Cannabidiol use among elite-level Canadian athletes: the pursuit of improved sleep, pain relief, and enhanced recovery

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-5-2025

Publication Title

Front Nutr

Keywords

cannabidiol; elite-level athletes; nutraceutical; pain relief; recovery; sleep

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound in the cannabis plant with psycho-physiological effects that may support athletes' training and recovery. Although not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, CBD products may carry a risk of inadvertent anti-doping violations due to contamination with prohibited cannabinoids. The

DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive survey study.

METHODS: Elite-level Canadian athletes completed an anonymous online survey on CBD use between October 2021-June 2023.

RESULTS: 80 athletes completed the survey. 38% (n = 30) had used CBD, with 30% (n = 9) of CBD users reporting active/current use. CBD users cumulatively agreed or strongly agreed that CBD is safe (96%); improved sleep (93%) and relaxation (90%); and reduced pain from training (77%). Friends (26%) and the internet (24%) were the most frequently reported first sources of information on CBD. Oral tincture/oil was the most commonly used (31%) form of CBD. The most reported reason for never using or discontinuing CBD was concern about an anti-doping rule violation (28%).

DISCUSSION: Given the self-reported benefits of CBD among elite-level Canadian athletes, alongside concerns about inadvertent anti-doping violations, clinicians working with this population should provide evidence-based guidance on CBD use and support informed decision-making to minimize risk and optimize athlete safety.

PubMed ID

41425621

Volume

12

First Page

1711773

Last Page

1711773

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