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

## TL;DR

This study explores why people in Germany use cannabidiol (CBD) for self-medication, finding common reasons like sleep issues, chronic pain, and anxiety, and how this use is linked to age, occupation, and consumption habits.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical insights into CBD self-medication motives and their sociodemographic and behavioral associations in Germany.

## Key findings

- The most common self-medication motives for CBD use were sleep problems, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety.
- Older individuals and those unemployed or retired were more likely to use CBD for self-medication.
- CBD consumption patterns, such as frequency and timing, were significantly associated with self-medication motives.

## Abstract

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).

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 (x²) 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).

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 (x²=18.4, V = 0.162, p < .001), age (x²=42.3, V = 0.246, p < .001) and occupation (x²=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.

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.