Whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PB, recovery is where the real gains happen. Many runners and gym-goers are exploring CBD to support post-workout recovery, sleep quality, and overall balance — without the psychoactive “high”.
Read more: CBD benefits
Why athletes use CBD
CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps maintain balance across processes like mood, sleep, and the response to stressors (including training stress). While CBD isn’t a medicine and isn’t a cure for injuries, many athletes use it as part of a broader recovery routine.
Read more: What does CBD feel like?
How CBD may support recovery
1) Post-workout calm & down-regulation
Hard sessions ramp up the nervous system. Many users take CBD to help “switch off” after training — supporting the wind-down that precedes restorative sleep.
2) Sleep quality
Sleep is the most powerful recovery tool you have. Better sleep can translate into improved muscle repair, glycogen replenishment and readiness for your next session.
Read more: Best time to take CBD
3) Everyday aches & training niggles
Topical CBD balms are popular for targeted, post-session application on overworked areas (think calves, quads, lower back, shoulders) as part of a massage routine.
Read more: CBD for joints
Best time to take CBD for training & sleep
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but these patterns are common:
- Pre-bed: 30–90 minutes before sleep to support night-time wind-down.
- Post-training: after your session to begin the recovery window routine (alongside carbs, protein, hydration).
- Split dosing: a smaller daytime amount and a slightly larger pre-bed amount.
Read more: CBD for pain relief
Best CBD formats for athletes
1) Oils (sublingual)
Fast, flexible dosing. Place drops under the tongue and hold before swallowing.
Read more: How to take CBD oil
2) Capsules
Convenient and consistent per-cap dose. Useful for travel or race week routines.
3) Topicals (balms/creams)
Apply to overworked areas post-session or during massage to complete your cooldown ritual.
4) Broad-spectrum vs full-spectrum vs isolate
Broad-spectrum: multiple hemp compounds with non-detectable THC (popular with tested athletes).
Full-spectrum: includes trace legal THC alongside other compounds.
Isolate: pure CBD only.
Read more: Types of CBD explained
Smart stacks: CBD with turmeric, black pepper, magnesium & D3
Pairing CBD with supportive nutrients and botanicals can round out your recovery stack:
- Turmeric + black pepper: a classic recovery duo commonly used alongside training blocks.
- Magnesium (evening): popular for wind-down and sleep routines.
- Vitamin D3 (daily): supports immune and musculoskeletal health — helpful through darker months.
Read more: Turmeric & black pepper + CBD
Read more: Magnesium for sleep
Read more: Why our Mint CBD oil includes algae D3
Compliance, lab tests & drug testing
If you undergo drug testing, choose broad-spectrum products from reputable brands that share up-to-date lab reports (COAs) showing non-detectable THC.
Read more: CBD & drug tests
Read more: How to read CBD lab results
Finding your dose
Start low and build gradually over 7–14 days until you reach your desired effect. Many users split their intake across post-training and pre-bed. Always stay within the UK FSA’s guidance of a maximum 70mg CBD per day for healthy adults, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
Read more: What does CBD feel like?
Final thoughts
CBD won’t replace sound training, nutrition and sleep — but it can be a helpful part of a well-built recovery routine. Pick a format that suits your day, use lab-tested broad-spectrum if you’re tested, and consider pairing with turmeric, black pepper, magnesium and D3 for a 360° approach to recovery.
FAQs
Will CBD make me feel drowsy before a session?
Most people use CBD for post-training or pre-bed. If you’re trying it pre-session, start low on a non-key day and see how you feel.
Is broad-spectrum CBD best if I’m drug tested?
Broad-spectrum (with non-detectable THC) is commonly chosen by tested athletes. Always check the latest COA for your specific batch.
Can CBD help with DOMS?
Many users include CBD as part of their cooldown routine and apply topical balms to overworked areas, alongside nutrition, sleep and mobility work.
What should I pair CBD with for recovery?
Common stacks include turmeric + black pepper post-training, magnesium in the evening, and daily vitamin D3 — alongside protein, carbs and hydration.
How do I check quality?
Look for third-party lab reports (COAs), organic sourcing, and clear cannabinoid profiles for the exact batch you’re buying.
