While the CBD benefits seem to be endless, it’s important to understand its potential benefits, risks and applications on children before considering CBD gummies for kids.
CBD products have been popular among adults since they became mainstream. Consumers embraced CBD as a natural remedy to reduce anxiety symptoms, chronic pain, decreased appetite, sleep disorders and more. The list of potential health benefits seems almost endless. But if CBD gummies work for adults, what can they do to help kids? The short answer: “A lot.” In fact, CBD’s benefits for children are backed by more conclusive research compared to their adult counterparts. However, it’s important to understand CBD’s potential benefits, risks and applications on children before considering CBD gummies for kids.
As parents, we want the best for our children, and CBD gummies are no exception. Choosing the wrong CBD gummies and other products as adults can be ineffective at best or toxic at worst. With that in mind, knowing how to find the right CBD gummies for kids is exponentially more critical. Pay attention to the following key criteria before purchasing any unregulated CBD product.
Third-Party Lab Reports
Rigorous third-party testing is an essential practice of any reputable company. Introducing CBD gummies to kids without verifying their potency, THC content and purity is unbelievably risky—especially considering the effects of THC on developing brains. Always confirm that the CBD brand employs third-party testing and provides the results online.
100% THC-Free Guarantee
We typically recommend full-spectrum CBD oil, gummies and other products due to their superior cannabinoid and terpene content. Unfortunately, these still contain traces of THC. However, THC is known to cause significant issues for developing brains. Fortunately, CBD isolate and broad-spectrum products exist, which contain no THC. A CBD vendor offering a “THC-free guarantee” is a substantial green flag in our books. However, make sure to confirm this by examining the product’s third-party test results.
Brand Reputation
It’s always helpful if a brand has a large online presence with independent customer reviews to back its reputation. However, popularity and quality don’t always go hand-in-hand. Many small CBD companies could run proverbial circles around their larger competitors. They simply lack the same exposure. As a result, we don’t put too much weight on brand reputation because there are many hidden gems among the many established brands.
CBD Gummy Ingredients
The therapeutic benefits of CBD gummies can be beneficial for kids. However, low-quality CBD products can be detrimental to a child’s health, essentially defeating the purpose of CBD gummies for kids. In the interests of a child’s health, look for gummies with most (if not all) of the following criteria:
Organic, organically grown or USDA-Certified Organic
Natural flavors and colors
No artificial sweeteners
Vegan
No preservatives
Flavor
CBD gummies come in various delicious flavors, making them easy to administer to kids. However, not all gummies are alike. Some products don’t completely mask the earthy aroma that hemp plants create. Adults can ignore this as a minor inconvenience, but kids are picky and may resist taking CBD gummies.
We’ve also dug a little deeper into the best CBD for kids
Broad Spectrum CBD or CBD Isolate
Customer reviews from parents
Which labs tested their products and their accreditation
Source of hemp
Extraction method
Company certifications — GMP, ISO, FDA, etc.
Overall pricing and value for money
Return Policy and Guarantee
Best CBD Gummies for Kids: Product Reviews
After extensively examining several potential vendors, we found the above brands fared the best based on our benchmarks. While the companies are ranked on our list, the right brand depends on your (or your kids’) needs.
Colorado Botanicals’ story mirrors that of many other CBD brands. It started with a spark that led to curiosity and eventually culminated in one of the best CBD companies on the market. The company’s founder became interested in CBD following a discussion with a hospital nurse. The nurse informed him of some of the potential benefits of CBD. While excited, he was equally skeptical. After some research, he noticed that—although saturated—the industry offered few quality options.
It was from this necessity that Colorado Botanicals was born in 2017. But unlike most competitors, Colorado Botanicals revolutionized broad-spectrum products. They were the only company in 2018 to offer completely THC-free broad-spectrum CBD, while most extracts in that category still contained a small amount of THC. Mastering this technique gave Colorado Botanicals a head start, allowing them to develop further and refine their process while other brands worked to catch up.
Colorado Botanicals THC-Removal Process
Most brands use a heat extraction process called degradation to separate THC from hemp plant matter. By applying the right temperature, the THC degrades into CBN, a sedating non-psychotropic cannabinoid. Unfortunately, there are two problems with this process.
First, CBD and THC vaporize at 329F (165C) and 311F (155C). Having such a close temperature difference inevitably leads to the loss of not only CBD, but also any minor cannabinoids that boil at lower heat levels. CBG, for instance, boils at 248F (120C). Some terpenes also destabilize and break apart far below THC’s decarboxylation point. In other words, the process removes THC but inevitably destroys other valuable compounds.
Second, it’s impossible to eliminate all traces of THC through heat degradation. Consequently, broad-spectrum products made using this process will contain some THC, albeit less than their full-spectrum counterparts. However, Colorado Botanicals uses a more advanced method that gently separates cannabinoids without using high heat. This allows them to eliminate unwanted compounds without sacrificing CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids.
Colorado Botanicals CBD Gummies Review
Colorado Botanicals offers a selection of excellent broad-spectrum CBD gummies. These products offer all the benefits of full-spectrum CBD, but are guaranteed to be THC-free. Children can safely consume them without ingesting any of the psychotropic substance. The brand offers three broad-spectrum CBD gummy options. Their CBD-only products come in 10 and 25 mg doses. However, they also offer soft chews for sleep, specifically formulated with CBN and other sedating plant extracts.
Each 30-piece jar is available in either orange or strawberry flavors. Of course, there are other concerns besides THC, such as artificial ingredients. Fortunately, Colorado Botanicals makes their high-quality products with all-natural ingredients. Consumers can rest assured that the products are naturally flavored and free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, sugar alcohols or high-fructose corn syrup. To date, there are no CBD gummies made specifically for kids. However, the low-dose 10 mg option is ideal since the correct dosage for children new to CBD is going to be lower than for adults.
Return Policy
Colorado Botanicals offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all their products. If customers are unsatisfied, they can return their opened or unopened purchase within that timeframe for a full refund. We appreciate generous return policies. They’re signs that the vendor is confident in its products. Considering Colorado Botanicals’ performance so far, this is hardly surprising.
Pros
Low dose is ideal for children
Completely THC-free
Broad-spectrum
Better terpene and cannabinoid retention
All-natural flavors and colors
No chemical additives that could affect a child’s health
We’ve covered Royal CBD before, but it’s nice to see them much higher on our list this time. Known for their slogan, “no room for mediocrity,” Royal CBD takes quality seriously. However, this is the first time we’ve addressed their CBD gummies as a possible option for children. They have a solid foundation already, using organic, non-GMO industrial hemp processed through CO2 extraction.
Royal CBD CBD Gummies Review
Royal CBD’s broad-spectrum gummies are guaranteed to be THC-free, containing a notable variety of minor cannabinoids and other plant compounds. The brand’s CBD gummies come in 25 mg doses, with only one dedicated broad-spectrum product. Although 25 mg is a good dose for adults, children shouldn’t immediately consume such a high concentration, as this could trigger side effects. CO2 extraction ensures that Royal CBD’s products contain no trace solvents, but parents can confirm this through the third-party test results provided online.
Royal CBD’s products are organically sourced and contain no artificial additives, sugars, flavors or colors. Rather than ordering by flavor, each jar contains a delicious assortment of strawberry, orange and grape flavors that are guaranteed to be a hit with kids. Unfortunately, we noticed a slight “hempy” taste, despite Royal’s excellent efforts to mask it completely. However, it barely affected the overall flavor experience.
Return Policy
Royal CBD has a restrictive return policy. Individuals can return products within 30 days. Opened items are eligible as well, but only if they’re no less than 50% consumed.
Neurogan opened its doors in 2016. The European group behind the brand genuinely appreciated natural medicine, including the potential health benefits of cannabis extracts. The brand’s dedication to nature and wellness is clear. Their website makes references to ancient runes and establishing spiritual balance. Other brands take pride in their products, but Neurogan’s approach seems to go beyond pride. If anything, they revere the cannabis plant and everything CBD offers.
Neurogan CBD Gummies Review
Neurogan offers one THC-free broad-spectrum option. But at 120 mg of CBD per piece, this dose is designed for advanced adult users, not children. Flavor is also limited, with a single flavor option. However, the delicious “watermelon & wildberry” taste is still delicious and does a fantastic job of minimizing any cannabis plant aroma. As we’d expect from a holistically focused brand like Neurogan, its organically sourced gummies contain no unwanted ingredients, like artificial additives, sweeteners, simulated flavor or color.
Return Policy
Neurogan offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers can return opened or unopened products within that timeframe for a full refund.
Pros
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum options
Made with non-GMO, organically-grown domestic hemp
Competitive pricing
Excellent value
Subscribers save 25%
Highly potent
Thousands of satisfied customer reviews (on the website)
Founded in 2018 under “R&R Medicinals,” the company later rebranded to “R&R.” But although the name changed, R&R’s products haven’t lost their quality. “CBD that works” is their slogan, and after revisiting them, they continue to take that line seriously. Of course, clever taglines aren’t indicative of a quality brand. However, R&R isn’t all talk.
R&R is part of a small but growing number of CBD companies that source their extracts from USDA-certified organic hemp. This is the highest organic label available, and achieving it is no small feat. Customers can rest assured that only the best cannabis is used to make R&R’s CBD gummies. Using low-temperature supercritical CO2 extraction, R&R can preserve valuable cannabis compounds while eliminating trace solvents.
R&R CBD Gummies Review
R&R offers two THC-free broad-spectrum options. Customers can purchase 30 mg or 60 mg gummies. Both of these options are ideal for moderately experienced adult CBD users. However, again, the high dose makes it impractical for children. Still, this doesn’t mean the gummies aren’t phenomenal. Despite their limited flavor choices, these are some of the best-tasting gummies we’ve tried. The ring design gives the soft chews an authentic candy-like feel that would be a hit with kids (if a smaller dose was available).
Return Policy
R&R offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. However, they’re willing to work with customers, often processing returns outside that window on a case-by-case basis.
A frequent guest on our review list, Charlotte’s Web is a piece of CBD history. Its founders played an instrumental role in revealing CBD’s ability to treat seizures. It’s compelling that we’re examining CBD gummies for kids since Charlotte’s Web is named after a child named Charlotte Figi. The young girl had a severe form of childhood epilepsy. But, because CBD was essentially unobtainable in her home country, Charlotte and her family traveled to the U.S. to get CBD oil for their daughter. It was the only substance that helped reduce her seizures. Today, Charlotte’s Web is still going strong. They grow hemp in-house, giving them complete quality control from seed to sale. Although Charlotte’s Web uses ethanol extraction for a few products, gummy extracts are purified using supercritical CO2.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummies Review
Charlotte’s Web offers a range of CBD gummy products, including broad-spectrum. Their THC-free line includes plain CBD, along with formulations for energy, sleep and muscle recovery. The plain CBD option comes in 15 mg doses, which is more appropriate for children and young adults. A 25 mg choice is also available. The only option available is a mango peach flavor, although we can’t say it’s not delicious. They did an excellent job using all-natural ingredients and colors.
However, we should point out the disclaimer at the bottom of their product page, stating that “THC Free means trace amounts less than 0.01% or 100ppm.” In other words, there may be negligible traces of THC. While it’s unlikely to intoxicate a child, THC is known to harm developing brains.
Return Policy
Charlotte’s Web offers a fairly standard return policy. Customers can send back opened or unopened items within 30 days.
CBD has a few potential benefits for children. Further research is needed to determine the extent of these therapeutic effects, but the following are notable examples.
