In a large European survey, 42% of cannabis users also used CBD, with overlapping motives suggesting CBD could play a harm-reduction role.
Harm reduction advocates; European drug policy researchers; CBD market analysts.
42.3% of cannabis users also used CBD products
What the researchers found
Among 35,789 cannabis users, 42.3% also used CBD. CBD co-use was associated with therapeutic cannabis motives. Motive correlation rho=0.49. Four distinct co-user profiles emerged.
Why it matters
If cannabis and CBD users have overlapping motives, CBD could serve as a lower-risk alternative for some use patterns.
The numbers in context
35,789 cannabis users. 42.3% co-used CBD. Motive correlation: rho=0.49 (p<0.001). Four co-user profiles identified.
How the study worked
Third wave of the European Web Survey on Drugs across 30 countries. Multilevel logistic regression, tetrachoric correlations, hierarchical cluster analysis.
What this study cannot tell us
Web survey self-selection bias. Self-reported motives. Cross-sectional. CBD product quality not verified.
How to read the evidence
Large multi-country survey with self-selection bias.
When this study was published
2025 study
The bigger picture
The data supports exploring whether guided CBD substitution could reduce cannabis-related harms.
Questions still open
- Could CBD actually substitute for cannabis for some users? Which profiles benefit most from harm reduction?
Common questions
Why do cannabis users also use CBD?
Could CBD replace cannabis?
Read the original research
Relationships Between Motives for Cannabis and Cannabidiol Use in People Who Co-Use: Results From the European Web Survey on Drugs.
Drug and alcohol review, 44(6), 1666-1679
Citation
Fortin, Davide; Leroy, Vincent; Carrieri, Patrizia; Matias, João; Barré, Tangui. (2025). Relationships Between Motives for Cannabis and Cannabidiol Use in People Who Co-Use: Results From the European Web Survey on Drugs.. Drug and alcohol review, 44(6), 1666-1679. https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.14090
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