Introduction <p>Cannabidiol (CBD) products are increasingly popular, marketed with health claims despite limited clinical evidence. This study investigates motives for CBD use in self-medication and explores sociodemographic characteristics and consumption patterns among regular users (at least monthly).</p> Methods <p>Cross-sectional data were collected via an online survey (January 15–March 15, 2023) in Germany using convenience sampling. Associations between the motive of use (self-medication vs. recreational), sociodemographic characteristics, and consumption patterns were assessed using cross-tabulations, with Chi-square tests (<i>x²</i>) and Cramér’s V (<i>V</i>) for effect sizes. Self-medication predictors were analyzed using logistic regression, reporting adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI).</p> Results <p>A total of 730 participants participated in the study, with 702 (96.2%) complete cases included in the final analysis. The sample comprised 78.8% males with a mean age of 34.9 years (mean <i>SD</i>: 11.4). Among those using CBD primary for self-medication (37.9%, <i>n</i> = 266), the most prevalent motives were sleeping problems (52.3%), chronic pain (47.4%), depression (45.5%), and anxiety (44.4%). Motives for use were significantly associated with gender (<i>x²</i>=18.4, <i>V</i> = 0.162, <i>p</i> &lt; .001), age (<i>x²</i>=42.3, <i>V</i> = 0.246, <i>p</i> &lt; .001) and occupation (<i>x²</i>=51.8, <i>V</i> = 0.272, <i>p</i> &lt; .001). In the adjusted logistic regression, older individuals (40–49 years, aOR: 1.97, CI: 1.05–3.70, <i>p</i> = .035; ≥50 years, aOR: 2.81, CI: 1.36–5.83, <i>p</i> = .005) and those unemployed or retired (aOR: 3.55, CI: 2.13–5.92, <i>p</i> &lt; .001) were more likely to use CBD for self-medication. Higher chances were also observed in once-daily users (aOR: 2.52, CI:1.23–5.13, <i>p</i> = .011), those consuming CBD morning and evening (aOR: 3.05, CI: 1.42–6.56, <i>p</i> = .004), and individuals using it when needed (aOR: 2.72, CI: 1.72–4.29, <i>p</i> &lt; .001). Smoking CBD mixed with tobacco (aOR: 0.37, CI: 0.22–0.62, <i>p</i> &lt; .001) or pure CBD (aOR: 0.55, CI: 0.30–0.99, <i>p</i> = .046) was negatively associated with self-medication.</p> Conclusion <p>This study identifies motives for CBD use in self-medication and examines associations with sociodemographic characteristics and consumption patterns. Clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy, focusing on dose-response, administration and drug interactions. In the interest of users, the legal status—especially considering the recent partial legalization—should be clearly defined.</p>

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Beyond the hype - who uses cannabidiol for self-medication – and why: a cross-sectional study in Germany

  • Eva-Maria Krowartz,
  • Carlotta Riemerschmid,
  • Stefanie J. Klug,
  • Luana F. Tanaka,
  • Eva-Hoch

摘要

Introduction

Cannabidiol (CBD) products are increasingly popular, marketed with health claims despite limited clinical evidence. This study investigates motives for CBD use in self-medication and explores sociodemographic characteristics and consumption patterns among regular users (at least monthly).

Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected via an online survey (January 15–March 15, 2023) in Germany using convenience sampling. Associations between the motive of use (self-medication vs. recreational), sociodemographic characteristics, and consumption patterns were assessed using cross-tabulations, with Chi-square tests () and Cramér’s V (V) for effect sizes. Self-medication predictors were analyzed using logistic regression, reporting adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 730 participants participated in the study, with 702 (96.2%) complete cases included in the final analysis. The sample comprised 78.8% males with a mean age of 34.9 years (mean SD: 11.4). Among those using CBD primary for self-medication (37.9%, n = 266), the most prevalent motives were sleeping problems (52.3%), chronic pain (47.4%), depression (45.5%), and anxiety (44.4%). Motives for use were significantly associated with gender (=18.4, V = 0.162, p < .001), age (=42.3, V = 0.246, p < .001) and occupation (=51.8, V = 0.272, p < .001). In the adjusted logistic regression, older individuals (40–49 years, aOR: 1.97, CI: 1.05–3.70, p = .035; ≥50 years, aOR: 2.81, CI: 1.36–5.83, p = .005) and those unemployed or retired (aOR: 3.55, CI: 2.13–5.92, p < .001) were more likely to use CBD for self-medication. Higher chances were also observed in once-daily users (aOR: 2.52, CI:1.23–5.13, p = .011), those consuming CBD morning and evening (aOR: 3.05, CI: 1.42–6.56, p = .004), and individuals using it when needed (aOR: 2.72, CI: 1.72–4.29, p < .001). Smoking CBD mixed with tobacco (aOR: 0.37, CI: 0.22–0.62, p < .001) or pure CBD (aOR: 0.55, CI: 0.30–0.99, p = .046) was negatively associated with self-medication.

Conclusion

This study identifies motives for CBD use in self-medication and examines associations with sociodemographic characteristics and consumption patterns. Clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy, focusing on dose-response, administration and drug interactions. In the interest of users, the legal status—especially considering the recent partial legalization—should be clearly defined.