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Preliminary research supports the use of hemp oil for anxiety. However, studies have not yet proven that it is a safe and effective long-term remedy for the condition.

In this article, we discuss hemp oil and scientific evidence about its effect on anxiety. We also present specific hemp oil products and suggest alternative natural anxiety remedies.

Hemp and cannabis are two strains of a plant called Cannabis sativa.

Hemp is similar to cannabis, but it contains no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol. This compound causes the psychoactive effects of being “high” and is present in significant levels in cannabis.

Manufacturers make hemp oil from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. This product differs from hemp seed oil, which manufacturers make from the plant’s seeds.

Hemp oil contains approximately 12–18% cannabidiol, a nonintoxicating compound in C. Sativa. By contrast, hemp seed oil does not contain any cannabidiol.

Preliminary studies suggest that cannabidiol, the active ingredient in hemp oil, may have medical uses. However, further research is necessary in this area.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved cannabidiol for only one use — the treatment of seizures.

Learn more about hemp oil and hemp seed oil here.

According to a 2015 review, researchers have become interested in using hemp oil to treat neuropsychiatric conditions. After examining existing studies, the review concluded that preliminary evidence strongly supports the use of hemp oil for the following:

The review also notes that studies indicate hemp oil is useful when taken for acute anxiety, meaning when the condition appears quickly and is intense in severity. On the other hand, few studies have assessed its use for chronic anxiety.

A 2019 study states that hemp oil has a calming effect on the central nervous system. After assessing the effect of hemp oil on 72 people with an anxiety or sleep disorder, researchers found it reduced anxiety in 79.2% of the study participants and improved sleep quality in 66.7%. Only three individuals did not tolerate the hemp oil well.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) caution that, despite promising early studies, evidence is insufficient to prove the effectiveness of hemp oil for treating anxiety. Rather than indicating that it is not effective, this merely means that more research is needed.

Learn more about hemp oil benefits here.

There are safety concerns about compounds that come from cannabis, such as the cannabidiol in hemp oil. The FDA warn that cannabidiol has the potential to:

  • cause liver damage
  • slow brain activity when used with alcohol or taken with antianxiety drugs
  • affect how other medications work, which can produce serious side effects
  • cause infertility in males

Cannabidiol may also produce side effects that a person may not notice, such as:

Another concern about hemp oil involves inaccuracy in labeling. According to the ADAA, some products do not contain the amount of the compound they claim to have.

If a person has a history of gastrointestinal issues, liver conditions, or any other health problems, it is best to seek guidance from a healthcare professional about hemp oil in order to see whether it is suitable for them.

When shopping for hemp oil, it is advisable to look for products with certificates of analysis from third-party lab testing.

Due to unproven efficacy and safety, a person should talk with their doctor before taking any of the products.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.

Aspen Green Full Spectrum Hemp Extract

Aspen Green hemp oil has the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic label, and it has undergone third-party lab testing.

Customers can select from four 1-ounce (oz) bottles that contain 500–3,000 milligrams (mg) of cannabidiol.

Reviews of the company on Trustpilot average 4.6 out of five stars.

25% off Sitewide through Christmas Day

Shop now.

Zion Medicinals Spygaric Hemp Oil

Zion Medicinals use organic ingredients sourced in the United States, and their hemp oil has undergone third-party lab testing.

Customers can select from four 1-oz bottles that contain 250–1,500 mg of cannabidiol.

Trustpilot do not list reviews for this company.

Shop now.

Moon Mother Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Tincture Natural

Moon Mother grow hemp on their USDA-certified organic farm, and the product has undergone third-party lab testing.

Customers can choose from four 1-oz bottles that contain 500–2,500 mg of cannabidiol.

Reviews of the company on Trustpilot average 4.8 out of five stars.

Shop now.

Because of concerns revolving around taking hemp oil, it is helpful to know that alternative natural remedies are available.

Ginger extract

A 2017 study testing different doses of ginger on mice found that all doses reduced anxiety levels.

Yet another study discovered that several compounds in ginger can pass through the blood-brain barrier, which may contribute to their positive effect on the brain. The blood-brain barrier is a protective layer of cells that prevents many substances from passing from the blood into the brain.

Exercise

A 2018 review found exercise to be an effective treatment for people with anxiety.

Exercise stimulates the brain’s production of endorphins, which are chemicals that boost positive emotions. About 5 minutes of exercise produces the antianxiety effects.

Learn more about the physical and mental health benefits of exercise here.

Tea

There are several kinds of tea that may reduce anxiety and its symptoms.

A 2020 clinical trial found lavender herbal tea lowered anxiety levels. Another study, which tested the effects of chamomile tea on people with general anxiety disorder, showed it was safe and effective in reducing symptoms of the condition.

Green and black tea contain the amino acid threonine, which studies show has an anti-stress effect. However, caffeine and another component of tea block this action. The research found drinking low caffeine green tea reduced stress levels.

People should consult a doctor about safe natural and alternative remedies for anxiety.

Anxiety is a severe condition. Sometimes, it can interfere with daily activities. If natural remedies are not safe or effective, a doctor can offer advice on managing and treating anxiety with medication or different types of therapy.

Learn more about anxiety treatments here.

Early studies investigating the use of hemp oil for anxiety show promise. However, the FDA have not approved the product for this purpose.

The active ingredient in hemp oil may cause serious side effects, and therefore people should seek guidance from a doctor before using any hemp oil product.

There are alternative remedies for relieving anxiety. Research indicates exercise can effectively reduce the condition without causing side effects. Various types of therapy may also prove helpful.