CBD (Cannabidiol): Research

Can CBD help with anxiety?

A 2024 review of 11 randomized trials found conflicting results across different anxiety settings and doses. It identified potential benefit, particularly with repeated treatment, while calling for more consistent trials. 1

A promising result with a specific formulation

A separate 15-week Indian trial randomized 178 adults with mild to moderate anxiety to nanodispersible CBD or placebo. Anxiety scores improved more with CBD. Several authors worked for the companies involved; independent replication and comparisons with ordinary formulations would help establish how widely the result applies. 2

AnxietyMixed

A positive formulation-specific trial sits alongside a heterogeneous, conflicting trial literature. 1 2

Does it improve insomnia?

In 30 adults with moderate to severe insomnia, 150 mg CBD nightly for two weeks did not improve insomnia severity or most reported sleep measures versus placebo. One objective sleep-efficiency measure favored CBD. This pilot leaves that secondary signal open for investigation without establishing a reliable insomnia treatment. 3

Sleep qualityMixed

Most sleep outcomes were similar to placebo; one objective measure improved. 3

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.