CBD Statistics 2026-2027

CBD Statistics 2026: What the Data Reveals About Usage, Demographics, and Clinical Evidence

A data-driven guide to CBD adoption rates, consumer demographics, health use cases, and the latest clinical research findings

Key Statistics at a Glance

60% — Of U.S. adults have tried CBD; 29% are regular users
90% — Of adults aged 77+ use CBD, vs. 32% of those aged 18–25
64% — Of CBD users cite pain relief as their primary reason
75% — Of CBD users report it effectively helps manage their symptoms
44% — Reduction in seizures in Epidiolex FDA clinical trials
8% — Of drug-resistant epilepsy patients achieved 50%+ seizure reduction with CBD
6% — Of healthy adults developed liver enzyme elevations in FDA-conducted CBD trial
67% — Of CBD users report taking it for anxiety relief
5% — CBD usage prevalence among adults in the Asia-Pacific region

In-Depth Analysis of Data, Trends and Facts

60% of U.S. Adults Have Tried CBD — Regular Use Jumped from 6% to 29% Since 2018

The scale of CBD adoption in the United States is one of the most dramatic consumer wellness shifts in recent decades. Neurogan’s 2026 CBD statistics — compiling data from Forbes Health, Consumer Reports, and peer-reviewed research — document that 60% of U.S. adults have tried or currently use a CBD product, with 29% classified as regular users. That regular-use figure was just 6% in 2018 — a nearly 5× increase in six years.

The age breakdown defies what many assume about CBD:

18–25 year-olds: 32% report CBD use — the lowest of any adult age group
Adults 77 and older: nearly 90% report using CBD — the highest of any group
This is a reversal from 2019, when young adults (11%) outnumbered seniors (4%) in CBD use
1 in 7 adults has incorporated CBD into their daily routine
64 million Americans tried CBD in the 24 months prior to 2019 (Consumer Reports)

Gender differences in CBD use are equally revealing:

10% of men are regular users vs. 4% of women — men have higher overall usage rates
Women use CBD more for mental wellness: 53% for stress and anxiety vs. 47% of men
42% of women use CBD for chronic pain, vs. 36% of men
28% of men take CBD for social purposes, vs. 15% of women

The older adult shift is the most clinically important signal in the data. Seniors are adopting CBD at near-universal rates, predominantly on medical advice — 73% of adults aged 77+ use CBD based on a doctor recommendation, compared to 35% of young adults. CBD has quietly become a geriatric wellness staple.

64% Use CBD for Pain, 49% for Anxiety, 42% for Sleep — 75% Say It Works

Why people choose CBD matters as much as how many use it. SingleCare’s CBD survey data — conducted with a nationally representative sample — reveal that nearly 62% of CBD users take it for a medical purpose, with pain being the most common condition treated at 64%. The next most common uses are:

Anxiety and stress: 49% of users
Insomnia and sleep disorders: 42% of users
Joint pain specifically: 79% of respondents in one survey cited joint pain as their reason for CBD use
Recreational use: only 12% — the large majority of use is health-oriented

Effectiveness ratings show 75% of CBD users say it helps manage their symptoms. Of those, 48% find it very or extremely effective. Breaking it down by condition:

Stress and anxiety users: 63% say CBD works very well
Joint pain users: 38% report it is helpful
Sleep users: 52% say CBD works for better rest
36% say CBD treats their condition effectively on its own, without other supplements or medications
Only 4.3% report CBD is not very effective for their condition

The gap between the 75% effectiveness satisfaction rate and the 32% who said CBD was not effective in a separate study reflects the high variability in CBD product quality, dosing, and individual response. Without standardized dosing and FDA-regulated manufacturing, consumer results vary dramatically — even for the same condition.