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects a significant number of children (and adults). However, severe autism can lead to disruptive and possibly dangerous behaviors, along with communication problems and emotional issues, such as anxiety. However, CBD may offer some help. According to a review published by the Canadian Pediatric Society, multiple studies indicate that CBD could reduce anxiety, emotional outbursts and problematic behaviors in children with autism.
Epilepsy
The review above also mentioned CBD’s potential anticonvulsant properties. However, these are supported by clinical trials and accepted by the scientific community. Specifically, CBD was effective in treating Lennox Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome, two severe forms of childhood epilepsy that don’t respond to conventional medication. The clinical trials provided irrefutable evidence, leading GW Pharmaceuticals to create Epidiolex, the first CBD-based drug approved by the FDA.
ADHD
There is surprisingly little evidence surrounding CBD and ADHD. A few small studies were performed on adults but were far from conclusive. The most recent findings are from a 2022 self-reporting study. Researchers conducted a handful of interviews with adults who use cannabis for ADHD. Some respondents used THC, while others used high CBD cultivars. All of the subjects reported improvement in their symptoms. Evidence appears to be incredibly limited, making CBD’s relationship with ADHD a mystery for now.
What are the Best CBD Gummies to Give to Kids?
Let’s quickly review the benchmarks below.
Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies
As we mentioned earlier, broad-spectrum CBD gummies undergo a process to remove THC while retaining minor cannabinoids, terpenes and other valuable plant compounds.
Brand Reputation
Industry tenure and market share are good (but not guaranteed) signs that the vendor sells quality products.
Quality of Ingredients
When giving CBD gummies to children, the products need to be as safe and healthy as possible. To that end, we look for key components like organic growing (or USDA Certified Organic), vegan and no artificial ingredients.
Flavor
A good-tasting gummy with no cannabis plant aftertaste is easier to administer to kids.
Proper Dosage
Finding the appropriate dosage is a difficult balancing act for adults and children alike. Currently, there is no specific dose associated with CBD’s therapeutic effects. Consumers need to start at the lowest dose possible and gradually titrate until they notice results.
Customer Reviews
We base this benchmark on reviews from independent forums like Reddit, TrustPilot and the BBB.
What Parents Think About CBD Gummies
Testimonials are few and far between, but the r/CBD subreddit occasionally contains comments from parents.
For example, “PrimalBotanical” writes: “CBD saved my daughter, who at 16 was completely disabled by crippling anxiety and panic attacks…It worked so well and helped my family so much…”
One of the other commenters echoed a similar experience. Reddit user “mother-hen2” explains: I give my daughter CBD it helped her anxiety immensely and she sleeps better to. Definitely try it just make sure you get a good quality brand…”
How much CBD Should Children Take?
It’s difficult to say how much CBD children need to take. Patients taking Epidiolex, for instance, require hundreds of milligrams to control their condition. Epidiolex is a prescription drug, so dosing guidelines were established for the specific issues it treats. However, when finding the appropriate dosage of CBD gummies for kids, the process is always “start low and go slow.” Begin with 2.5 to 5 mg of CBD and gradually increase it every few days until it generates results.
Is CBD Safe for Kids?
CBD was recognized as generally safe by the World Health Organization in 2016. They also noted that cannabidiol has no potential for addiction or abuse due to its non-psychoactive effects.
Can CBD Gummies Interact with Other Medications Your Child Is Taking?
CBD interacts with literally hundreds of known medications spanning a wide range of categories. CBD uses the CYP450 liver enzyme to break down and enter the bloodstream. Other medications processed by the same enzyme could increase or decrease the effects of those drugs. Speak to a healthcare professional if your child uses any prescription medications that might interfere with CBD.
What Should You Do If Your Child Experiences Adverse Effects from CBD Gummies?
If you notice any concerning adverse effects, discontinue CBD immediately. Once the CBD fully clears from the child’s system, they should quickly return to normal.
Are There Any Side Effects to Kids Taking CBD Gummies?
Fortunately, the side effects of CBD gummies are mild and typically resolve quickly. These include:
Mood changes
Increased or decreased appetite
Nausea
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Drowsiness
How to Store Your CBD Gummies?
Cannabinoids break down when exposed to light, heat and air. To prevent CBD gummies from losing their potency, keep them at room temperature in a dry, dark place, such as a drawer or cupboard.
Conclusion
Adults have been using CBD for years. In preliminary studies, CBD has shown effectiveness as a tool to reduce inflammation, combat anxiety, reduce seizures, improve sleep quality and promote better sleep patterns. However, kids complicate things. We’re not as keen to experiment with new supplements on children, especially considering how little we know about CBD for kids. More research is needed to determine how safe and effective CBD gummies are for younger individuals. As always, speak with a healthcare provider before administering CBD to children.
While not the most popular form of ingestion, tinctures can be an easy and fun way to absorb weed or CBD…here is how to find the right one.
Flower, vapes and gummies are the most popular way to consume cannabis. But there are other ways to consume which fits the situation. A marijuana tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of the plant. There can beTHC or CBD oil tinctures. They can be used by placing the liquid directly on the tongue/in the mouth or it can be added to food. They can be fast acting and another way to consume without smoking. This can be especially beneficial for medical marijuana patients who have nausea and/or can not smoke.
Tinctures are made by soaking the bark, berries, leaves (dried or fresh), or roots from one or more plants in alcohol or vinegar. The alcohol or vinegar pulls out the active ingredients in the plant parts, concentrating them as a liquid. Selecting andbuying an oil tincture depends on many factors like how are you consuming. Other ones include:
THC or CBD?
1:1 ratio or different ratio?
Terpene enriched or not?
With flavor or without?
How many milligrams per dose?
Does the extraction method matter?
Do added ingredients matter?
Here are things to consider.
THC Tincture VS CBD Tincture
Generally, if shopping online, the CBD options will beCBD from hemp. THC in amounts more than 0.3%, are not allowed to be sold online because of legality. Hemp CBD is legal if THC is tested and is less than 0.3%.
If you are looking for a THC tincture, even the bestCBD tincture may not be right if a THC high is the goal. THC and CBD are both great but are very different. If in a legal cannabis state and looking for THC, you’ll find the bestoil tincture selection at a cannabis dispensary.
The same is true for someone who wants a CBD tincture. When shopping for THC free CBD, a full spectrum product will not be best. What’s best may be a broad-spectrum and/or isolate CBD tincture.
Cannabis Ratio’s
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Cannabis ratios for oil tinctures look like: 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and so on. These ratios generally tell how much CBD to THC is in the product. Here are examples of ratios you may find on oil tinctures:
1:1 — a balanced half and half of CBD and THC. Still psychoactive.
4:1 — More CBD than THC and considered a middle/mid. Less psychoactive.
8:1 — High CBD, low THC and considered the ratio for wanting virtually no high.
Someone may recommend a 1:1 product; however, if you want zero THC, that 1:1 will not be a good choice for you.
Generally, tinctures are available in different spectrums when CBD is the focus: full, broad, isolate, and nano. These spectrums determine the range of cannabinoids in the tincture:
Full Spectrum: Contain all of the compounds that the plant carries: the terpenes, essential oils, and cannabinoids- including THC.
Broad Spectrum: The “in between” option of isolate and full spectrums- Broad spectrum will have most of the plant’s compounds but in this spectrum, THC is removed.
Isolate: Known as the purest form it extracts a single compound and “isolates it” from the others. Isolate removes all other compounds leaving just the CBD cannabinoid.
Nano: The water-soluble option- meaning, it dissolves in water.
Terpene Enriched Oil Tinctures
Photo by HighGradeRoots/Getty Images
Terpenes are the oil compounds responsible for the fragrance of the cannabis plant (and many other plants) as well as the flavors, effects, and colors. There are over 20,000 terpenes in existence. The cannabis plant produces about 100 of them.
Terpenes are important since they contribute to the impact each cannabinoid has on the body. Knowing the terpene profile within thecannabis oil tincture is an important consideration.
Here are a few popular terpenes and their said effects:
Linalool: pain reducer, anti-microbial, reduces anxiety, and lowers depression
Humulene: fights tumors, helps terminate cancer cells, antibacterial, anti-fungal
Oil Tinctures with Added Ingredients
Somecannabis oil tinctures are flavored, contain essential oils, and have added carrier agents. CBD in tincture is less potent than CBD oil. This is generally because of the other ingredients being added to enhance the flavor. Some of those ingredients include: herbs, sweeteners, vitamins, and carrier agent like MCT or coconut oil.
A little research will makes a huge difference when it comes to tinctures.
A wellness routine is essential for the mind and body…adding CBD might give it an extra boost.
In the last 10 years, CBD has surged into the market, putting it on par with super foods and other ways to help the body and mind. While more research needs to be done, CBD has grown to almost an $8 billion global market. There is scientific data CBD helps some things, including sleep disorders, fibromyalgia pain, muscle spasticity, inflammation, some pain and anxiety.
Science will unlock more benefits from CBD in future, but for now, it can be an add to make life more enjoyable. While CBD is a chemical found in cannabis, it doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient producing a high. So you can blend it into your daily life without having to worry about catching a buzz. To help, here are the best ways to add CBD to your wellness routine.
Meditating
No matter gender and age, meditation is a skill anyone can be developed and honed, providing more relief as you become adept. Some are better at concentrating and meditating than others, which is why CBD might provide some assistance to calm the brain and concentrate.
Yoga
Photo by Rima Kruciene via Unsplash
Yoga is another practice, like meditation, encourages mindfulness and staying in the present moment. It also helps stretch the body, expand flexibility, increase endorphins and encourages the production of dopamine. The consistent use of CBD can help the body stay limber and relaxed and it can also make it easier for the brain to connect with the present moment.
Anxiety is common, even if it affects people to different degrees. While for some anxiety can be paralyzing and incredibly difficult, for others, it can be managed with regular exercise and meditation. For these people, CBD could help manage emotions and feelings while reducing the odds of experiencing stress. It can improve the daily quality of life.
Acne
Stress and hot weather are some causes for acne. CBD may reduce both inflammation and the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Reliable and tested CBD skincare products may help manage skin and prevent bumps and blemishes. And for people who are suffering from acne, some CBD oil might help cope with inflamed skin and pain of infection.
Skincare
Other forms of skin irritations, like the ones produced by wearing masks and face coverings, or simply the products you use to care for your skin on a day to day basis, can include CBD. There’s plenty of oils, balms and creams that prevent the development of zits, skin damages, and more, even when it comes to people with sensitive skin.
CBD lotions and products can treat topical physical pains and aches including some forms of arthritis or more common ones, like the ones you get after you workout. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief for muscles that have been overused.
Recreation
If you’re looking for a different kind of sensation than marijuana or alcohol, try to look for products that contain large amounts of CBD instead. These can be found in vapes, edibles, and tinctures and oil. It should leave you feeling light and relaxed, ready to do activities and stay productive.
Anxiety and stress is a factor of life, but for some, anxiety can be more frequent and last longer. It can disrupt day to day life and cause issues long past the actual reason for the anxiety. Roughly 40 million adults in North America have an anxiety disorder. And for the first time, the new generation of Gen Z is suffering higher anxiety even though all studies show we live in a safer world. There are way to help prevent it, but sometimes it creeps up and wham, you are in the moment and don’t know what to do. Here are the best tips to stay calm and avoid an anxiety spiral.
It can be hard to pinpoint the moment when anxiety gets of out control, which is why anxious people sometimes find themselves going through different scenarios in their heads, each one more unlikely than the next, yet all equally distressing. There are certain actions to take to minimize the stress level.
