51茶馆

September 2, 2022

Study to investigate public perceptions of cannabidiol use

Researchers are seeking participants for CBD study

51茶馆 (UOW) School of Psychology research fellow Dr Jessica Bartschi and research partner Dr Lisa-Marie Greenwood from Australian National University are seeking participants for a study investigating public perceptions related to the use of cannabidiol (CBD), a component of the cannabis plant, to treat mental ill-health.

As part of their work with they are hoping to gather the views of at least 1500 people to understand community perceptions of cannabis-based medicines.

鈥淭he use of cannabis and cannabis-based medicines to treat a range of health conditions is rapidly increasing,鈥� Dr Bartschi said.

鈥淲hile there is substantial research going into medicinal application of this compound, there is currently little known about what people think about cannabis-based medicines in Australia. This research aims to improve our understanding of people鈥檚 views on the use of CBD as a medicine.鈥�

鈥淚n this survey, we will investigate people鈥檚 thoughts, feelings and attitudes towards their personal use, or supporting others use, of CBD to treat symptoms of mental ill-health.鈥�

Products containing CBD have been approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration since 2020 and there is evidence that they are useful in the treatment of a variety of mental conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, Tourette's syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dr Greenwood said, 鈥淭he information gathered from this survey will inform the ongoing mental health needs of individuals and communities in Australia, with practical implications to address barriers and access to cannabis-based medicines.鈥�

鈥淲e are looking to assess people鈥檚 thoughts and feelings about CBD products that are available to treat a range of conditions. What are the reasons that people are choosing to or not to use CBD?鈥�

鈥淭he survey is open to all people aged over 18 across Australia who are not currently using a CBD based medicine.

鈥淭he online survey will take just 15 minutes to complete and will help paint a picture of the public sentiment towards treatments. 

Survey link: