Best CBD Products for Athletes

By: Katelyn Manuel

PUBLISHED: March 13, 2025 UPDATED: March 13, 2025

A man is sitting on the roadside, watching something on his mobile, with an R&R CBD Tincture and a CBD Gummies container beside him

As an athlete, you're constantly pushing your body to the limit. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a professional competitor, the physical demands of training and competing can take a toll on your body.

Fortunately, CBD products have become increasingly popular among athletes looking to support recovery, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle soreness. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which CBD products are best suited for your athletic needs.

Key Takeaways

CBD can help reduce inflammation, alleviate muscle soreness, and promote faster recovery times, making it beneficial for athletes at all levels.
Athletes can choose from CBD oils for systemic relief, topicals for targeted pain, edibles for long-lasting effects, and vape pens for quick absorption.
CBD is legal under U.S. federal law and allowed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), but athletes should choose THC-free products to comply with drug testing regulations.
CBD works best when used consistently and in combination with other recovery techniques, such as sleep, nutrition, and stretching.

What Are the Best CBD Products for Athletes?

CBD products for athletes are specifically formulated to support recovery, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle soreness. These products come in various forms, each with unique benefits and drawbacks.

CBD Oils and Tinctures

CBD oils and tinctures are among the most popular CBD products for athletes. These liquid formulas are taken sublingually (placed under the tongue) for quick absorption into the bloodstream.

CBD oils and tinctures may offer fast-acting relief from muscle soreness and inflammation owing to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties. They also provide systemic benefits throughout the body, helping to promote overall balance and wellness.

Our Multifunctional CBD Tinctures are available in broad- and full-spectrum versions. They come in three potency levels to help bring balance to your body and mind so you can live without pain, stress, or sleeplessness.*

Our industry-leading cannabinoid formulas, featuring adaptogens, botanicals, and potent CBD, easily fit into any lifestyle and give you all the multifunctional benefits of CBD when you take it consistently, especially daily.*

When choosing a CBD oil or tincture, look for products that use high-quality, organic ingredients and are third-party lab-tested for purity and potency.

CBD Topicals and Creams

CBD topicals and creams are applied directly to the skin, allowing targeted relief of muscle and joint discomfort. These products are ideal for athletes who experience localized pain or soreness in specific areas of the body.

CBD topicals and creams are available in various formulations, including cooling gels, warming balms, and moisturizing lotions. Some products also contain additional ingredients like menthol or arnica to enhance their pain-relieving properties.

Our soothing Topical Solutions include Pain Creams and Roll-Ons. The Pain Creams are formulated for acute pain relief. If you’ve sprained a muscle, have daily muscle discomfort, or experience chronic joint pain, these Creams are for you.

What’s more, our Pain Creams absorb quickly and provide pain relief in as little as 5 minutes. The formulas are dye and fragrance-free and contain moisturizing and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as arnica montana, MSM, calendula flower, and jojoba to help reduce pain and nourish your skin.

CBD Gummies and Edibles

CBD gummies and edibles offer a convenient and discreet way to incorporate CBD into your athletic routine. These products are easy to take on the go and provide long-lasting systemic support for recovery and overall wellness.

CBD gummies and edibles are available in various flavors and dosages, making it easy to find a product that suits your taste preferences and needs. Some also contain additional ingredients like vitamins or adaptogens to enhance their benefits.

Our Multifunctional Gummies are formulated to help with various health issues, including sleeplessness, stress, and pain. These high-quality, all-natural Gummies are popular because of their phytonutrient-rich formulas and the fact that they offer a range of potencies as solutions for all types of conditions, from mild to severe.

CBD Vape Pens and Cartridges

CBD vape pens and cartridges offer fast-acting relief from muscle soreness and inflammation. These products deliver CBD directly to the lungs, allowing quick absorption into the bloodstream.

CBD vape pens and cartridges are available in various strains and flavors. Some products are designed to promote relaxation and stress relief, while others are formulated to boost energy and focus.

Benefits of CBD for Athletes

Here are some science-backed benefits of CBD:

Reduces Inflammation and Muscle Soreness

CBD's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation caused by intense training and competition. When applied topically or taken orally, CBD supercharges the body's endocannabinoid system to modulate the inflammatory response, allowing you to recover faster and return to your training routine.