Deep breaths
Deep breathing — or diaphragmatic breathing — can help manage anxiety since an early symptom of spiraling is shallow breathing. Deep breaths, especially ones pulled from the diaphragm, will oxygenate the body and ground you in the present.
To learn how to use your diaphragm for breathing, put a hand on your chest and a hand on the stomach and start taking deep breaths. The hand on your stomach should move with each breath, while the hand on your chest should remain relatively static. Try these breathing techniques whenever you’re anxious.
Do a physical chore
If you’re feeling anxious and jittery, try completing a physical chore, like cleaning the dishes, mowing the lawn or organizing your closet. These tasks allow a brief escape from your thoughts, creating some distance between yourself and the story that your brain is working so hard to tell you. Additionally, the actual act of cleaning and decluttering can boost your mood, help you move your body more, improve focus, and help you feel more in control of your surroundings.
Photo by Pinho . via Unsplash
Distract yourself
Depending on the type of anxiety, try other types of distractions, like watching a movie or listening to music. If you need something more engaging to keep your thoughts from running away from you, try playing a video game with headphones on. Video games require the use of the you to use your body and your brain simultaneously, which is why so many people find them as ideal distractions.
CBD has greater anti-inflammatory properties than THC, so CBD-dominant products could reduce anxiety by quelling inflammation in the brain and nerves. While more research needs to be done, there is evidence pointing towards a calming effect for CBD in the central nervous system.
Try staying present
Experiment with different methods that help you stay in the moment, whether that’s closing your eyes or contracting and releasing your muscles. These techniques are very common for keeping you grounded and in the moment, something that can put a stop to anxious thoughts that are keen to distance you from what’s going on right now.
Photo by Thomas Martinsen via Unsplash
Monitor your thoughts
Keeping track of your thoughts can help prevent anxiety spirals by learning what your trigger points are. Try to pay attention to your moods. Are you feeling irritated? Did someone else’s behavior stress you out? Noticing how you’re feeling in the moment will allow you to find what triggers your anxiety. Tracking behaviors is a very common and helpful thing to practice, allowing you to know yourself better and to avoid any sneak attacks by your feelings.
It is very common, but can really do a number on people. A large portion of those 11-30 get acne at some point, but even those older can find it popping up. It is a pain to treat and what tiggers it is not fully understood, but science has come up with ideas and solutions. And yes, some chocolate can contribute to the problem.
Acne is a skin condition when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and long term, potential scarring. Canada and the US spent over $10 billion dollars on over the counter products last year to treat acne. Not every product helps and it is smart, to take a break and make a sensible, effective plan to help the problem in the short and long term.
Photo by Kristina Paukshtite via Pexels
Learn your skin type
Before racing to load your cart with products, it is important to know your skin type. Having this knowledge will helps choose better products to treat break outs more efficiently. According to Dermstore, there are seven skin types: normal, oily, dry/dehydrated, combination, acne-prone, sensitive and mature.
CBD
While more research needs to be done, there is evidence CBD can help with acne. CBD, which has minimal THC and does not get you high, helps reduce inflammation. This is critical in skin care. Certain CBDs acts directly on the cells that make sebum, which can help balance oil production and reduce inflammation, making for healthier skin. Consider using a well reviewed CBD cream to combat acne.
Take care of your face
Wash your face twice a day — when you wake up and before you go to bed. You’ll also want to wash your face when you finish an activity that makes you sweat. If you do it several times a day, it can further irritate your skin, leading to more breakouts. Be gentle when washing your face and other skin with acne. You want to use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser. Apply the cleanser lightly with your fingertips, using a circular motion. Gently rinse it off with warm water, using only your fingers. Then pat your skin dry with a clean towel. When sweating, use a clean towel to gently pat sweat from your skin.
Try a brief detox
High glycemic foods, processed foods, and sugar can be triggers for acne. This would include chocolate with high milk and sugar content. These foods and sweets can cause the skin to break out, especially is a tendency toward acne. If the skin is feeling patchy and uncomfortable and more zits are appearing than usual, go on a brief detox and document progress. Eliminate sugars, white breads, pasta, and other processed foods. Give it two weekend see the results and then slow add things back in your diet.
Find a way to manage stress
Research shows, stress correlates with acne severity. While it may not cause the outbreak, it can make it worse. It can trigger changing a person’s hormone balance and the skin’s immune function. When a person is stressed, the body releases cortisol. Which can lead to the wording of acne. Find way to deal with stress in a healthy way including physical activity, meditation, reading, yoga, or and more.
It’s common to want to attack pimples as soon as they appear, but, while hard, what’s most advisable is to let your skin breathe, at least for a bit. While acne treatments are meant to get rid of that extra skin as soon as possible, they tend to be harsh and irritating. Once the skin is irritated, it becomes a painful mess with aggravating pimples. And it can lead to trouble mending the skin. Give the product or treatment time to work, usually 6 to 8 weeks. If there is no sign of improvement by then, you try another product. Complete clearing generally takes 3 to 4 months.
We are in the middle of summer, the time to enjoy the great outdoors with bbqs, picnics, beach trips, hiking or just gardening outside. You let the body soak up the sun and absorb as much vitamin D as possible. But with the the benefits of the summer months comes a pesky annoyance…bug bites. It seems bugs, especially mosquitos are drawn to certain people. And it can be an irritating, itchy mess. Warm weather also brings out other types of insects, but can CBD take the sting out of summer bug bites?
Like humans, insects love the summer. Since they are cold blooded, the environment regulates their body temperature, making them much more active. Larvae grow faster, their speed increases and mating peaks. It is a fiesta for the flys, mosquitoes and bees. Food is plentiful and partners are abundant. As there numbers boom, they see humans as a quick, tasty treat.
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There are a variety of reasons bugs are draw to people. The smell of lactic acid and ammonia in your sweat is a bacon for bugs. Mosquitoes have a special receptor that helps them tune into the smell of your body odor. Even trace amounts on your socks and shoes can be enough to ring the dinner bell. Eating and drinking outdoors calls to insects because many of our food sources are also theirs.
Type O and Type A blood seems to be a mosquitoes’ preferred blood type as compared to B and AB. There is not much you can do about your genes.
When an insect sees light, it tells them a path is not blocked by a predator or obstacles. It also let’s them see food, which might be an innocent human sitting minding their own business.
Photo by Егор Камелев via Unsplash
Cannabis, CBD and hemp help ward off bugs. Consuming cannabis is one way to keep the pests away. The smoke can be a repellent. CBD and hemp oils and creams can also help. Hemp oil composition is dominated by (E)-caryophyllene, myrcene and α-pinene and is toxic to houseflies.
CBD oil and lotions are helpful with bug bites. Bites are partially inflamed and swollen causing red skin. CBD topicals can reduce the inflammation and swelling, so the bites will reduce and won’t feel as itchy. Definitely a benefit.
And the last note, despite the reputation for being busy, bees, flies, ants, and many other insects love their cocktails, especially beer. They get a similar buzz as humans. Keep your refreshment covered can help avoid them hanging around.
Winter or summer – flying can be tough. Their is a new trend called rawdogging, but there are better ways to make flying cough, or gulp, in the middle seat better…
Travel is remaining strong and the airlines are packing in more and more people to the same planes. The average legrooms decreased from a comfortable 35 inches to a cramped 28 inches, often found on low-cost carriers. While the actual seat width has also shrunk by as much as four inches over the past 30 years, leaving many seats with a narrow 16-inch width. So long flights in the middle seat can be a challenge, but the good thing is the right prep and mind set can make it more tolerable.
There is a new trend among some males called rawdogging. It takes the form of a monk-like asceticism while in the air, denying any entertainment, reading, food and just focusing on the space ahead. Apparently you can stare at the flight tracker as the only distraction. While meditation can make the trip a more enlightened experience, this sounds somewhat awful…especially for flights over 4 hours. Instead, here are the best tips surviving a plane middle seat.
Store your bag in the overhead bin
In order to stretch your legs and have some more space, take out all the items you need – headphones, water, books, tablets – and store your bag in the overhead bin. Just because flight attendants say there’s not enough space in the plane doesn’t mean that you should be in pain.
Have headphones and entertainment in hand
Having a middle seat means you are between two people, increasing the odds of having a talkative neighbor. Have a pair of efficient headphones in order to have an easy way out to talkative neighbors or just escape mental. Ways to lose your way while reading or getting lost in a movie another way. Load something you have really loved or want to enjoy so you can savor it even in tight quarters. This could be your change to binge watch something on your list.
Before the whole plane boarding mayhem begins, make some time to visit the bathroom. Being in the middle seat means that you’ll likely be awoken by your window neighbor when they’re on their way to the restroom and you’ll have a hard time going there yourself if you’re shy about waking the person that’s on the aisle seat.
Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels
Gummies – either CBD or marijuana
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Chicago report low levels tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, does reduce stress. A discreet gummy can make the trip more relaxing and you might enjoy your entertainment of choice better. If you want the benefits without the high, consider a CBD gummy. Just make sure you plan for the timing as most gummies take longer to absorb into the system.
Pay extra and avoid it
If you still find the middle seat too uncomfortable, pay extra for an aisle or a window seat and avoid all of this drama. While getting a seat upgrade generally comes with a significant bump in ticket price, you’ll at least have the space you want for sleeping and stretching.
Crowds, travel, traffic and family – all part of the biggest holiday over the summer…maybe marijuana can help
July 4th is the American Summer holiday – most people wrap some time off and so it can be chock full with activities, travel, friends and family. But sometime it can be too crowded, too busy and too much on the road. Marijuana may become part of your July 4th tradition to not only have fun, but to cope with some of the hassle.
Some 70 million will be hitting the roads for the holidays, over 40% will watch fireworks at the 14,000 firework displays. Marijuana can be a partner to make the holiday whether it is avoiding hangovers, travel stress, anxious dogs during the fireworks, or just enjoying the moment. Microdosing will help you take the edge of while focusing on enjoying the holidays.
Photo by Roven Images via Unsplash
Marijuana helps your brain relax, focus and be in the moment. Fireworks and concerts will be more alive, more vibrant and engage your mind in ways alcohol will not. But avoid mixing the two, you don’t want a messy end of the day.
Holiday stress can happen with family members, travel, traffic and crowds. Microdosing can help reduce the anxiety while focused on the task/activity at hand. Research has shown THC at low doses, 2.5-5 mg, reduces stress. Vapes and gummies are discreet, easy ways to consume and manage the dose without broadcasting to the crowd around you. It an be a perfect way to deal with the extra bumps during the holiday.
The 4th is a big drinking holiday. While marijuana might make you a bit more tired the next day, you want have the hangover where your head throbs and pounds for part of hte day. Additionally, if you decide to drink instead of consume, marijuana’s anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and nausea-reducing properties can help make hangovers more bearable. Its ability to boost energy and improve sleep can also help to alleviate those unpleasant hangover symptoms.
If you are traveling via air, vapes and gummies are the easiest and most discreet things to pack in your luggage. During the flight, a gummy is the least noticeable and can make the middle seat way more tolerable.
Fireworks and pets are not compatible, but you should never give THC to an animal. Rather, consider CBD, which can be made specifically for animals to help them during fireworks to remain calm.
All in ally, have a great holiday weekend and maybe a little green to the red, white and blue.
