CBD, Sport and Recovery

More and more athletes, amateur and seasoned alike, are taking an interest in CBD (cannabidiol) to support their training routine. Whether you run, lift weights, practise yoga or play a team sport, the recovery phase is just as important as the effort itself. In this guide, we take stock of CBD's place in an athlete's daily life, the most suitable formats and the anti-doping rules you need to know. All Golden CBD products contain less than 0.3% THC, in line with the regulations.

Why athletes take an interest in CBD

Physical activity puts the body under intense strain. After a demanding session, athletes naturally seek to look after their recovery and regain a sense of muscle comfort. CBD fits into this wellness-routine logic, in the same way as hydration, sleep, stretching or nutrition.

Cannabidiol is a compound derived from hemp, non-psychotropic: it does not cause a high. Many practitioners build it into their habits to support a moment of relaxation after exercise and encourage a calmer routine. It is neither a miracle product nor a substitute for a good lifestyle, but a supplement that everyone tests according to how they feel. To better understand this compound, you can read our article on the benefits of CBD.

Which CBD formats are suited to sport

There is no single "right" format: it all depends on your discipline, your preferences and the time of day. Here are the main options and their common uses among athletes.

CBD balm

CBD balm is applied directly to the skin, by massage, on the areas worked during exercise. It is a format valued for targeting a specific part of the body (shoulders, legs, back) and pairing it with a relaxing self-massage after the session. It is generally used to complement a warm-up or a cool-down.

CBD oil

Oil is taken as a few drops under the tongue. It offers great dosing flexibility, which lets you adjust the quantity to how you feel and to your weight. It is often the go-to format for building CBD into a daily routine, in the evening for example, to accompany a moment of relaxation before bed.

CBD capsules

Capsules offer a fixed dose and great discretion: no hemp taste, taken simply like a conventional supplement. Practical when travelling or during touring competitions, they suit those looking for a regular, preparation-free routine.

The right dosage varies from one person to another. If you are a beginner, it is better to start gently and adjust gradually. Our guide which CBD strength to choose will help you see things more clearly. You will find all our formats designed for athletes in the CBD Sport collection.

CBD before or after exercise

The timing of use depends above all on the effect you are after and on your own organisation. Two approaches come up often among practitioners.

• Before exercise: some enjoy a balm massage during the warm-up, as a calm preparation ritual. As CBD is not a stimulant, it is no substitute for your usual warm-up routine.
• After exercise: this is the moment favoured by most athletes. CBD then forms part of the recovery phase, paired with stretching, hydration and rest to encourage a cool-down and better muscle comfort.

As with any element of a routine, consistency matters more than a one-off intake. Observe how you feel over several sessions before judging what suits you best.

CBD and anti-doping testing: what you need to know

It is a legitimate question for any athlete competing. Here are the facts, up to date and verifiable from official sources.

Since 1 January 2018, cannabidiol (CBD) has been removed from the list of prohibited substances and methods of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). CBD itself is therefore not prohibited in competition.

However, a key point: all other cannabinoids remain prohibited in competition, starting with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and synthetic cannabinoids. Yet some CBD products may contain traces of THC. Even at a very low level, these traces could in theory pose a problem during a test.

A few precautionary recommendations:

• Check the composition of the product and favour transparent references, with lab analyses available.
• Consult your federation's rules and WADA's annual prohibited list, which can change every year.
• If in doubt, get in touch with your sports doctor or your federation before any competition.

This section is informative in purpose: it is no substitute for the official rules of your discipline. Responsibility for what is consumed always lies with the athlete.

Building CBD into your athlete's routine

CBD works no miracles, and it will never replace the fundamentals: progressive training, quality sleep, a balanced diet and good hydration. Seen as a routine supplement, however, it can find its place in the recovery phase, provided you choose a format suited to your discipline and stay attuned to how you feel.

Start simply, stay consistent, and adjust according to what suits you. To discover formats designed for exercise, browse our CBD Sport collection.

FAQ — CBD and sport

Is CBD permitted in competition?

CBD has been removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list since 2018: it is therefore not prohibited in competition. Other cannabinoids, including THC, however, remain prohibited. Always check the composition of your products and your federation's rules before an event.

Should you take CBD before or after exercise?

Most athletes build it in after exercise, as part of their recovery routine, alongside stretching, rest and hydration. Some also enjoy a balm massage during the warm-up. The ideal moment depends on how you feel and on your own organisation.

Which CBD format should you choose for sport?

Balm is the firm favourite for a targeted massage after the session, oil for its dosing flexibility and daily use, and capsules for their convenience and fixed dose. It all depends on your preferences. Our guide which CBD strength to choose helps you refine your choice, and the CBD Sport collection brings together our suitable products.