44% of CBD Users Prefer Oil or Tincture Form — 18% of Users Are Aged 18–29

Consumer behavior data illuminates not just who uses CBD, but how they use it. Wifitalents’ verified CBD statistics report — fact-checked and last verified February 2026 — compile the product preference and demographic data that shapes the CBD marketplace:

44% of CBD users consume it in oil or tincture form — the most popular delivery method
18% of U.S. CBD users are aged 18–29
33% of all U.S. citizens have tried CBD at least once
64% of CBD consumers own at least one pet — the pet wellness market is a significant subset
CBD web searches grew 125.9% from 2016 to 2017 and 160.4% from 2017 to 2018 (JAMA Network) — early awareness curve data

Product form breakdown from the SingleCare consumer survey: nearly half of CBD users prefer oils/tinctures, lotions/balms, and gummies — a distribution that reflects both oral and topical application preferences. A growing segment favors CBD-infused edibles. Among those hesitant to try CBD:

30% struggled to find a product that appealed to them
1 in 4 people were not familiar with CBD; 20% were hesitant to try it
16% felt CBD was too expensive; 13% were deterred by potential side effects

The product form preference data matters commercially: oil and tincture dominance reflects CBD’s bioavailability advantages — oral absorption via sublingual application is faster and more consistent than edibles. Gummies and edibles are growing, however, primarily because they are more palatable for first-time users and older adults.

7.5% CBD Usage Rate in Asia-Pacific — 35% of APAC Users Are Aged 35–54

While CBD’s U.S. story dominates the data, global adoption patterns reveal a different picture — particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Market.us’s cannabidiol statistics document the APAC landscape in detail:

5% — prevalence of CBD use among adults 18+ in the Asia-Pacific region
60% of APAC adults are aware of CBD and its potential health benefits
42% of APAC CBD users take it as a natural remedy for health conditions
35% of APAC users are aged 35–54 — the dominant age group
28% of APAC users are aged 18–34
47% of APAC users prefer CBD oil or tinctures — consistent with U.S. preferences
68% of APAC consumers are aware that CBD regulations vary significantly across countries in the region

The 7.5% APAC usage figure compared to the U.S.’s 29% regular-user rate reveals that North America is approximately 4× ahead of Asia-Pacific in CBD penetration. The APAC 60% awareness rate versus 7.5% usage rate suggests a large population that knows about CBD but faces regulatory barriers or product accessibility challenges that prevent adoption. Regulatory fragmentation is the primary brake on APAC CBD growth. Uruguay became the first country to fully legalize cannabis nationally in 2013; APAC regulatory change has been far slower.

44% Seizure Reduction in FDA Trials — 80% of ADHD Children Saw Behavioral Improvement

The clinical evidence behind CBD’s most documented uses is significant — particularly for epilepsy. Cross River Therapy’s research compilation aggregates findings from peer-reviewed and clinical studies:

44% — reduction in seizure frequency documented in the FDA clinical trials for Epidiolex, the only FDA-approved CBD drug
80% — of children clinically diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) had a decrease in behavioral problems after trying CBD in one study
67% — of CBD users in survey data report taking it for anxiety relief
52% — use CBD for joint and inflammation pain relief
60% — use CBD to help with sleep
30% — rate of pain decline with cannabis use in one study, vs. 26% with placebo

The seizure reduction finding is the most clinically robust result in all of CBD research — it directly led to FDA approval of Epidiolex (pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol) for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. The ADHD finding is more preliminary and based on a single study with limited sample size, but represents one of the more striking behavioral health findings in the research literature. The pain, anxiety, and sleep statistics, while from consumer survey data rather than controlled trials, reflect real use-patterns and consistently show that most CBD users report subjective improvement — even when placebo-controlled evidence is more equivocal.