There is an increased number of people diagnosed with depression, which may mean more people are open to be diagnosed and are seeking some form of treatment. Understanding depression is key. There are two general categories, situational and clinical. While similar, they are not the same. Medically, situational depression is an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood. It often resolves with time, and talking about the problem can ease recovery. Clinical depression, known medically as a “major depressive disorder,” can develop if the individual does not recover. This is a more severe mental health condition. Recognizing the differences between these types of depression is the first step toward getting help. Can depression be treated by CBD?
If you are struggling with depression, talk to a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan which might include CBD. Many people using CBD to treat a wide variety of health issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress relief. During the past few years, there has been growing popularity regarding CBD, or cannabidiol.
Photo by Charles Wollertz/Getty Images
CBD is one of the numerous substances isolated from hemp; however, the other primary substance is THC. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Even though a lot of people believe CBD can get you high, this is not the case. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects.
Yes, CBD can be used to treat depression. Many prescription medications treat depression by altering levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that causes people to feel happy. There is some evidence that CBD can alter serotonin levels, making it an effective treatment for depression. Even though CBD can be helpful in certain cases, it also has the potential to interfere with other prescription medications. Therefore, if you are taking prescription medications for depression, you need to talk to your doctor ahead of time. This way, you can figure out if CBD will interact with anything you are taking. This could have an impact on the treatment plan.
If you are trying to find CBD that can help you treat depression, you need to choose the right product. In particular, you need to pay attention to whether the product has any THC in it. If you take something with THC, you are going to feel psychoactive effects. Therefore, you need to make sure you do not operate heavy machinery. You should also think about how you want to consume CBD. Gummies tend to be very popular while some prefer to use substances which can be applied to the skin’s surface. Talk to a professional about the type of CBD product and dosage for treatment. This will allow it to be more effective.
Similar to other medical issues, depression can present in a variety of ways. Here are a few common symptoms of depression:
Issues falling asleep or staying asleep at night.
Changes in their eating habits, either eating significantly more or less.
Guilt about things that are not their fault.
Changes in an emotional state, leading to major mood swings including rapid mood swings ranging from happiness to sadness and anger.
Anyone who suffers from depression deserves to have access to a trained mental health professional who can help them address these concerns. If you are working with a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan for depression, CBD could be right for you.
While their pet parents celebrate Independence Day – dogs suffer during the fireworks…but CBD can help.
The 4th of July brings out food, BBQs, parades and fireworks. It is a great day with lots of fun, except for man’s best friend. While we watch in wonder at the brilliant displays (and try to get one decent picture), dogs are suffering and can be a bit freaked out. They have exceptional hearing and fireworks booming sounds are full and unexpected, this can disorient a dog and make them very anxious. If left untreated, thunder and fireworks can continue to upset the animal. It is possible using CBD to keep your dog calm during fireworks can make it a better day for your furry friend.
Fireworks were at the first organized celebration of Independence Day in July 4th 1777. Starting the tradition in the US, fireworks are used around the globe to for independence days, New Year’s Eve, and other major events. But animal control facilities experience a 30% increase in missing pets between July 4 and 6, with July 5 being one of the busiest days for shelters. The poor things are frightened by the loud, unpredictable booms. But how do you enjoy them without traumatizing your puppy? Consider using CBD.
Photo by R+R Medicinals via Unsplash
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. Most CBD products are derived from hemp andrather than marijuana. CBD doesn’t have THC and can provide relief without the high. A CBD for pets is recommend based on the dosage being for a pet size rather than a person size. A method of medicating your pet with cannabis is by using a CBD oil and rubbing into their ears. CBD-infused treats do not get pets high, but can relief stress, but they need to consume it at least 40 minutes before the start of the fireworks/noise.
The American Kennel Club shares CBD can be used because of it’s of its anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, anti-nausea effects, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact. If you are going to use CBD for your pet, here are some suggestions
Look for organic. If the CBD oil is not organic, it at least should not contain pesticides, fungicides, or solvents.
Don’t only shop based on price. Higher quality and purity are usually associated with a higher cost. A cheaper option could contain toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, or heavy metals. Make sure your CBD oil is free of additives.
Get the analysis. The manufacturer should provide a certificate that certifies the amount of CBD that is in the product. Many CBD products contain only small amounts of CBD. You’ll also want to make sure there is little or no THC in the product.
Buy CBD as a liquid. You can buy dog treats containing CBD, but the best form to administer is an oil or tincture. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop.
Like alcohol, marijuana should not be given to pets. It can cause cause toxicity in cats and dogs. While some people find it funny to get animals high, it can be extremely dangerous for them and is not funny at all.
Recently, there has been a series of high profile people have have been convicted which has started the conversation about guns and marijuana. Under federal law, felons are prohibited from owning or possessing guns. But, some states allows a felon’s rights to own a gun after serving their sentence or a waiting period. But it is a process. Roughly 32% of U.S. adults say they own a gun and 44%, report living in a gun household.
But almost half of Americans have tried weed at one point. Of course, they haven’t committed a crime, they have just consumed marijuana. Almost 85% believe it should be legal in some form. And over 50% of the population have access to legal cannabis.
But, if you own a firearm and use marijuana you are in violation of federal law. It is unlawful for an unauthorized user of a controlled substance, including marijuana, to possess, ship, transport, or receive firearms or ammunition. It is also unlawful to sell a firearm or ammunition to any person if the seller knows or has reasonable cause to believe that such person is an unlawful user of marijuana. In this context, unlawful use is based on federal law. Therefore, any person who uses marijuana, even if legal under state law, is prohibited from possessing or purchasing firearms or ammunition.
Photo by Lumppini/Getty Images
This prohibition does not apply to users of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) or hemp products because these are not controlled substances for purposes of federal law, thanks to the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act, known as the 2018 Farm Bill.
In order to purchase a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, an individual must complete Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Form 4473, which asks if you are an “unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana,” and includes a warning that the recreational and medical use of cannabis under state law does not alter the federal Controlled Substances Act which makes it illegal to possess, manufacture, or distribute marijuana. It is a separate crime to lie about your marijuana use on the form. You can also be subject to heightened criminal penalties if found in possession of a firearm and marijuana at the same time.
If you are a medical marijuana user, it may be possible for law enforcement to obtain this information from a medical marijuana patient registry or state database to confirm your use of marijuana. Several states, including Maryland, have tried to protect medical marijuana patients by preventing state police from accessing the medical cannabis patient registry to verify whether a firearm applicant uses medical marijuana. However, some states, like Hawaii, explicitly grant law enforcement access to the state’s medical cannabis patient registry to evaluate whether an individual can legally possess a firearm.
Regardless of whether a state grants access to patient databases, the possession of a firearm and ammunition remains illegal federally if you are a cannabis user. Restricting access to medical marijuana databases simply makes it harder to determine whether a firearm applicant uses marijuana.
Firearms remain out-of-reach for cannabis consumers, even if your state has legalized cannabis. States cannot change the federal requirements for gun ownership and have no authority to supersede the ATF Form 4473 guidance documents that addresses marijuana use and gun ownership. Therefore, until marijuana is fully legalized on the federal level, it’s important to remember to keep your hands off those firearms.
Summer is time to be outdoors and garden, play random sports or other activities reactivating muscles not used a while…cannabis can be your friend in helping with soreness.
Summertime is perfect for soaking in the rays…but some want to more active, taking to gardening, playing sports or just going for a run. Pickleball, frisbee, doing a 5K are all things that might engage muscles which might have not be used in during the winter, or even spring. The good news is cannabis can help soreness after summertimes activities.
Marijuana has gained attention as a potential aid for muscle soreness and recovery, particularly among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. There is growing research evidence to suggest certain compounds in cannabis may offer benefits for managing muscle pain and promoting recovery.
The two primary cannabinoids in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are believed to play key roles in addressing muscle soreness. THC, the psychoactive component, has demonstrated analgesic properties that can help reduce pain perception. CBD, on the other hand, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which may help alleviate muscle inflammation and soreness following intense exercise or injury.
Cannabis use has been reported to assist with exercise recovery, pain relief from muscle soreness, and reduction of inflammation. Some athletes and active individuals have turned to marijuana to help speed recovery from post-game injuries and reduce pain. The potential benefits are attributed to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids, as well as their ability to enhance sleep quality, which is crucial for muscle recovery.
Studies have shown that both CBD and THC can acutely reduce subjective feelings of pain intensity. In particular, acute CBD intake has been demonstrated to attenuate muscle damage following resistance exercise in trained individual. Additionally, cannabis use may help regulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially contributing to reduced muscle inflammation.
If you want to use marijuana to help with the soreness, you can take your bud tender about the best product – an edible, a vape, a cream or an oil. Very deep issues will not be helped by a cream.
A guide to the best CBD gummies on the market to help with anxiety and stress.
Treating an anxiety disorder or stress is a battle millions of Americans face on a daily basis. Whether brought on by other mental health conditions or daily stressors, research suggests that CBD oil extract products, like CBD gummies for anxiety, may offer benefits.
Limited—but compelling—clinical data and relevant animal studies hint that CBD and other cannabis sativa plant extracts may help individuals with anxiety, stress-related symptoms and other mental health issues. Some of these include:
Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Specific Phobias
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depressive disorders
Pain
Products like full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating anxiety, pain, sleep issues and depression symptoms due to stress. However, CBD may still help with a variety of anxiety disorders and mental health conditions.
Although the FDA hasn’t approved nonprescription CBD products to treat anxiety and stress-related symptoms, cannabis-derived products like CBD are backed by clinical trials as a treatment for childhood seizure disorders.
But how effective are CBD gummies for anxiety and stress? Where can we find the best CBD oil for anxiety to maximize the therapeutic results—assuming CBD works at all?
Let’s dive deeper into those questions as we carefully review the hemp-derived cannabis products (specifically gummies) of our top 10 contenders.
Observer’s Best CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress Rankings
After examining over 40 different CBD products, the following 10 excelled in areas like value, quality, purity and transparency—to name a few.
Although Colorado Botanicals and its line of CBD gummies ranked first, and we found them to be the best CBD gummies for anxiety, they’re not the only CBD brand with a lot to brag about. The nine other competitors on our list have many qualities that help them stand out in a highly saturated market.
How We Chose Our Best CBD Gummies for Anxiety Symptoms and Stress
Ranking the best CBD gummies to relieve generalized anxiety and stress relief is a substantial undertaking, especially considering the impact of personal bias. To prevent our testers from favoring a specific brand, we eliminated identifying labels and basted our ratings on several key benchmarks, as explained below.
Third-Party Lab Testing
One consistent thing we expect is third-party lab testing. When the FDA first tested various CBD products, few actually contained the advertised doses. Some contained much less CBD as written on the labels. Even worse, many carried significant amounts of THC despite being advertised as the opposite.
Fortunately, most vendors now employ testing as part of their manufacturing process. Those that don’t will never have a place on our list.
Lab tests on CBD confirm information such as:
Cannabinoids and terpenes
Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Solvents and other contaminants
CBD potency
Total CBD per bottle
Brand Reputation
Not every CBD company has an established brand reputation. Newer vendors may be hidden gems that need time to grow and flourish. This is why brand reputation isn’t a huge factor in our decisions but a nice bonus.
Gummy Ingredients
“You are what you eat” may be a cliche, but it still applies here. If CBD gummies contain sugar and artificial flavors, they’re unlikely to rank very highly on our list—if at all.
Considerations like non-GMO ingredients, THC, artificially added terpenes and other unnecessary additions also affect a CBD brand’s score.
