Cannabidiol, widely known as CBD, is a cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. CBD doesn’t contain any THC, meaning that it’s unlikely you’ll feel “high” when taking it.

While research is still being carried out to determine the potential effects and benefits of CBD, people are using it to provide relief for symptoms caused by certain conditions, such as chronic pain, sciatica, anxiety, and insomnia.

As such, it’s no surprise that many patients are turning to CBD to relieve symptoms of stress.

While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the quantity of CBD products on the market, the sheer volume of CBD brands means that, with enough research, it’s possible to find a product that meets your needs.

To help make your selection a little easier, we rounded up some of the highest quality products available for stress relief, all of which meet our rigorous safety and quality checks.

CBD glossary

• Full-spectrum CBD. This contains all the cannabis plant’s cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. However, THC levels are less than 0.3 percent.
• Broad-spectrum CBD. This contains all the cannabis plant’s compounds, but removes THC completely, or only contains very trace amounts.
• CBD isolate. This is cannabidiol in its purest form, with all other cannabis plant compounds removed.

How we chose

With a plethora of CBD products on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which to purchase. All the products selected here were vetted using a strict set of criteria to ensure quality, safety, and transparency when it comes to the product’s ingredients and potential efficacy.

Every product included in this list:

• is made with hemp grown in the United States
• contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, per its certificate of analysis (COA)
• passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, per the COA
• was third-party tested by an ISO 17025-compliant lab

During our selection process, we also considered:

• the potency of each product
• the ingredients and if the product contains any ingredients recommended for stress relief
• the company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
• the reputation of each brand, based on factors, such as customer reviews, if the company has made any unsupported health claims about their products, and if the company has been subject to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter.Trusted Source

Pricing guide

• $ = under $50
• $$ = $50–$100
• $$$ = over $100

Healthline’s picks for the 5 Best CBD products for stress

Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil

Use code “HEALTH15” for 15% off

• Price: $$$
• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• CBD potency: 1,800 mg per 30-mL bottle
• COA: Available online

This full-spectrum oil is made from hemp plants, so, along with CBD, it includes more than 80 other cannabinoids that are found in hemp.

While this oil may contain a trace amount of THC, it’s less than the legal limit of 0.3 percent.

The company prides itself on only using select ingredients to make their CBD oil, using only premium hemp extract, carrier oil, and flavoring in this particular product.

This oil comes in four flavors: Lemon Twist, Orange Blossom, Olive Oil Natural, and Mint Chocolate.

Charlotte’s Web produces their products in a facility that follows the FDA’s good manufacturing practices (GMP), and they also grow their own hemp.

Although the company was previously subject to an FDA warning letterTrusted Source, they remain one of the oldest and most trusted CBD companies around.

Penguin Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil

• CBD type: Broad-spectrum
• CBD potency: 350, 600, or 1,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
• COA: Available online
• Price: $$$

As a broad-spectrum CBD oil, this Penguin product contains no THC. Penguin’s CBD Oil is made with hemp grown in Oregon. The company says each bottle is made to order, so you can expect each product to arrive fresh.

While the 1000 mg bottle might seem like a larger outlay at $105, it works out to a little more than 33 mg per mL — so each drop is strong.

In addition to Strawberry, the oil is available in four flavors: Mint, Citrus, Cookies and Cream, and Natural.

Penguin may appeal to the environmentally conscious, as their hemp is sustainably grown free from pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers

Seabedee Extra Strength Full Spectrum CBD Oil

• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• CBD potency: 1,500 or 3,000 mg per 30-mL bottle
• COA: Available online
• Price: $$$

Seabedee’s Extra Strength Full Spectrum CBD Oil comes in two flavors: Vanilla and Peppermint. As a full-spectrum oil, the product doesn’t just contain CBD, but it also contains other cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN, and CBC.

According to Seabedee, each full dropper contains a precise dose of up to 100 mg of pure CBD. This makes it a great choice for those who have used CBD before to manage stress and anxiety and know what dosage works for them.

As a result, the company recommends that new users start small. Each bottle comes with a simple dosage chart to help you find your ideal dose.

As with all full-spectrum products, Seabedee’s Extra Strength CBD Oil contains less than 0.3 percent THC.

Lion X Full Spectrum CBD Oil, 1,500 mg

• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• CBD potency: 1,500 mg per 30-mL bottle
• COA: Available on product page
• Price: $$

Lion X’s full-spectrum CBD oil is made from whole, organic hemp extract.
All the company’s products are made in the United States at a CGMP FacilityTrusted Source.

