Young adults who preferred CBD products also used more illicit drugs, especially psilocybin | Research

The takeaway

Among 239 young adult cannabis users in Los Angeles, those preferring CBD-dominant products were more likely to be female, use cannabis less frequently, report medical motivations and pain, and also report more illicit drug use, particularly psilocybin.

CBD researchers, young adult health providers, substance use epidemiologists

CBD-dominant users had markedly higher psilocybin use than THC-dominant users

What the researchers found

CBD-dominant users were more likely female, used cannabis at lower frequency and amount (except edibles), cited medical motivations, used cannabis for pain, and reported more health problems. Unexpectedly, CBD-dominant users were also more likely to report illicit drug use, with psilocybin use markedly higher between groups. Oil, flower, topicals, and tinctures were the most common CBD forms.

Why it matters

The profile of CBD-dominant users as health-motivated with more medical conditions but also higher illicit drug use suggests a self-medication pattern that extends beyond cannabis to other substances perceived as therapeutic.

The numbers in context

239 participants ages 24-32; CBD-dominant users more likely female; used cannabis less frequently except edibles; higher illicit drug use especially psilocybin; pain and psychological problems most cited reasons for CBD use

How the study worked

Cross-sectional survey of 239 young adults (ages 24-32) who used cannabis in Los Angeles, surveyed March 2019 through March 2020. Compared CBD-dominant (at least 1:1 CBD:THC) and THC-dominant product users on demographics, cannabis practices, health, and other drug use.

What this study cannot tell us

Cross-sectional design in a single city (Los Angeles). Self-reported data. Small sample for subgroup comparisons. CBD product quality and actual CBD/THC ratios were not verified.

How to read the evidence

Cross-sectional survey with reasonable sample size but limited to one city and self-reported product characterization.

When this study was published

Published in 2021 using 2019-2020 survey data.

The bigger picture

The association between CBD preference and psilocybin use may reflect a broader wellness-oriented approach to substance use among young adults who seek out specific pharmacological properties rather than intoxication.

Questions still open

Are CBD-dominant users drawn to psilocybin for similar therapeutic reasons? Does the illicit drug use reflect broader openness to unconventional treatments, or does it indicate a pattern of escalating self-medication?

Common questions

Why would CBD users also use more illicit drugs?

The researchers suggest this may reflect self-medication for psychological conditions. CBD-dominant users reported more health problems and medical motivations, suggesting they may be seeking relief through multiple substances perceived as therapeutic.

What forms of CBD were most popular?

Oil, flower, topicals, and sprays/drops/tinctures were the most common CBD forms. Psychological problems and pain were the most commonly reported reasons for CBD use.

Read the original research

Cannabidiol (CBD) and other drug use among young adults who use cannabis in Los Angeles.

Drug and alcohol dependence, 221, 108648

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Fedorova, Ekaterina V; Wong, Carolyn F; Ataiants, Janna; Iverson, Ellen; Conn, Bridgid M; Lankenau, Stephen E. (2021). Cannabidiol (CBD) and other drug use among young adults who use cannabis in Los Angeles.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 221, 108648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108648