Benefits of CBD Without THC for Anxiety: What Studies Show

Answer

CBD without THC may lower anxiety. Evidence is limited. The FDA has not approved CBD for anxiety. Some small trials found lower anxiety at single doses of 300 mg to 400 mg. One trial at 150 mg found no effect. THC can raise anxiety in some people. Removing THC may avoid that. CBD does not cause a high.

related article

What CBD Without THC Means

CBD is cannabidiol. THC is tetrahydrocannabinol. US law sets hemp THC at or below 0.3% dry weight. CBD isolate has 0% THC. Broad-spectrum CBD has THC removed. Full-spectrum CBD has trace THC up to 0.3%. Read the lab report. Look for ND or 0.0% for THC.

Best CBD Oil Without THC for Sleep: A Comparison Review

What Studies Show

• 2011 study: 400 mg CBD before public speaking in 24 people with social anxiety disorder. Lower anxiety vs placebo. Small sample, single dose.
• 2019 study: 300 mg CBD in 57 healthy men before a public speaking test. Lower anxiety. No long-term data.
• 2019 case series: 72 patients took 25 to 175 mg/day. 79.2% reported less anxiety. No control group.
• 2020 trial: 150 mg CBD in 39 healthy adults. No effect on anxiety vs placebo.

These studies used different doses, different people, and different anxiety tests. The mixed results mean CBD is not a proven anxiety treatment.

Difference Between CBD and THC-Free Products

Doses Used in Studies

Single doses in trials: 150 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg. Daily doses in the case series: 25 mg to 175 mg. Doses above 300 mg can cause drowsiness, diarrhea, and liver enzyme changes. Start at 10 mg to 25 mg. Wait 2 hours. Do not drive after a new dose. Talk to a doctor before you use CBD with prescription drugs.

Safety and Limits

CBD side effects: drowsiness, diarrhea, fatigue, and appetite loss. High doses can raise liver enzymes. CBD blocks CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 enzymes. This can raise blood levels of clobazam, valproate, warfarin, and some SSRIs. Do not stop or change prescription drugs without a doctor.

Drug tests: some CBD products carry THC. Isolate and broad-spectrum products have less risk. No product is guaranteed. The FDA has approved one CBD drug, Epidiolex, for seizures. The FDA has not approved CBD for anxiety.

What to Check

• Lab report: THC not detected or 0.0%.
• Third-party test: for pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
• Batch number: on the label and the report.
• Dose: start at 10 mg to 25 mg. Note the time and effect.

This is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about anxiety treatment.