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

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.

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.

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 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.

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).