Whatever notions that CBD was just another wellness fad are officially dead. Need proof? Look no further than a Gallup poll released earlier this week. According to the poll, one in every seven Americans now use CBD for its therapeutic benefits.
While federal regulations around CBD remain unsettled for now, the legalization of hemp in 2018 allowed access to CBD to explode throughout the country. The poll found that younger Americans and those living Western states are more likely to admit using CBD. However, it’s worth noting 50% of Americans still don’t consume CBD, with another 35% confessing they have no familiarity with CBD products at all.
Amongst those aged 30 or younger, CBD usage jumps to 20% and lack of knowledge around CBD products drops to 26%. Those numbers reverse for older demographics. Both these trends mirror what previous Gallup polls found in marijuana usage, as younger people reporting more consumption while older folks less.
The reasons why Americans are turning to CBD vary across the board, with pain relief ranking highest at 40%. Other major reasons for American CBD usage include anxiety (20%), insomnia (11%), and arthritis (8%). That said, women were more likely than men to use CBD to relieve anxiety symptoms (25% vs. 14%), while men turned to CBD as a sleep aid more than women (15% vs. 8%).
And though the majority of Americans report using CBD for medical and therapeutic relief, 5% of respondents admit to recreational usage of CBD.
Though CBD proliferating through the United States might give cannabis enthusiasts cheer, it’s equally important for consumers to recognize whether they’re purchasing the real deal or expensive snake oil. Remember, misinformation around CBD can be life-threatening, especially when using for medicinal purposes. It’s important to buy high-quality CBD products and be able to spot fake CBD in the wild. While CBD oil might be the most popular delivery vehicle, be sure to check out other forms if curious.
This article was originally published by our partners, The Fresh Toast.
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