Blind Product Testing
Bias is always a concern, which is why we ensure all products are tested without labels or anything indicative of the brand. This ensures that the CBD gummies are ranked based on their objective performance and flavor rather than brand.
Customer Feedback on Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
Independent online reviews are handy. Although dissatisfied customers are more likely to leave vocal reviews, this doesn’t stop some products on our list from receiving stellar feedback.
If anything, these independent evaluations help identify trends and issues affecting each brand. These posts also help identify trends and quality changes in the effects of CBD products.
We’ve also dug a little deeper into the top brands:
Which labs tested their products and their accreditation
Source of hemp
Extraction method
Company certifications – GMP, ISO, FDA, etc.
Overall pricing and value for money
CBD gummy flavor and taste
Whole plant CBD or CBD isolate
Return Policy and Guarantee
Observer’s Best CBD Gummies to Relieve Anxiety and Stress in 2024
Colorado Botanicals has made our list many times for its superior hemp-derived CBD products. Sporting a selection of broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD gummies, the brand almost perfectly hits every benchmark.
From sourcing to extraction, Colorado Botanicals CBD gummies offer the best potential for symptoms related to anxiety conditions or stress.
Colorado Botanicals once again makes our number-one spot, just like it did in 2023. Not content to rest on its laurels, the brand continued improving and developing its CBD products to stay ahead of the nine worthy competitors on our list.
Aside from a line of plain CBD gummies, Colorado Botanicals turns up the heat with specially formulated products containing minor cannabinoids and herbal additions.
This vendor doesn’t play around regarding quality, boasting GMP certification, FDA-approved manufacturing facilities, and an ISO 9001-certified lab. All are hallmarks of a vendor laser-focused on quality, safety and purity.
Third-party lab testing is a practice that we expect from our top choice, and Colorado Botanicals is no exception. The brand conducts testing throughout the cultivation, extraction and final production process. This ensures that the final product is free of trace solvents and contaminants.
Similarly, the tests confirm that the cannabinoid and terpene levels accurately reflect their corresponding product labels.
Backed by a 60-day risk-free money-back guarantee and a stellar score on Trustpilot, there’s no reason not to try Colorado Botanicals CBD gummies for anxiety and stress.
Colorado Botanicals Extraction & Purification
Colorado Botanicals employs a purification process that’s second to none within their state-of-the-art facilities.
One drawback of conventional CO2 methods is that—despite their superior purity—these destroy valuable compounds responsible for the synergistic “entourage effect.” Consequently, vendors using basic CO2 techniques severely hamstring their products’ therapeutic benefits.
Heat—or lack thereof—is crucial in extraction and purification. Higher heat destroys cannabinoids and terpenes—a tradeoff for leaving no trace solvents. But Colorado Botanicals invested in a more advanced approach. Using specialized equipment, the brand is able to separate compounds at much lower temperatures.
This approach paid off in spades. Thanks to their careful extraction and purification technique, Colorado Botanicals can retain up to five times more minor cannabinoids and terpenes for a true whole-plant or broad-spectrum experience.
In short, Colorado Botanicals unique formulation is perfect for individuals looking to relieve anxiety and stress.
Highlights
Sourced from USDA Organic Hemp
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and ISO Certified, FDA-Registered Facility
CBD gummies available in 10 mg and 25mg doses
Broad-spectrum (0.0% THC)
Night formula available with 10 mg of CBD, melatonin and other non-cannabis herbal extracts per gummy
Moderately priced
Subscribers save 15%
Loyalty program
Appreciation Program for public servants and first responders
Why We Love Colorado Botanicals CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
We love Colorado Botanicals for its mastery of CBD extract technology, giving them the facilities, equipment and expertise to create potent broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products. Their loyalty and discount programs also entice customers with excellent savings on their already reasonably-priced CBD gummies.
Of course, no brand is perfect, but Colorado Botanicals comes the closest in our books based on our findings. Let’s quickly check out the pros and cons.
Pros
Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum (sleep) options
Superior purification methods
FDA-registered Facility
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and ISO 9001 Certified
60-day money-back guarantee
Vegan, kosher, dairy, vegan, gluten-free and organic CBD gummies
Cornbread Hemp caught our eye recently for its CBD oils. However, the brand’s gummies fare much better against many of the same competitors on our list.
Opening its doors in 2018, Cornbread Hemp’s claim to fame starts with cultivation, being the first brand in Kentucky to gain USDA Certification for its hemp.
But Cornbread’s hemp plants receive another advantage beyond organic certification. These plants grow in the Bluegrass Basin, an area filled with nutrient-dense soil. Cornbread Hemp’s products pack a solid natural punch thanks to the superior nutrition these plants receive.
Cornbread is so certain you’ll love their CBD gummies that they’re backed by a 60-day guarantee, meaning customers have nothing to lose.
Cornbread Hemp Extraction & Purification
Cornbread Hemp’s extraction and purification technique deviates from most of the brands on our list. Rather than high or low-temperature CO2 extraction, Cornbread separates cannabis compounds using sugarcane ethanol.
They claim the sugarcane adds a unique natural sweetness. Although this form of extraction can leave trace solvents, it’s also more effective at retaining the already robust amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Highlights
Ethanol extraction
USDA-Certified hemp
Lab tested
CBD pioneer in Kentucky
Loyalty program
Subscriber discounts
Full-spectrum CBD
20, 25 and 50 mg doses in packs of 30 gummies
1-2 mg THC per serving, depending on the gummy product
Berry, Watermelon and Peach flavors
Why We Love Cornbread Hemp CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
Cornbread Hemp takes a unique approach to its products. From cultivation and sourcing to proprietary sugarcane ethanol extraction, the small family-run business will likely pop up on our list again soon.
But we do have some small concerns that keep Cornbread in the Number Two spot.
Another late-bloomer, Joy Organics, appeared in 2018, hot on the heels of the Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and CBD extracts. It didn’t take long for Joy and Todd Smith—a husband and wife duo—to throw their hat in the ring.
Joy Organics was founded on the principle of natural wellness through organic farming, sustainable sourcing, efficacy, purity and transparency. To that end, they offer an assortment of CBD gummies that are organically certified, pure and thoroughly tested.
Offering a 90-day money-back guarantee, Joy Organics provides one of the most flexible and comprehensive return policies we’ve seen. However, it’s unlikely that customers will regret their purchases.
The culmination of Joy Organics’ efforts are CBD for anxiety and stress that rival most of the hundreds—if not thousands—of competitors nationwide.
Joy Organics Extraction & Purification
Joy Organics is serious about purity and safety. Aside from USDA Certified Organic hemp, Joy puts extra effort into extraction and purification.
Similar to some vendors on our list, Joy uses a proprietary CO2 extraction method superior to conventional CO2 techniques. Their facilities further purify and separate compounds through liquid chromatography.
Highlights
Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum options
USDA Certified Organic
Third-party lab-tested
Available in 10 and 25mg doses
30% discount for subscribers
CO2 extracted
90-day guarantee
Why We Love Joy Organics CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
There’s a lot to love about Joy Organics. A 90-day money-back guarantee is impressive, indicating the brand has confidence in its products. They take extra care in their extraction to offer gummies that are perfectly dosed for new and intermediate CBD users.
And if individuals like the products, subscribers can sign up and save an astound 30% off every order.
From its small roots to impressive resume of certifications and advanced practices, Joy deserves a mention on our list. However, there are a few minor areas of opportunity.
Pros
Loyalty program
Assistance programs for various eligible individuals
PlusCBD hasn’t been on our radar much, but they’ve recently proved themselves worthy of a solid spot on our list.
Established in 2012, PlusCBD has the longest tenure of any brand on our list so far. With 12 years of experience, PlusCBD is an offshoot of CV Sciences. CV is an established company with significant experience with various dietary supplements. This has already given—and continues to give—PlusCBD a huge advantage over many of its competitors.
When we last checked them out, PlusCBD’s product line was decent. Now, their gummy options are more complex, embracing the targeted benefits of minor cannabinoids and additional herbal supplements. Their line has also expanded to include CBD gummies with THC.
The gummies are available with 10 or 25 mg of CBD. However, the latter also contains 2.5 mg of THC—enough to trigger intoxication in those with little to no THC experience.
Customers are limited to blackberry and dragonfruit flavors, which are product-specific.
Another thing that stands out about PlusCBD is its hemp source. To our recollection, PlusCBD is the only brand that sources its hemp outside the U.S.
According to their website, PlusCBD obtains its hemp from Europe. They cite regulatory roadblocks that don’t allow them to produce enough industrial hemp. Considering larger competitors have no issue domestically sourcing their hemp, this aspect leaves us scratching our heads.
However, the upside is that Europe has stronger regulations on food and farming, so customers don’t have to worry about inferior quality or lack of safety.
PlusCBD Extraction & Purification
PlusCBD uses CO2 extraction to create infusions, so trace solvents aren’t a concern. Other contaminants, such as microbes, heavy metals and chemical pesticides, could still exist, but the brand’s third-party lab tests indicate otherwise.
Customers can access those same reports through the brand’s website.
Highlights
Non-GMO
Vegan
Organically grown
CO2 extracted
Third-party tested
Sourced from premium European hemp
30-day return policy
Why We Love PlusCBD CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
PlusCBD proudly claims to offer “the most reliable hemp extracts on Earth.” This is a pretty high bar to set. That being said, there may be some truth to those claims.
First, the brand’s tenure is longer than any other brand seen here. They clearly made good use of their time to learn which products appeal to customers.
It’s also important to point out that PlusCBD’s association with CV Sciences lets them create doctor-formulated products.
Still, there are some areas of opportunity. Specifically, increasing PlusCBD’s THC-free gummy line would give THC-averse customers more options. Additional flavors would also help customize the experience.
We also would like to see higher dosage options than 10 mg for THC-free products.
Medterra’s impressive selection of CBD gummies takes potency to new heights—at least for some. Hot on the heels of many vendors, Medterra embraced high-THC CBD gummies. These “True Full-SpectrumTM” soft chews harness the therapeutic benefits of THC.
Currently, most of the brand’s products come in 25 mg per gummy in packages of 30 or 60.
The brand offers targeted benefits, with “Sleep Tight” and “Sound Asleep” CBD gummies available in True Full-Spectrum and THC-free options, respectively.
Similarly, Medterra’s “Keep Calm” CBD gummies come in 25 and 50 mg options and are infused with other medicinal herbs that reduce the anxiety and stress of daily life.
Although its CBD gummy line is impressive, we’re wary of the strict 30-day return policy. It’s limited to unopened and unused products, and customers incur the shipping costs.
Medterra Extraction & Purification
Medterra doesn’t go into a lot of detail about their purification technique. According to the company, it employs a “whole plant CO2 extraction process.” However, it’s unclear whether this involves high or low heat—a critical factor in terpene and cannabinoid retention.
Highlights
Multiple resources, including a blog and introductory video
Third-party tested
Non-GMO
Customers can see news and new developments in the CBD market
15% off for subscribers
True Full-Spectrum (high THC), broad-spectrum and isolate, depending on the product
Assistance program for disabled customers and veterans
Referral incentives and loyalty points program
Why We Love Medterra CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
Medterra offers excellent value, considering the potency of its products. They check all the boxes for quality, like CO2 purification and third-party tests—although it’s unclear whether their hemp is organic or organically grown.
There are some issues as well, however, so we’ll cover the brand’s benefits and drawbacks below.
Pros
High-THC and THC-free gummies are available
15% off for subscribers, veterans and disabled customers
Third-party tested
Good value
Some options reach up to 50 mg CBD per serving
Cons
Few flavor options
Most dosages are only available in 25 mg
Limited choices for individuals who don’t want THC
Charlotte’s Web isn’t just famous for its recurring presence on our lists. The brand was one of the proverbial founding fathers of the CBD industry, even though male brands predate them.
Charlotte’s Web’s biggest flex is its impact on the life of a young girl named Charlotte Figi, who found that the company owners’ CBD-rich cannabis helped alleviate her severe epilepsy.
The brand offers a rich line of CBD gummies geared for different effects. Most of their products are full-spectrum, available in 10, 15 and 25 mg doses, depending on the gummy.
THC-free broad-spectrum options in 10 and 25 mg are also available, with less than 0.01% THC.
There are also excellent opportunities for customers to save money on the brand’s already reasonably-priced products. First-time buyers can redeem a voucher for 25% off. Buying in bundles can also save anywhere from 20 to 40%.
Subscribers also save 20% for repeat orders, with a loyalty points program available that can be redeemed for further savings.
Overall, Charlotte’s web seems to have maintained its consistency and quality over previous years. Although their products receive generally positive feedback, common critiques about their customer service still persist in 2024.
Charlotte’s Web Extraction & Purification
Although Charlotte’s Web uses isopropyl alcohol for one of its original oil products, all of their broad-spectrum and full-spectrum gummies rely on CO2 extraction.
Lab tests are posted. However, the brand conducts these evaluations in-house, which makes us question if they are indeed “third-party” or independent.
Highlights
Strong presence in the CBD industry
Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum gummies
Various discount programs and a loyalty program
U.S. Hemp Authority certified
Grown using organic methods
CO2 extracted
Why We Love Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
Charlotte’s Web’s inspiring story is the foundation of a larger purpose. The brand seeks to make CBD accessible and affordable for those who need it. They take care to ensure their non-GMO hemp meets the highest industry quality standards, using organic growing techniques.
Although the vendor uses CO2 extraction to eliminate trace solvents, Charlotte’s Web does its lab tests in-house, which questions those analyses. They also struggle in the same area many CBD brands face: customer service (or lack thereof).
We’ve looked at CBDistillery in the past. Given its fantastic products and solid reputation, it’s no surprise they made our list again.
CBDistillery opened its doors in 2016 with two goals in mind. First, they planned to stand out from the crowd of subpar CBD gummies that dominated the early market.
Second, the brand aims to educate customers about the potential benefits of CBD.
Although initially, the brand got its start with plain isolates—much like most competitors at the time—its lineup has exploded to reveal a plethora of new hemp-derived CBD gummies for pain and anxiety—to name a couple.
CBDistillery’s gummies are formulated with broad-spectrum or full-spectrum extracts, along with non-cannabis herbal ingredients, for different targeted effects. Specifically, CBDistillery offers two CBD products, one with plain CBD for daytime use and one infused with CBN to help with sleep.
Although not certified organic or “organically grown,” CBDistillery obtains its raw materials from certified domestic hemp grown using “natural farming practices.”
Third-party testing is a must, and CBDistillery is no exception. The results are easy to read and available for customers to examine.
CBDistillery Extraction & Purification
CBDistillery employs CO2 extraction, ensuring maximum safety and purity. We recall them using alcohol extraction a few years ago, but it seems they upped their game—something we (and the customers) appreciate.
Highlights
30 gummies per bottle
Gummies available with added CBG and CBN
THC + CBD gummies offered
Plain CBD for daytime use (30 mg per gummy)
CBN + CBD for nighttime (15 mg CBD and 5 mg CBN per gummy)
CO2 extracted
60-day risk-free money-back guarantee
Why We Love CBDistillery CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
CBDistillery offers excellent CBD for anxiety and stress. With plain daytime options and effective sleep formulas in full and broad-spectrum, there’s always something to suit every customer’s needs.
Although the vendor uses CO2 extraction to eliminate trace solvents, Charlotte’s Web does its lab tests in-house, which questions those analyses. They also struggle in the same area many CBD brands face: customer service (or lack thereof).
Pros
Extensive industry experience
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD
Good selection
30% discount for subscribers, military and first-responders
CO2 extraction
Loyalty program
Third-party tested
Non-GMO
Cons
Flavors are product-specific
Slightly more expensive compared to other brands on our list
Aspen Green is another brand that was fortunate enough to open its doors in 2018, once the federal Farm Bill legalized hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) and its derivatives.
Although this doesn’t give them as much tenure as some other competitors, Aspen Green studied other brands before throwing their proverbial hat into the ring. This helped them determine what customers wanted from CBD for anxiety and stress, among other things.
Unlike most of the vendors we’ve seen, Aspen Green was founded with two families at the helm. But despite its smaller size, Aspen Green’s CBD gummies and other products can easily go toe-to-toe with some larger competitors.
For example, Aspen Green’s gummies come in doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg, depending on the product. They can also contain between 2.5 to 5 mg of THC per soft chew. The brand, therefore offers the most potent gummies on our list so far.
However, THC can be a problem for some.
The website is perfectly designed, with products listed on the site as “relief,” “calm” and “daily wellness.” This takes the guesswork out of CBD shopping, so new users will feel at home.
Aspen Green also noticed a minority of vendors use USDA Certified Organic hemp—an opportunity they jumped on to stand out from the ever-expanding crowd.
Aspen Green Extraction & Purification
Aspen Green makes its extracts using a proprietary advanced supercritical CO2 extraction technique. This is yet another impressive feat, considering their smaller size and presence.
If anything, they prove that being a small business doesn’t mean a vendor has cut corners regarding purification and quality.
Naturally, Aspen subjects its batches to third-party lab tests, giving customers peace of mind when supporting this growing company.
Highlights
USDA Certified Organic hemp
Vegan
Non-GMO
Discounts for public servants and those in financial need
Orders over $74 (before tax) receive free shipping
Discounts when buying in bulk
25, 50 and 100 mg doses
All contain THC
Full-spectrum
CBDV and THCV for targeted effects
Why We Love Aspen Green CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
Aspen Green’s small roots brought huge results. Investing in high-tech CO2 extraction and USDA Certification was a smart idea, considering what they’re against.
They embrace a more modern approach to CBD gummies, including THC as an integral part of their formula.
Unfortunately, THC is a double-edged sword. Although it can help steer the effects in a certain direction, doses of 2.5 to 5 mg can trigger intoxication. THC is also known for exacerbating feelings of anxiety and paranoia. We feel a lower dose—perhaps one or two milligrams at most—would be safer and more appropriate.
Pros
Full-spectrum
Added cannabinoids for targeted benefits
High CBD doses
Third-party tests
CO2 extracted
Excellent discounts available
Competitively priced
Excellent flavor
USDA Certified Organic hemp
Cons
THC is too high for certain customers
Flavors are product-specific
No THC-free options, like broad-spectrum or isolate
Lazarus Naturals made many of our lists in the past, so seeing them again (albeit a bit lower on the list this time) is encouraging. We’re happy to see that they stayed true to their slogan, “effective, not expensive,” with premium hemp-derived CBD for anxiety and stress.
Opening its doors in 2014, Lazarus had plenty of time to master the CBD landscape. Appearing on the scene four years before the historic 2018 Farm Bill, Lazarus and its fellow competitors faced an uphill regulatory and legal battle. Fortunately, they came out unscathed and grew with the industry, now offering a robust array of superior quality products compared to the isolates of a bygone era.
We consider Lazarus Naturals one of the most highly respectable brands on the market. Aside from the company’s decade-long tenure, Lazarus is also a member of several natural health organizations, like the American Herbal Products Association and the Oregon Industrial Hemp Farmers Association.
In an industry saturated with similar competitors, accomplishments and certifications like these help companies stand out, generating consumer confidence in the process.
The brand’s full-spectrum CBD gummies come in four options: Turmeric, Calm, Sleep and Unwind. Some products contain additional supplements and minor cannabinoids, which offer targeted effects for a more customizable wellness experience.
The Unwind option is newer and contains a noticeable amount of THC.
Flavors are product-specific, so choice is limited. However, Lazarus does an excellent job of giving its gummies a nice, natural, sweet taste.
Lazarus Naturals Extraction & Purification
Although not a dealbreaker, it’s a bit disappointing that Lazarus Naturals hasn’t invested in any advanced CO2 extraction process. Instead, it uses ethanol as its extraction method.
Ethanol is more effective at retaining cannabinoids and terpenes, but trace solvents can be a concern. Fortunately, Lazarus subjects its products to third-party lab tests, with the results accessible from their website.
We encourage customers to confirm that solvent traces are safe before purchasing or consuming any CBD product.
Nonetheless, Lazarus Naturals brings enough for us to ignore this minor “hiccup,” especially since individuals will enjoy a better whole-plant experience.
Highlights
Ships internationally and domestically
Four flavor options
10 and 40-piece options
25 mg per gummy
10 years of industry experience
Veterans, low-income and disabled individuals receive 60% off
Discounts on bulk purchases
Focused on organic growing and sustainability
90-day guarantee
Why We Love Lazarus Naturals CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
It’s a bit disappointing to see Lazarus Naturals move down to our Number Nine spot for its CBD gummies, but it’s up against some strong contenders—many of which have upped their game.
Nonetheless, Lazarus continues to stay the course with its award-winning CBD for anxiety and stress. We appreciate that they formulate their products with cannabinoids and herbal extracts, allowing customers to customize their wellness experience.
But Lazarus doesn’t just excel in its products. The vendor offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, indicating that Lazarus Naturals stands by its gummies. This metaphorical safety net improves customer confidence by making every purchase risk-free.
Unfortunately, no vendor is perfect. We’d like to see Lazarus change its extraction method, although it may affect pricing. It would also be nice to see more flavors, even though they offer phenomenal ones.
Customer service—specifically shipping—continues to be an area of opportunity as well.
Opening its doors in 2015, Koi is another veteran of the CBD industry. However, its presence on our lists has been sporadic. The brand arguably offers the largest selection of products, including e-liquids and psychedelics.
The brand’s gummy line comes in four options. Nighttime Rest and Anytime Balance carry 10 mg of broad-spectrum CBD per gummy and other herbal extracts.
Koi Complete and Koi Complete CBN gummies are both made with full-spectrum extract with 25 mg of CBD and a staggering 5 mg of THC per gummy. Considering 2.5 mg is the recommended starting dose for THC, 5 mg could be concerning for some consumers. Unfortunately, individuals who want more than 10 mg of CBD per piece will be forced to take enough THC to trigger psychotropic effects.
Fortunately, unlike some brands, Koi at least offers THC-free gummies, although with few product options.
Strangely, Koi’s FAQ states that its CBD products contain no THC despite the CBD + THC variations being categorized under “CBD Gummies.”
The Nighttime Rest and Anytime CBD-only options are available in delicious cherry limeade and berry lemonade, respectively. However, the brand’s THC options offer more flavor selections. Customers can choose between grape, pineapple, pomegranate or an assorted bottle.
We appreciate the brand’s target formulations using minor cannabinoids and herbal extracts. However, they’ve also ventured into unknown territory with products like HHC and THC-P. It’s likely that they’re trying to cater to recreational and health-conscious crowds.
Koi CBD says they offer a 30-day “risk-free” guarantee. They’ll accept opened products, but customers must cover return shipping, which is deducted from the refund. Typically, we would expect “risk-free” to involve no potential financial loss, which is why this is a bit of a misnomer.
We had trouble finding many independent reviews, although Koi CBD’s site is filled with positive feedback. However, we prefer sites like Reddit or Trustpilot.
