An increasing number of studies show CBD may have powerful effects on stabilizing and lifting mood.
Research reveals CBD can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress by interacting with serotonin receptors and regulating neurotransmitter systems involved in mood.
Brain scans confirm CBD impacts regions of the brain linked to emotional processing.
While more clinical trials are still needed, preliminary evidence suggests CBD holds promise as a natural supplement to boost mood and relieve anxiety or depression.
Unlike traditional pharmaceutical options, CBD appears to have few side effects or risks. Many who struggle with mood issues are now turning to CBD as an alternative or complementary treatment.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top-rated CBD products for supporting a positive mindset and relief from anxious thoughts.
Whether you prefer the convenience of capsules, the speedy effects of oils, or the taste of gummies, quality CBD can make a difference. Discover reputable brands offering safe, potent CBD formulas to naturally lift your mood.
With consistent daily use, you may find your outlook brighter, your resilience stronger, and your overall mental health enhanced. Read on to learn how to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine.
Our Process for Selecting the Best CBD for Mood
Choosing the perfect CBD product isn’t easy, given the sheer number of options available today. But don’t fret – we’re here to help. We’ve meticulously examined each product with a stringent set of criteria to ensure quality, safety, and transparency.
Unwavering Quality Standards
Each CBD product that made our list meets these essentials:
- It’s made with hemp cultivated right here in the U.S., adhering to high agricultural standards.
- It contains no more than 0.3% THC, as verified by its certificate of analysis (COA) – ensuring you don’t get any unwanted psychoactive effects.
- It’s cleared tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and molds, in line with the COA, safeguarding you from harmful contaminants.
- It’s undergone third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab, assuring an unbiased quality check.
Delving Deeper into the Details
But we didn’t stop at these basics. We delved further to shortlist products with the following factors in mind:
- The potency of each product, because when it comes to CBD, the dosage makes a difference.
- The ingredient list: we favored products with ingredients specifically known for stress relief.
- The company’s certifications and manufacturing processes to ensure the product comes from trusted, responsible sources.
- The reputation of each brand, including customer reviews, giving us a glimpse into real-life user experiences.
- A keen eye for red flags, like unsupported health claims about their products or a history of FDA warning letters.
Through this thorough and methodical approach, we’re confident that the products we’ve selected are of the highest quality.
Why Only Five Products in Our Guide?
In the landscape of CBD, options abound. You might stumble upon guides featuring 15, 20, or even more products. But let’s face it, isn’t that a bit excessive?
We understand that the wide array of choices can be overwhelming. And after analyzing dozens of merchants and hundreds of products on the market, we’ve found that high-quality CBD products are, in essence, pretty similar. Their differences often boil down to nuances in taste, nothing more.
So, we took a different approach. We wanted to curate a concise list that won’t drown you in a sea of seemingly endless choices.
So we’ve handpicked only five products. But make no mistake, these are not just any five products. They’re the cream of the crop, the top dogs, the… well, you get the point.
Every product on this list is of the highest quality and offers the best price-per-milligram ratio.
So you can be confident that you’re not just getting the best CBD – you’re also getting the best value for your money. Because we believe that when it comes to your health and wellness journey, less can truly be more.
Best 5 CBD Products Effective for Mood
PM Softgel Capsules
https://www.cbdmd.com/collections/cbd-capsules/products/pm-softgel-capsules?variant=45112858968360
The PM Softgel Capsules from cbdMD could help with mood by promoting better sleep quality. Research shows poor sleep exacerbates issues like anxiety and depression. The capsules contain CBD, CBN, melatonin, and relaxing herbs to regulate sleep cycles. Restorative sleep allows the brain to better manage stress and process emotions. Taken nightly, these capsules may improve sleep and in turn enhance mood and mental health.
1500mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil
https://cobocbd.com/product/1500mg-full-spectrum-cbd-oil/
The full spectrum CBD in this oil from COBO CBD may lift mood thanks to the entourage effect from THC, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds. Studies show full spectrum CBD is more effective for depression and anxiety than CBD isolate. The synergistic effects enhance CBD’s ability to boost serotonin and regulate the stress response. Taken daily, this CBD oil may help stabilize mood and relieve anxiety or depressive symptoms.
