By CDC Proposes New Marijuana Question
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is proposing to add a new question to the 2028 National Health Interview Survey. The agency’s draft survey would ask respondents how often they use marijuana. The specific query asks, “Do you currently use marijuana every day, most days, some days, or not at all?”
Respondents can choose from options including “every day,” “most days,” “some days,” or “not at all.” The question includes a caveat that people should not include “CBD only products” when answering. This approach differs from previous survey versions that combined marijuana and CBD usage.
The CDC is currently accepting public comments on the proposed survey redesign. However, a Federal Register notice specifies that comments must be received on or before October 19.
Follow-Up Questions Target Medical Use
Individuals who indicate they use marijuana on at least some days will see a follow-up question.
It provides a clearer picture of why adults are using the plant.
The previous 2024 version of the survey included a question about using marijuana or CBD for sleep. A CDC report on the 2024 results showed that 3.7 percent of adults used these products as sleep aids. The draft 2028 NHIS does not include this specific question about CBD and sleep.
Rescheduling Context Shapes Survey Design
The federal health agency’s interest in medical use comes as the Trump administration moves forward with rescheduling marijuana. Attorney General Todd Blanche issued an order in April to reclassify state-licensed medical cannabis. This order moved medical cannabis and FDA-approved products from Schedule I to Schedule III.
A separate order signed by the acting attorney general has initiated a hearing for a comprehensive move to Schedule III. The Drug Enforcement Administration is defending the proposed rescheduling move in court. The DEA filed a final hearing brief last week to support the change.
The DEA stated in its brief that “marijuana no longer fits the statutory requirements for Schedule I because it has a currently accepted medical use within the United States and it has an accepted safety for its use under medical supervision.” The agency noted there are over 30,000 practitioners treating more than six million patients in 43 U.S. jurisdictions. The DEA asked the judge to “expeditiously recommend” that marijuana be transferred from Schedule I to Schedule III.
