One in Three U.S. Adults Has Tried CBD; Delta-8 THC Use Reaches 7.7% | Research

The takeaway

A nationally representative survey found 35% of U.S. adults have used CBD, 7.7% have used delta-8 THC, and most cannabinoid users (except delta-8) report medical rather than recreational motivations.

Public health officials, regulators, clinicians, and anyone tracking cannabinoid product use trends in the U.S.

What the researchers found

Lifetime CBD use was 35.2%, delta-8 THC 7.7%, CBN 4.5%, CBG 1.3%, HHC 1.5%. CBD was used primarily for medical reasons (71.9% medical vs. 47.1% recreational), while delta-8 THC was used primarily for recreation (76.1% recreational vs. 50.9% medical). Top medical reasons across cannabinoids were anxiety, pain, and insomnia.

Why it matters

The Farm Bill-enabled cannabinoid market has expanded rapidly but population-level data on who uses which products and why has been scarce. This study provides the first comprehensive nationally representative snapshot of use across five distinct cannabinoids.

The numbers in context

CBD: 35.2% lifetime use (71.9% medical, 47.1% recreational). Delta-8 THC: 7.7% (50.9% medical, 76.1% recreational). CBN: 4.5%. CBG: 1.3%. HHC: 1.5%. Top CBD medical reasons: anxiety (14.7%), pain (13.1%), joint pain (11.2%). Top delta-8 medical reasons: anxiety (18.6%), pain (15.2%), insomnia (10.7%).

How the study worked

Cross-sectional survey of 1,523 adults using the probability-based Ipsos KnowledgePanel, representative of 97% of U.S. households. Medical reasons were coded using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. Multivariable logistic regression assessed demographic and health behavior correlates.

What this study cannot tell us

Lifetime use does not indicate current or regular use. Self-reported motivations may not reflect actual pharmacological effects. Users may not accurately know which cannabinoids their products contain. Survey was conducted at a single time point (October-November 2023).

How to read the evidence

Probability-based nationally representative sample with validated coding of medical reasons, though cross-sectional design and self-report introduce typical survey limitations.

When this study was published

Published 2025, survey conducted October-November 2023.

The bigger picture

The high prevalence of CBD use and the emergence of delta-8 THC as the second most popular cannabinoid product reflect a rapidly evolving consumer landscape operating largely outside traditional drug regulation. The medical motivation data suggests many users are self-treating conditions that might benefit from clinical guidance.

Questions still open

How many of these lifetime users are currently active users
Whether self-treating for anxiety and pain with cannabinoids substitutes for or complements conventional medical care

Common questions

What is delta-8 THC and why is it so popular?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid typically derived from hemp CBD through chemical conversion. It produces psychoactive effects similar to but milder than regular (delta-9) THC. Its popularity surged after the 2018 Farm Bill because it occupies a legal gray area in many states.

Why do people use CBD and delta-8 for different reasons?

CBD does not produce a high, so people tend to seek it for symptom relief (pain, anxiety, sleep). Delta-8 THC does produce psychoactive effects, which explains why more users report recreational motivation, though half also cite medical reasons.

Read the original research

Prevalence and reasons for using cannabidiol, delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, cannabigerol, and hexahydrocannabinol among US adults.

Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 100

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Satybaldiyeva, Nora; Yang, Kevin H; Kepner, Wayne; Ferran, Karen; Leas, Eric C. (2025). Prevalence and reasons for using cannabidiol, delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, cannabigerol, and hexahydrocannabinol among US adults.. Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 100. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00359-8