Nearly 3% of U.S. Adolescents Have Been Given CBD by Parents or Doctors
In the ABCD Study of over 11,000 adolescents, 2.8% were given commercial CBD for health reasons — primarily for mental health, pain, and sleep — with use more common among White teens, those with internalizing symptoms, and families with more permissive cannabis attitudes.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Large, nationally representative cohort study with population-based sampling and multi-wave data, providing strong epidemiological evidence.
- Study Age:
- Published 2025, data from 2018–2022.
- Original Title:
- Commercial Cannabidiol for Community-Based Young Adolescents: Predicting Medicinal Use.
- Published In:
- Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 10(2), e353-e361 (2025)
- Authors:
- Wade, Natasha E(18), Nguyen-Louie, Tam T(2), Wallace, Alexander L(14), Sullivan, Ryan M, Tapert, Susan F
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07894
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I give my child CBD for anxiety or sleep?
This study shows many parents are doing so, but evidence for commercial CBD effectiveness in adolescent mental health is limited. Epidiolex (pharmaceutical CBD) is only approved for specific epilepsies. Discuss with your pediatrician before using commercial CBD products for children.
Why is CBD use so much more common among White teens?
The 6× higher odds among White vs Black adolescents likely reflect differences in access to CBD products, cultural attitudes toward cannabis-derived products, and healthcare provider discussions about complementary treatments.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07894APA
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
MLA
Wade, Natasha E, et al. "Commercial Cannabidiol for Community-Based Young Adolescents: Predicting Medicinal Use.." Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2024.0015
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Commercial Cannabidiol for Community-Based Young Adolescents..." RTHC-07894. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/wade-2025-commercial-cannabidiol-for-communitybased
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.