Koi CBD Extraction & Purification
We appreciate Koi’s commitment to safety through a proprietary advanced CO2 extraction technique. They don’t elaborate on their method—as is the case with most brands—it’s likely that the purification process is better at retaining compounds than conventional high-heat CO2 approaches.
Customers will have no issue verifying the safety and contents of their products. Koi’s lab tests are easy to find, detailed and straightforward. We don’t need a degree in botany to understand the test results.
Highlights
Significant industry tenure
Easy to access customer service through phone and live chat
10 mg of CBD (no THC) and 25 mg (with THC) per gummy
Decent flavor options
CO2 extracted
Third-party lab tested
30-day “risk-free” return policy
20% discount for subscribers
Why We Love Koi CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress
Looking at Koi CBD’s gummies and other products, it seems that they’re more slanted to the recreational market. Their CBD options are respectable, but they strongly focus on making the products enjoyable. This phenomenal approach helps the medicine go down but causes the brand to lose sight of its wellness mandate.
THC may alleviate stress, but its side effects can trigger anxiety. It’s important for consumers to understand this before trying Koi CBD’s full-spectrum products.
Still, if individuals want a vendor with endless products for every niche, Koi CBD is indisputably the place to go.
Wellness enthusiasts, on the other hand, might find better options elsewhere.
Pros
Full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD options
High THC can be helpful for recreational or therapeutic THC users
Excellent tenure
Caters to every niche
CO2 extracted
Third-party lab tests are easy to locate
20% subscriber discount
Some flavor selection
Cons
High THC may limit individuals with therapeutic needs
CBD Products for Anxiety Symptoms and Stress: Do they Really Work?
Unfortunately, we don’t have enough research on CBD for anxiety and stress. But preliminary research is promising.
Let’s look at what some studies found so far.
CBD Gummies for Anxiety
While there’s no proverbial “smoking gun” that conclusively proves CBD’s efficacy against clinical anxiety or anxiety symptoms, the convergence of evidence is compelling.One 2020 review by Skelley et al. examined eight different publications addressing CBD’s effects on anxiety in a variety of groups. These included healthy subjects and individuals with chronic issues like generalized anxiety, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One interesting fact is that doses varied from as little as 6 to as much as 400 mg. Yet despite the range in amounts, the literature indicated that CBD could have future applications in treating symptoms of anxiety.
However, without further research, they can’t recommend foregoing conventional treatment.
A small group of about 50 participants received CBD doses of 150, 300 or 600 mg. The rest were given a placebo.
Interestingly, 300 mg was found to be the only effective dose for treating anxiety prior to public speaking. This demonstrates CBD’s potential and illustrates the compound’s “biphasic” nature. In other words, CBD works on a curve, with an ideal “sweet spot” dose. This applies to all therapeutic uses, which is why dosing is complicated.
CBD Gummies for Stress
“Stress” isn’t a medical condition or a symptom. However, feeling stressed can have a plethora of health consequences.
However, burnout is arguably the most all-encompassing medical issue that perfectly demonstrates the many faces of stress—the potential therapeutic benefits of gummies, CBD oil or other CBD products.
Burnout is a clinical condition associated with constant, excessive pressure. This is often associated with working too much, but any kind of overload from daily duties (such as parenting) can also lead to burnout.
Symptoms of burnout can include anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite, sleep issues and body pain.
There’s no better example of burnout than the experiences of frontline healthcare workers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, a 2021 study published in the journal Psychiatry generated some hope for those overworked individuals—and anyone else experiencing burnout.
The study consisted of 120 healthcare workers in various fields, each consuming a 150 mg dose of CBD oil for 28 days. Additionally, they were instructed to practice conventional self-care.
Scientists used the Maslach Burnout Inventory to assess the impact of CBD, focusing mostly on emotional exhaustion.
By the end of the study, 118 of the 120 volunteers reported significant improvement. The remaining two quit because of adverse effects.
The findings here are particularly noteworthy because they say a lot about CBD’s potential for other burnout-related symptoms. For instance, this may mean that individuals can try products like CBD gummies for depression.
Stress can also be triggered by—or the result of—poor sleep quality. Fortunately, CBD might help address that at the source.
Most of the individuals received 25 mg capsules of CBD extract, but a few others took 50, 75 or 150 mg due to other mental health factors that may exacerbate anxiety or insomnia.
By the time the study concluded, almost 80% of the anxiety subjects reported improvement, while 67% of the individuals with sleep quality issues reported significant improvement. However, the anxiety benefits remained constant while CBD’s sleep effects seemed to wane over time.
CBD Oil vs. CBD Gummies
Extracts come in many forms, but CBD gummies offer advantages that oils don’t provide. Like CBD oil, gummies are available in full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate (depending on the brand).
CBD oil is partially absorbed under the tongue and is often plagued by an earthy or “hempy” flavor. Gummies circumvent this to varying degrees. But oil generally offers higher CBD potency—although some products on our upcoming list come close to matching that strength.
Before shopping for CBD oil, soft chews or any other CBD products, keep the following options in mind.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Contains a full range of cannabinoids and terpenes
Carries up to 0.3% THC by dry weight
Most effective option, but THC may trigger anxiety symptoms
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Retains the same cannabis plant compounds as full-spectrum
Processed to remove THC
Excellent middle ground for individuals who want the synergistic “entourage effect” without THC
CBD Isolate
Highest CBD potency – up to 99% pure
Other chemical compounds, including THC and terpenes, are removed
Minimal impact on flavor, but at the cost of efficacy
Frequently Asked Questions About CBD for Anxiety and Stress
The effects of CBD are tough to predict, which. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may be effective for anxiety relief and stress. Hard research on CBD is growing, but not conclusive.
Furthermore, CBD affects everyone differently, so no two experiences are alike. Keep the following questions in mind when considering CBD to relieve anxiety or stress.
What are the Strongest CBD Gummies for Anxiety?
Based on our list, the strongest CBD gummies for anxiety come from Colorado Botanicals. Despite their comparatively lower CBD potency against brands like Aspen Green or Medterra, keep in mind that Colorado Botanicals’ ability to retain up to three times more cannabis compounds gives their lower-dosed CBD gummies a remarkable punch.
Unfortunately, brands offering higher CBD potency often use THC, which can actually trigger anxiety in some individuals.
Where to Buy CBD Gummies for Anxiety and Stress?
We prefer Colorado Botanicals as our top choice to buy CBD gummies for anxiety and stress. However, the nine other brands on our list also have much to offer.
Ultimately, the best place to purchase CBD gummies depends on individual preference. Customers should consider things like sourcing, extraction and—more recently—THC content.
How to Know If CBD is Working for Anxiety and Stress?
CBD doesn’t have a specific effect like THC, CBN or other psychotropic cannabinoids. With cannabidiol, it’s not about how you feel but how you don’t feel.
For instance, if you typically experience anxiety and stress before taking CBD and notice a reduction after, then it’s safe to say the CBD is working.
How Much CBD Dose to Take for Anxiety Relief?
Dosing is still not an exact science. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says it best, explaining, “It is difficult to standardize dosages of a smoked plant with highly variable cannabinoid concentrations.”
Although they refer to smoking, the same rule applies to edibles. There are so many individual biochemical factors at play that no two individuals are alike. Even products with a consistent amount of CBD oil extract will still have variances in other key compounds.
Consequently, individuals with issues like treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety symptoms or other related issues will have to experiment until they find their “sweet spot.”
Further complicating matters is that there are no double-blind clinical trials addressing CBD’s potential to treat anxiety.
Finding a suitable dose is up to each individual, ideally under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
We recommend starting at a low dose of 5 mg and progressively increasing until the symptoms of anxiety improve—although this is never guaranteed.
What is the CBD Dosage for Stress?
Unlike anxiety, “stress” isn’t considered a medical symptom—although anxiety is inevitably tied to stress.
“Stress” is a vague term that exists on a broad spectrum (no pun intended). Some stressors are more intense than others, so the already unclear CBD dosage will naturally vary.
The same “low and slow” approach is the only way to find the right CBD dosage, so start with a small amount and increase it gradually over several days.
Can CBD gummies cause anxiety?
No, plain CBD gummies can’t cause anxiety symptoms. In fact, sedation is a more common side effect with CBD. However, be wary of CBD gummies that also contain intoxicating amounts of THC, as THC is known to exacerbate generalized social anxiety disorder and other similar conditions.
Can CBD gummies increase heart rate?
CBD gummies may temporarily increase heart rate. CBD is a vasodilator, meaning it opens up the blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. However, this forces the heart to pump harder for a limited period of time.
Can You Take CBD Products for Depression?
Cannabis use has been a way for many depressed individuals to self-medicate. To that end, many people claim that taking CBD gummies for depression can help alleviate the mental and physical symptoms.
But like most conditions, it’s unclear how effective CBD will be on mood disorders. Talk to your doctor before consuming CBD for depression or any other illness, mental or physical.
Be wary of any direct health claims made by CBD vendors.
Is CBD Safe for Anxiety Disorders or Stress?
In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined that CBD’s safety and side effects of CBD aren’t a major concern. It has no potential for abuse and is generally well-tolerated by most individuals.
However, certain medications may negatively interact with ingested CBD. We strongly recommend speaking with a healthcare professional before taking CBD for depression symptoms, anxiety, stress or any other mental health conditions.
Similarly, SAMSHA—the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration—released an advisory about the potential risks and side effects of CBD. While their conclusions align with those of the World Health Organization, SAMSHA also warns that the unregulated nature of these cannabis plants could lead to issues like inaccurate labels or contamination.
Side-Effects of CBD Products
Although mild and typically temporary, CBD has some side effects, including:
Weight gain
Weight loss
Appetite changes
Drowsiness
Gastrointestinal issues
Interactions with prescription medications
Is CBD Legal?
Yes, CBD is legal. The 2018 Farm Bill excluded industrial hemp (cannabis sativa plant cultivars with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight) from the Controlled Substances Act.
This is not to be confused with medical cannabis, which isn’t legal in every state and is highly regulated compared to hemp extracts. However, CBD is the same chemical compound, regardless of its source.
Bouldering and rock climbing have exploded – can cannabis help with this hot activity?
Even 5 years ago, rock climbing and bouldering were niche activities for those with a passion. But since it has become a fun, core strengthening, urban activity and is now a multi-billion dollar industry. Cities, towns and cruise ships now have climbing gyms and the popularity as soared. North American climbing gyms alone almost reached $1 billion dollars last year, this doesn’t count outdoor, equipment and other markets. With its popularity, it blends in with other lifestyle options, so here are key tips on bouldering and marijuana.
France is was the birthplace of modern bouldering. Pierre Allain, a pioneering French climber in the mid-20th century, loved the Fontainebleau forest and was among the first to see bouldering as a unique discipline within climbing, not just a training tool. He developed climbing shoes with rubber soles, increasing climbers’ ability to grip the rock, a revolution which helped bouldering gain recognition as a legitimate sport. Around the same time in the US, a gymnast as well as a climber, John Gill approached bouldering with a focus on strength, balance, and dynamic movement. Regarded as the father of modern bouldering, he introduce the concept ‘clean climbing’ – leaving no trace on the rock – which has influenced generations of climbers to respect and protect the natural environment.
