![29 Fascinating CBD Statistics UK [Updated 2023]](http://evopure.co.uk/cdn/shop/articles/image43_2ddd63f3-f944-475f-8bb8-7c5b657cca5a.jpg?v=1760545230&width=1600)
Last updated: June 2026
The UK CBD market has grown at remarkable speed — from early adopters to mainstream wellness shelves in just a few years. Here are 29 of the most revealing statistics, drawn from a Censuswide survey of 2,007 demographically representative Britons commissioned by Evopure in 2023, combined with industry reports from the Centre for Medicinal Cannabis (CMC) and the Association for the Cannabinoid Industry.
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Key stats at a glance
- 29% of UK residents had used CBD before (2023)
- 11% of CBD users use it every day
- Average CBD dosage: 28 mg per session
- Average monthly spend: £34.25
- 54% of users prefer to buy CBD online
- 100% of those with a clear preference agreed CBD should be available over the counter at pharmacies
- CBD users are 7% more likely to say they are satisfied with life
- UK CBD sales were valued at £690 million in 2021
- Only 38% of CBD products tested were correctly labelled
Consumer trends
Usage and demographics
In 2019, between 8–11% of UK adults had used CBD. By 2023, that figure had risen to 29% — a near-tripling in just four years. Males are 9% more likely to have tried CBD (34% vs 25%). Younger people are significantly more likely to use it: those under 24 are 3.5 times more likely than those over 55 (53% vs 15%).
Frequency and dose
11% of CBD users take it daily. The average is 7.81 uses per month, with older users consuming it more frequently (users over 55 average 11 times per month). The average dose is 28 mg, with men using slightly more (29 mg) than women (26 mg).
Top reasons for using CBD
- To improve sleep: 36%
- To manage pain: 35%
- To ease anxiety: 32%
- General health and wellbeing: 25%
- To experiment: 19%
Among those who had never tried CBD, the top reason was not knowing what the benefits are (17%), followed by concern about side effects, and uncertainty about legality (9%).
Life satisfaction
Britons who have used CBD in the past are 7% more likely to say they are satisfied with life (63%) compared with those who haven’t (56%).
Purchasing preferences
54% prefer online; 46% prefer in-store. Under-24s are the exception — 62% prefer in-store. Price is the most important purchase factor, followed by clear labelling, consumption advice and brand transparency. Only 16% care whether CBD is produced locally — the least important factor overall.
Read more: The ultimate CBD guide for beginners | Is CBD legal in the UK?
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A 2021 report from the CMC and Association for the Cannabinoid Industry, “Green Shoots: Sowing the seeds of the new UK cannabinoid market,” revealed:
- UK CBD sales totalled an estimated £690 million in 2021 — up from £314 million in 2019
- The UK spends more on cannabis extract than on vitamins B and C combined
- The UK is the world’s second-largest consumer cannabinoid market, after the USA
- The UK has one of the largest CBD industries in Europe
- Industry is projected to reach £1 billion
Future trends likely include exponential user growth, increasing product diversity, possible synthetic CBD development, and a growing organic market. Regulatory reform is also expected as the UK government increases attention to CBD policy.
Product quality — a word of caution
The same CMC report tested over 30 CBD products available in the UK. The findings were concerning:
- Only 38% of products (11 out of 29) were accurately labelled for CBD content
- 38% had less than 50% of their advertised CBD content — including one product with no CBD at all
- Over 45% of products tested above the legal THC limit
- One product had an ethanol content of 3.8% — technically an alcoholic beverage, unfit for general sale
This underlines why buying from transparent, independently lab-tested brands matters. Always look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) before purchasing.
Read more: 5 ways to avoid CBD scams
What’s next for the UK CBD industry
Key trends expected in the coming years: exponential growth in users and market size, more product diversity and fierce competition, possible synthetic CBD production (though quality questions remain), a growing organic segment, and positive regulatory development as the UK government responds to consumer demand and industry lobbying.
Frequently asked questions
How many UK adults have used CBD?
A 2023 survey found 29% of UK residents had used CBD before — up from 8–11% in 2019 surveys.
What’s the most common reason people use CBD?
Sleep (36%), pain (35%) and anxiety (32%) are the top three reasons, according to the Evopure/Censuswide 2023 survey.
How much do people spend on CBD each month?
People who use CBD at least monthly spend an average of £34.25 per month.
Are UK CBD products accurately labelled?
No — CMC testing found only 38% of products were accurately labelled for CBD content, and over 45% exceeded legal THC limits. Always buy from brands with published COAs.
How big is the UK CBD market?
Sales were valued at £690 million in 2021, with projections suggesting the industry will reach £1 billion. The UK is the world’s second-largest consumer cannabinoid market.
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