Unpacking CBD Use: Why Are People Turning to Cannabidiol?

With CBD products everywhere, public interest is soaring. But what's truly driving people to use CBD, especially for common concerns like stress, anxiety, and sleep? A recent study by Moltke and Hindocha surveyed nearly 400 CBD users to find out. 

 https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5

The Top Reasons for CBD Use:

The survey, primarily of UK-based women aged 25-54, revealed clear priorities:

• Anxiety (42.6%)
• Sleep Problems (42.5%)
• Stress (37%)
• General Health & Wellbeing (37%)

This confirms that mental well-being and sleep are key drivers for many users globally.

How Are People Using It?

Most users (54%) reported taking less than 50mg of CBD daily, often sublingually (72.6%). Interestingly, usage patterns varied with symptoms:

• Those using CBD for anxiety and stress often took it multiple times a day.
• Users seeking sleep improvement primarily took it in the evening.

Demographics and Dosing:

• Gender Differences: Women were more likely to use CBD for anxiety and insomnia, while men leaned towards general health and post-workout muscle soreness.
• Age Matters: Younger users (under 34) were more likely to use CBD for general health, stress, and anxiety, while older individuals (55+) more commonly used it for pain and arthritic conditions.
• Side Effects: A significant majority (71%) reported no side effects. Dry mouth (11%) was the most common, potentially indicating trace THC levels.

The Bigger Picture:

This study highlights a gap between clinical research (which often uses high doses) and real-world user practices (typically lower doses). It underscores the need for more research into how these common, lower doses of CBD truly impact everyday mental health concerns. For consumers, it also emphasizes the importance of clear product information and consistent quality in a rapidly evolving market.