Supports Faster Recovery Times

In addition to reducing inflammation, CBD may also support faster recovery times by promoting muscle relaxation and reducing oxidative stress. When your muscles relax and repair more efficiently, you can bounce back from tough workouts and competitions faster, allowing you to maintain your training schedule and reach your athletic goals.

Promotes Better Sleep Quality

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for athletic recovery and performance. CBD has been shown to promote better sleep quality by reducing anxiety, regulating sleep-wake cycles, and alleviating pain that may interfere with restful sleep.

Incorporating CBD into your bedtime routine ensures you get the restorative sleep your body needs to perform at its best.

Helps Manage Stress and Anxiety

As an athlete, you know that mental stress and anxiety can be just as challenging as physical stress. CBD is anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and may help to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and focus.

By managing your stress levels with CBD, you can approach your training and competitions with a clear mind and a positive attitude, allowing you to perform at your highest level.

How Does CBD Work for Athletes?

CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps regulate various physiological processes, including pain perception, inflammation, mood, and sleep.

When you consume CBD, it binds to these receptors, helping to promote balance and wellness throughout the body.

One of CBD's key benefits for athletes is its ability to target specific areas of discomfort. When applied topically, CBD can provide localized relief for sore muscles, aching joints, and other areas of pain or inflammation. This makes it an excellent choice for athletes who need fast-acting, targeted support for their most challenging areas.

In addition to its targeted benefits, CBD provides systemic support throughout your body. CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally, allowing it to interact with your ECS on a broader scale.

This may help reduce overall inflammation, promote better sleep quality, and support faster recovery times, all of which are essential for optimal athletic performance.

CBD is also non-psychoactive, meaning it won't get you high or impair mental clarity. This makes it a safe and practical choice for athletes who must focus and concentrate during training and competition.

As an athlete, incorporating CBD into your recovery routine can help you bounce back from tough workouts and competitions faster, allowing you to maintain your training schedule and reach your athletic goals.

Whether you opt for a topical cream, an oral tincture, or a convenient gummy or capsule, CBD can provide the targeted and systemic support your body needs to perform at its best.

Choosing the Right CBD Products for Your Athletic Needs

One woman and two men are jogging in the street in the morning, and they are smiling

With so many CBD options, finding the right products for your sporting needs can be overwhelming. However, here are some factors to consider when selecting CBD products to support your recovery and performance.

Consider the Type of CBD (Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or Isolate)

CBD products come in three main types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%).

This type of CBD may offer enhanced benefits through the "entourage effect," where all the compounds work together synergistically.

Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum but without THC, making it a good choice for athletes who want to avoid even trace amounts of THC.

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, containing only CBD and no other compounds from the hemp plant. This type is ideal for athletes who undergo regular drug testing and need to ensure their products are THC-free.

Look for Third-Party Lab Testing and Transparency

Reputable CBD brands provide third-party lab test results for their products, ensuring they are free from contaminants and contain the advertised amount of CBD.

These test results, also known as Certificates of Analysis (COAs), are often available on the company's website or upon request. Transparency in labeling and testing is a sign of a trustworthy CBD brand.

Opt for High-Quality, Natural Ingredients

When choosing CBD products, look for those made with high-quality, natural ingredients. Avoid products with artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers that may diminish the effectiveness of the CBD or cause unwanted side effects. Organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced ingredients are always preferable.

Select Products Tailored to Your Specific Concerns

CBD products come in various forms to target specific concerns. For localized pain and inflammation, topical creams, balms, and roll-ons can provide targeted relief.

Tinctures and oils offer systemic benefits and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. The same applies to gummies and capsules, which provide pre-measured doses and are convenient for on-the-go use.

How to Incorporate CBD Into Your Athletic Routine

CBD can be a valuable addition to your athletic routine in supporting recovery, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall wellness. Here are some tips for incorporating CBD effectively:

Start with Low Doses and Gradually Increase as Needed

When beginning your CBD journey, start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the optimal amount. This allows your body to adjust to the CBD and minimizes the risk of potential side effects. Keep track of your dosage and how you feel to determine the best serving size for your unique requirements.

Use CBD Consistently for Maximum Benefits

To experience CBD's full potential, use it consistently as part of your daily routine. Regular use allows the compounds to build up in your system, providing cumulative benefits over time. Incorporate CBD into your morning or evening rituals, or take it at the same time each day to establish a consistent habit.

Time Your CBD Use Around Workouts and Competitions

The timing of your CBD use can impact its effectiveness. For pre-workout support, consider taking CBD about an hour before your training session to help reduce anxiety and promote focus.

