More Than a Quarter of College Students Use CBD Products Monthly According to a Major New University of Georgia Study

Nearly half of college students in the United States have tried CBD products at least once, and more than a quarter use them on a regular basis. That’s the central finding of a new, large-scale study conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia, shedding light on how common cannabidiol use has become on college campuses and why students are turning to it.

The research, published in the Journal of Substance Use, is the largest survey ever conducted on CBD use among college students, offering a detailed snapshot of habits, motivations, and perceptions surrounding CBD in a population known for high levels of stress and anxiety.

How Common Is CBD Use Among College Students?

The study surveyed more than 4,100 undergraduate students, making it one of the most comprehensive efforts to date to understand CBD use in this age group. The results show that 48% of participants reported trying CBD at least once in their lives. Even more notably, over 29% said they use CBD products monthly or more often, meaning that more than one in four students are regular users.

These numbers point to a significant shift in how college students approach stress management and wellness. CBD, once considered a niche or alternative product, now appears to be firmly embedded in campus culture.

Why Students Are Turning to CBD

The most common reasons students gave for using CBD were to reduce anxiety, manage stress, and improve sleep. College life often involves juggling academic pressure, part-time jobs, social commitments, and living independently for the first time. According to the study’s findings, many students see CBD as a way to cope with these overlapping demands.

A sizable portion of respondents also believed that CBD helped them fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Nearly one in five students specifically reported improvements in sleep quality after using CBD products. Poor sleep is a well-documented issue among college students, and CBD appears to be viewed as a relatively accessible and low-risk solution.

Social Influence Plays a Big Role

CBD use among students is not just about individual stress relief. The study found that social settings play a major role in first-time CBD use. Many students said they tried CBD because friends already had it, offered it to them, or recommended it during social gatherings.

This “why not?” mindset reflects a broader openness among young adults to experiment with products that are widely available and socially accepted. CBD’s legal status and reputation as non-intoxicating seem to make it feel less risky than other substances.

Gummies and Edibles Are the Top Choice

When it comes to how students consume CBD, edibles are the clear favorite. The study found that CBD gummies were especially popular, likely because they are easy to use, discreet, and don’t involve smoking or vaping.

Edibles also tend to feel more familiar and less intimidating, particularly for students who may be cautious about inhaling substances. The popularity of gummies highlights how CBD has been marketed and integrated into everyday wellness routines rather than framed as a traditional drug product.

Differences Between Male and Female Students

One of the more interesting findings of the study relates to gender differences. While previous research consistently shows that women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders, this survey found that college-aged men were more willing to try CBD and to use it repeatedly.

This suggests that CBD may be filling a unique role for male students, who may be less likely to seek traditional mental health treatment but more open to self-directed coping strategies like CBD use.

What Exactly Is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it does not produce a “high”, and it is generally considered non-addictive. This distinction is a major reason why CBD has gained popularity among people who want potential therapeutic effects without intoxication.

In the United States, CBD is widely available in forms such as oils, capsules, gummies, beverages, and topical products. In Georgia and most other states, CBD is legal for individuals 18 years and older to purchase, which makes it easily accessible to college students.

What Science Says About CBD’s Effectiveness

Scientific research on CBD is still evolving. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved one medication containing purified CBD for the treatment of certain seizure disorders. However, when it comes to conditions like anxiety, stress, and sleep problems, researchers caution that the evidence is still limited and not definitive.

Organizations such as the Mayo Clinic note that active research is ongoing into CBD’s potential role in managing conditions like anxiety disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes, but much remains unknown. This gap between public perception and scientific certainty is an important context for understanding why CBD use continues to rise even as experts urge caution.

Concerns About Unregulated CBD Products

Another key issue highlighted alongside the study’s findings is the lack of regulation in the CBD market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is still unclear what the long-term risks or side effects of using unregulated CBD products might be.

Product quality, dosage accuracy, and ingredient transparency can vary widely. Some CBD products may contain more or less CBD than advertised, and others may include trace amounts of THC or contaminants. For college students who use CBD regularly, this inconsistency raises important questions about safety.

Why College Towns Attract CBD Businesses

Researchers also pointed out that college towns are natural hotspots for CBD retailers. These areas are populated by young adults dealing with high stress levels, irregular sleep schedules, and packed academic calendars. CBD shops often position their products as tools for relaxation, focus, and balance, aligning closely with student needs.

The combination of legal access, social acceptance, and targeted marketing helps explain why CBD has become so visible on and around college campuses.

What This Study Tells Us Overall

Taken together, the findings paint a clear picture: CBD use is now a mainstream behavior among college students, driven largely by mental health concerns and social influence. While many students believe CBD helps them relax and sleep better, the scientific community continues to emphasize the need for more rigorous research.

As colleges and health professionals work to address rising anxiety and stress among students, understanding how and why CBD fits into student coping strategies will be increasingly important.

Research Reference

Pless, J., Dodd, K., Woodiwiss, J., Afroz, F., Graves, B., & Choi, Y. J. (2025). CBD use and anxiety among college students. Journal of Substance Use. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2025.2566638