New research published in the Journal of Substance Use reports that many college students use cannabidiol, or CBD, to manage anxiety, stress and sleep problems. The paper is the largest survey ever conducted on college students' CBD use: researchers asked more than 4,100 undergraduates about their experience. They found that nearly half had tried CBD at least once, more than 29% used it monthly or more, and nearly one in five said it helped them fall asleep and improved sleep quality.
The survey describes social drivers of use: students often first try CBD because friends have products, offer them in social settings, or recommend them. Edible forms were the most popular, with gummies singled out as especially common. The study also found a gender difference, with college-aged men more willing than women to try and repeatedly use CBD products.
Lead author Jennie Pless, a doctoral student at the University of Georgia School of Social Work, pointed to new responsibilities and stress in college life and to sleep problems that lead students to look for solutions. Chemically, CBD is a compound found in cannabis. The FDA approved a medication with purified CBD to treat seizures this year, and the Mayo Clinic notes active research into Parkinson's disease, diabetes and anxiety. At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is unclear whether there are potential risks and side effects from using unregulated CBD products.
CBD is legal for those 18 years and older to purchase in Georgia and in most of the United States. It appears to be non-addictive and does not produce a high. The researchers did not report regulatory changes, but their results underscore how common CBD use is among college students and the need for more evidence about both benefits and risks.
Difficult words
- cannabidiol — A chemical compound from the cannabis plant.
- undergraduate — A student studying for a first university degree.undergraduates
- edible — A food product meant to be eaten.
- gender difference — A difference between men and women.
- purified — Treated to remove other substances or impurities.
- unregulated — Not controlled by official rules or agencies.
- underscore — To emphasize or draw attention to something.
- seizure — A sudden uncontrolled change in brain activity.seizures
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think colleges should provide more information about CBD benefits and risks? Why or why not?
- How might friends and social settings influence a student’s decision to try CBD? Give examples.
- What further research about CBD and student health would you find most useful, and why?
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