Is CBD Legal in Sports? Rules and Regulations You Need to Know

CBD, or cannabidiol, has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly for its potential health benefits, such as pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. But when it comes to athletes, one burning question remains: Is CBD legal in sports? Navigating the rules around CBD and its place in sports can be confusing. In this guide, we’ll break down the legality of using CBD gummies in athletic competition, current regulations, and what athletes need to know before using it. No matter what, you should always double check the legal status of any team or relevant sports authority you are competing with to make sure CBD is allowed, since it can vary by team, league, or local rules. Make sure CBD is allowed before competing or participating in professional sports.

What Is CBD?

CBD is one of the many compounds found in cannabis plants, including marijuana and hemp. Unlike its cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use. This distinction is crucial, especially when it comes to sports regulations.

CBD comes in many forms, including CBD gummies, oils, smokables, and other edibles.

CBD and Sports: The Current Legal Status

Is CBD Legal for Athletes?

Yes, CBD is legal for athletes in most sports, but there are important caveats to consider. In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances, allowing athletes to use it without the risk of suspension or fines. However, THC and synthetic cannabinoids remain banned. This means athletes must be cautious when choosing CBD products, as many contain trace amounts of THC that could result in a positive drug test.

While CBD is not considered a performance-enhancing drug, its association with cannabis and the potential for cross-contamination with THC can complicate its legal status in sports.

No matter what sport you are playing, make sure to check any relevant rules and regulations to the sports and locations you play, as rules do vary by location and even team.

Understanding the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) CBD Regulations

The WADA Code serves as the benchmark for sports organizations worldwide, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and many professional leagues. Here’s what athletes need to know:

• CBD is legal, but THC is not: While WADA permits CBD, it still prohibits THC at all times—in and out of competition. Athletes who test positive for THC may face penalties.
• Products may vary: Even though CBD itself is allowed, athletes must be aware of the product they’re using. Full-spectrum CBD products contain a variety of cannabinoids, including THC, while broad-spectrum CBD and isolate forms are THC-free. Always choose products from reputable brands that test for THC levels.
• Thresholds for THC: WADA has set a threshold of 150 ng/mL for THC in an athlete’s system. Anything above this limit can lead to sanctions.

For more details, you can check the WADA Prohibited List here.

CBD in Professional Leagues: Mixed Approaches

Different sports leagues have varying rules regarding CBD. Here’s a look at the regulations in some of the most popular leagues:

1. NFL (National Football League)

The NFL has relaxed its stance on cannabis, and CBD use is not specifically banned. However, players must still avoid THC, which remains prohibited under the league’s drug policy. The NFL is funding research to study the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD for pain management and neuroprotection.

2. NBA (National Basketball Association)

The NBA has historically taken a strict approach to cannabis, including CBD. However, the league is currently reevaluating its policies and might adopt a more lenient stance, similar to the NFL, in the future. At this time, players should be cautious about using any cannabis-derived products, including CBD.

3. MLB (Major League Baseball)

The MLB has been one of the most progressive leagues when it comes to CBD. In 2020, the league removed cannabis from its list of banned substances. This means CBD products are allowed, but like other leagues, players must avoid THC and other banned cannabinoids.

4. UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)

The UFC aligns with WADA’s stance, allowing the use of CBD while prohibiting THC. UFC has partnered with CBD brands and actively promotes its therapeutic benefits, particularly for recovery and pain relief.

For more information on the specific policies of each league, it’s recommended to consult their official statements or drug policy documents.

Potential Benefits of CBD for Athletes

Athletes are turning to CBD for a variety of reasons, including:

• Pain relief: Studies suggest CBD may reduce pain and inflammation, making it a popular option for recovery.
• Sleep improvement: Some research indicates that CBD may help with sleep disorders, which is crucial for athletic recovery.
• Anxiety reduction: Athletes facing performance anxiety may find relief through CBD, as it has been shown to help reduce stress levels in some users.

While these benefits sound promising, it’s important to note that research on CBD’s effects is still in its early stages. Athletes should consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating CBD into their routine.

The Risks of Using CBD in Sports

Though CBD is widely regarded as safe, there are a few risks athletes should consider:

1. THC Contamination: The lack of strict regulation in the CBD industry means that some products labeled as “THC-free” might contain trace amounts of THC. This poses a risk for athletes who are subject to drug testing.
2. Inconsistent Dosing: CBD products vary widely in terms of quality and potency. Athletes may not always get the same dose, making it difficult to predict how their body will respond Restart CBD has stringent guidelines for quality control in its CBD gummies..
3. Lack of FDA Approval: While CBD is legal in many places, the FDA has not approved it for most medical uses, except for certain treatments like Epidiolex, which is prescribed for epilepsy.

How Athletes Can Use CBD Safely

• Choose THC-free products: Athletes should opt for CBD isolates or broad-spectrum products to avoid the risk of THC contamination.
• Check for third-party lab results: Look for brands that provide third-party lab reports showing the exact cannabinoid content of their products.
• Consult with a healthcare provider: Before using CBD, athletes should talk to a medical professional familiar with their sport’s regulations and their personal health needs.

FAQs About CBD in Sports

Conclusion

Is CBD legal in sports? In most cases, yes. However, athletes need to navigate the fine line between CBD and THC use, especially with strict drug testing protocols. By following WADA guidelines and being cautious with product selection, athletes can use CBD without risking their professional standing. As the rules around CBD in sports continue to evolve, staying informed is essential for anyone considering its use.