United States: almost half of CBD users prefer it to traditional drugs

It seems that more and more American patients are opting for the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). A study published by HelloMD, an online medicinal cannabis community, in partnership with Brightfield Group, an American research company, reveals that 42% of patients who consume high-CBD cannabis have stopped using traditional medicines. They now use cannabis therapeutically to treat their symptoms.

The study was carried out on 2,400 people, members of the HelloMD platform. It was based on criteria such as their use, knowledge, perceptions and misconceptions about CBD. The results show not only that 42% have stopped traditional drugs, but also that 80% of CBD consumers find it effective for their treatment.

The study also revealed that CBD is the component most commonly used to treat’insomnia, but also the’anxiety, depression or the chronic pain. Finally, of those surveyed, 90% reported buying cannabis-derived CBD products.

A reassuring study

Dr Perry Solomon, Chief Medical Officer of the online community, said in an interview: «We're seeing an exponential rise in interest in CBD among our patients registered on the online platform, particularly among women. We still have things to learn about cannabidiol, but we can't ignore the fact that the majority of patients using CBD products today recognize its benefits.»

Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive molecule in cannabis, and is particularly used for its anti-inflammatory properties. «These results show positive and promising implications,» enthuses the doctor.

In addition, Brightfield Group's Director of Research also said, «This study is exciting because it shows that there is potentially a huge low-cost market for CBD-based products that could improve the lives of many people. This could be a good alternative treatment, especially in this context of the opioid crisis among patients in the US.».

This evidence-based study once again underlines the real benefits of CBD. The encouraging results may pave the way across the USA for medical treatments based on therapeutic cannabis, and even in countries still resistant to its use.

Mehdi Bautier