The first meta-analysis of CBD prevalence found lifetime use at 28.9% in North America versus 12.8% in Europe, with daily use at 6.4% and 2.1% respectively, and clinical patients in Europe using more than the general public.
CBD industry researchers, public health officials, regulators
28.9% lifetime CBD use in North America vs. 12.8% in Europe
What the researchers found
CBD use was significantly more prevalent in North America than Europe across all time periods. In North America, lifetime prevalence was 28.9%, past-year 19.5%, past-month 12%, and daily 6.4%. In Europe, lifetime was 12.8%, past-year 17.6%, past-month 7.2%, and daily 2.1%. In Europe, clinical patients had higher past-year use (25.6%) than community samples (11.6%), while in North America the pattern reversed (community 26.1% vs. clinical 4.1%).
Why it matters
Despite the explosive growth of the CBD market, no prior systematic assessment of how many people actually use CBD existed. These numbers provide a baseline for tracking trends as regulations and products evolve.
The numbers in context
43 studies; 388,447 participants; 57.52% female; North America lifetime: 28.9% (95% CI: 0.20-0.39); Europe lifetime: 12.8% (95% CI: 0.06-0.25); North America daily: 6.4% (95% CI: 0.03-0.13); Europe daily: 2.1% (95% CI: 0.01-0.08)
How the study worked
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies (48 samples, n = 388,447) from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Prevalence estimated at five time periods for North America (30 studies) and Europe (13 studies) separately. Moderator analyses examined sex, data collection year, and sample type.
What this study cannot tell us
High heterogeneity across studies. Wide confidence intervals for some estimates. Different CBD products and legal definitions across countries. Studies span different years and regulatory environments.
How to read the evidence
Strong: large-scale meta-analysis with 388,447 participants across 43 studies, systematic search, and appropriate statistical methods.
When this study was published
2026 meta-analysis searching through March 2025.
The bigger picture
The reversal in clinical vs. community patterns between continents is notable: in Europe, sick people seek out CBD, while in North America, healthy people use it as a wellness product. This reflects different regulatory environments and cultural attitudes.
Questions still open
- Why is community CBD use so much higher in North America than Europe? Is the European clinical-driven pattern more medically appropriate? How has CBD prevalence changed since these data were collected?
Common questions
How many people use CBD?
Who uses CBD more, patients or healthy people?
Read the original research
The prevalence of cannabidiol (CBD) use in North America and Europe: A meta-analysis.
Addiction (Abingdon, England)
Citation
Weidberg, Sara; Iza-Fernández, Clara; Alemán-Moussa, Layla; Krotter, Andrea; González-Roz, Alba. (2026). The prevalence of cannabidiol (CBD) use in North America and Europe: A meta-analysis.. Addiction (Abingdon, England). https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70360
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