For post-workout recovery, use CBD within an hour of completing your exercise to reduce inflammation and promote muscle relaxation.

Combine CBD with Other Recovery Techniques

CBD is most effective when used in conjunction with a well-rounded recovery plan. Incorporate other recovery techniques alongside your CBD use to optimize your results.

Adequate sleep, proper nutrition, hydration, stretching, and massage can all work synergistically with CBD to support your athletic recovery and performance.

A balanced approach that includes CBD and other proven recovery methods will help you feel your best and perform at your peak.

Is CBD Legal and Safe for Athletes?

CBD derived from hemp is federally legal in the United States, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. This legislation removed hemp-derived CBD from the list of controlled substances, making it legal to purchase and consume.

However, it's important to note that state-specific regulations may affect how you use CBD. As an athlete, you should always check your state's laws and the rules set by sport's governing bodies to ensure compliance.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances in 2018, acknowledging its potential benefits for athletes. However, THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, remains forbidden.

To avoid any issues with drug testing, you should choose CBD products that are THC-free or contain less than 0.3% THC, which is the legal limit for hemp-derived CBD.

Regarding safety, CBD is generally well-tolerated by most people, with minimal side effects. However, some users may experience mild symptoms such as dry mouth, drowsiness, or changes in appetite, but these are typically short-lived and easily managed by adjusting the dosage.

As with any new supplement, it's a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating CBD into your athletic routine, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications that could interact with CBD.

What Is the Best Way to Take CBD for Athletic Recovery?

The best way to take CBD for athletic recovery depends on your individual preferences and needs. Different delivery methods offer unique benefits, allowing you to tailor your CBD experience accordingly.

Sublingual CBD oils are a popular choice for fast-acting effects. By placing a few drops of oil under your tongue, the CBD is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream, providing rapid relief from muscle soreness and inflammation. This method is ideal for athletes who need immediate support before or after intense training sessions.

CBD topicals, such as creams, balms, and roll-ons, are excellent for targeted muscle and joint relief. When applied directly to the skin, these products deliver CBD to the affected area, helping to reduce localized pain and inflammation. Topicals are perfect for athletes who experience discomfort in specific body parts like the knees, shoulders, or backs.

CBD edibles, including gummies and capsules, offer long-lasting systemic support for recovery. CBD is processed through the digestive system when ingested, providing sustained relief. Edibles are convenient for athletes who prefer a discreet and easy-to-use option, as they can be taken on the go without drawing attention.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best CBD delivery method for recovery is the one that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. Experimenting with different products and dosages can help you find the optimal approach for your unique needs.

Whether you opt for fast-acting sublingual oils, targeted topicals, or long-lasting edibles, incorporating CBD into your recovery routine can help support your natural healing processes and keep you performing at your best.

Incorporating CBD into your athletic routine can support recovery, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle soreness. At R&R CBD, we offer high-quality, lab-tested CBD products tailored to meet your specific needs as an athlete.

We believe everyone deserves access to effective relief that works. By offering the highest-quality CBD on the market, we’re putting a holistic solution into your hands that can make your life better.*

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD Good for Athletic Performance?

CBD may support athletic performance by aiding recovery and reducing inflammation, pain, and muscle soreness. While it doesn’t directly enhance performance, its potential benefits for managing stress, improving sleep quality, and reducing post-workout discomfort can indirectly contribute to overall well-being and performance recovery.

Can Olympic Athletes Use CBD?

Yes, Olympic athletes are allowed to use CBD. In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances.

How Much CBD Should an Athlete Take?

There is no one-size-fits-all dosage for athletes using CBD. It’s recommended that athletes start with a low dose, around 10-20 mg daily, and gradually increase based on their response.

The ideal dosage can vary depending on body weight, metabolism, and the desired effects. Consult a healthcare provider or sports specialist to help determine the right amount.

Why Do Bodybuilders Use CBD?

Bodybuilders may use CBD to aid muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and manage pain after intense workouts. CBD’s ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep can also benefit recovery and muscle growth, as proper rest is essential for building muscle.

Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties may help with post-exercise soreness and joint discomfort.

Do Footballers Take CBD?

Yes, some footballers take CBD as part of their recovery regimen. CBD may help with pain management, inflammation reduction, and faster recovery from injuries or intense physical activity. As long as the CBD products are THC-free, they are generally safe for footballers and other athletes to use.