The best cannabidiol (CBD) for stress can include gummies, oils, or topicals. Here are some top picks vetted by our medical experts and tested by our team.
While there is limited research on the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on stress, anecdotal evidence suggests it may work for some people.
However, not all products are the same. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD in the same way as it does supplements, it is important to read labels carefully to choose the best product.
Keep reading for some options that our team has vetted, including personal feedback from our testers.
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.
The table below compares each of the CBD products in this article in terms of price, dose, and more.
| Form | CBD type | CBD dose | Price per mg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | gummies | full-spectrum | 25, 50, or 100 mg per gummy | $0.03 to $0.05 |
 | oil | full-spectrum | 1,500, 3,000, or 6,000 mg per bottle | $0.04 to $0.06 |
FOCL Daily Calm Full-Spectrum Gummies | gummies | broad-spectrum | 25 or 50 mg per gummy | $0.04 to $0.07 |
 | balm | full-spectrum | 800 or 3,600 mg per container | $0.01 to $0.02 |
CBDfx Botanical Massage Oil | massage oil | broad-spectrum | 500 mg per bottle | $0.04 |
We selected these CBD products for stress based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
Read more about how we vet products and brands.
We also included first-hand experiences from some of our staff who found these products to work well for stress.
There are several factors people need to consider when buying CBD for stress, including:
- Budget: Prices for CBD products vary widely. Stronger products are generally more expensive, regardless of container size. Those who are new to CBD may wish to buy a less potent, more affordable product to see if it produces the desired effects. Some brands also offer money-back guarantees.
- Dose: CBD doses typically range from 5 mg to 50 mg of CBD per serving. People who want stronger effects may wish to try a more potent product, although these may be unsuitable for those 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 need to look for THC-free or CBD isolate products.
- Ingredients: Individuals should only buy CBD products that clearly list all of the ingredients. They may also wish to choose products with organic ingredients and 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.
- Testing: It is important to check that CBD products have undergone third-party testing and that the company publishes the results online. Third-party testing verifies that a product’s ingredients list is accurate and that products match the potency on the labeling.
CBD may help with stress as it can enhance the endocannabinoid system, which sends signals to the brain to help 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 that further research into CBD products for stress is necessary.
However, there is limited research into how CBD helps with stress, and more studies are necessary on this topic.
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However, no other CBD products have these set guidelines because they do not have FDA approval. 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 need to 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 can start at the lowest possible dose and work until they get the desired effect.
Learn more about correct CBD dosages.
Potential CBD side effects include:
CBD may also interact with certain medications. Before taking CBD, it is important to talk with a doctor and inform them of any medications or supplements a person may be taking.
CBD is also unsafe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
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 needs to consult 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.
More research is necessary before we can confirm what effect CBD has on the nervous system. However, a 2019 case study found some evidence that CBD may help calm the nervous system. This may be due to how CB1, a cannabinoid receptor in the endocannabinoid system, interacts with CBD.
Although scientific research into the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on stress is limited, recent studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it can be beneficial.
People can choose from CBD gummies, oils, capsules, and topical products.
Anyone considering CBD for stress needs to speak with a healthcare professional before using it.
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.
