There has been a significant increase in the interest in CBD oil in the past few years. At least once a week we field a question about its use for anxiety, the most common of which is “Should I use CBD for my anxiety?” The short answer is “Maybe”.
It should be noted that there is still not significant research in the effects of CBD in the treatment of clinically interfering anxiety or OCD disorders. There are smaller studies (e.g., single case studies) and less statistically rigorous studies (e.g., correlational, small n-sizes) that lend some support for its use, but nothing as of 2019 that would I would find convincing for its use as a primary modality of treatment. Conversely, it may yet be shown to have usefulness in the future in this manner, and currently could play a role in an overall treatment protocol.
For those who use CBD, many report experiencing less anxiety (which can be a good thing) but could also mask a larger problem. An analogy would be using ibuprofen for headaches: it is useful for temporary, mild to moderate infrequent headaches. However, if one is experiencing pervasive, moderate to severe frequent headaches, it would be wise to check with a doctor to examine issues that may be causing the headaches.
Similarly, if one is resorting to regular use of CBD to combat anxiety, it may be wise to understand why the anxiety reoccurs. CBD may be a useful short-term solution for transient mild anxiety, but could mask clinically significant anxiety disorders if used regularly.