Introduction: Estimated rates of past-month cannabidiol (CBD) use in the general public are 13–26% and emerging research examines CBD as a potential adjunct treatment for several medical conditions, including stress-related disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, and chronic pain). However, little is known about the effects of different CBD products on self-reported stress. The present study compared the effects of two delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-free CBD tincture products – (1) an isolate CBD oil and (2) a broad spectrum CBD oil – on self-ratings of effectiveness of the product and ability to manage stress.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study reports on a total of 374 participants who completed either a 30- or 60-day regimen. Participants were instructed to use a 1,000 mg CBD isolate product at will, and then switch over to a 1,000 mg broad spectrum product for the remainder of the regimen (i.e., next 15 or 30 days). Self-reported effectiveness of the product and its ability to help manage stress was compared between the isolate and broad spectrum products. We also examined overall impression, quality, taste, and adverse effects of each product.

Results: Overall, both products were rated to be highly effective and able to assist with stress management. Participants reported that the broad spectrum product’s effectiveness (p < 0.001) and ability to reduce stress (p < 0.001) as greater than the isolate product across both regimens. However, participants preferred the taste of the isolate product over that of the broad spectrum across regimens (p < 0.05). For the 30-day regimen, participants reported a more positive overall impression of the isolate as compared to the broad spectrum (p < 0.001); however, overall impression did not differ between the products in the 60-day regimen. There was no difference in adverse effects or quality between the products, across both regimens.

Conclusion: These results fit with prior studies suggesting anti-stress effects of CBD. Ratings were higher for the broad spectrum as compared to the isolate product, which is consistent with prior data suggesting that cannabinoids can work synergistically to maximize benefits. Nonetheless, more controlled studies are needed to explore these effects in nonclinical and clinical populations.