CBD Utilization Study 2023

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CBD-Produkte der Herba di Berna

“CBD is popular with older people” was the headline in various Swiss newspapers in recent weeks. The reason for this was a new study by the market research institute LINK, which took a close look at the cannabis market in Switzerland. Thus, what has been known for some time in the USA has now also been proven for Switzerland: Older people increasingly view the use of CBD products positively. Read more about the background to this development here:

Who uses cannabis?

Basically, it can be said that very different people of all ages use cannabis. About 6 out of 10 people know CBD products at least by name. Of these “connoisseurs”, 25% have already used CBD products. Among young people under thirty, the figure is around 30%. Also exciting: in Ticino, the overall figure is only 20% (instead of 25%).

Results from the LINK study

Who will get excited about CBD in the future?

In addition to people who already consume CBD products, there is also a not insignificant group that is fundamentally open to its use. These are especially women and older people. For both groups, almost one third of the surveyed experts can imagine using them.

Results from the LINK study

What puts people off?

Among non-users, there are various reasons for their reluctance. For about 3/4, lack of need is one of the reasons. About a quarter of the non-users surveyed are reluctant to become dependent (among other things). Too bad this myth is still so widespread! There is no evidence of addictive potential with cannabidiol (CBD). On the contrary, there is research that suggests it is a good way to break free from another addiction (e.g., to opioids or cocaine).[1]

The lack and poor quality of available information is a big problem. Thus, about 10% of the respondents in each case state that the lack of information or also lack of clarity about the legality is the reason for restraint. While the first problem can only be solved step by step, the situation with the second is much simpler: CBD is legal. Item. (In Switzerland, cannabis becomes illegal at a THC content of 1% or more).

Two other reasons: Potential side effects (24%) and difficulty with dosing (5%). The connection between these two aspects? With proper dosing, there is nothing to fear with CBD products. Only mild side effects are known, such as nausea, drowsiness, diarrhea, or loss of appetite – and even these occur mainly when the dose is too high. Caution is of course advisable if other medications are being taken – asking the doctor or pharmacist is certainly a good idea in this case. For everyone else, find your dose and pay attention to your body’s signals – then you have nothing to worry about.

What do users value about CBD?

Finally, let’s take a look at those people who use or have used CBD. What did they hope to gain from consumption?

Overall, stress (40%), sleep disturbances (34%), and pain (31%) are the most commonly cited reasons. Together with a general positive sense of well-being, these same points also top the list of the most important reasons for use. Among older people, the focus is increasingly on medical reasons, while among younger people it is more often on psychological well-being.

It is always interesting for us to find out in detail what our (potential) customers are concerned about. Do you have something to share with us as well? Then stop by our specialty store or connect with us on social media. We would be happy to hear your story or provide you with good advice.