Autistic adults in the UK were more than three times as likely to use CBD as non-autistic adults

Autistic participants were more likely to use CBD (OR=3.52, p=0.002) and used it on more days (34 vs. 17 days/year). Cannabis use rates did not differ between groups. Autistic participants trusted doctors less as cannabinoid information sources (p=0.003) and endorsed barriers to support-seeking: worry about not being understood (OR=3.25), unfamiliar settings (OR=5.29), and crowded/chaotic places (OR=9.79).

Cross-sectional online survey of UK adults. Propensity score matching on age, gender, and ethnicity produced 166 matched participants (autistic and controls). Primary analysis used propensity-matched sample with triangulation against full sample (269 participants).

CBD is being widely marketed for anxiety and sensory issues that overlap with autistic experiences, yet this population faces unique barriers to getting reliable information. The finding that autistic adults trust doctors less for cannabinoid guidance points to a communication gap.

The combination of higher CBD use and lower trust in medical guidance creates a situation where autistic adults may be self-treating with CBD without clinical support. Addressing the specific barriers identified here (unfamiliar settings, crowded places) could improve healthcare access.

Self-reported autism diagnosis. Online survey with self-selection bias. UK-specific. Relatively small matched sample. Cannot determine why autistic adults use more CBD (self-medication vs. other reasons).