New hope for professional athletes? – What does the legalization of CBD mean on the field?

More athletes are paying attention to CBD, but the research is still ongoing and results vary. This article looks at what current evidence says.

Nate Diaz is one of the best-known athletes to publicly discuss CBD. In 2016, following UFC 202 against Conor McGregor, he was seen using a CBD vape during the post-fight press conference.

Diaz’s case is not unique, as more and more Olympians, runners, cyclists, and team sport athletes have discovered the benefits of CBD, partly thanks to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) allowing its use since 2018.

But what does all this mean in the daily lives of athletes? Is it truly a revolutionary breakthrough, or just another wellness trend? We explore this in the following sections.

Possible Benefits of CBD for Athletes

CBD is drawing interest among athletes, but research is still ongoing and results vary. The science has not yet reached firm conclusions.

Pain and Inflammation Reduction

Preliminary research and user reports suggest CBD may be of interest for athletes, but findings are still mixed and clinical confirmation is limited.

Stress Support

Some studies suggest CBD may interact with pathways involved in mood regulation, but its effects on stress are still being studied and can vary from person to person.

Sleep Support

Some athletes say they notice changes in their sleep after using CBD, but the research is still limited and results vary.

How the Endocannabinoid System Works

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate internal balance. It does not directly activate CB1 or CB2 receptors, but current research suggests it may influence them indirectly.

How to Use It Safely

CBD is getting more attention among athletes, but responses vary and research is still ongoing. Careful, informed use is important.

Start Low and Increase Gradually

Many experts suggest starting low and increasing gradually based on your experience. Some people notice effects, while others do not.

When to Take CBD: Before or After Training?

Some athletes choose to use CBD before training, while others prefer it after a workout or competition. Experiences vary, and research is still limited.

Consistency Matters

Some people say they notice changes only after regular use. Results vary, so consistency may matter more than timing.

Legal and Competition Considerations

As CBD use becomes more common in sports, athletes should still check competition rules and product ingredients carefully. A product being available does not automatically mean it’s allowed in every setting.

WADA’s Position

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its prohibited list in 2018, but THC and other cannabinoids may still be restricted. If a product contains THC, it could create problems in drug-tested competition.

Why Product Documentation Matters

For athletes, it’s especially important to use CBD products that include a Certificate of Analysis (COA). The document helps confirm what the product contains, including whether THC is present. Before competition, ask the manufacturer or distributor for the COA and check your sport’s rules if needed.

Laws Vary by Country

CBD rules can vary by country, and some products may be restricted or prohibited outside the U.S. Athletes traveling for competition or training should check the rules at their destination before bringing any CBD products with them.

Athlete Experiences and Research Findings

Interest in CBD among elite athletes has been growing, but scientific evidence is still limited. Most of the feedback so far is based on personal experience.

Athlete Feedback

Some athletes have spoken about their CBD use. For example, Rob Gronkowski, a former NFL player, said at a 2019 press event:

He later described his experience with CBD as positive.

Some athletes have shared positive experiences, but these are personal impressions rather than scientific proof.

What Does Science Say?

Research is still in preliminary stages, but some studies have already pointed to interesting correlations:

A 2020 narrative review suggests CBD may be worth further study, but the evidence is still early.
A 2022 pilot study found no clear negative effect on running performance in a small group of runners, but the sample was too small to draw broad conclusions.

Key Takeaways

CBD is getting more attention in sports, but research is still limited and results vary. Ongoing studies may help clarify its role over time.

For elite athletes, careful and informed use is especially important.

Want to learn how to choose a CBD product for an active routine or compare product types?

Read the next part of our series, where we aim to answer these questions!

Legal and Anti-Doping Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical, legal, or sport-specific advice.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is on WADA’s banned list, and even small amounts can create problems in drug-tested competition. CBD itself is not prohibited, but athletes should still review product ingredients and competition rules carefully.

Other cannabinoids such as CBG (cannabigerol) or CBN (cannabinol) may also be restricted under competition rules, so athletes should check current regulations before use.

Broad-spectrum CBD products may still contain other cannabinoids, so competitive athletes should review ingredients and competition rules carefully.

For competitive athletes, CBD isolate products may be easier to evaluate because they contain CBD only. Even so, athletes should still check ingredients and current rules.

For people who are not subject to doping controls, broad-spectrum CBD oil offers a more complex plant-based ingredient profile and does not contain THC.

Athletes should review product documentation and speak with their sports physician or coach before use. It’s also important to understand the rules that apply to your sport and governing body.

References and Scientific Sources

https://www.mmaweekly.com/fighters/nate-diaz-post-fight-vaping-changed-ufc-and-wada-drug-testing-forever
https://sportscannabis.life/2024/01/16/advocating-for-change-off-the-field-with-rob-gronkowski/
https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-020-00251-0
https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-022-00417-y