Best CBD Oil For Anxiety & Depression (2019)

The stresses of life can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety. Anxiety is a normal response and a vital part of the human experience. However, it is the proverbial double-edged sword.

On the one hand, it can stimulate action and creativity, prompting us to improve our performance. On the other, when it persists, it can lead to the development of any number of anxiety disorders that negatively impact physical, mental and emotional well being.

5 Best CBD Oils For Anxiety Disorders

CBDPure – Hemp Oil 600

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil for CBDPure products is made from certified, organically farmed industrial hemp that is grown in Colorado.

Chemical-free CO2 extraction is used to extract CBD  and all products are tested both in-house and by a third-party lab. Testing is done for cannabinoid profiling, pesticide testing, microbiological screening, terpene analysis and residual solvents.

CBDPure Hemp Oil 600 has a golden-yellow hue and an earthy smell and taste. It contains 20 mg of CBD per serving presented in a 2 fluid ounce (60 ml) bottle. Care has been taken to preserve the oil’s quality. It’s stored in an amber-colored glass bottle that prevents photo-oxidation that degrades the bottles’ contents.

Products are backed by a 90-day money back guarantee. They ship to every U.S. state with the exception of Arkansas, Kansas, and Louisiana. They also do not ship internationally.

Hemp Bombs CBD Oil

Hemp Bombs was founded in 2016. They have made a name for themselves as producers of some of the strongest and most concentrated CBD Oil. Potencies range from 300mg to 4000 mg per bottle and customers can choose between peppermint or juicy watermelon flavors.

Their CBD oil comes from non-GMO, superior-grade Hemp grown organically with environmentally friendly methods. The company’s commitment to quality is impressive. Initially, their hemp was sourced from Europe due to higher soil quality and the observance of strict farming practices. They only started sourcing from farms in the US when similar conditions were found. In addition, they only partner with farmers who are 100 percent transparent about their practices.

They use the more expensive but preferred CO2 extraction to extract CBD oil and maintain strict control and quality protocols. Products are tested both in-house and at a third-party lab for heavy metals, pesticides, solvents and other contaminants. Third-party lab reports are available for all their products on their website.

All sales come with a 30-day money guarantee and shipping is available to all 50 states in amber colored glass bottles to preserve content quality.

Vape Bright – Thrive Beyond 250 mg

There are many ways to experience the benefits of CBD. It can be added to various food or drinks, placed under the tongue, or even applied to the skin among others.

There is no right or wrong way to consume CBD as it boils down to personal preference. However, if you’re seeking a method that allows for fast absorption then vaping stands at the top of the list.

Vape Bright’s sole focus is CBD vaping products. The company is located in California and their CBD is from organic hemp sourced from farms in the US. They use C02 extraction to ensure a high-quality end product. In addition to hemp oil, their products only contain natural cannabis terpenes. They do not include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin or nicotine.

Thrive is Vape Bright’s flagship product. Compared to other CBD vapes, it has the highest potency (over 1 mg CBD in every puff) and an impressive terpene profile. If you find the 250mg option too potent they also offer a 200mg one. Customers can choose to either purchase the vape cartridge on its own or to get a complete starter kit that comes with a vape cartridge and one Vape Bright battery, charger, and case. Vape cartridges come in singles or packs of three or five.

They have 30-day money guarantee on all purchases and shipping is available to all US and EU territories.

Nuleaf Naturals –1450mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil, High-Grade Hemp Extract

Nuleaf Naturals CBD products are made from whole-plant extracts, not synthetic and not an isolate. The company, located in Denver Colorado, was founded in 2014 and their commitment to high-quality CBD products has made them one of the top pioneering hemp companies.

Their whole plant extract, therapeutic hemp is specially bred and grown only on licensed farms in Colorado, USA where only organic and sustainable farming practices are used. A two-step CO2 extraction process is used to extract CBD. All products are tested in-house and by a third-party lab Steep Hill (Berkeley, California) for over 200 pesticides, herbicides, mold, fungi, heavy metals, and mycotoxins.

