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Restless leg syndrome can lead to discomfort and difficulty sleeping. There is currently very little scientific evidence that CBD can help ease the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

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This article discusses the research behind CBD and restless leg syndrome and lists some of the CBD products a person may try.

Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS), or Willis-Ekbom disease, is a disorder that causes a person to feel an urge to move their legs. It can affect people at any time of the day but is more noticeable during the evenings and at night.

Learn more about restless leg syndrome here.

This condition causes feelings such as aching and tingling in the legs. Restless leg syndrome can make it difficult to perform daily activities and fall asleep, which may cause people to feel tired during the day. This condition may also affect a person’s mental health, leading to depression and mood shifts.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) states that restless leg syndrome affects up to 10% of the United States population. People of any age can develop this condition, and symptoms often worsen as people become older.

The organization says that while the cause of RLS is still unknown, there is evidence that genetics and a disruption in the parts of the brain that use dopamine to control movement may play a role.

There have been reports of complete remission of RLS symptoms after using cannabis. It is possible that the pain-blocking effects of cannabis may help ease symptoms.

However, there is very little scientific research on the effects of CBD on restless leg syndrome. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this therapy.

Medical News Today does not rank products in any order and does not recommend one product over another. A person should choose the product that best fits their needs.

Additionally, Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:

  • Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. Products should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
  • Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage.
  • Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage.
  • Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
  • Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) following receipt of its third-party lab results.

Below are some products that a person may consider purchasing.

Best for a flavored product: Spruce 750 mg Lab Grade CBD Oil

  • Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
  • Strength: 750 milligrams (mg) of CBD per bottle
  • Volume: 1 fluid ounce (fl oz)
  • Price: $89

The website states that this oil contains 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The company warns against using this product if a person undergoes drug testing, as they may test positive.

The company states that this product is 100% natural, lab grade, and organic and undergoes third-party testing. This CBD oil has a peppermint flavor.

Reviews are overall positive, with many saying they felt it helped them sleep better. However, some customers say the peppermint flavor is too strong, and one person states that the product made their insomnia worse.

Best for a range of strengths: NuLeaf Naturals 900 mg Hemp CBD Oil

  • Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
  • Strength: 300–6000 mg per bottle
  • Volume: 0.5–3.38 fl oz
  • Price: $29.99–$399 depending on the size of the bottle

This product comes in various strengths and sizes. The company states that it contains organic hemp and follows Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs).

Positive reviews state that this product helped reviewers sleep and reduced muscle twitches. However, some customers said they did not notice any difference after taking this product. Additionally, some people found it difficult to measure doses.

Best for a non-GMO product: Healthworx CBD Oil

  • Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
  • Strength: 600–5000 mg of CBD per bottle
  • Volume: 0.5 fl oz
  • Price: $34.99–$199 depending on the strength of the CBD

This product contains organic, non-GMO hemp and organic coconut oil. The company suggests adding this oil to food or placing a few drops under the tongue.

Positive reviews state that this product helped provide relief from chronic pain. However, others said that they did not notice a difference after using this product and that it was difficult getting in touch with customer service.

Best full spectrum: CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil

  • Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
  • Strength: 1000 mg of CBD per bottle
  • Volume: 1 fl oz
  • Price: $60

This product contains non-GMO industrial hemp and coconut oil.

The company recommends starting with a 1-ml oral serving and holding it under the tongue for 20 seconds before swallowing. People can adjust the dose as necessary.

Best for a THC-free product: Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture

  • Type of CBD: THC-free
  • Strength: 750–3000 mg of CBD per bottle
  • Volume: 15–60 ml
  • Price: $24–$70 depending on the size of the bottle

This kosher and THC-free oil is available in blood orange or winter-mint flavor or unflavored. It also contains coconut oil.

Positive reviews state that this tincture has helped reduce symptoms of various conditions. Reviewers also state that the flavorless tincture tastes like water, which may be beneficial for those who dislike the taste of hemp.

However, those who left more negative reviews state that the tincture is not as effective as full-spectrum products. Some customers also had issues with leaking products and broken seals.

People may wish to consider the following factors when choosing CBD products:

  • Dose: Companies will display the amount of CBD in the product on its label. People may wish to start with a lower dose and work their way up as necessary.
  • Type of CBD: There are three types of CBD products available to purchase: broad spectrum, full spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% THC, whereas broad spectrum and CBD isolate typically contain trace amounts of THC. Learn more about the different types of CBD here.
  • Certificate of analysis (COA): Companies and third-party labs will test the products to ensure the safety, purity, and accuracy of the ingredients. People should only purchase a product that has an in-date COA.
  • Cost: Generally, the higher the amount of CBD in a product, the more expensive the product is.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that CBD may:

  • cause liver injury
  • affect how other medications work
  • increase the risk of drowsiness
  • result in a positive drug test
  • cause mood shifts, diarrhea, and changes in appetite

A person should contact a doctor if they have symptoms of restless leg syndrome. A healthcare professional can help form a treatment plan to reduce symptoms.

Those who wish to try CBD products for restless leg syndrome should contact a healthcare professional to ensure the product will not interact with any current medications. Healthcare professionals may also recommend certain strengths and the frequency of dosing with CBD.

There have been reports of CBD reducing the symptoms of restless leg syndrome and, in some cases, causing complete remission of this condition. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to verify these claims.

People should consider speaking with a healthcare professional if they intend to try CBD to avoid any possible medication interactions.