According to research commissioned by the UK Food Standards Agency and conducted by Ipsos UK, 19 percent of adults aged 18 to 75 reported using a CBD product within the previous 12 months. That equates to almost one in five consumers.
The findings highlight just how firmly CBD has established itself in the modern wellness economy. Once associated primarily with specialist health shops, CBD products are now widely available on the high street and online, appearing in oils, capsules, drinks, confectionery and skincare ranges.
The survey found that many consumers turn to CBD as part of a broader approach to wellbeing. Users most commonly report taking it to support general health and wellness, while others say they use it to help with sleep, stress management or physical discomfort.
Younger adults are significantly more likely to use CBD than older age groups, suggesting that the product resonates particularly strongly with consumers who are already engaged in self care and lifestyle driven health choices.
CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant, but unlike tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, it does not produce intoxicating effects. This distinction has been central to its appeal, positioning CBD as a calming supplement rather than a recreational drug.
Despite widespread use, awareness of how CBD is regulated remains limited. In the United Kingdom, CBD products marketed as food or supplements fall under novel foods regulations. Companies must submit safety dossiers for assessment before receiving authorisation.
The Food Standards Agency currently advises that healthy adults should not consume more than 10 milligrams of CBD per day. This precautionary recommendation was introduced after safety reviews identified potential risks at higher intake levels, including possible effects on the liver and interactions with certain medications.
Yet research indicates that many consumers are either unaware of the recommended daily limit or uncertain about the regulatory status of the products they purchase. This gap between popularity and understanding presents a challenge for regulators seeking to protect public health while responding to strong consumer demand.
The UK CBD market has expanded rapidly over the past several years, driven by aggressive marketing, celebrity endorsements and growing cultural acceptance of cannabis derived products. Industry analysts have previously valued the sector in the hundreds of millions of pounds, making Britain one of the largest CBD markets in Europe.
At the same time, the regulatory process remains ongoing. The Food Standards Agency continues to assess applications from manufacturers seeking approval under novel foods rules. Products that are not linked to a validated application risk being removed from sale.
The survey finding that nearly one in five adults have used CBD underscores how embedded the product has become in everyday life. For many consumers, CBD is no longer an experiment but a routine purchase.
As regulators refine the rules and safety assessments continue, the future of CBD in the United Kingdom will likely hinge on striking a careful balance between consumer enthusiasm, scientific evidence and public health protection.
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