German CBD Consumers Report Mostly Positive Health Effects From Over-the-Counter Products | Research

The takeaway

A survey of 208 German CBD consumers found most were female (66%), aged 41–60, using CBD oil daily for over 3 months, with the majority reporting health-promoting effects — though the unregulated market raises quality concerns.

Regulators, pharmacists, healthcare providers counseling patients about OTC CBD, and CBD consumers.

What the researchers found

208 CBD consumers in Germany participated. The population was predominantly female (66%), aged 41–60 (46%), and chronic users (>3 months, at least daily). The principal mode was oil (36%). Consumers reported various health-promoting and therapeutic effects, with reasons for use spanning pain, sleep, anxiety, and general wellness.

Why it matters

Over-the-counter CBD is a massive and growing market, but consumer data about who is using it, why, and what effects they experience is surprisingly sparse. This German survey provides real-world consumer insights that can inform regulatory and clinical guidance.

The numbers in context

208 participants. 66% female. 46% aged 41–60. Chronic users (>3 months, daily minimum). Primary route: oil (36%). Recruited Feb–June 2023 via social media. Health-promoting effects reported by majority.

How the study worked

Explorative retrospective online survey accessible February–June 2023 via SoSci-Survey. Participants (n=208) recruited mainly through social internet platforms. Assessed reasons for consumption, health-promoting or therapeutic effects, and adverse effects.

What this study cannot tell us

Self-selected online sample recruited via social media — significant selection bias toward engaged CBD advocates. Small sample (n=208). Retrospective self-report of health effects. No verification of product contents or quality. German market context may differ from other countries.

How to read the evidence

Exploratory online survey with self-selected sample, providing useful descriptive data but with significant selection bias.

When this study was published

Published 2025, data from February–June 2023.

The bigger picture

The CBD consumer population is predominantly middle-aged women using products daily for chronic conditions — a demographic profile that differs from recreational cannabis users. Understanding this helps healthcare providers engage with patients who are likely already using CBD without medical guidance.

Questions still open

Are consumers using products with accurate CBD content and no contaminants? Would physician-guided CBD use produce better outcomes than self-directed use? How do German OTC CBD consumers compare to those in other markets?

Common questions

Who is using over-the-counter CBD in Germany?

Predominantly women (66%) aged 41–60, using CBD oil daily for more than 3 months. This profile suggests chronic health management rather than recreational or experimental use.

Do OTC CBD products actually work?

Most consumers in this survey reported positive health effects, but this is a self-selected sample (people who continue using CBD are more likely to respond). Without controlled studies of specific OTC products, effectiveness remains unconfirmed.

Read the original research

Over the counter CBD products in Germany: an exploratory survey about consumption patterns and health related effects.

Frontiers in pharmacology, 16, 1571025

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Weissgerber, Anaelle; Hermanns-Clausen, Maren; Lamy, Evelyn. (2025). Over the counter CBD products in Germany: an exploratory survey about consumption patterns and health related effects.. Frontiers in pharmacology, 16, 1571025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1571025