CBD Use Is Far More Common Among Marijuana Users Than Non-Users

Current CBD use was 10.5% overall in the U.S. population. Among current marijuana users, 40.7% also used CBD in the past 30 days, compared to 32.2% of past-year marijuana users, 19.1% of ever-users, and only 5.1% of never-marijuana-users. Females, adults, White individuals, and those with fair/poor health status were more likely to use CBD.

Analysis of the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey. Descriptive analyses assessed CBD use prevalence by marijuana use status, and adjusted logistic regression examined demographic predictors of CBD use.

CBD products are often marketed as distinct from marijuana, but this analysis shows that CBD use is heavily concentrated among people who also use marijuana. This challenges the assumption that CBD users are a separate population and has implications for how public health messaging about CBD is targeted.

The overlap between CBD and marijuana use populations suggests that many people may be using CBD as part of a broader cannabis regimen rather than as an isolated wellness product. Public health initiatives may need to address CBD and marijuana use together rather than treating them as separate behaviors.

Cross-sectional survey data cannot establish why CBD use is higher among marijuana users. Self-reported use without verification of actual CBD product contents. NSDUH captures prevalence but not detailed product information, dosing, or reasons for use.