29% of CBD Consumers Spend $50+ Per Month — 64% Are Influenced by Healthcare Professionals

Spending behavior and healthcare integration reveal how seriously users take CBD. Forbes Health’s CBD survey of 2,000 U.S. adults — conducted by OnePoll — provides the most comprehensive consumer spending and professional influence data available:

60% of respondents have tried a CBD product and believe it offers some medicinal benefit
29% of CBD consumers spend at least $50 per month on CBD products
34–44 year-olds are the highest spenders on CBD — the peak earning-and-spending demographic
64% of users are influenced by healthcare professionals, indicating significant medical integration
Women slightly outnumber men among CBD users when overall demographics are considered
Usage correlates with higher socioeconomic status, chronic illness diagnosis, and mental health concerns

The $50/month+ spending rate for nearly a third of users signals that CBD is not a one-time curiosity purchase for most adopters — it is an ongoing wellness expenditure comparable to gym memberships or supplements. The 64% healthcare professional influence figure is perhaps the most underreported finding in CBD consumer data. It suggests that CBD is not primarily a counter-culture or fringe wellness product — it is increasingly being recommended or discussed in clinical settings, particularly for pain, anxiety, and sleep conditions where conventional treatments have limitations.

5.6% Developed Liver Enzyme Elevations in FDA Trial — Cochrane Review Finds No Clear Pain Evidence

The clinical picture of CBD is more nuanced than consumer enthusiasm suggests. Cannigma’s 2026 CBD research and clinical evidence review — drawing from peer-reviewed systematic reviews, a 2026 Cochrane Review, and a 2025 FDA-conducted safety trial — presents the evidence honestly:

What the clinical evidence does and does not support:

Seizure management (strong evidence): Long-term data from the FDA Expanded Access Program shows sustained seizure reduction through 144 weeks
Anxiety (moderate evidence): CBD dosage range of 30–600 mg in trials shows potential, but dose-response may follow an inverted-U curve — higher doses don’t necessarily produce stronger effects
Pain (limited evidence): A 2026 Cochrane Review of 21 studies and 2,187 participants found no clear evidence that CBD-dominant medicines achieve meaningful neuropathic pain relief
Sleep: Evidence remains ahead of clinical validation for CBD-alone products

Safety data that every consumer should know:

6% of healthy adults developed liver enzyme elevations in a 2025 FDA-conducted trial at consumer-relevant doses (250–550 mg/day)
Liver enzymes returned to normal after discontinuation, but most participants did not notice symptoms — making routine monitoring important
CBD inhibits CYP enzymes involved in drug metabolism — meaning it can interact with warfarin, clobazam, and other medications processed by the liver’s cytochrome P450 pathway
One in three CBD users experiences a nonserious adverse effect

The Cochrane Review finding on pain is particularly important because pain relief is the #1 stated reason for CBD use in consumer surveys (64%). There is a meaningful gap between consumer belief and controlled clinical evidence for CBD pain relief — and consumers should be informed of this gap before making purchasing decisions.

60.8% of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Patients Achieved 50%+ Seizure Reduction — Phase 3 Anxiety Trial Shows Clinically Meaningful Improvement

The most promising recent clinical findings for CBD come from epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and autism research. The Cannex’s 2026 cannabinoid clinical evidence review compiles findings from Phase 3 trials, post-hoc analyses, and brain imaging studies:

8% — of patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy achieved at least a 50% seizure reduction over six months using a transdermal CBD formulation
Tuberous sclerosis complex: post-hoc analysis of a large Phase 3 trial confirmed significant seizure frequency reduction with CBD
Beyond seizure reduction: epilepsy patients also reported improvements in mood, anxiety, sleep, and quality of life — even in cases where seizure reduction was modest

Anxiety and PTSD data:

Phase 3 multicentre RCT (anxiety): a nanodispersible oral CBD solution produced significantly greater reductions in anxiety and depression scores vs. placebo, including clinically meaningful changes on the GAD-7 and HAM-A standardized scales
PTSD single dose study: 300mg CBD showed measurable effects on cognitive impairment following trauma recall
Brain imaging (PTSD): CBD partially normalized activity in the prefrontal cortex — a brain region involved in emotional regulation — in a separate imaging study

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD):

Three independent clinical investigations found CBD-dominant treatments led to meaningful improvements in behavioral symptoms in children with ASD
Improvements documented: reductions in irritability, withdrawal, and hyperactivity

The epilepsy data is the most definitive: a 60.8% response rate in treatment-resistant cases is clinically exceptional — these are patients for whom conventional anti-epileptic drugs have already failed. The anxiety Phase 3 trial data moves CBD anxiety research from observational to controlled-trial territory. These findings represent a meaningful step beyond early-stage research.

CBD Users With Physical or Mental Health Conditions Show Higher Prevalence — Co-Use With Cannabis Is Common

A peer-reviewed study published in ScienceDirect provides the most scientifically rigorous look at the population characteristics of CBD users. This ScienceDirect study on CBD use prevalence and correlates — examining a nationally representative U.S. adult sample — found that CBD use is significantly correlated with existing health conditions:

High prevalence among those with health conditions: self-reported CBD use is substantially higher in people with physical and mental health diagnoses
CBD-cannabis co-use: a significant share of CBD users also use cannabis — a rate the authors flag as warranting more research on combined effects and interactions
Nonregular cannabis users:44× more likely to use CBD for medical treatment than regular cannabis users
Side effect profile: acute/short-term CBD use has no significant adverse effects on daily functioning and no addiction risk — though sedation, drowsiness, and some cognitive delays have been noted in healthy individuals
Drug interaction risk: CBD’s CYP enzyme inhibition creates potential for interactions across a wide range of prescription medications

The authors conclude that the high prevalence of CBD use among those with physical and mental health problems warrants public health warnings about potential side effects and drug interactions. This is not a dismissal of CBD’s benefits — it is a call for informed use. CBD derived from hemp (Cannabis sativa with ≤0.3% THC) has been legal under federal law since the 2018 Farm Bill, but federal legality does not mean federally regulated safety standards for most consumer products. The FDA has only approved one CBD drug: Epidiolex, for epilepsy.

Section 3 — Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound (called a phytocannabinoid) found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is one of more than 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis, and one of the two most studied alongside THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD can be derived from hemp — which is legally defined as Cannabis sativa containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight — or from marijuana plants with higher THC concentrations. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating: it does not produce a ‘high’ and does not impair cognitive functioning at typical doses. CBD interacts primarily with the body’s endocannabinoid system — a regulatory network of receptors (CB1 and CB2) found throughout the brain, immune system, and peripheral tissues — sending signals that influence mood, pain perception, immune function, sleep, and inflammation. The FDA has approved one CBD-based medication: Epidiolex (pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol) for the treatment of three forms of epilepsy.

What does CBD stand for?

CBD stands for cannabidiol — pronounced canna-BID-ee-ol. The name comes from its chemical classification as a cannabinoid (a class of compounds acting on cannabinoid receptors) and diol (referring to its chemical structure containing two hydroxyl groups). It is the full scientific name for the compound; CBD is simply the widely used abbreviation. Cannabidiol was first isolated from cannabis in 1940 by chemist Roger Adams at the University of Illinois and its three-dimensional structure was fully described by Raphael Mechoulam in 1963.

Does CBD show up on a drug test?

This depends on the type of CBD product and the type of drug test. Standard urine drug tests do not test for CBD itself — they test for THC metabolites (specifically THC-COOH). However, CBD use can still result in a positive drug test under certain conditions:

Full-spectrum CBD products: contain trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3% by law). With regular use at higher doses, this trace THC can accumulate and trigger a positive test for THC metabolites
Mislabeled products: independent testing consistently finds that many CBD products contain more THC than their labels claim — a manufacturing and regulation gap
CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD: these are processed to remove all THC and are far less likely to cause a positive result — though zero risk cannot be guaranteed
High doses: even from hemp-derived sources, very high daily CBD doses may create detectable THC metabolite levels

If you are subject to drug testing, use THC-free broad-spectrum or CBD isolate products, check third-party lab Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and consult your employer or testing provider before use.

Is CBD legal in Florida?

