Nearly 3% of U.S. Adolescents Have Been Given CBD by Parents or Doctors

What the researchers found

Of 11,189 ABCD participants (ages 11–15), 307 (2.8%) were given health-related CBD. Top administration methods: oil (42%), topical (31%), edibles (29%). Higher odds of use associated with being older (OR 1.32), White (OR 5.97 vs Black), having internalizing symptoms (OR 1.81), mental health treatment (OR 1.76), pain (OR 1.38), sleep problems (OR 1.69), and parents having no strict anti-cannabis rules.

Why it matters

CBD products are being given to nearly 3% of adolescents for health reasons, often without strong evidence for effectiveness in children. The racial disparity (nearly 6× more common among White teens) and association with mental health symptoms highlight both access inequities and potential over-reliance on unregulated products.

The numbers in context

11,189 participants across 3 waves. 48% female. Mean age 12.8 years. 2.8% given health CBD. White vs Black OR = 5.97. White vs Hispanic OR = 1.82. Internalizing symptoms OR = 1.81. Mental health treatment OR = 1.76. Sleep problems OR = 1.69. Pain OR = 1.38.

How the study worked

ABCD Study population-based cohort following healthy community-based adolescents annually (2018–2022, ages 11–15, N=11,189). Adolescent and caregiver questionnaires assessed CBD use with parent/doctor permission. Generalized estimating equations predicted odds of health-related CBD use by mental health, physical health, and sociodemographic factors.

What this study cannot tell us

Self/caregiver reported CBD use without verification. Cannot confirm what products contained or their actual CBD/THC content. ABCD participants may not represent all U.S. adolescents. Cannot determine effectiveness of CBD for the conditions motivating use.

How to read the evidence

Large, nationally representative cohort study with population-based sampling and multi-wave data, providing strong epidemiological evidence.

When this study was published

Published 2025, data from 2018–2022.

The bigger picture

The large racial disparity in adolescent CBD access mirrors broader health equity issues. That nearly 3% of teens are receiving CBD — mostly commercial, not pharmaceutical — without robust pediatric evidence underscores the need for research to either validate or caution against this practice.

Questions still open

• Are adolescents being given CBD products that actually contain the labeled amounts? Are pediatricians aware their patients are using CBD? Would more evidence-based alternatives reduce CBD use for adolescent mental health?

Common questions

Read the original research

Commercial Cannabidiol for Community-Based Young Adolescents: Predicting Medicinal Use.

Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 10(2), e353-e361

Citation

Wade, Natasha E; Nguyen-Louie, Tam T; Wallace, Alexander L; Sullivan, Ryan M; Tapert, Susan F. (2025). Commercial Cannabidiol for Community-Based Young Adolescents: Predicting Medicinal Use.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 10(2), e353-e361. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2024.0015

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