Pilot Study Finds Hemp-Derived CBD May Reduce Anxiety Symptoms

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Hemp-derived CBD oil may help lessen symptoms of anxiety, a recently published pilot study demonstrated (1). Affecting more than a third of adults in the US, anxiety is of the most common symptoms reported to be treated by cannabis, the study notes. The researchers in this investigation tested a full-spectrum, high-CBD hemp extract the similar to formulations and doses available commercially on symptoms of anxiety. The pilot study, “Clinical and Cognitive Improvement Following Treatment with a Hemp-Derived, Full-Spectrum, High-Cannabidiol Product in Patients with Anxiety: An Open-Label Pilot Study,” was published in Biomedicines in August 2025.

Study Design: Testing Hemp-Derived CBD for Anxiety Relief

The study involved 12 patients aged 22–64 years old, all reporting moderate symptoms of anxiety, scoring at least 16 on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Most patients had some history of cannabis use, but no other cannabis products were allowed to be used during the six-week trial period.

Patients recorded their mood weekly and completed weekly check ins with clinical staff assessing levels of anxiety. The OASIS, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale were used to measure anxiety symptom severity and changes. Additionally, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to measure sleep disturbances, and the Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 Item measured quality of life. Executive function and memory, plus verbal learning and memory were measured at baseline at six weeks using the Multi Source Interference Test (MSIT) and other tests.

CBD Dosage and Product Formulation

The CBD used in the study, a proprietary genetic from cannabis brand Charlotte’s Web, was a hemp-derived, full-spectrum, high-CBD sublingual product with a formulation close to many products available commercially. The formulation contained 31.52 mg/mL CBD, 0.77 mg/mL THC, and small amounts of other cannabinoids including cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC). Participants deposited 0.5 mL of the solution under the tongue twice per day for a target consumption of 30 mg of CBD each day.

Results: CBD Effects on Anxiety, Mood, and Cognition

Significant reductions in all assessments of anxiety compared to baseline were seen by the end of six weeks. Specific results include:

• After one week of treatment, all anxiety ratings were reduced significantly
• Following one week, 92% of patients achieved at least a 15% reduction on the BAI
• After two weeks, 100% of patients had achieved and then maintained treatment response

Improvements in mood, sleep, and quality of life after six weeks were also reported by the patients. These changes included:

• Reduced depression symptoms
• Increased positive affect and reduced negative affect
• Quality of life improvements included subscales of emotional problems, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, and social functioning

Cognition also improved after six weeks, specifically faster response times and higher accuracy in some assessments, though visual memory and verbal learning and memory stayed the same.

Limitations and Next Steps in CBD Anxiety Research

Overall, the CBD product was well tolerated, no serious side effects were reported, and most patients reported they would try the product again. Limitations of the study included a small sample size, demographically similar participants, and the presence of additional cannabinoids in the formula, which could affect changes in behavior. Additionally, this was an open-label study, leading to the possibility of a placebo effect.

Ultimately, the researchers concluded that the study provided preliminary evidence for CBD in the treatment of anxiety. “Given the potential benefits observed in this trial, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of hemp-derived high-CBD products are warranted to obtain robust data regarding the safety and efficacy of CBD-containing products for anxiety,” they added.

Reference

1. Smith, RT.; Dahlgren, MK.; Sagar, KA.; Kosereisoglu, D.; Gruber, SA. Clinical and Cognitive Improvement Following Treatment with a Hemp-Derived, Full-Spectrum, High-Cannabidiol Product in Patients with Anxiety: An Open-Label Pilot Study. Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1874. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13081874