Introduction
Anxiety feels everywhere these days. 2025 is no quieter than the years before it. People talk about stress at work, at home, online. So many are looking for a plant-based way to calm down. CBD comes up a lot in these talks. Oils, tinctures, gummies. It seems to be in every store.
But here is the plain truth. CBD is not FDA approved for treating anxiety disorders. The only time CBD is an actual prescription is in a drug called Epidiolex, used for seizures. Everything else is over-the-counter. People still take it hoping it helps them feel calmer.
So here I want to go through what has been studied from 2023 to 2025, what seems promising, what is still unclear, and some tips about picking CBD that is less risky.
What CBD Is & How It Might Affect Anxiety
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It comes from hemp. It does not make you high the way THC does. In the body it touches the endocannabinoid system, which is a mix of receptors, enzymes and natural cannabinoids that help keep mood and stress in balance.
Some scientists think CBD also leans on serotonin receptors, like the 5-HT1A type, which are tied to mood. If that is true, CBD might take the edge off a stress response. But nobody can say exactly how it works yet.
If you want a straightforward background, NIH and NIDA explain cannabis and cannabinoids here.
Latest Research Findings on CBD and Anxiety (2023–2025 studies)
There have been some small but interesting studies. Here are a few of them.
A 2024 meta analysis pulled together eight trials, 316 people. It found CBD brought anxiety scores down more than placebo. But the authors said sample sizes were small. (PubMed abstract)
A 2024 double blind trial tried a new CBD oral solution for mild to moderate anxiety. People in the CBD group slept better and felt less anxious. (ScienceDirect summary)
A JAMA Network Open trial gave 400 mg of CBD to women with breast cancer before a stressful scan. Scores were lower 2 to 4 hours after the dose. The main measure was not met but there was still a signal.
A 2023 Australian open label study followed young people aged 12 to 25 taking up to 800 mg daily. Anxiety scores dropped by about 42 percent. Fatigue and mood changes showed up too. (Research update)
Things to notice. Most trials are small. Doses vary wildly. Some are single dose tests. Almost all use purified CBD, not random store oils. Nobody knows the long-term safety at these doses. So the picture is interesting but far from clear.
What Government and Health Agencies Say
The FDA repeats this often: except for Epidiolex, CBD products are not approved medicines. It sends warning letters to companies making big health claims.
The FDA consumer update also warns about risks like liver injury, drug interactions and unknown long-term effects.
The NIH calls CBD an area of research. Not a proven therapy. Legal under federal law in many cases, but not a legal treatment.
How to Choose CBD Products Safely
If someone is curious about CBD for anxiety, here are some practical ways to lower risk.
Look for third party lab testing, also called a COA. It should show how much CBD and THC is in it, and also list checks for pesticides, metals, leftover solvents and microbes.
Full spectrum has trace THC and other cannabinoids. Isolate or broad spectrum remove THC. Choose based on your needs.
Start low. A lot of people try 10 to 20 mg per day to begin with and go up slowly.
Be cautious of companies claiming “cures anxiety” or hiding lab reports. Also be wary of super low prices with no transparency.
If you are looking for lab tested tinctures, you can see the CBD PRODUCT range at Mary Jane’s Bakery Co.
Dosing & Safety Considerations
There is no set dose. Studies used anywhere from 100 mg to 800 mg per day. Some used a single 300 to 400 mg dose before a stress test.
Side effects show up. Fatigue, dry mouth, digestive upset, sometimes changes in appetite or mood. Higher doses can affect liver enzymes.
CBD is broken down by the CYP450 enzymes. That means it can interfere with how other drugs work. If you take antidepressants, blood thinners, seizure medications, you should talk to a doctor first.
Legal & Regulatory Landscape
Under federal law hemp derived CBD with less than 0.3 percent THC is legal because of the 2018 Farm Bill. But states have their own rules. Some restrict it, some allow it widely.
The FDA still does not allow CBD to be marketed as a dietary supplement, but enforcement is uneven. Always check local regulations before you buy.
Conclusion
CBD for anxiety sits somewhere between hope and research. Some studies show hints of benefit, but nobody can call it proven. It might help some people. It might do little for others.
If you decide to try CBD, go slowly, read lab reports, and talk to a health professional. If you want to see what lab tested CBD EDIBLES look like, you can check Mary Jane’s Bakery Co here.
FAQ
Will CBD make me high
No. CBD itself does not cause a high. Full spectrum oils have trace THC but not enough to feel intoxicated for most people.
How long does it take to work
In studies, some people noticed effects in one to four hours. Nobody knows much about long term daily use.
Will CBD show up on a drug test
It can. Full spectrum oils have trace THC. Choose THC free if testing matters.
Is CBD safe long term
Nobody is sure. Monitor your health and check with a clinician if you plan to take it often.