CBD Broad Spectrum Gummies
https://www.cbdmd.com/collections/cbd-gummies/products/cbd-gummy?variant=44968931918120
These THC-free CBD gummies from cbdMD offer a tasty way to boost mood. Studies show CBD can reduce anxiety levels and depressive behaviors. The gummies provide longer lasting relief, while their set doses simplify usage. Enjoy them as needed throughout the day for a mood lift. The additional terpenes may further enhance CBD’s anti-anxiety effects without any high.
CBDistillery CBD oil tincture
The full spectrum CBD oil from CBDistillery may improve mood and relieve anxiety thanks to the entourage effects from multiple cannabis compounds. Studies indicate full spectrum CBD is more potent for enhancing mood than CBD isolate. Taken sublingually, this oil provides fast absorption to regulate the stress response and boost serotonin levels when you’re feeling low or anxious.
Relax Blend Mushroom Tincture
https://cbdfx.com/products/cbd-unwind-mushroom-relax-blend-drops/
This tincture from CBDfx combines broad spectrum CBD and stress-relieving mushrooms like reishi to promote relaxation and positive mood. Studies show both CBD and adaptogenic mushrooms can regulate the stress response and reduce anxiety. The additional CBN and terpenes provide further calming effects. Taken daily, this natural formula may help stabilize mood and relieve anxiety without drowsiness.
What the Research Says About CBD and Mood
Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Molecular Targets and Epigenetic Insights from Preclinical Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33668469/
The article, published in 2021, explores the potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for anxiety and mood disorders. The research focuses on the molecular targets and epigenetic insights from preclinical studies, specifically highlighting CBD’s anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. The study emphasizes that CBD interacts with various molecular targets in the brain, including serotonin type 1A receptors, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and 2, and cannabinoid receptors, making it a promising agent for treating anxiety and mood disorders.
The outcomes of the article demonstrate that CBD has been tested in several animal models for anxiety and depression, showing promising results in decreasing anxiety and improving depressive-like behaviors. The anxiolytic effects of CBD have been highlighted in different experimental methods, including the elevated plus maze (EPM), social interaction (SI) test, and Vogel’s conflict test (VCT). The research also elaborates on CBD’s putative epigenetic mechanism of action, including effects on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression.
In simple terms, the research findings suggest that CBD has the potential to help improve and stabilize mood by interacting with specific parts of the brain. These interactions lead to effects that can reduce anxiety and depression, making CBD a promising substance for further investigation in the treatment of these disorders.
Evaluating cannabidiol (CBD) expectancy effects on acute stress and anxiety in healthy adults: a randomized crossover study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33813611/
The article, published in 2021, investigates the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on stress and anxiety, focusing on whether the expectancy of CBD’s effects alone could influence these conditions. The study involved 43 healthy adults who were administered CBD-free hempseed oil in a randomized crossover design. Participants were informed that the oil contained CBD in one session and that it was CBD-free in another. The study assessed heart rate variability and subjective state at various stages.
The outcomes of the research reveal that CBD expectancy was associated with increased sedation and changes in heart rate variability, consistent with heightened anticipatory stress regulation. However, there were no systematic changes in subjective stress or anxiety according to expectancy condition. Interestingly, participants who strongly believed that CBD has anxiety-reducing properties reported significantly diminished anxiety in the CBD expectancy condition.
These findings emphasize the role of expectancy in the effects of CBD, particularly for those who believe it is helpful for anxiety reduction. The study suggests that the belief in CBD’s anxiolytic properties alone can impact subjective and physiological responses, highlighting the importance of considering CBD-related expectancies in clinical research. This understanding may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies that leverage both the pharmacological and psychological aspects of CBD for improving and stabilizing mood, especially in the context of anxiety disorders.
Cannabidiol for Mood Disorders: A Call for More Research
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7918874/
The article, published in 2021, explores the potential role of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of mood disorders. The authors highlight the increasing interest in CBD, a nonpsychoactive compound of cannabis, for mood disorder treatment. They emphasize that CBD may interact with various neurotransmitter systems and induce changes associated with depression. However, the article reveals that clinical trials specifically testing CBD for mood disorders are not available, and the evidence is based on studies evaluating mood symptoms in different health conditions like chronic pain and multiple sclerosis.
The authors conclude that the evidence for CBD’s role in improving mood disorders is scarce, and the results are mixed. They stress the urgent need for well-conducted research on CBD as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder and bipolar depression. The current state of research does not seem promising, and the authors call for more research to provide adequate evidence.
