ArticleJournal of cannabis research2025
Beyond the hype - who uses cannabidiol for self-medication - and why: a cross-sectional study in Germany.
Article in Journal of cannabis research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Sex differences in the disposition of cannabidiol and its metabolites in mice.Journal of cannabis research · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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Abstract
introductionCannabidiol (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).
methodsCross-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).
resultsA 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.
conclusionThis 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.
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