Lion X’s hemp is vegan, organic, and locally and ethically grown.

As with all full-spectrum CBD oils, this product contains less than 0.3 percent THC. Plus, each dropper of Lion X’s Full Spectrum CBD Oil contains 50 mg, and is recommended for nausea.

According to Lion X, all their products are verified and third-party tested by the Colorado State Metric Department. However, while the crude CBD oil is tested for contaminants, it’s possible that contaminants might be introduced during the manufacturing process.

As a result, those who are immunocompromised may prefer to select a product from a company that tests their final product.

Papa & Barkley Releaf Body Oil

• CBD type: Full-spectrum
• CBD potency: 400 mg per 60-mL bottle
• COA: Available Online
• Price: $

Papa & Barkley’s Releaf Body Oil is a topical product which can be used to help relieve stress and pain and soothe muscles and skin. While the percentage of CBD is lower than with consumable drops, Releaf Body Oil is an affordable addition to any self-care routine.

Along with featuring CBD derived from hemp, Papa & Barkley’s Releaf Body Oil also includes MCT Oil from coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, and an essential oil blend (featuring eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, and lavender)

If oral CBD drops work for you, then you might like to try body oil for additional relaxation and calm is hope ahead

Watch Lesley Stahl, Alyssa Milano, D.L. Hughley & more as they recount the past year and look ahead to the future. Watch our insightful and uplifting conversation on hope, vaccines, mental health & more.

What does the research say about using CBD for stress?

Research into the effects of CBD is still ongoing. But several studies have suggested that cannabidiol can have positive outcomes with patients experiencing symptoms of stress.

One 2020 review analyzed 76 research articles published in 2019 and 2020 regarding the effects of CBD on specific conditions, like stress, anxiety, dementia, and depression.

The study concluded that, while CBD is a promising treatment for stress and anxiety, more studies are needed.

A separate 2020 study researched the effects of CBD on a small sample of 15 participants. It found that the “results identify potential mechanisms of CBD for a range of conditions associated with altered memory processing, including Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder.”

In a study of 33 clinically high risk [CHR] psychosis patients, half of whom were administered 600 mg of CBD per day, “the results provide preliminary evidence that CBD may affect … the psychological responses to acute stress in daily life in CHR patients.”

While research of CBD’s effects is ongoing, initial studies have promising results. However, it’s important to remember that CBD doesn’t work for everyone, so it’s a case of trying it and monitoring the results for yourself.

How to shop for CBD products for stress 

CBD products aren’t regulated by the FDA. So the only thing the FDA can do is issue warning letters to companies making wild health claims. Despite this, companies can still mislabel and misrepresent their products.

To make sure you’re shopping from a reputable company, you can check that the products come with an up-to-date, comprehensive COA from a respected third-party lab. We included COAs for every product we recommend above.

Companies should be transparent about where they grow or source their hemp. If a company doesn’t provide transparent information about how and where they made their products, that’s a red flag.

For CBD oils that help with stress specifically, it might be worth looking into products with added anti-stress ingredients, such as adaptogens (like ashwagandha) and lavender.

How much should you take? 

As CBD isn’t currently regulated by the FDA, there aren’t any official recommended dosages for CBD. If you’re trying CBD for the first time, it may be a good idea to do trial and error to see what works best for you.

If your doctor hasn’t recommended a particular dosage, it’s probably best to start small, between 20 mg and 40 mg. If this initial dose doesn’t ease your symptoms, try increasing the dosage gradually, and track how your body reacts.

As for how much CBD is too much, a 2011 studyTrusted Source found that taking as much as 1500 mg per day is safe in humans.

However, a 2019 study in mice suggested that CBD might be linked to liver damage and might negatively interact with some medications.

If you’re concerned about trying CBD for the first time, consult your doctor before taking it.

Safety and side effects 

The majority of patients find that CBD is generally safe to use. The World Health OrganizationTrusted Source notes that CBD is generally well tolerated, and has a good safety profile.

However, there are some reported side effects, including fatigueTrusted Source, diarrhea, changes in appetite, and changes in weight. If you experience any adverse side effects after taking CBD, talk with your doctor.

Research from a 2020 studyTrusted Source also suggested that people should exercise caution if consuming CBD products by mouth along with meals that are high in fat. The study found that high-fat meals increased the ability to absorb CBD, but they also increased side effects

Additionally, CBD might interact with some prescribed medications. It’s important to talk with your doctor before trying CBD, in case there are any contraindications to be aware of.

What do you think about this article? Let us know your comment.

Source: Healthline