How to Shop for CBD for Mood
For fast relief when feelings of anxiety, depression, or irritability flare up, CBD oils and gummies are recommended.
CBD Oil
Taken under the tongue, CBD oil offers the fastest absorption into the bloodstream to improve mood within minutes. The effects typically last for 2-3 hours. Oils also allow for easy dosage control.
CBD Gummies
While gummies take 30-45 minutes to kick in, they provide longer lasting mood enhancement over 4-6 hours. Gummies are also tasty, portable, and offer precise dosing. Look for fast-acting gummies to get faster relief.
CBD Capsules
Capsules release CBD more slowly, taking 60 minutes to start working. However, they offer simple and consistent dosing. Capsules can help maintain stable CBD levels for ongoing mood support.
Finding the Right Type of CBD
For mood, full or broad spectrum CBD maximizes benefits:
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD contains trace THC and an array of compounds that work synergistically to lift mood thanks to the entourage effect. However, full-spectrum poses a risk for failed drug tests.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD also provides entourage benefits but contains no THC. For those wanting to avoid even trace THC, broad-spectrum CBD enhances mood with no high.
Choosing a Moderate to High Potency
Higher potency CBD around 600-1000mg is recommended for significant mood concerns:
- Low potency (300mg) – Best for occasional mild symptoms
- Medium potency (600mg) – Better for moderate anxiety or depression
- High potency (1000mg) – Most effective for severe, chronic mood issues
Start low and increase the dosage over time to find your optimal amount. Discuss appropriate potency with your doctor.
FAQ
How does CBD help improve mood?
Studies show CBD can boost mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, similar to antidepressants. CBD also reduces inflammation and regulates the stress response, resulting in decreased anxiety and more positive emotions. Taking CBD oil daily or as needed can lift mood within 30-60 minutes.
What’s the best CBD format to use for anxiety and depression?
For fast relief of anxious thoughts or feelings, CBD oils and vapes are recommended for their quick absorption. CBD gummies and capsules also provide longer-lasting effects for ongoing mood support. Combine different formats like an oil for acute symptoms and gummies for maintenance.
What dose of CBD should be used for mood?
There’s no universal dose for mood. Many find benefits starting at 15-25mg CBD per day. For more severe depression or anxiety, higher doses around 50-100mg may be needed. Start low at 10mg and increase every 3-4 weeks until you find relief. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate dosage.
How long does it take for CBD to improve mood?
Vaped or sublingual CBD oils typically improve mood within 15-30 minutes. CBD capsules and edibles take 45-90 minutes to kick in. While acute symptoms improve quickly, it takes consistent daily usage over weeks to get the full mood-regulating impact.
Can I take CBD for mood along with antidepressants or anxiety medications?
You shouldn’t take CBD without first discussing with your doctor if you take prescribed mood medications. CBD may provide additional benefits, but may also interact with some drugs. Work closely with your healthcare provider on incorporating CBD into your treatment plan.
Is full spectrum CBD better than isolate for mood?
Full spectrum CBD may work better thanks to the entourage effect from THC and other cannabis compounds working synergistically. However, isolates are still effective and THC-free options. Broad spectrum CBD also provides entourage benefits without THC exposure.
Are there side effects or risks with taking CBD oil for mood?
CBD is very safe for most people. Minor side effects can include nausea, fatigue, irritability, or digestive issues. CBD may alter liver metabolism of certain drugs. Talk to your doctor before using CBD if you take any medications or supplements. Start with low doses and increase slowly.
Can CBD completely replace antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds?
No, CBD is not meant as a standalone replacement for prescribed mood medications, especially without medical guidance. However, CBD can allow some patients to lower traditional medication dosages over time. Work with your doctor on transitioning to CBD safely under supervision.
What evidence supports using CBD for mood disorders?
Multiple studies confirm CBD’s anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Brain scans show CBD impacts regions involved in mood regulation. CBD also improves stress resilience and emotions by interacting with serotonin, dopamine, and opioid receptors in the brain. More human research is still needed.
Are there natural supplements that can enhance CBD’s mood benefits?
Some supplements that may boost CBD’s effects include omega-3s for brain health, L-theanine for calming, passionflower for relaxation, and chamomile to ease anxiety. A healthy diet, exercise, meditation, and good sleep also complement CBD’s mood-regulating properties.