The study, published in the Journal of Substance Use, is the largest survey ever conducted on college students' CBD use. Researchers surveyed more than 4,100 undergraduate students and found that nearly half had tried CBD at least once and more than 29% used it monthly or more. Nearly one in five students said CBD helped them fall asleep and improved sleep quality.
Students often tried CBD because friends had products available, offered them in social settings, or recommended them. Edibles were the preferred form, with gummies particularly popular. The study also reported that college-aged men were more willing to try and repeatedly use CBD products than their female peers.
Jennie Pless, the lead author and a doctoral student at the University of Georgia School of Social Work, said college life brings new responsibilities and stress and that many students struggle with sleep. 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 ongoing research into other conditions. At the same time, the CDC says it is unclear if there are risks from unregulated CBD products.
The researchers did not report regulatory changes, but their findings highlight how common CBD use has become among college students and the need for more evidence about its benefits and risks.
Difficult words
- survey — a study that collects information from people
- undergraduate — a college student who has not graduated yet
- edible — a food product that contains a drugEdibles
- gummy — a small chewy candy often used in ediblesgummies
- compound — a substance made of two or more parts
- purified — made cleaner by removing other substances
- seizure — a sudden episode of uncontrolled brain activityseizures
- unregulated — not controlled by official rules or laws
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Should colleges provide students with information about CBD risks and benefits? Why or why not?
- How do friends and social settings influence a student's decision to try CBD?
- What other ways could students try to improve sleep besides using CBD?
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