Disclosure: BDI.ie is run by the team behind Dr. Hemp Me and CBD Éire. Where we mention those brands, we have a commercial interest. More about who we are.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Anxiety is one of the main reasons people in Malta look into CBD. This guide explains, honestly, what research shows about CBD and anxiety, what Maltese and EU rules allow, how to use CBD safely if you choose to, and, most importantly, where to get support for anxiety in Malta.
If you need to talk to someone now, the national mental health helpline 1770 is available, and Appoġġ’s support line 179 is open 24 hours. In an emergency, call 112.
What the research shows
Some small studies have given volunteers a single dose of CBD, often 300mg or more, before a stressful task such as public speaking, and found lower anxiety scores than placebo at some doses. Studies in people with anxiety disorders are fewer, smaller and mixed. Those doses are many times higher than the servings in CBD food supplements, so the results cannot simply be applied to a bottle from a shop. No CBD supplement can legally claim to treat anxiety.
Is CBD legal in Malta?
Malta has one of Europe’s most distinctive cannabis frameworks. In 2021 it became the first EU country to legalise limited personal use of cannabis by adults: possession of up to 7 grams, growing up to four plants at home, and buying through licensed non-profit cannabis associations regulated by the Authority on the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC). That is separate from CBD. For CBD products, Maltese guidance treats non-intoxicating cannabinoids such as CBD as allowable in food supplements, cosmetics and wellness products when the finished product contains no more than 0.2% THC and complies with EU and Maltese product rules. Amendments in 2025 (Bill 128) aimed to define CBD and THC products more clearly and to keep synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC out of the legal CBD market. Rules are still evolving, so check current guidance before buying or selling.
Approaches with strong evidence
- Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
- Regular exercise, even brisk walking on the promenade most days.
- Sleep: regular times and a calm wind-down hour; Malta’s summer heat makes a cool bedroom especially important.
- Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol.
- Breathing techniques, practised daily.
- Medication prescribed by a doctor, for some people.
Getting help in Malta
- Your family doctor (GP) or a health centre.
- The national mental health helpline 1770.
- Appoġġ support line 179, available 24 hours.
- Mental health services through Malta’s public health system, including community mental health teams.
- Student counselling at the University of Malta and MCAST.
- Employee assistance programmes through many employers.
If you decide to try CBD
- Speak to your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you take antidepressants, anti-anxiety medicines or sleeping tablets.
- Choose a lab-tested product with THC not detected; THC can make anxiety worse.
- Stay within the label’s recommended daily serving.
- Use it consistently for a few weeks and keep a simple mood and sleep diary.
- Stop if you feel worse or notice side effects.
THC, HHC and anxiety
THC can trigger anxiety and panic in some people, especially at higher doses. Malta’s adult-use cannabis framework is separate from CBD, and cannabis is not a treatment for anxiety. Semi-synthetic cannabinoids such as HHC have been linked to panic attacks and hospital visits across Europe; avoid them.
Our position
BDI.ie is run by the team behind Dr. Hemp Me, which has a Maltese shop at drhempme.mt. We do not claim CBD treats anxiety. If anxiety is affecting your life, please start with your doctor or one of the support lines above.
Choosing a strength and type
CBD oils sold in Malta usually range from about 5% to 30%. A 10% oil (1,000mg in 10ml) gives roughly 5mg of CBD per drop, which makes small, measured amounts easy, so many first-time buyers start there. Higher strengths are not stronger in effect, only more concentrated: fewer drops, and often a lower price per milligram. Full spectrum extracts keep a wide range of hemp compounds, broad spectrum extracts have THC removed, and isolates are CBD on its own. Whatever the label says, the lab report is what matters: check the CBD content matches the bottle and that THC is within the legal limit or not detected. Follow the recommended daily serving on the label and do not exceed it.
The EU picture in brief
Across the EU, CBD sits in a grey area. No CBD food or supplement has yet been authorised under the EU novel food rules, so each country decides how strictly to enforce them, which is why rules differ so much between neighbours. Hemp may be grown with up to 0.3% THC in the plant. In 2020 the EU Court of Justice ruled in the Kanavape case that CBD is not a narcotic and that member states should not ban CBD lawfully produced elsewhere in the EU without good reason. CBD cosmetics are generally allowed across the EU. Rules are changing quickly, so check official sources before you buy or travel.
Six checks before you buy, anywhere
- An independent lab report with a batch number matching your product.
- THC not detected (or below the local legal limit).
- CBD stated in milligrams per bottle and per serving.
- A full label in a language you understand, with the business address.
- No medical claims.
- A seller with real contact details in the EU.
Travelling with CBD to or from Malta
Before travelling, check the rules in your destination and any country you pass through. Keep CBD in its original labelled packaging, carry a copy of the lab report, and follow airport liquid limits. Never travel with hemp flower or any product containing THC, HHC or other controlled cannabinoids. Some countries outside the EU treat any cannabis-derived product as a serious drug offence.
Using CBD safely
- Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take any medication; CBD can interact with some medicines.
- Keep within the recommended daily serving on the label.
- CBD is not recommended in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or for children.
- Do not drive if it makes you drowsy.
- CBD supplements cannot claim to treat any illness.
Recognising anxiety
Everyday worry is normal. An anxiety disorder is different: the worry is persistent, hard to control and gets in the way of work, study, relationships or sleep. Physical symptoms can include a racing heart, tight chest, dizziness, stomach upset and breathlessness. Panic attacks can feel frightening and may be mistaken for heart problems. A doctor can check for physical causes, such as thyroid problems or too much caffeine, and help you find the right support.
A simple daily routine
- Get outside early in the day for daylight and a short walk.
- Eat regular meals and drink enough water, especially in summer.
- Keep coffee to the morning.
- Set a short “worry time” each day to write worries down.
- Practise slow breathing, in for four and out for six, twice a day.
- Keep regular bed and wake times, even at weekends.
- Talk to someone you trust about how you feel.
Supporting someone with anxiety
Listen without rushing to fix things, avoid telling them to “just relax”, encourage them to see a doctor, and offer to help book or attend an appointment. Look after your own wellbeing too.
Young people
CBD food supplements are not intended for under-18s. Young people in Malta who are struggling can talk to their family doctor, school or university counselling services, or call Kellimni.com, Appoġġ 179 or the 1770 helpline. Reaching out early makes a real difference, and nobody has to face anxiety alone.
Small, steady steps and the right support help most people feel much better over time.
Frequently asked questions
Does CBD help anxiety?
Research is limited and mixed, and many studies used doses far above supplement servings. CBD supplements cannot claim to treat anxiety.
Where can I get help for anxiety in Malta?
Your GP, the 1770 mental health helpline, and Appoġġ’s 24-hour support line 179.
Is CBD legal in Malta?
Yes, when the finished product contains no more than 0.2% THC and meets EU and Maltese rules.
Can I take CBD with antidepressants?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist first because of possible interactions.
Can CBD make anxiety worse?
CBD itself is not intoxicating, but products containing THC can increase anxiety.
How much CBD should I take?
Keep within the recommended daily serving on the label.
Is cannabis a treatment for anxiety?
No. THC can worsen anxiety in some people.
What works best for anxiety?
Talking therapies, exercise, good sleep and, for some people, prescribed medication.
Related guides
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. CBD products sold in Ireland are food supplements or cosmetics, not medicines. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before using CBD, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.