The 1450mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil, High-Grade Hemp Extract comes in a 1 fluid ounce (30ml) dark colored galls bottle that can be purchased in a single or double pack. You get 50mg cannabinoids per milliliter of oil which translates to 2.4 mg of CBD per drop. Each bottle contains an approximate total of 600 drops.

Products have a 30-day money back guarantee. Shipping is available to all 50 states as well as over 40 international countries including the Netherlands, Antilles, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, and South Africa among others.

Elixinol – Hemp Oil Drops 3600mg

Elixinol is located is a Colorado-based company. The company was founded in 1991 and its founder Paul Benhaim has been an active member of the hemp industry since 1993.

Together with a team of equally passionate hemp enthusiasts, they have grown the company into a globally recognized brand and industry leader.

The Hemp Oil Drops 3600mg is their most potent tincture. CBD is extracted via the CO2 method from specially bred, high CBD content industrial hemp plants. The oil comes in a coconut oil extract suspension. The oil is contained in a 4 ounce/120 milliliter blue colored glass bottle with a dropper. Customers can choose between cinnamint or natural flavors. They suggest a sublingual (under the tongue) delivery of 0.5ml which is a quarter of the dropper, three times a day.

Elixinol takes giving back to the community seriously. They donate 5% of every purchase to a pre-selected, non-profit of the customer’s choice. They have 30-day money guarantee and they ship to all 50 states as well as to some international countries.

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) refers to anxiety disorders as a term applicable to “specific psychiatric disorders that involve extreme fear or worry.”

Anxiety Disorders Impact on the Population

The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks anxiety disorders as the 6th contributor to global disability. In 2015, an estimated 264 million people worldwide were living with the condition. The majority being women, especially in the regions of North and South America (4.6% compared to 2.6%).

In the United States of America, anxiety disorders are said to be among the most common mental disorders in adults aged 18 or older. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates the following in this regard.

• 19.1% of U.S. adults aged 18 or older have had an anxiety disorder in the past year.
• Females aged 18 or older show a higher occurrence than males (23.4% compared to 14.3%).
• 31.9% of adolescents aged 13-18 had any anxiety disorder
• Females aged 13-18  show a higher occurrence than males (38.0% compared to 26.1%).
• 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.
• Among adults with an anxiety disorder, 22.8% have experienced serious impairment, 33.7% have experienced moderate impairment and 43.5% have experienced mild impairment.

Risk Factors

You’re at greater risk of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder if you’re female, have a family history of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or childhood sexual abuse, are in an unhealthy and disruptive environment especially in the immediate family setting, have low self-esteem or lower educational attainment.

Types and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), there are five major types of anxiety disorders.

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by NIMH as feelings of extreme worry or nervousness about everyday life events (job performance, chores, health, finance, etc.,) without any evidence present for there to be a need to worry about them.

GAD is one of the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorders, especially in older adults. It affects 3.1% of the U.S. population (6.8 million adults) and women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with it as men. It is not uncommon to find GAD occurring in conjunction with other illnesses like depression.

The symptoms build up over time usually starting during the teen years or young adulthood. Symptoms include the following.

• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Restlessness
• Poor sleep patterns

2. Panic Disorder (PD)

Healthline states that Panic Disorder (PD) occurs when you “experience recurring unexpected panic attacks.”

PD affects 2.7% of the U.S. population (6 million adults) and women are twice as likely to be affected as men. Symptoms are commonly first seen in young adulthood and when left untreated may develop into an intense fear of being outside or in enclosed spaces (agoraphobia).

Symptoms of PD include the following.

• Chest pain and or unusually quick heartbeat
• Choking
• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Headaches
• Sweaty palms
• Trembling

3. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) sometimes called “social phobia” is described by the ADAA as the “intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation.”

SAD is estimated to be the third largest mental health problem in the world today. In the U.S, SAD affects 7.1% of the population and is more prevalent in women than in men.  One of the greatest concerns with SAD is that there is an increased risk of suicidal iteration.

