Attitudes toward cannabidiol use among Bulgarian patients with neurodegenerative diseases and chronic pain

Background : Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained increasing scientific and clinical attention because of its potential therapeutic effects in chronic pain, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders. Patients with neurodegenerative diseases frequently experience persistent pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life, leading to growing interest in complementary therapeutic approaches, such as CBD products. Aim : The aim of the present study was to evaluate the awareness, attitudes, and willingness to use CBD products among Bulgarian patients with neurodegenerative diseases and chronic pain. Materials and methods : A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 55 adult patients experiencing chronic pain, including individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, awareness of CBD products, pain intensity, anxiety levels, and willingness to use CBD products. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, Fisher’s exact test, Pearson’s chi-square test, and Spearman correlation analysis. Results : Most participants (61.8%) reported prior awareness of CBD products, while 85.5% expressed willingness to use CBD if recommended by a healthcare professional. Significant associations were identified between CBD awareness and willingness to use CBD products, as well as between awareness and previous CBD use. Participants informed about CBD reported higher levels of chronic pain and anxiety compared with uninformed respondents. A moderate positive correlation was observed between pain intensity and anxiety levels. Patients with neurodegenerative diseases demonstrated higher anxiety levels compared with respondents without neurodegenerative conditions. Conclusion : Bulgarian patients with chronic pain and neurodegenerative diseases demonstrate substantial interest in CBD products as complementary therapeutic agents. However, insufficient patient awareness and limited medical guidance remain important barriers to the safe therapeutic integration of CBD products.