CBD beverages are increasingly marketed to athletes as tools to speed recovery, reduce soreness, and improve sleep. From a sports nutrition perspective, the question is not whether CBD is popular, but whether evidence supports these claims and under what conditions it might be useful or risky.
CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, inflammation, mood, and sleep. Preclinical research suggests CBD has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties, all of which are relevant to post-exercise recovery. Narrative reviews focused specifically on sport propose that CBD may help mitigate exercise-induced muscle damage, reduce perceived soreness, and support recovery primarily by improving sleep quality and dampening inflammatory signaling.
However, human data—especially on CBD beverages—remain limited and mixed. A recent systematic review of CBD and performance/post-load recovery found that most studies were small, short-term, and often involved single doses rather than real-world usage patterns. While some trials reported modest benefits for pain or perceived exertion, others showed no significant difference between CBD and placebo. Surveys of athletes show strong belief in its benefits: in professional rugby players, about two-thirds of those using CBD reported perceived improvement, with many citing better sleep and recovery, although only a minority reported clear pain relief. This gap between perception and robust evidence is important.
Among athletes who choose CBD, beverages offer practical advantages: they are easy to dose, convenient around training, and often combine CBD with electrolytes or functional ingredients such as magnesium or adaptogens. Yet this format also introduces uncertainty. Oral CBD has variable absorption, and many drinks contain relatively low doses, making it unclear whether typical serving sizes reach levels used in clinical research. Product labels may be inaccurate, leading to under- or over-consumption of CBD or unintended intake of THC and other cannabinoids.
Regulatory and safety considerations are critical for high-level athletes. CBD itself is no longer on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, but all other cannabinoids remain banned in-competition. Because many “CBD” products contain measurable THC, using poorly regulated beverages can still trigger a positive doping test. In addition, regulators highlight unresolved safety questions around long-term CBD use, including potential liver enzyme elevations and interactions with common medications, as well as variability in product quality.
In practice, CBD beverages may support recovery indirectly for some athletes by improving sleep quality, moderating stress, and slightly reducing perceived soreness—factors that collectively influence how quickly they feel ready to train again. Yet current evidence does not justify viewing them as a primary recovery tool on par with sleep hygiene, nutrition, hydration, and structured training load management. Athletes considering CBD drinks should consult a sports physician or dietitian, review anti-doping rules, choose products with third-party testing, and start with conservative doses while monitoring for side effects.
Used thoughtfully and with appropriate caution, CBD beverages might be one small component of a broader recovery strategy—but they are not a shortcut or substitute for proven fundamentals.
Read More: Evidence-Based CBD Products for Athletic Recovery