects of the entourage effect.”

Editor’s pick

Aspen Green Full Spectrum CBD Oil

  • Price: $$
  • CBD type: full-spectrum
  • CBD potency: 1,000–3,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
  • COA: available online

This full-spectrum CBD oil is sold in original, citrus, and mint flavors, and comes in three different potencies. It’s also USDA-certified organic.

In addition to oils, the company offers balms, creams, and other products.

The COA is available online.

Pros

  • Potencies and flavors are varied.
  • The food was grown and processed in Colorado.
  • Aspen Green offers a 35 to 60% discount to military personnel, first responders, medical personnel, teachers, students, and people who live in low income households, have disabilities, or are currently unemployed

Cons

  • “Some users of the cannabidiol don’t like the hint of the cannabinoid flavor in the oil.”
  • The price point is higher for other cannabinoids.

Best extra-strength CBD oil

CBDFx Calming Tincture

  • Price: $$
  • CBD type: full-spectrum
  • CBD potency: 500–6,000 mg
  • COA: available online

Many CBD companies are now offering CBD combined with CBN. Although there’s a lack of solid research on the benefits of CBN oil, people often use it for relaxation and sleep. This CBN and CBD tincture comes in a wide range of potencies and is unflavored. It’s also organic, vegan, and gluten-free.

The COA is available online.

Pros

  • Potencies varied.
  • Added CBN and terpenes.
  • It is organic, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Cons

  • Some users dislike unflavored.
  • No assistance programs. (although there is a rewards program)

Best organic

Kanibi Isolate CBD Oil, Skittles Flavor

  • Price: $$
  • CBD Type: Isolate (THC-free)
  • CBD Potency: 750 mg per 30-mL bottle
  • COA: Available on product page

“Kanibi’s Skittles flavor is a great way to get a smooth product that is also good for you. PureCannabidiol from organic hemp is offered in thisCBD Isolate. The carbon dioxide used in theCannabidiol is said to be a cleaner way to extract the drug than the traditional method of using alcohol.”

No other plant compounds are present in this oil, giving you just CBD in an MCT carrier oil and zero artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. If you’re looking for a more potent product, the company also offers a 1,500-mg bottle. COAs can be found on the product page.

Pros

  • There are a range of flavors.
  • “It’s not a drug of dependence.”
  • CO2 is being removed from the environment through a process called organic, CO2 extraction.

Cons

  • No assistance programs.
  • “It is aCBD isolate, so you won’t benefit from the effects of the entourage effect.”

Best unflavored

Papa & Barkley Releaf Drops

  • Price: $
  • CBD Type: Full-spectrum
  • CBD Potency: 900 mg per 30-mL bottle or 450 mg per 15-mL bottle
  • COA: Available online

Sometimes you want a plain Jane kind of tincture to turn down the volume on your anxiety. Enter Papa & Barkley’s Releaf Drops. It’s made with just two ingredients: full-spectrum hemp and MCT oil. It comes in either natural (unflavored) or lemongrass ginger flavor.

This product is made from Colorado-grown hemp. The brand uses a whole-plant fusion process to extract CBD, avoiding harsh chemicals and solvents — one less thing on your mind. COAs can be found on the product page.

Pros

  • Simple ingredients.
  • The whole-plant fusion process.
  • Full-spectrum formula.

Cons

  • It contains a full spectrum of cannabinoids.

Best topical

Lord Jones Royal Oil

  • Price: $$
  • CBD Type: Broad-spectrum
  • CBD Potency: 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
  • COA: Available online

This multipurpose oil is made with just two ingredients: CBD and grapeseed oil. When used topically, it soothes and hydrates. Grapeseed oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can calm skin prone to breakouts during times of stress and anxiety, and CBD might also be beneficial for the skin.

Lord Jones offers discounts to teachers, military members, and medical personnel. And if you like the product, the subscribe and save option takes reordering off your plate.

Batch-specific testing results can be found here.

Pros

  • A broad-spectrum formula that does not contain any cannabinoids.
  • Simple ingredients, including oil.
  • assistance programs

Cons

  • No scent.
  • There are no options for potency.

Best for beginners

LiftMode Hemp Extract Oil, Calm

  • Price: $
  • CBD Type: Full-spectrum
  • CBD Potency: 1,500 mg per 30-mL bottle
  • COA: Available online

“LiftMode oil doesn’t have a complex ingredient list, but it may be a great choice. It contains a generous amount ofCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol and freshCannabidiol It contains pure grain alcohol and amide for absorption.”

The label recommends a half dropper twice a day.

Pros

  • Simple ingredients.
  • Good price.
  • “It’s great for beginners.”

Cons

  • No assistance programs.
  • It contains a full spectrum of cannabinoids.

