Cannabidiol (CBD) Products: Use Patterns and Perceptions Within a Sample of Anxious Users

Abstract

Introduction

Cannabidiol (CBD) shows promise for a variety of indications, including anxiety. Prior survey work indicates anxiety ranks as a top reason for which people use cannabidiol (CBD), but no work has evaluated individuals using CBD specifically for anxiety.

Method

The current study evaluated CBD product use patterns and perceptions within a sample of 81 participants (M_age = 32.63, SD_age = 12.99) who reported using CBD products for anxiety-related concerns within the past 30 days.

Results

Family and friends, followed by popular and scientific literature, were the most common sources informing participants’ decision to use CBD products to target anxiety. On average, participants reported using CBD products daily for at least a year and indicated it was very effective in targeting anxiety-related symptoms. The top three ranked symptoms improved by CBD products were subjective anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, and irritability. These findings were despite the fact that the most frequent dosing levels (∼50mg) were well below those empirically observed to yield anxiolytic effects. Most participants denied side effects, adding to the literature supporting CBD products’ safety and tolerability. Finally, participants were generally poorly informed about the nature of CBD products (e.g., distinction from THC), suggesting a need for consumer education.

Conclusion

Collectively, the current study extends prior survey work suggesting powerful expectancies about CBD products, particularly in terms of anxiety reduction, including among those using it to target anxiety-related symptoms. Findings also highlight the importance of addressing the gap between scientific and consumer knowledge.

Keywords:

• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• anxiety
• use patterns
• perceptions

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Parker Williams, Eric Mann, Ashley Miller, and Lauren Whitehouse for their invaluable assistance in the data sourcing and preparation for this project.

Authors’ contributions

L. Riley Gournay and Morgan Ferretti had full access to all of the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of its presentation. In addition to co-designing the study with L. Riley Gournay, Dr. Leen-Feldner provided supervisory support for data acquisition and analysis; Dr. Leen-Feldner, Danielle Fernandez, and Ivori Zvorsky contributed directly to the manuscript write-up.

Study concept and design: Gournay, Leen-Feldner.

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: Gournay, Ferretti, Leen-Feldner.

Drafting of the manuscript: All authors.

Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: All authors.

Administrative, technical, or material support: All authors.

Study supervision: Leen-Feldner.

Disclosure statement

The authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest.

Ms. Gournay reports a grant and non-financial support from the Canopy Growth Corporation outside the submitted work.

Ms. Ferretti reports personal fees from Canopy Growth Corporation outside of the submitted work.

Dr. Zvorsky reports personal fees and non-financial support from Canopy Growth Corporation at the time of data collection.

Ms. Fernandez reports no conflicts of interests.

Dr. Leen-Feldner reports a grant outside the submitted work and non-financial support from the Canopy Growth Corporation within the current study. At the time data were collected for the study, Dr. Leen-Feldner’s partner, Dr. Matthew Feldner, reports personal fees and non-financial support from Canopy Growth Corporation.

Notes

1 To increase participant matriculation amid the pandemic, compensation was increased after approximately 20 subjects had completed the survey from one commercial-grade bottle of CBD (∼a $70 value) to two commercial-grade bottles of CBD (∼a $140 value).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by CBD donated by Canopy Growth Corporation. Canopy Growth Corporation played no part in the design or conduct of the study; collection, management, or analysis of the data; preparation or approval of the manuscript; or decision to submit the manuscript for publication.