Study reveals benefits and challenges of CBD use by Olympic athletes

A recent study, published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Nutrition, revealed important data on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in high-performance sports. Elite athletes are increasingly turning to cannabidiol as an auxiliary tool in physical and mental recovery.

The survey was conducted with 80 Olympic and Paralympic competitors from Canada, between the years 2021 and 2023. The study indicated that, although the substance is sought for pain control and improved sleep, the fear of anti-doping violations remains a central concern.

Conducted by researchers from McGill University and the Canadian Sport Institute, the work interviewed members of 27 national sports organizations. The data show that about 38% of athletes reported having used CBD at some point, with almost a third maintaining active use during the study.

Perception of effectiveness in CBD use

The results suggest a high approval rate of the compound among competitors. According to the report, 96% of athletes using CBD consider the practice safe for health.

Regarding therapeutic effects, 93% stated that the substance improves sleep quality and 90% mentioned assistance in relaxation. Additionally, 77% of the interviewees attributed to the compound a significant reduction in muscle pain after training.

The study authors highlighted the consensus among participants. Overall, athletes agreed that cannabidiol "improved physical and mental recovery after training or competition".

Doping risks and CBD use

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed cannabidiol from the list of prohibited substances in 2018. However, all other cannabinoids — including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — remain banned, complicating the scenario for safe CBD use.

Researchers describe the situation as "a fine line between unintentional doping and intentional use of cannabis-based products". The main concern lies in the lack of rigorous regulation of commercial products, which may contain traces of unlabeled THC.

The study also alerts to important biological factors. "Some foods and beverages fortified with CBD have been shown to convert CBD to THC under low pH conditions," the authors noted. This could produce THC levels sufficient to trigger a positive result in urine tests, especially after intense physical exertion.

Sources of information on CBD use

The research identified that guidance received by athletes on the subject rarely comes from professional sources. Many reported learning about CBD use through friends or online research, rather than from doctors or coaches.

This gap in guidance concerns experts. "Considering that athletes often reported obtaining information about CBD from friends and online sources, there is also a need to test interventions that enhance evidence-based knowledge," the authors pointed out in the article.

International scenario of CBD use in sports

The Canadian survey aligns with a global movement to review policies on cannabis in sports. In the United States, major leagues such as MLB (baseball) and NBA (basketball) have already removed cannabis from the list of prohibited substances in recent years.

Another study, funded by the NFL in 2024, had already found a growing acceptance of the plant among players. This reinforces the need for ongoing education on the benefits and risks of CBD use for both competitors and medical teams.

With information from Marijuana Moments and Frontiers in Nutrition.