If you are going to read this blog, you are signing up to hear a CONTROVERSY. There’s no doubt that CBD has proven itself as one of the most effective ways to treat arthritis and joint pain. But you have to be a little skeptical to use it if you are an athlete. Why?
Well, that’s what we are here to discuss. So, let me tell you everything you need to know if you are an athlete.
Why the Use Of CBD Is So Controversial For Athletes?
Well, the CBD is controversial not because it’s inherently dangerous or unethical, but because it lives in a legal and scientific gray zone that makes sports organizations.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non‑psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains over 500 chemical compounds, including more than 100 cannabinoids like THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD(Cannabidiol), CBG(Cannabigerol), CBN(Cannabinol), and CBC(Cannabichromene). In which THC is the troublemaker with the psychoactive effect.
Even though CBD is technically allowed by WADA, it’s hard to guarantee a product is 100% THC-free. That means an athlete could unintentionally ingest THC and fail a drug test. Even minor contamination can ruin careers. A 2017 study found 21% of CBD products contained detectable THC, often unlabeled.
Is CBD Really Effective For Arthritis And Joint Pain?
In many studies and research, CBD has performed quite well so far. A cross-sectional survey (n=428) reported that 83% of arthritis patients experienced pain relief, 66% improved function and sleep, and a 44% average pain reduction, in which osteoarthritis patients benefited the most.
A 2023 pilot study in the Journal of Cannabis Research assessed topical CBD safety and tolerability in 20 former college/pro athletes of football, track, and basketball with chronic lower-limb pain. Over 6 weeks, participants used a cream delivering 10 mg CBD twice daily and ceased all other analgesics. Moreover, self-reported pain dropped significantly from ~3.5 to ~1.7 (on a 1–10 scale), with better mobility and daily activity ability. 50% reported minor skin issues (dryness, rash), all resolving quickly.
Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a “high.” It interacts with the body through a variety of mechanisms: modulating CB₁/CB₂ receptors, affecting serotonin and adenosine systems, and even influencing TRPV‑1 (“spicy”) channels. It may reduce both nociceptive pain (from injury/inflammation) and neuropathic pain (from nerve damage).
In simple words, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and may reduce chronic inflammation, which is a key factor in arthritis pain. Many people report reduced joint pain and stiffness, especially with topical applications or oils.
So, yes, CBD is very effective.
Can Athletes Use CBD for Arthritis?
Well, the straight answer is: Yes, if the THC is almost zero in the product you are using.
There are many people and elite athletes who use it for better joint recovery. For example, the co‑founder of an athlete-focused CBD brand, Rachael Rapinoe, credits CBD (often microdosing with THC) for managing knee and ankle pain, anxiety, and insomnia, helping her avoid opioids.
Former NFL lineman Kyle Turley also replaced prescription medications with cannabis (and likely CBD) for neurological and pain issues. In 2018, CBD was removed from WADA’s Prohibited List, but THC and other cannabinoids remain banned. Other organisations, including USADA and UKAD, also allow CBD use.
So, if you are thinking of trying it, you must ensure that your product contains 0% THC to avoid doping violations, which is tricky due to industry mislabeling and contamination.
Also, beware of mislabelled (under- or over-labeled) and synthetic products because the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD supplements, creating a Wild West of mislabeled products. No CBD product (except Epidiolex for seizures) is officially approved for arthritis or joint pain.
A 2017 analysis found 69% of 84 products had inaccurate CBD content; 21% contained THC, sometimes enough to intoxicate. Synthetic cannabinoids in tainted products have sent people to the emergency room.
The Arthritis Foundation states that while more research is needed, some patients report benefit, and CBD can be a reasonable option if:
- Used in consultation with a physician
- Products are third-party tested
- THC content is near-zero (especially for athletes)
Why CBD Is A Better Option Than NSAIDs or Opioids?
To typically remove pain, we are often suggested to use NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like Ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. These drugs are cheap, fast-acting, and over-the-counter, which makes them very accessible.
But athletes who are constantly into body movements, intense workout routines, serious injuries, surgeries, and fractures need a better option, which often leads them to use Opioids like Oxycodone, morphine, and tramadol.
