Self-reported use of cannabidiol as a substitute or adjunct for approved medications

Bibliographic Data

ID22071241
AuthorsEmily Austin (0000-0002-8967-9691, University of California San Diego), Emily A C Austin (0009-0000-2073-2119, University of California San Diego), Lara Berghammer (0000-0001-6298-7638, University of California San Diego), Shannon E Ellis (University of San Diego), Giovanni Appolon (0009-0009-9766-341X, University of California San Diego), Jenna Brooks (0000-0001-5828-8244, University of California San Diego), Nina M Rice (University of California San Diego), Prosperity Land (University of California San Diego), Siyuan Ping (University of California San Diego), Nora Satybaldiyeva (0000-0003-3774-791X, Stanford University), Igor Grant (Gobierno de Canarias), Eric Leas (0000-0001-9221-0336, University of California San Diego), Eric C Leas (University of California San Diego)
Year2026
Volume14
Pages1720348-1720348
Publication date2026-02-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2026.1720348
PMID41725772
OpenAlexW7128073414
LanguageEN
References cited43

Objective: To assess the prevalence of CBD use among US adults, identify the health conditions for which CBD is used, and examine whether CBD is used as a substitute or adjunct to conventional treatments. Design setting and participants: This cross-sectional survey used Ipsos KnowledgePanel®, a US probability-based online panel covering approximately 97% of US adults and including households without internet access (which are provided internet service and/or devices). Between October 25 and November 3, 2023, a random sample of 4,505 US adults was invited; 2,880 responded (63.9% completion) and 1,523 qualified (1,008 ever CBD users and 515 never users). The survey was administered in English and Spanish and weighted analyses provided nationally representative estimates. Exposures: Self-reported use of CBD as a substitute (replacement) for or adjunct (combined use) with another medication. Main outcomes and measures: Respondents reporting substitute or adjunct use listed specific health conditions and medications; these were coded using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) and RxNav, respectively. Results: An estimated 35.2% (95% CI, 32.7-37.9) of US adults (approximately 90.8 million) reported ever using CBD, and 21.8% (95% CI, 20.0-23.8) reported use in the past 12 months. Among ever CBD users, 32.0% (95% CI, 29.1-35.1) had used CBD as a substitute or adjunct for at least one medication. Adjunct use (24.2%; 95% CI, 21.5-27.1) was more common than substitute use (11.0%; 95% CI, 9.1-13.3). The conditions most frequently targeted were musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (e.g., joint pain; 10.1%; 95% CI, 8.4-12.2), psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety; 7.4%; 95% CI, 5.9-9.2), and general disorders or administration site conditions (e.g., procedural pain; 6.8%; 95% CI, 5.4-8.6). Frequently replaced or co-administered medications included ibuprofen (4.8, 95% CI: 3.6-6.3), Tylenol (3.9, 95% CI: 2.8-5.3), and other over-the-counter analgesics. Only a small proportion of CBD ever users reported ever having a health problem they believed resulted from CBD use (2.4%; 95% CI: 1.5-3.6). Conclusions and relevance: CBD use as a substitute or adjunct to medications was common among US adults particularly for pain medications. These patterns underscore the need for better evidence and clearer guidance on dosing, product quality, and co-use with other treatments

Adjunct · Alternative medicine · Cannabidiol · Drug · MEDLINE · Pharmacotherapy · Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research · Psychedelics and Drug Studies · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access