Canadian health officials say there is a strong demand for over-the-counter, low-THC cannabis such as CBD. Most people would use it for pain and inflammation if the country creates a legal market.

That's according to a recent Health Canada survey. The agency is considering new rules for the sale of CBD and other "cannabis-based health products" and has invited the public to take a survey to gauge interest in over-the-counter cannabinoid products.

Currently, Canada only allows the sale of CBD and other cannabinoid products through licensed regional marijuana retailers, and only to adults.

If the new regulations are approved, provinces and territories will have the option of approving where cannabis-based health products can be sold, which could include pharmacies, veterinary clinics and pet stores.

According to the government, the survey, which was conducted online between June and September, along with external scientific advice, is expected to identify "the next steps for possible rapid evolution".

The 1,104 respondents to the survey included representatives of the cannabis industry and health and veterinary associations, but consumers made up the majority with 684 respondents.

Of these, 579 expressed interest in using cannabis-based health products for "pain and inflammation-related conditions, such as joint or back pain, arthritis, migraines or headaches".

Most people who took part in the survey chose more than one area of interest for low-THC cannabis products. Stress, anxiety and depression were also cited as reasons by a large number of respondents (253). Sleep disturbance was another common choice.

"Overall, consumer feedback from the online surveys indicates that they believe there is a strong demand for (cannabis-based health products), as cannabis is seen as an effective, natural and low-risk alternative to medicines currently on the market," the report said.

One of the objectives of the survey was to find out "what types of products they would be interested in if these products were legally available in Canada".

Most respondents (414) were interested in products that could be taken orally, such as extracts, tinctures, oils or capsules.

"Canadians are interested in the potential therapeutic use of cannabis for purposes such as pain relief in humans and animals, without the need for medical or other supervision," the report concluded.

There is no deadline for the Canadian Ministry of Health to make a decision on the approval of over-the-counter "CBD health products" with low THC content.