Opioids provide strong pain relief by blocking pain signals in the brain, but at a significant cost.
Now, both of these medications are just not good enough and are harmful. Frequent use of NSAIDs can cause eroded stomach lining, kidney stress, cardiovascular risks, and blunted muscle recovery.
On the other hand, Opioids can do even worse. It comes with long-term addiction, mental fog, impaired performance, overdose risks, and you may need higher doses over time to get the same relief.
Now, CBD totally changes the game. It can:
- Reduce inflammation without gut or kidney damage
- Ease chronic pain without addiction
- Improve sleep and recovery
- Support mood and anxiety regulation
Plus, it’s non-intoxicating and now WADA-approved. Many athletes use CBD topicals, oils, and edibles, with self-reported benefits and fewer side effects than NSAIDs or opioids. However, it does have some side effects too.
Side Effects of CBD Use In Athletes
Meta-analyses show CBD is generally well tolerated, but it can cause side effects, especially at higher doses or when combined with other medications.
Common Side Effects:
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Nausea
Less Common but Notable:
- Liver enzyme changes: Especially in high doses or with other medications affecting the liver.
- Low blood pressure: Can cause lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Mood changes: Rarely, some report irritability or agitation.
- Interaction with medications: CBD can interfere with drugs like blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), antiepileptics, or immunosuppressants.
Special Populations:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding: Not recommended due to lack of safety data.
- People with liver disease: May require lower doses or closer monitoring.
Always consult a healthcare provider if you’re considering CBD, especially if you’re taking prescription meds.
Athlete’s Guide: Safe CBD Use for Arthritis & Joint Pain
Here’s a step-by-step roadmap:
1. Consult your healthcare team: Connect with rheumatologists, sports doctors, and pharmacists. Review current meds to assess interaction risk.
2. Stick to proven uses: There’s no standard CBD dose for arthritis. People report benefits from 5 mg to 200+ mg per day, but effectiveness varies based on delivery method (topical, oral, tincture), individual metabolism, and severity of condition.
- Topical CBD for localized joint/muscle pain (e.g., 6 mg/mL cream to thumb; 10 mg twice daily to lower limb).
- Oral tinctures (low starting doses, e.g., 10–25 mg/day), titrate slowly.
3. Choose high‑quality products: Look for third‑party lab tests showing CBD/THC content and contaminants. And prefer products from licensed producers or medical-grade dispensaries.
4. Start low, go slow:
- Topicals: once daily to a small area, monitor for skin reactions.
- Oral: start 10 mg/day, increase weekly only if needed.
5. Track effects: Use pain and function tools (e.g., Visual Analog Scale, LEFS) to track changes. And do reassessments every 4–8 weeks.
6. Monitor side effects: Watch for drowsiness, GI upset, liver-related symptoms. Consider liver function test if on other meds.
7. Avoid contamination risk: Only use THC-free products. And consider WADA-accredited product certification or batch testing for doping compliance.
8. Integrate with broader rehab: Continue physiotherapy, optimally dosed NSAIDs, movement therapy, and stress management.
Final Words
A 2021 sports medicine review notes athletes seek CBD for pain reduction, recovery, and inflammation control. Yes, athletes can use CBD for arthritis and joint pain—but with caution. Preclinical and early human studies show real benefits in pain relief and function, especially using topicals. Small athlete trials indicate good tolerability. Athletes also testify to improvements in pain, sleep, recovery, and reduced reliance on opioids or NSAIDs.
However, the evidence remains preliminary. But, as one expert review points out, “given the paucity of controlled safety data at subclinical doses … it is too early to support the use of CBD as an alternate to standard pain medication in athletes.” And it is absolutely true.
Product regulation is loose, side effects and interactions need consideration, and THC contamination poses a doping risk. Careful, structured, and medical-guided use is essential: choose high-quality, THC-free products, start with minimal dosing, track outcomes, and maintain transparency with sports and medical teams.
In essence, CBD offers an intriguing alternative in the athlete’s toolkit—but it’s not a silver bullet.
