Cannabidiol, or CBD, is no longer confined to wellness stores or niche health circles. In recent years, it has made its way into professional sports, often under the radar. Though CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with THC. That distinction, along with ongoing research into its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, has made CBD an increasingly accepted supplement among some athletes, trainers, and sports organizations.
While the adoption is far from universal, signs suggest that CBD might be carving out a lasting place in the world of elite athletics.
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Shifting Attitudes and Policy Changes
Policy plays a central role in whether athletes can legally and safely use CBD in their careers. A major turning point came in 2018 when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of banned substances. The change opened the door for athletes to use CBD without risking disqualification from global competitions. However, THC remains banned, and that line is not always easy to draw, especially with products that aren’t rigorously tested or labeled.
In the U.S., the NFL and MLB have taken cautious but visible steps. In 2020, Major League Baseball removed marijuana from its list of drugs of abuse and has since allowed sponsorship deals with CBD brands that meet specific standards. In 2022, the NFL committed $1 million in research grants to study the impact of CBD on pain management and recovery. These moves don’t equate to a full endorsement, but they indicate a shift in how sports institutions are approaching the cannabinoid.
Endorsements and Emerging Brand Deals
As regulatory stances have softened, athlete endorsements have followed. Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski has publicly aligned with a CBD brand, crediting the compound with helping him manage pain after years of physical strain. Other notable athletes, such as Megan Rapinoe (soccer), Nate Diaz (MMA), and Lamar Odom (NBA), have spoken about or partnered with CBD companies. Many of them cite sleep, recovery, and reduced reliance on prescription medication as motivating factors.
Still, most of these endorsements are from retired or semi-retired players, which may reflect ongoing caution among active professionals. The financial and reputational stakes are high, and not every team or league is aligned on how CBD should be treated.
Performance, Recovery, and the Role of Timing
One of the most discussed areas in which CBD might have utility is post-game recovery. Contact sports like football, hockey, and mixed martial arts put extreme stress on the body. Inflammation, chronic pain, and sleep disruption are common among athletes at this level. Some preliminary studies suggest that CBD may support the body’s response to inflammation and improve sleep quality; however, the evidence remains preliminary. Much of the available research has been conducted on animals or in small human trials, and results are mixed.
Still, anecdotal feedback from athletes suggests they experience benefits when CBD is used after intense physical exertion, especially when taken as a tincture, balm, or capsule within a few hours post-exercise. Some trainers report that it fits into broader recovery routines that include ice baths, massage, and hydration. But it's important to note that personal experience does not always translate into scientifically confirmed efficacy.
Legal Gray Zones and the Importance of Testing
One ongoing challenge for athletes is the risk of consuming a CBD product that contains trace amounts of THC. Because CBD products are not uniformly regulated, particularly in the U.S., contamination or mislabeling is not uncommon. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that nearly 70% of online CBD products were inaccurately labeled, with some containing higher-than-reported levels of THC.
For professional athletes, this margin of error can have serious consequences. A failed drug test, even from trace THC, can lead to suspension, fines, or the end of a career. As a result, athletes who do choose to use CBD often rely on products that are third-party tested and certified by organizations like NSF Certified for Sport, which tests for banned substances.
What the Future Might Hold
The future of CBD in professional sports may depend on several converging factors. First, more clinical research is needed, particularly studies that involve athletes as subjects, not just general populations. Understanding how CBD interacts with pain pathways, sleep cycles, and recovery timelines could help solidify its role.
Second, clearer and more consistent regulation across sports leagues would reduce confusion and legal risk. If leagues can define and enforce standards for what constitutes a “safe” CBD product, active players may become more willing to speak publicly or incorporate it into their routines.
Finally, as fans become increasingly health-conscious and the broader wellness market continues to expand, CBD may gain more crossover appeal. Sponsorships, team partnerships, and even stadium vendors might start treating CBD like other wellness products, as long as safety, legality, and performance concerns are addressed.
