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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.
Ingredients:MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage:MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
Serving size:MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
Third-party labs:MNT chooses products that undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
Available certificate of analysis:MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
There are several factors people should consider when buying CBD for stress, including:
Budget: The prices for CBD products vary widely. Stronger products are generally more expensive. Those who are new to CBD may wish to buy a less potent, more affordable product to see if it produces the effects they want.
Dose: CBD doses typically range from 5–50 mg of CBD per serving. People who want stronger effects may wish to try a more potent product, although they may be unsuitable for people new to CBD. Ideally, a person should start at a low dose and work up to a dose that produces the effect they want.
CBD type: Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate formulas contain different ranges of cannabinoids. Full- and broad-spectrum can contain THC. People who want to avoid THC should look for THC-free or CBD isolate products.
Ingredients: People should only buy CBD products that clearly list all of the ingredients. People may also wish to choose products with organic ingredients, and they should check their chosen product does not contain ingredients they are allergic to. Many companies use coconut or sunflower seed oil, which can be allergens for some people.
Testing: It is important to check that CBD products have gone through third-party testing and that the company provides the results online. Third-party testing verifies that the products contain the ingredients the company lists and they match the potency on the product labeling.
CBD may help with stress as it can enhance the endocannabinoid system. This is a system that sends signals to the brain to help try to manage and reduce stress.
According to 2023 research, CBD products show potential for reducing stress-related behaviors. However, the researchers say that only limited data is available and further research into CBD products for stress is necessary.
Further research highlights CBD as an enhancer of the endocannabinoid system that may be a safe and beneficial treatment for stress. In a review of seven trials, the researchers say all trials show CBD as an effective stress reducer.
However, there is limited research into how CBD helps with stress and further research is necessary into this topic.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one CBD product for medical use. It is called Epidiolex, and doctors prescribe it to treat severe forms of epilepsy. Because the FDA has approved this drug, there are recommended dosages people can follow.
However, no other CBD products have these set guidelines because they are not FDA-approved. The best dosage will depend on the product and how a person uses it. CBD oils, capsules, gummies, and topical products will have different dosage instructions.
People should speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD to discuss the best dosage for their needs. CBD may not be safe for everyone to use.
Those interested in CBD should start at the lowest possible dose and work until they get the desired effect.
There is some evidence that CBD can benefit stress and anxiety. However, research is ongoing, and there are no set guidelines on how much to take or the long-term effects of taking CBD for stress and anxiety.
A person should speak with a healthcare professional before taking CBD for this purpose.
There is limited research into the best type of CBD for stress. People looking for more potent effects may wish to try full- or broad-spectrum CBD. However, starting with a low dose and building up is best.
How quickly a person will feel the effects of their CBD product will depend on the type of product they use, how they administer it, and the dose.
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