A Climbing Magazine anonymous survey of professional climbers a couple years ago, in which most said they used it for recovery while others said they sometimes climbed while using cannabis. A deeply-researched review conducted by scientists, including members of the World Anti-Doping Agency and National Institute on Drug Abuse, found that “the use of cannabis as doping will not help to gain a competitive edge by any means.” But the review also highlighted how cannabis can help athletes deal with anxiety in high-pressure situations—climbing includes plenty of high-pressure situations—and “play a major role in the extinction of fear memories” from traumatic athletic events, such as suffering a tough whipper or something more serious.
“Cannabis improves sleep and recovery after an event, reduces anxiety and fear and aids the forgetting of negative events such as bad falls and so forth,” researchers wrote. “Cannabis enhances sensory perception, decreases respiratory rate and increases heart rate; increased bronchodilation may improve oxygenation of the tissues.”
Photo by Tom Wheatley via Unsplash
Marijuana can also help you in the gym during training sessions. A University of Colorado study concluded using marijuana before exercise “increases motivation” as well as “enhances recovery from exercise.” Recovery is huge, particularly in sports brutal on the body like climbing. Professional athletes in football, basketball, hockey, fighting, and even golf have all come out in favor of using cannabis as a recovery tool, with some saying CBD is enough.
More than those other sports, though, safety is of the utmost importance while climbing. Combining marijuana and climbing should be done with serious intention and without harming belay partners or fellow climbers. An online survey conducted by Training Beta, a website dedicated to rock climbing training, explored how readers felt about the relationship between climbing and cannabis. Among 1,462 respondents, 47% said they weren’t comfortable with high belayers and 46% responded that it depended on the setting and person belaying them.
It is summer wedding season – complete with stress, family and things which just go wrong….wedding couples should know about this key aphrodisiac
Weddings come in all shapes and sizes. Couples are diverse – young, old, same sex, different sex, Star Trek fans and more. Even Rupert Murdoch has gotten remarried for the 5th time. Science, Hallmark Rom-Coms and Bridezilla shows highlight the good, the perfect and sometimes the mess, but the strain of it all can cause problems. Wedding couples should about know about this aphrodisiac to make the wedding time extra special.
Marijuana has been an intimacy go-to for thousands of years. It pops up in the Karma Sutra and is used extensively in sensual tantric rituals, yoga, and more. It has been established across the world couples can enjoy both sex and cannabis. If can be helpful in many ways, including leading up to the magic moment.
The bible of women getting married, Brides Magazine, reported, intimacy is improved with cannabis is imbibed. And cannabis can lead to better sex. It has definitely gone mainstream and is acceptable. The other main resource is The Knot, which also gently suggests ways ot make the wedding and honeymoon better.
With bridezillas being on the rise, one way cannabis or cbd can make is difference is reducing the anxiety. THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses while CBD at all dose. It can also help with sleep leading up to the big day. Healthier and less fattening than alcohol, it helps set a positive stage for nuptials and nighttime.
When it comes to the honeymoon, women have cannabinoid receptors in their reproductive system. Cannabis helps relax female muscles, increase lubrication and even intensify and draw out orgasms. CBD, which comes from the cannabis plant. can be just as effective in the bedroom, reducing any pain and calming your headspace. But the right THC strain can have you in another world with your partner and you don’t have get give a high, simply in the mood.
And with over 50% of the country having legal weed, smoking it isn’t the only option. Gummies and vapes are more discreet with way less smell. With gummies, you can microdose to take the edge off the planning and event. It might be something worth considering.
It can be a miserable time of month – especially for those who suffer extreme pain….but cannabis can help.
It is a fact of life and comes almost like clockwork. Some 60% of woman have mild cramps during their period and about 5% to 15% report period pain that’s so severe that it affects their daily activities. Experts aren’t quite sure why some have more pain others. Since this is a little research area, some scientist rely on everyone’s body is different. Symptoms include aching, throbbing pain or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen, pain in the hips, lower back and inner thighs along with nausea, dizziness and headaches. The good news is cannabis can help painful menstrual cramps.
Some simple ways to help reduce the pain is to ensure you have enough rest and avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes. Cannabis is proven to have medical benefits, especially with inflammation and pain relief. Marijuana expands blood vessels which helps reduce cramps, and relieve headaches and other minor pain. It is also fast acting, often quicker than natural or other medicines.
Photo by IRA_EVVA/Getty Images
While edibles and smoking may help, many women are turning to topicals and cannabis suppositories for pain relief. With 50% of the country having access to legal weed, it can be considered a viable option. While more research needs to be done, anecdotal data indicts it can help and quickly.
Suppositories or cannabis tampons can provide quick pain relief. They take around 15 minutes to work, and directly affect the pelvis muscles and uterus, relaxing the insides and reducing tension. Best to use them right before bed or when you’re going to be laying down for a while. Relax, and be sure to wear something for the sake of your underwear.
Another way is cannabis bath salts. An effective way to combat pain and period cramps is relaxation, which can be facilitated with a nice long bath and some fancy bath salts. They can provide relief for up to 5 hours but might leave you a little loopy afterwards.
A cannabis balm can be used anywhere on the body, including the the site of the cramps. It is an analgesic, so if the cramps are particularly powerful, add a spoonful of the balm to the insides of your vagina and let it melt. Do this when you have time to let the balm do it’s work.
Studies have shown can also lift moods, and more than just temporarily. Marijuana can also help minimize mood swings and bring overall mood stability. Cannabis can aid in the regulation of our brain’s neurotransmitters which can help us get better control of our emotions.
The term Bridezilla started in the mid 90s and, by now, many people have seen the unfortunate cross between a bride and Godzilla in person. TicTok, Redditt and other social media are full of horror stories. And the newer phrase in the Mozilla who wants to recreate the event in her image. And this isn’t to mention other drama which can wrap around the event. According to a bride’s study, 71% believe planning a wedding is more stressful than finding a new job. Maybe marijuana gummies can make weddings easier?
Most brides and some grooms have a a concept of their ideal day, and the want the whole event to be perfect. Unfortunately, rarely is anything perfect and you have to roll with mishaps and be in the moment. It also involves, for most people who don’t handle complex events or tasks, a large amount of decisions, energy, and money. It can be overwhelming and not everyone can rise above with a gracious outlook. Low dosages of marijuana can help reduce the “heat” of the process.
A key reason marijuana gummies can help is it can reduce the anxiety. With gummies you can have a low dosage and slow roll so you can be productive, focused and calm while dealing with details, decisions, the wedding party and potential in-laws. THC bring a soothing calm by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The nervous system induces a “fight-or-flight” response during stressful situations. Somewhere around 2.5-5 mg during the process can make months or weeks of planning bearable, even if others are not.
Additionally, it is far better for your body (and maintaining a wedding photo body, than alcohol). If unfamiliar with cannabis, it is much less addictive than alcohol, And alcohol use can result in significant and potentially fatal physical withdrawal, whereas marijuana has not been found to produce any symptoms of physical withdrawal.
There are thousands of stories about weddings which went wrong due to over stressed wedding party members. A little gummy can keep make the planning stage easier and the day of the event much more calm and way more fun.
You have to say she is interesting – a dancer, porn star, director, trial witness and more. And, Stormy Daniels is immortalized with a marijuana strain. Yes, you and Stormy can chill together. She entered the greater cannabis world in 2020 working with Forest Farms who develop a CBD lube with Forest Farms. Since then, a chill strain has been named after the blonde bombshell.
Daniels rose to fame in 2004 when she won the Best New Starlet Award from Adult Video News. She went on to win more awards and eventually moved to behind the camera, directing over 150 films. She has appeared in mainstreams shows and also in a Maroon 5 music video. Currently she is appearing in New York for a courtroom battle Royale.
Photo via Pixabay
While the lube is no longer on the market, you can purchase a marijuana strain in Oregon named after her. This strain is known for its high potency and low THC content, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of cannabidiol without getting too high. You can even buy the seeds to grow your own.
For her part, Daniels said that she believed CBD was a fad until she experienced the benefits of the compound herself. She fractured her spine and severely sprained her pelvis while jumping her horse. She was told it would be a minimum of six weeks until she could walk with crutches. Hating pain pills, she decided to use some CBD products a friend sent. From them on she has been a fan.
In another turn of events Daniels attempted to run for senator in Louisiana. She was approached and conisidered when she discovered the Republican National Committee (RNC) paid expenses for fundraisers at a “lesbian bondage” themed nightclub. She felt the RNC’s use of party funds for sex convinced her Republicans represented her libertarian values. Daniels had been a registered Democrat but now identifies as a libertarian and bisexual.
Science and the public have been good to CBD. It helps with the ever popular issue of sleeping and it can help reduce anxiety. Discreet, convenient and semi fast acting – it can be a help mate for first dates, stressful family events, or just rough days. The CBD/cannabis Epidiolex has been proven to reduce seizures and is the first cannabis-derived medicine approved by the FDA. So lots of benefits, but since it is still a bit of a newbie on shelves…you need to be careful of what you buy. Here are 5 key tags to check on a CBD label.
Reading product labels is often confusing, overly technical and filled with materials no one understands. Add to the mix the fact CBD is still in FDA limbo, and you need a list like this to point you in the right direction. Here are 5 things to check when reading a CBD label.
Make sure CBD is in on the label and in the product
First thing’s first: make sure there’s actually CBD in your CBD product. Today’s CBD landscape is filled with products that claim to contain CBD while really containing just hemp oil, or lie about the amount of CBD they contain. Look for either CBD or cannabidiol and be wary of products containing hemp seeds, cannabis sativa, hemp seed oil, etc. Although these ingredients sound weedy, they’re not the same thing as CBD.
Photo by IRA_EVVA/Getty Images
Check the dosage and ingredients
Dosage in key in how effective it will be. Be understanding it you time the amount you need then time out when you might want to take it again. Additionally, look for a full list of ingredients, including the carrier oil used. Check for any potential allergens or additives you want to avoid.
COAs guarantee the product you’re looking at has been tested by a third party facility that has no relationship to the maker. Their results are unbiased and thus trust worthy. Reputable companies should feature this information on their labels, which should come in the shape of a bar code and should be easily accessed via smartphone. If this isn’t the case, the COA should appear on the product’s website.
Photo by Sabrina Rohwer via Pexels
Look for the CBD oil source
One of the first red flags of fake CBD products is a label that’s vague or doesn’t state where the CBD oil was sourced. CBD can be sourced from cannabis plants or industrial hemp, and most quality products tend to be “full spectrum,” “broad spectrum,” or “CBD isolate.”
Know your cannabis state laws
This is important since CBD label requirements vary by state, with the best labels being from products sold in areas where marijuana is legal. If you’re purchasing a product from out of a legal state, these packages should at least imitate how regulated products look.
The head of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says marijuana industry banking access would make the agency’s job easier, and officials “shouldn’t just sit on our hands” as the federal government moves to reschedule cannabis.
At a hearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government on Tuesday, Chairman Dave Joyce (R-OH) pressed IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel about cannabis banking and tax compliance issues.
The commissioner said the Justice Department’s decision to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is “recent,” and “what we need to do in a moment like this is understand the implications that this change will have on a whole variety of different elements of this part of the economy.”
“What will their status be with respect to financial institutions? Will they remain mostly a cash-based industry or would they move into something other than cash?” Werfel said. “All of these things are important moving pieces for the IRS to determine how this emerging and changing industry is assessed at the right level and paying what they owe.”
“We shouldn’t just sit on our hands,” he added. “We should be active and looking at what steps we need to take—and we need to interact with this community and make sure we understand and talk to them.”
The IRS commissioner also said that, in his experience, industries are generally “very amenable” to getting…