Depression is commonly diagnosed along with SAD. Symptoms are commonly noticeable between 12 – 16 years of age on average and include the following.

• Difficulty talking
• Dry mouth
• Intense sweating
• Nausea
• Racing heart
• Trembling or shaking

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The Mayo Clinic defines Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as a habit of unreasonable and obsessive thoughts or fears that result in compulsive repetitive behaviors.

OCD is said to affect 1.0% to 3% of the U.S. population (approximately 2.2 million adults) and is equally common among men and women.  It is common to find this condition diagnosed alongside depression, Bipolar Disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Feeding or Eating Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Tic Disorders/Tourette Syndrome (TS).

On average, symptoms begin around age 19 and include the following.

• Repeated unwanted ideas
• Fear of contamination
• Out of character aggressive impulses
• Persistent sexual thoughts
• Thoughts that you might cause others harm or that you might be harmed
• Constant checking and rechecking or counting
• Repeated cleaning of one or more items or washing your hands
• A pressing need to have things arranged in a particular order

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The Mayo Clinic defines Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as “a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying or traumatic event that has been experienced or witnessed.”

PTSD affects 3.5% of the U.S. population (7.7 million adults) with women twice as likely to be affected than men. Childhood sexual abuse and rape are common PTSD triggers.

Symptoms may start being exhibited within one month of the event and include the following.

• Agitation, irritability, hostility not previously seen
• Hyper-vigilance
• Self-destructive behavior
• Emotional detachment and social isolation
• Flashbacks
• General mistrust
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Insomnia or nightmares

Conventional Treatments for Anxiety Disorders

Conventional treatment options for anxiety disorders include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) also known as talk therapy, supportive psychotherapy, or psychopharmacology. Using CBD oil to treat anxiety disorders is becoming more popular due to challenges faced with conventional treatment options.

Using CBD oil to treat anxiety disorders is becoming more popular due to challenges faced with conventional treatment options.

• Lack of transparency between patient and therapist to enable effective treatment.
• Use of outdated therapy methods and lack of access to well-trained therapists.
• Side effects from drugs like antidepressants, Buspirone, Benzodiazepines including headaches, blurred vision, digestive issues, problems with coordination, memory issues, drowsiness, and irritation.
• Risk of drug dependence and potential for fatalities with drug withdrawal.

How CBD Helps With Anxiety Disorders

CBD is one of over 110 active cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. It’s the most abundant cannabinoid and it’s found mainly inside resin glands called trichomes of female cannabis plants.

The human body also produces its own “endogenous” cannabinoids. They are referred to as endocannabinoids and make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS) along with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and metabolic enzymes that break down endocannabinoids after they are used.

Cannabinoids interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors primarily in the limbic system. The limbic system is the portion of the brain that among functions, is responsible for regulating the fight or flight stress response as well as anxiety levels.

When CBD is consumed, it stimulates and activates a hormone knows as adenosine. Adenosine produces a calming effect. CBD also increases the body’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical found in the body. It is sometimes referred to as the happy chemical as it is responsible for regulating mood, anxiety, and overall well being.

Scientific Research on CBD Use for Anxiety Disorders

There is mounting evidence to suggest that people suffering from anxiety can get relief by using CBD.

A 2011 double-blind “CBD for anxiety” study showed people with SAD had significantly decreased levels of anxiety after consuming an oral dose of 400 mg of CBD.

Another double-blind study compared the effects of a simulation public speaking test (SPST) on people with SAD after consuming an oral dose of 600 mg of CBD.  Those who consumed CBD had “significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in their speech performance, and significantly decreased alert in their anticipatory speech.”

A study on the effectiveness of CBD as a treatment option for Pediatric Anxiety on a ten-year-old patient who was sexually abused showed a decrease in anxiety and a steady improvement in both quality and quantity of sleep.

Determining The Right CBD Dosage For Your Anxiety Disorder

Many people using CBD oil for anxiety disorders report having to make a few attempts before finding the right dosage. This is to be expected as many factors influence dosing such as age, weight, sex, race, genetic make-up, and occupation.

