French national survey finds 10% of adults use CBD, with most considering it harmless | Research

The takeaway

In a nationally representative French survey, 10.1% of adults used CBD, 69.2% had heard of it, and less than half of those who knew about CBD considered it harmful, with users tending to be younger and to also use tobacco and cannabis.

European policymakers, public health professionals, and CBD consumers interested in population-level use patterns.

10% of French adults use CBD; most consider it harmless

What the researchers found

10.1% of French adults used CBD and 69.2% had heard of it. Less than half (46.8%) of those aware of CBD considered it harmful. CBD use was associated with younger age, tobacco use, cannabis use, poor self-reported health, and positive perception of alternative medicines. Four distinct CBD user profiles emerged from cluster analysis.

Why it matters

As CBD products proliferate across Europe with inconsistent regulation, understanding who uses them and how they perceive them is essential for developing appropriate consumer protections.

The numbers in context

1,969 adults surveyed; 10.1% used CBD; 69.2% had heard of it; 46.8% of aware adults considered it harmful. CBD use associated with tobacco use, cannabis use, younger age, and poor self-reported health.

How the study worked

Online survey of 1,969 French adults in December 2021, with a sample structure matching the French adult population for key demographics. Three regression analyses and hierarchical cluster analysis performed.

What this study cannot tell us

Online survey may not reach all demographics. Self-reported CBD use not verified. CBD product contents not confirmed. Cross-sectional design. French-specific findings may not generalize to other EU countries.

How to read the evidence

Nationally structured survey with appropriate statistical methods, but online format and self-report are limitations.

When this study was published

Published in 2022 with survey data from December 2021.

The bigger picture

The finding that CBD users tend to have poor self-reported health and positive views of alternative medicine suggests CBD is being used as a self-medication strategy, often outside conventional healthcare frameworks.

Questions still open

Are French CBD users getting products of consistent quality? Does the association with cannabis use suggest CBD is a gateway or a substitute? Would clearer regulation change use patterns or perceptions?

Common questions

How popular is CBD in France?

About 10% of French adults reported using CBD, and nearly 70% had heard of it. This suggests CBD has achieved widespread awareness and significant adoption in France.

Who uses CBD in France?

CBD users tended to be younger, use tobacco and cannabis, report poorer general health, and have positive attitudes toward alternative medicines. Four distinct user profiles emerged, suggesting CBD appeals to different groups for different reasons.

Read the original research

Cannabidiol use and perceptions in France: a national survey.

BMC public health, 22(1), 1628

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Casanova, Clémence; Ramier, Clémence; Fortin, Davide; Carrieri, Patrizia; Mancini, Julien; Barré, Tangui. (2022). Cannabidiol use and perceptions in France: a national survey.. BMC public health, 22(1), 1628. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14057-0