Yes, hemp-derived CBD is legal in Florida. Under federal law (2018 Farm Bill) and Florida’s corresponding state statutes, hemp-derived CBD products containing no more than 0.3% THC are legal to purchase, possess, and use. Florida has its own hemp program administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) that regulates hemp cultivation and product sales. Florida was also one of the top three U.S. states for CBD sales, with $291 million in sales recorded in 2019. Medical marijuana (which may include CBD with higher THC) is also legal in Florida with a physician’s recommendation through the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry. Recreational marijuana with higher THC content remains illegal in Florida as of mid-2026.

Is CBD oil legal?

Hemp-derived CBD oil is federally legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC. This applies to all 50 states at the federal level. However, there are nuances:

FDA has not approved CBD as a food additive or dietary supplement: selling CBD products marketed as dietary supplements technically remains in a regulatory gray zone under FDA rules, though enforcement has been limited
State laws vary: while hemp-derived CBD is federally legal, some states have additional restrictions on selling CBD in food and beverages
Marijuana-derived CBD: CBD derived from marijuana plants (with >0.3% THC) remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally and is only legal in states with medical or recreational marijuana programs
International: CBD legal status varies dramatically by country — legal in most of Europe but restricted or banned in many Asian countries

For practical purposes: hemp-derived CBD oil in the U.S. is legal to buy and use in all 50 states, though product quality and labeling accuracy vary significantly without standardized FDA oversight.

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is a liquid extract containing cannabidiol (CBD) dissolved in a carrier oil — most commonly hemp seed oil, MCT oil (coconut-derived), or olive oil. It is produced by extracting CBD from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of hemp plants using CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, or other methods, then diluting the concentrate in the carrier oil to achieve a target CBD concentration. CBD oils are typically sold with a dropper for sublingual (under-the-tongue) administration, which allows absorption directly through the mucous membranes for faster onset (15–45 minutes) than edibles (60–180 minutes). CBD oil products fall into three categories:

Full-spectrum: contains CBD plus all other cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, including trace THC (up to 0.3%)
Broad-spectrum: contains CBD and other cannabinoids but has THC removed through additional processing
CBD isolate: contains pure CBD only — all other plant compounds removed. Typically 99%+ pure cannabidiol

Oral bioavailability of CBD oil is approximately 6–20%, meaning only a fraction of the CBD consumed is absorbed into the bloodstream. Sublingual administration improves on this versus swallowing. Consumer products typically range from 10–100 mg CBD per serving; pharmaceutical Epidiolex doses are far higher (10–20 mg/kg/day).

Does CBD help anxiety?

CBD shows genuine promise for anxiety, but the evidence is more nuanced than marketing often suggests:

Phase 3 randomized controlled trial (2026): a nanodispersible oral CBD solution produced significantly greater anxiety and depression score reductions compared to placebo, with clinically meaningful improvements on the GAD-7 and HAM-A standardized scales
Social anxiety disorder studies: University of São Paulo researchers found a single 600mg CBD dose significantly reduced anxiety scores vs. placebo in a simulated public speaking test
PTSD: 300mg CBD showed measurable effects on trauma recall cognitive impairment; brain imaging showed partial normalization of prefrontal cortex activity
Cochrane Collaboration (2023): reviewed 11 randomized controlled trials on CBD for anxiety — found potential but limited by heterogeneous study populations and dosing inconsistencies
Consumer data: 49% of CBD users take it for anxiety; 63% of those report it works very well

Important caveats: clinical trials use doses of 300–600 mg for anxiety effects — substantially higher than the 10–100 mg found in most OTC products. The inverted-U dose-response curve means higher doses don’t always produce stronger anxiety relief. At the doses available in most CBD gummies or tinctures, clinical evidence of anxiety benefit is limited. Consult a healthcare provider before using CBD to manage anxiety, especially if taking other medications.

Is CBD legal in Texas?