The type of anxiety disorder you’ve been diagnosed with also plays an important role in determining the correct dosage. When using CBD for the first time, the following should be kept in mind to determine the correct dosage.

• Start with a low CBD dosage – A low CBD dose gives the body time to adapt and prevents any undesirable side effects. There are also considerable cost savings to be had when you start with a lower dose.
• Increase dosage in small amounts and routinely – If no effects are noticeable after the initial dose you will need to increase the amount. Small and routine dosage increments allow compounds to build up and affect the endocannabinoid system while not overwhelming the body.
• Separate into smaller doses throughout the day – CBD is safe to take in high doses. However, dividing your maximum daily dosage into smaller ones that you take during the course of the day may increase the absorption rate and its ability to produce the desired result.
• Get an accurate diagnosis – Dosing is specific to the condition being treated as well as to the intensity of symptoms being experienced. An accurate diagnosis improves the chance of a favorable outcome.

For adults who have never taken CBD before, it’s recommended to start with a baseline dosage between 2-5mg taken two or three times daily (6-10mg total). Stay on that dose for seven days and if no change is noticed, increase the daily dosage by 1-2mg every 3 days until you attain the desired result.

With children, start with a therapeutic dose of 0.5mg CBD per pound of body weight. That amount can then be split across 3 doses per day.

With pets, it is recommended that you do not exceed 1 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 mg/kg).

Most CBD manufacturers provide standard dosing guidelines with their products. Ultimately, medical professionals familiar with using CBD for medicinal and therapeutic use are best suited to help you find the optimal CBD dosage for your condition.

Things to Consider Before Buying CBD Oil For Anxiety Disorders

The growing interest in CBD for therapeutic use has led to the growth of available CBD products on the market. Following are factors to consider before making a purchase.

Method of Extraction

There are a number of ways to extract CBD. The most common methods use some type of solvent that can either be a liquid, CO2, or an oil. The method of extraction determines the quality of the final product. Certain extraction methods may leave behind chemicals that could aggravate certain conditions. CO2 extraction has become the best industry standard. It produces the highest quality end product.

Source of Hemp

Hemp plants can absorb heavy metals and pesticides from the soil and these may be present in the final product. It’s therefore important to determine where the hemp extract used to make your CBD comes from to reduce any possibility for contamination.

Price

It’s great to find a deal when your shopping but it’s important to note that premium quality CBD does not run cheap. If you find a cheap option there is a high probability that it is poor quality.

Dosing

There is no standard CBD dose. Some people need less while others need more. Not all companies offer high potency options. If you establish that you need a stronger make sure that the company you’re dealing with offers it as a standard item to avoid interrupting your treatment.

Third-Party Testing

Only buy CBD from manufacturers who use third-party testing and share those reports on their website or upon requests. These reports help to confirm the exact contents of the CBD product so you know exactly what you are consuming.

Method of Consumption 

As mentioned earlier there are a number of ways to consume CBD. Some companies offer a variety while others may specialize in just one or two. Personal preference is often the deciding factor but others may come into play. Vaping, for instance, is not advisable for people with breathing and lung issues.

Conclusion

Anxiety Disorders are treatable and research into CBD continues to show that it is a viable treatment option that can help those affected lead normal, productive lives. Unfortunately, as the industry is not yet well regulated, users have to perform their own due diligence to ensure that they are getting quality products. The brands mentioned in this article have shown a high commitment to producing quality products at a fair price. If you’ve been diagnosed with any one of the different types of anxiety disorders we strongly encourage you to speak to a medical professional knowledgeable about CBD. They can guide you on how to treat your condition and get your life back on track.

The brands mentioned in this article have shown a high commitment to producing quality products at a fair price. If you’ve been diagnosed with any one of the different types of anxiety disorders we strongly encourage you to speak to a medical professional knowledgeable about CBD. They can guide you on how to treat your condition and get your life back on track.