CBD for Athletes: Benefits, Legality & Famous Users
Athletes push their bodies to the limit—so recovery matters. Since CBD was dropped from the list of banned substances by international sporting bodies, more competitors are using it to support demanding training schedules. Some even endorse CBD publicly or launch their own brands.
Is CBD good for athletes?
CBD (cannabidiol) contains plant compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)—involved in sleep, inflammation response, appetite and more. While CBD isn’t a cure or treatment for specific conditions, many athletes use it like a supplement to support general wellbeing, often before bed or in a recovery smoothie.
Read more: Benefits of CBD
Is CBD for athletes legal?
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its prohibited list in 2017, so athletes can use CBD during training and competition. THC remains prohibited and is a controlled substance in the UK.
- UK legal threshold: THC must be below 0.02% in products sold in the UK. Verify this on a product’s certificate of analysis (COA).
- Drug testing: CBD itself doesn’t trigger a positive; THC can. Choose products that confirm compliant or zero THC.
Read more: CBD vs CBN: What Are The Differences? • CBD and drug tests
Bottom line: CBD is permitted for athletes; THC is not. Always check your product’s COA.
Benefits of CBD oil for athletes
Supports digestive health
The ECS influences appetite and digestive regulation (e.g., via the thyroid, pituitary, pancreas and kidneys). Athletes use CBD to support gastrointestinal comfort and healthy appetite.
Aids recovery
CBD’s interaction with the ECS has drawn interest for post-exercise recovery and managing normal inflammation response. Early research suggests potential benefits for exercise-induced fatigue; more studies are needed to define optimal doses and timing.
Tip: Pair soft-tissue work (massage, mobility) with CBD balms to support local recovery routines.
Helps with sleep quality
Quality sleep underpins repair and adaptation. Many athletes use CBD for a sense of relaxation before bed, aiming to support sleep length and continuity.
General balance
CBD is often used to support homeostasis via the ECS—another tool alongside nutrition, hydration, and training plans.
Quick recap: Potential upsides
- Digestive support: helps maintain appetite and GI comfort
- Sleep: supports wind-down and rest quality
- System balance: complements core bodily processes
- Recovery: may support normal post-exercise inflammation response
Risks & side effects of CBD for athletes
CBD is generally well tolerated, but possible effects include:
- Dry mouth (reduced saliva production)
- Changes in appetite (up or down)
- Fatigue/drowsiness
- Digestive upset (e.g., loose stools)
If side effects occur, reduce dose or pause use. Consult a healthcare professional if you take medications or have health conditions.
How to choose the best CBD oil for athletes
Quality first—to control THC risk and confirm potency.
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Pick the right spectrum:
- Full-spectrum: CBD + other cannabinoids + legally trace THC
- Broad-spectrum: CBD + other cannabinoids, no THC
- Isolate: CBD only
For anti-doping peace of mind: Broad-spectrum or isolate.
- Demand a COA: Independent lab tests for each batch confirming cannabinoids (including THC), and purity.
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Choose your format:
- Oil drops (sublingual): higher bioavailability; quicker onset
- Capsules: easy and consistent dosing; lower bioavailability
- Topicals (balms): targeted application; act locally without bloodstream absorption
Complete this one-minute quiz and find the right products for you.
17 famous athletes who use CBD
- George Kruis — Rugby union international; turned to CBD post-ankle surgery on teammate’s recommendation.
- James Haskell — England rugby international & MMA trainee; uses CBD around training.
- Ben Franks — All Blacks prop; long-term CBD user for performance and recovery.
- Megan Rapinoe — USWNT legend; advocates CBD for wellbeing during training/competition.
- Rob Gronkowski — NFL star; vocal about CBD’s role in sport recovery.
- Eugene Monroe — Former NFL tackle; first active NFL player to advocate CBD/cannabis (2014).
- Mike Tyson — Heavyweight champion; longtime CBD advocate and industry entrepreneur.
- Nate Diaz — UFC fighter; openly uses CBD and has discussed recovery benefits.
- Alex Montagnani — BMMA athlete; promotes CBD oil for training support.
- Kieran Kevan — UKDFBA champion; uses CBD for post-workout relaxation.
- Tomas Wolfe — UKBFF champion; endorses CBD for mental & physical balance.
- Paul Pierce — NBA champion; uses CBD for emotional wellness post-trauma.
- Charley Hoffman — PGA Tour winner; uses CBD for recovery and relaxation (also: Bubba Watson, Lucas Glover).
- Eddie Hall — World’s Strongest Man 2017; public CBD advocate.
- Albee Layer — Pro surfer; adopted CBD during hip-surgery recovery.
- Ross Rebagliati — Olympic snowboard gold medallist; CBD proponent and industry figure.
- Brooke Ence — Elite CrossFit athlete; uses CBD to support training (also: Noah Ohlsen, Alex Anderson).
Final thoughts on CBD for athletes
From recovery and sleep to general balance, CBD has earned a place in many athletes’ routines. WADA permits CBD, but THC is still banned—so always check your governing body’s rules and your product’s COA. If CBD fits your approach, choose quality, dose thoughtfully, and integrate it with proven fundamentals—training, nutrition, sleep, and smart recovery.