Best full-spectrum

Lazarus Naturals Chocolate Mint High-Potency Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture

  • Price: $$$ (offers assistance programs)
  • CBD Type: Full-spectrum (less than 0.3 percent THC)
  • CBD Potency: 6,000 milligrams (mg) per 120-milliliter (mL) bottle
  • COA: Available on product page

At 50 mg per 1-mL dose, this is a high strength product. It’s made from hemp grown on the Lazarus farm in central Oregon.

Reviewers describe the taste as subtle and still somewhat earthy. It pairs well with a cup of joe when you want some calm and a cup of coffee when you want some coffee.

Customers also rave about the brand’s commitment to making CBD accessible with its assistance programs for veterans, people on long-term disability, and those with a low income. Batch-specific COAs can be found on the product page.

Pros

  • Both are vegan and organic.
  • There are a range of flavors. and sizes
  • There are discount programs available.

Cons

  • It might be too high for some.
  • It does contain some form of cannabinoids, but it is a full-spectrum product.

Research on CBD and its use for anxiety and depression is still ongoing. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to determine effective doses for specific conditions.

But a 2020 review of existing studies concludes that CBD has potential for treating anxiety disorders like:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental illness.
  • generalized anxiety disorder is a mental disorder.
  • Social anxiety disorder is a mental illness.

There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing aCannabidiolCannabidiol oil. Look for a product that has been tested. Third-party labs will be used to test the products ofReputableCBD companies. They will make the testing results available to the public through certificates of analysis.

“Make sure the product label says it contains the amount of cannabinoids that it says it does. You can check that it doesn’t have dangerous levels of pollutants.”

A selection is dependent on personal preference and needs. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, a product that contains calming ingredients might be helpful.

“If you’re more worried about your health during the day, you might want to take a low potency cannabidiol, orCBD, on the go.”

Reading a CBD label can feel a little tricky until you’re familiar with the terminology. Keep in mind that if you’re hoping for an entourage effect of all the phytocannabinoids and terpenes working together, you’ll want a full-spectrum product.

“A broad-spectrum option won’t include any of the plant benefits of THC. A product that contains a cannabinoid will not contain any plant compounds. If exposure to anything butCannabidiol is a concern, then an isolation is the best option.”

The taste will come into play. If the smell or taste of cannabis is a turnoff, you may prefer a product that has a flavor.

Pros

  • Evidence shows thatCannabidiol can be used to treat anxiety.
  • It is easy to use.
  • It can help alleviate physical pain.

Cons

  • FDA does not approveCannabidiol products to treat anxiety.
  • Some CBD products contain THC, which can increase anxiety.
  • The dosage of products varies since they are not FDA regulated.

How should I use CBD oil?

Stopping to take the cannabinoids in their oils and tablets is the best way to take them. To measure your dose, squeeze the drops under the tongue. For about 20 seconds, hold the liquid there.

The total amount ofCannabidiol is listed on the oil label. The serving size is the amount ofCannabidiol per liter. A bottle with 1,200 IU ofCannabidiol will deliver 30 bottles of 40 bottles per mL.

But that doesn’t mean you have to take a full dropper or that you have to stick to just one dropper either. If you’re new to CBD, start with a smaller dose to see how it affects you before trying more.

Can you get ‘high’ from CBD oil?

“It doesn’t make you feel high. Although some of the oils contain trace amounts of the cannabinoid, it is not enough to make you feel high.”

“If you don’t want to have traces of THC in your system, it’s best to avoidCBD oils that contain them altogether.”

Is CBD oil safe?

CBD is generally reported to be safe, but side effects may occur. These may include:

  • fatigue
  • There is a lot of diarrhea.
  • Changes in appetite.
  • Changes in weight.

Does CBD help with anxiety?

Researchers are trying to determine ifCannabidiol can help with anxiety. There are no large-scale human trials that study the potential ofCannabidiol to treat mood disorders.

Several studies suggest thatCannabidiol might have anti-anxiety effects. More research is needed to learn more about the benefits of cannabidiol.

How long does CBD oil take to work for anxiety?

There is no consensus on how long it takes for cannabidiol to work for anxiety.

However, in a 2018 study on using CBD for social anxiety, participants were given CBD before undergoing a simulated public speaking test. The study concluded that 300 mg of CBD administered orally 90 minutes before the test significantly reduced the participants’ anxiety.

Before trying CBD for anxiety, talk with a healthcare professional or a knowledgeable cannabis clinician, especially if you’re taking any medications. CBD may interact with certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins or supplements.

CBD may also cause liver toxicity or injury, according to a 2019 study. However, this study was conducted on mice, and researchers say you’d have to be taking extremely high doses for this to be a concern.

One more thing: Be careful when consuming CBD along with high fat meals. Fats can increase CBD blood concentrations, upping the risks for side effects, according to a 2020 study.

The research is still going on to see if candiol can help with anxiety and depression. If you are considering trying out a product to see if it makes you feel more relaxed in times of stress or if it is a good fit for you, we hope our recommendations will help you choose the right product.

If you already take supplements, talk to a healthcare professional first.

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 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent 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.