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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% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% 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.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound present in the Cannabis sativa plant. Research suggests that it may help treat anxiety disorders and other conditions, but it should not replace regular support from a doctor.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
There are several things a person should consider when selecting a CBD product for themselves, including:
Testing: Third-party testing means a CBD company has sent its product to an accredited lab to test for quality. The manufacturer then makes the testing results publicly available through certificates of analysis (COAs). People can compare this with the product information.
Strength: Those newer to CBD may need to start at a lower dose than those who are familiar. They can gradually build up their dose over time to get their desired effect.
Side effects: Some CBD products may make people feel sleepy. Someone whose anxiety primarily affects them during the day when they are busy may want to look for a low-potency CBD product that may make them less drowsy.
Spectrum: The different CBD spectrums will contain different ingredients. Those wishing to avoid THC should use isolate products. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum can both contain THC. They will also have different effects. Full-spectrum can produce an “entourage effect” when all the phytocannabinoids and terpenes work together.
Cost: CBD oils can be expensive. A person should consider how effective their chosen product will be for anxiety, and consider other, well-researched treatments if they are not sure.
Research is ongoing into CBD’s potential to treat anxiety and depression, along with a host of other conditions.
A 2019 case study notes that CBD products may benefit people with anxiety disorders. The researchers studied the effects of CBD on 72 individuals with anxiety and poor sleep patterns.
After treatment with CBD, 79% of the participants experienced decreased anxiety levels, and 66.7% saw improved sleep scores. However, these scores fluctuated over time.
Scientists still need to conduct large-scale clinical trials to confirm the effective dosages for specific conditions.
A small 2020 review confirms this, with the authors stating that CBD has a promising role as an alternative therapy for anxiety, but more studies with standardized dosing are needed. The studies in this review noted that CBD could help reduce anxiety in GAD and seasonal-affective disorder (SAD).
However, they found that the participants tolerated CBD well and reported minimal adverse effects, such as fatigue and sedation.
Studies investigating the effects and dosages of CBD on humans are limited.
The above 2020 review notes that studies on using CBD for anxiety use dosages ranging from 6 to 400 mg of CBD. The authors conclude that people have a good tolerance for CBD for anxiety, with participants reporting minimal side effects. However, further studies are necessary to determine an effective and standardized dose.
Generally, experts consider CBD oil to be well tolerated. However, CBD products may still cause side effects, including:
fatigue
diarrhea
changes in appetite
undesired weight loss or weight gain
A person should always talk with a doctor before taking any new supplement, including CBD. This is especially true if somebody is taking medication, as CBD products may interact with some medications.
According to the FDA, people may experience sedation and drowsiness if they take CBD while receiving treatment for anxiety, stress, panic, or sleep disorders.
Individuals taking CDB may wish to avoid taking CBD along with high-fat meals. According to a 2020 study, fats can increase the risk of side effects by increasing the concentration of CBD in the blood.
Some 2019 research suggests that CBD can cause liver toxicity. However, this study took place on mice, and researchers concluded that a person would have to take an extremely high dose to incur this risk.
Below are some answers to common questions people may ask about CBD:
Do CBD products do what their manufacturers claim?
Some research supports CBD’s ability to treat various conditions, such as sleep difficulties, anxiety, and pain.
However, the FDA states that little evidence supports most of these claims.
Although some manufacturers claim their products can treat conditions such as diabetes, it is illegal for companies to claim that the CBD products they manufacture can treat or cure any serious diseases.
CBD products are legal to a certain extent, with some caveats. CBD products made from hemp are legal under federal law if they contain less than 0.3% THC.
State laws vary considerably; therefore, individuals should check with the relevant regulations in their home state before purchasing any CBD products.
Does CBD produce a high?
CBD does not produce a euphoric or high feeling.
THC is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants and their derivatives that cause a high feeling.
CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC under federal law, and some do not contain any THC at all.
However, some CBD companies manufacture high-potency products that do contain THC. The amount of THC can be high enough to cause euphoria or impairment. People should be aware of this risk when using full-spectrum CBD products.
There is insufficient research to determine CBD oil’s ideal strength or dosage for anxiety.
Therefore, people should start with the lowest possible dose and increase it to get their desired effect.
What ingredients are best in CBD oil?
People may wish to purchase oils that contain as few ingredients as possible. This usually means products that only contain CBD and carrier oils.
Some individuals may wish to start with CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD products, as these usually contain trace amounts of THC. However, those who prefer THC products may wish to buy full-spectrum CBD oil.
What’s the best way to use CBD for anxiety?
CBD oils and tinctures may be the best choice for anxiety. This is because oil placed under the tongue enters the bloodstream, which may allow a person to experience positive calming effects more quickly.
Which CBD oil is good for anxiety and sleep?
All of the products listed above may be good for anxiety. Some listed may also be suitable for sleep as they may help promote a calming effect.
Researchers are still studying the effectiveness of CBD on anxiety and other health conditions. The FDA does not regulate CBD; rules differ in all 50 U.S. states.
Some CBD products may help people manage stressful situations, sleep better, and reduce their anxiety levels, but researchers need more studies to confirm this.
CBD products may not suit everyone. People taking supplements or prescription medications should seek guidance from a doctor before using any CBD product.
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Crockett J, et al. (2020). A phase 1, randomized, pharmacokinetic trial of the effect of different meal compositions, whole milk, and alcohol on cannabidiol exposure and safety in healthy subjects [Abstract]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32012251/
Iffland K, et al. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. [Abstract]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28861514/
Taylor L, et al. (2018). A phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose, multiple dose, and food effect trial of the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of highly purified cannabidiol in healthy subjects. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-018-0578-5