Hemp-derived CBD is legal in Texas, but the state has a complicated history with the compound. Texas legalized hemp under House Bill 1325 in 2019, aligning with the federal 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp-derived CBD products with ≤0.3% THC are legal to sell, buy, and possess in Texas. Key facts for Texas specifically:

Hemp CBD products: legal — retailers, gas stations, and specialty stores sell CBD throughout the state
CBD smokables: Texas law has specifically allowed hemp flower/smokables since 2019, though this was contested early on
Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP): allows qualified patients with specific medical conditions to access low-THC cannabis products (including higher-CBD formulations) with a physician prescription
Marijuana-derived CBD: remains illegal for recreational use in Texas; any cannabis product above 0.3% THC is illegal outside the TCUP program
Delta-8 THC: legal status in Texas has been contested; hemp-derived delta-8 THC products exist in a gray area that has been subject to ongoing state legislative debate

Texas consumers can legally purchase hemp-derived CBD products from retailers, online, and at specialty stores. Always look for products with third-party Certificates of Analysis confirming THC content is within legal limits.

Is CBD legal?

In the United States, hemp-derived CBD is federally legal under the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act (Farm Bill), which removed hemp (Cannabis sativa with ≤0.3% THC) from the Controlled Substances Act. This means CBD derived from hemp is legal in all 50 states at the federal level. State-level laws add complexity:

All 50 states: permit hemp-derived CBD products at the federal level, though some states add restrictions on form (e.g., CBD in food/drinks)
FDA stance: CBD is not approved as a dietary supplement or food additive by the FDA, creating a regulatory gap that leaves consumer product standards inconsistent
The only FDA-approved CBD: Epidiolex — a prescription pharmaceutical cannabidiol for epilepsy
Internationally: legal in Canada, UK, EU (member state rules vary), and Australia (TGA-regulated); restricted or banned in many Asian nations including Singapore, China, and South Korea
Marijuana-derived CBD: federally illegal in the U.S. (Schedule I); legal only where medical or recreational marijuana is state-permitted

Bottom line: if a CBD product is clearly labeled as hemp-derived with ≤0.3% THC and comes with a third-party lab Certificate of Analysis, it is legal to buy, sell, and use throughout the United States.

Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?

No — hemp oil and CBD oil are not the same, and the distinction is important. The term ‘hemp oil’ is often used interchangeably, but refers to two very different products:

Hemp seed oil: cold-pressed oil from hemp seeds only. Contains no CBD, no THC, and no cannabinoids. Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Used as a food oil or skin moisturizer. Found in grocery stores and on Amazon. Has no clinical evidence for CBD’s uses.
Hemp extract / CBD oil: extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant (not the seeds). Contains CBD and other cannabinoids. Is what consumer CBD products are made from. This is what clinical research, news coverage, and wellness products refer to when discussing CBD’s potential benefits.

The labeling confusion is widespread and has been used to mislead consumers. A product labeled ‘hemp oil’ on Amazon may contain zero CBD, while a product labeled ‘CBD oil’ contains cannabidiol from hemp extract. Always check the label for: milligrams of CBD per serving, third-party lab Certificate of Analysis (COA), and whether the product is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate. If the label does not specify CBD (cannabidiol) content in milligrams, the product may be hemp seed oil — not a CBD product.

Sources

The following 9 unique domains were used as primary sources for this article:

Primary research cited throughout includes: FDA Expanded Access Program long-term data, 2026 Cochrane Review (21 studies / 2,187 participants on CBD and neuropathic pain), 2025 FDA-conducted liver safety trial, Phase 3 multicentre randomized controlled trial (CBD for anxiety, GAD-7/HAM-A), University of São Paulo social anxiety disorder studies (Bergamaschi et al.), Consumer Reports CBD survey (4,000 respondents), Forbes Health/OnePoll survey (2,000 U.S. adults), JAMA Network web search trend data, Corroon & Phillips Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (2018), Statista CBD demographics and state sales data, and Appfigures/Similarweb behavioral analytics. All clinical statistics reflect peer-reviewed or FDA-registered primary research.