A study published in Preventative Medicine Reports analyzed cannabidiol (CBD) use and found that approximately 10.5% of the US population ages 12 and older have consumed CBD within the past 30 days. Over the past decade, CBD has increased in popularity, and people report that it is generally a safe and effective way to manage pain, anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms.
The study analyzed data collected for the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Analysis showed that cannabis users reported higher rates of current CBD use than non-users. Respondents who identified as cannabis consumers were more likely to use CBD than those who did not. Women and participants who reported health problems were more likely to use CBD products as compared to other patient populations.
This pioneering study is one of the first studies to highlight the CBD use prevalence among the general United States population. The researchers believe it is important to implement public health education initiatives that educate the public about CBD consumption practices and safety issues.
CBD products have increased in popularity over the past decade, but regulations vary dramatically across states. Some legal markets are relatively unregulated, while others have complex cultivation, production, and retail regulations. Since there is no federal and universal policy to set safety and quality standards, CBD products vary in potency and quality depending on state policy.
Many states anticipate policy changes that will negatively impact CBD sales and consumption. For example, states like Tennessee and Louisiana are moving towards bans on hemp-derived products. Louisiana citizens and policymakers raised concerns about untested and unregulated products. Other potential changes include raising the minimum age of 18 to 21, restricting retail activities to state-approved dispensaries, and prohibiting sales of products at gas stations.
Although the medical community considers CBD generally safe, more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of certain strains, dosages, and modes of administration.
Sources: NORML, Preventative Medicine Reports
