Use of CBD Products in Germany: Insights from a New Survey

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, has become one of the most talked-about wellness products in recent years. The small compound, found in the hemp or cannabis plant, is everywhere - from oils and capsules to skincare and snacks - and many people use it as a natural addition to their daily routine. But as CBD's popularity grows, so does the need for reliable information about how it’s really being used and what benefits people are actually experiencing from this usage. A new survey from Germany offers a unique glimpse into the real-life experiences of CBD users and what they’ve noticed when incorporating it into their routines. Let's have a look at the insights!

Exploring CBD Use in Germany

Researchers from the University Medical Center Freiburg conducted an online survey from February to June 2023. Through a questionnaire, they wanted to find out why people were using over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products and what effects they noticed. More than 200 people took part, sharing their experiences and views on the cannabinoid CBD.

The study is one of the first to focus on real-world CBD use in Germany. Participants were mostly women (66%), with nearly half aged between 41 and 60. Many had been using CBD for at least three months, and 50% said they took it every day.

Why Do People Use CBD?

According to the survey, people have a range of reasons for turning to CBD. One of the biggest motivations was to improve their overall well-being, with 89% of participants saying they noticed a boost in how they felt day to day.

CBD was also popular for addressing specific health concerns. About 79% of people said they took it to help manage disease-related symptoms like pain, sleep problems, and anxiety. For example, 56% of those with general pain and 55% with muscle and joint pain reported improvements. In addition, 45% of people dealing with sleep issues said CBD helped them get better rest.

How Are People Taking CBD?

The most popular form of CBD was oil, chosen by 36% of users. CBD oil is made by extracting cannabidiol from the hemp plant and mixing it with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, or hemp seed oil. It’s typically taken by placing a few drops or sprays under the tongue, which makes it easy to use and allows the body to absorb it quickly. Many participants appreciated this ease of use and the mild taste compared to other options. Flowers and cosmetics were also used by some, but less frequently.

When it came to dosing, more than half of users preferred products with a CBD content of 10-20%. Interestingly, many people didn’t tie their CBD use to meals: 73% said they took it whenever it suited them, rather than alongside food.

Perceived Benefits Beyond the Physical

While many took CBD for specific symptoms related to physical health, a large number of users also turned to it for mental and emotional support. Around 90% said they felt an improvement in their overall well-being, while 67% said their physical condition improved as well.

For some, CBD became an almost therapeutic tool to help manage stress and anxiety. In fact, 75% of those using CBD for anxiety-related symptoms reported feeling better. Among those with depression, 74% noticed a positive change in their mood and sleep quality.

It wasn’t just about treating problems. Many participants saw CBD as a way to enhance their general state of health. About 90% believed that it helped maintain their health and prevent future issues.

A Closer Look at Disease-Related Uses

Digging deeper, the study found that 71% of participants had a diagnosed medical condition, and many turned to CBD for help. For example, among people with back pain, 96% said CBD had a positive effect, with 81% reporting better sleep as a result.

Two conditions that stood out were fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Among people with fibromyalgia in the survey, 86% found CBD helpful, and 73% noticed improvements in recovery and stress levels. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is a degenerative joint disease that can lead to stiffness and pain. In this survey, 74% of those with osteoarthritis said CBD helped them manage these symptoms and improved their sleep quality. 

Another important group was those with irritable or inflammatory bowel conditions, like Crohn’s disease and IBS. For these respondents, 87% said CBD was effective in managing their digestive issues, with many reporting it helped with intolerances and discomfort.

Reported Side Effects: Mostly Mild

Despite these positive stories, it’s important to talk about side effects. In the survey, most people (69%) said they didn’t notice any. The most common issues reported were dry mouth (21%) and drowsiness (23%), usually mild and temporary.

Maybe unsurprisingly, side effects seemed more likely when people used stronger CBD products. Among those using CBD with a concentration above 20%, 40% mentioned some adverse effects.

Mind Over Matter? The Role of Belief

One fascinating insight was how strongly people believed in the power of CBD. About 81% of participants said they had high hopes for natural remedies in general, and 89% felt CBD lived up to these expectations.

Researchers noted that this strong belief might influence how people perceive CBD’s potential health effects. In other words, part of the reported benefit might come from the placebo effect: when people expect something to help, they’re more likely to feel a positive impact.

What Does This Mean for CBD Users?

So, what can we take away from this study? First, many people in Germany are using CBD regularly and believe it helps them feel better - physically and mentally. Pain relief, better sleep, and a general sense of well-being were the main benefits people noticed.

Second, while side effects were rare and usually mild, it’s wise to be aware of them, especially if you’re thinking of trying higher-strength products.

Finally, the power of belief and expectation can’t be ignored. It’s a reminder that health is not just physical - how we think and feel can shape what we experience.

A Word of Caution

Although these findings are interesting, it’s important to remember that this was a survey, not a clinical trial. It didn’t measure exact CBD doses, and people shared their own experiences rather than being tested in a controlled way. This means we can’t say for sure how much of the reported effects were due to CBD itself or other factors like mindset and lifestyle.

As with any supplement, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before adding CBD to your routine, especially if you have health issues or take other medications.

Final Thoughts

This new survey gives us a glimpse into how real people are using CBD in Germany - and what they think about it. The numbers speak for themselves: many find it helpful, even if science is still catching up. Whether you’re curious about CBD or already using it, this research is a useful reminder to stay informed and listen to your body.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Weissgerber A, Hermanns-Clausen M, Lamy E. Over the counter CBD products in Germany: an exploratory survey about consumption patterns and health related effects. Front Pharmacol. 2025 May 21;16:1571025.