Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, has revolutionized the world of sports since the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed it from the list of prohibited substances in 2018. Athletes from marathon runners to martial artists are turning to CBD in hopes of improving recovery, relieving muscle soreness, and reducing stress before competition. In 2025, new research and regulations are providing fresh insights into how CBD can support athletes, but they also emphasize the need for caution and further research. This article explores the latest scientific findings, the current legal status of CBD in sports, and practical tips for athletes considering its use.

Regulations in 2025

According to WADA Prohibited Substances List for 2025, approved on September 12, 2024, and effective January 1, 2025, CBD remains permitted for use by athletes. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and other cannabinoids, which are banned both in and out of competition, CBD is not on the Prohibited Substances List. The lack of change in CBD's status in 2025 confirms its acceptance in the sports community, but WADA warns of the risk of contamination of CBD products with trace amounts of THC, which could lead to unintentional anti-doping rule violations.

Athletes must therefore choose products with laboratory certifications confirming the absence of THC or other banned substances. For example, organizations like USADA emphasize that even products labeled "pure CBD" may contain trace amounts of THC, which poses a risk to athletes subject to anti-doping tests (USADA).

The Latest Research on CBD in Sports

CBD research in sports in 2024 has yielded mixed results, reflecting the complexity of this compound and the need for further analysis. Below are key findings from recent publications:

Muscle regeneration

One of the most significant studies of 2024, published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, examined the effects of short-term, chronic CBD use on muscle recovery and performance following an intense training protocol. In a double-blind, crossover trial involving 17 well-trained athletes, participants took either a placebo or 60 mg of CBD (in oil or solubilized form) after each training session for six days.

Key results:

CBD oil reduced myoglobin concentration in advanced athletes, indicating potential benefits in mitigating muscle damage.
There was no effect on other markers of muscle damage, such as creatine kinase (CK), or on performance in tests such as the long jump, squat, bench press, or 1-mile run.
In very advanced athletes, CBD solubilizer increased CK levels compared to placebo, which may suggest greater muscle damage, although this requires further study.

This study suggests that an athlete's level of advancement may influence the effectiveness of CBD, and CBD oil may offer moderate benefits for muscle recovery in advanced athletes.

Subjective feelings during exercise

Another 2024 study, conducted at Griffith University and published in Sports Medicine – Open, examined the effect of 150 mg of CBD on subjective responses during a 10-kilometer endurance run. In a randomized, double-blind study of 51 recreationally active individuals, CBD did not significantly affect aspects such as mood, pleasure, motivation, pain, anxiety, or fatigue.

Key results:

CBD did not improve or worsen the subjective running experience.
Exercise itself increased positive emotions after running, but CBD had no additional effect.
The study confirmed the safety of CBD under exertional conditions, suggesting that it does not interfere with physical activity.

These results contrast with previous studies that suggested CBD may increase positive emotions during sustained-intensity exercise, indicating the need for further research in more realistic sporting settings.

Safety and tolerance

A study from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, cited by NutraIngredients-USA, showed that 100 mg of CBD daily for three months was well tolerated by healthy young men and women, with no adverse effects compared to a placebo. This is important for athletes considering long-term CBD use, as it confirms its safety at doses used in sports.

Other potential benefits

Older studies, such as the 2020 review in Sports Medicine – Open, suggest that CBD may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties, which are important for athletes. For example, CBD may reduce gastrointestinal damage associated with intense exercise and support bone regeneration after injury. Preclinical studies also indicate potential benefits in improving sleep quality, which is crucial for athlete recovery.

CBD's popularity among athletes

In 2025, CBD is widely used by athletes at various levels, from amateurs to professionals. Famous athletes like golfer Bubba Watson and UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal are partnering with CBD brands to promote THC-free products. Social media platforms like X are seeing discussions about CBD in sports, with posts encouraging athletes to explore its benefits in recovery.

Companies like Zen Hemp Life are introducing new products, such as CBD creams, aimed at athletes and other groups, emphasizing their potential stress-relieving effects. Sports organizations like the BIG3 basketball league are also supporting CBD by featuring brand logos on players' uniforms, demonstrating its growing acceptance in professional sports.

Challenges and risks

Despite its popularity, the use of CBD in sports comes with challenges:

THC contamination: CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, which could result in a positive drug test result. Athletes should choose products with laboratory certification.
No clear evidence: While research indicates potential benefits, there is insufficient data to confirm that CBD improves athletic performance.
Dosage: The effectiveness of CBD depends on the dose – research suggests that 60-100 mg may be effective, but lower doses (e.g., 10 mg) may not be effective.

The Future of CBD in Sports

In 2025, CBD will become increasingly integrated into athletes' routines, with growing research and public acceptance fueling this trend. As countries like Germany liberalize cannabis laws, we can expect greater availability of CBD products in Europe, including Poland. However, more randomized clinical trials are needed to fully understand CBD's mechanisms of action and its impact on athletes.

Athletes should also monitor regulatory changes, particularly with potential new guidelines for maximum CBD doses, such as the suggested 160 mg per day for healthy adults.

Tips for athletes

Choose certified products: Look for CBD with lab tests confirming the absence of THC.
Start with small doses: Start with 10-20 mg daily, increasing to 60-100 mg if necessary and observing your body's response.
Consult with experts: Talk to your trainer or sports doctor, especially if you use other supplements or medications.
Monitor research: Follow new publications to stay up to date on potential benefits and risks.

CBD in sports in 2025 is a rapidly evolving topic, combining promising research with growing popularity among athletes. While evidence suggests potential benefits for muscle recovery and stress relief, the lack of conclusive data on improved athletic performance means athletes should approach CBD with caution. While stable WADA regulations allow for legal use of CBD, it's crucial to choose high-quality products to avoid doping risks. As science and the cannabis market evolve, CBD could become a standard component of athlete preparation, but for now, it requires a conscious and measured approach.