Clinical Takeaway
Athletes using broad-spectrum CBD supplements risk testing positive for WADA-prohibited cannabinoids such as CBG and CBDV, even when the product contains only trace amounts of these compounds. Ten weeks of daily use at 150 mg per day produced detectable urinary concentrations, and exercise further amplified this effect. Athletes subject to anti-doping rules should be aware that CBD-only intent does not guarantee a clean drug test when using broad-spectrum formulations.
#18 Daily Use of a Broad-Spectrum Cannabidiol Supplement Produces Detectable Concentrations of Cannabinoids in Urine Prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency: An Effect Amplified by Exercise.
Citation: Gillham Scott H et al.. Daily Use of a Broad-Spectrum Cannabidiol Supplement Produces Detectable Concentrations of Cannabinoids in Urine Prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency: An Effect Amplified by Exercise.. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2026. PMID: 40920736.
Design: 5 Journal: 0 N: 1 Recency: 3 Pop: 2 Human: 1 Risk: -2
This study demonstrates that broad-spectrum CBD supplements, marketed as compliant alternatives for athletes, can produce urine concentrations of WADA-prohibited cannabinoids at levels that would trigger positive doping tests, creating significant liability for athletes using these products. The finding that exercise amplifies cannabinoid detection underscores a critical gap between product labeling claims and actual anti-doping outcomes, necessitating updated clinical guidance and athlete education regarding supplement composition and testing consequences.
Quality Gate Alerts:
- Preclinical only
Methodological Considerations:
- Small sample — underpowered for subgroup analysis
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid, is used by athletes to enhance recovery and manage other conditions (e.g., poor sleep, anxiety). Although CBD is not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), other cannabinoids found in “broad-spectrum” CBD products (e.g., cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidivarin (CBDV)), remain prohibited. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether 10-wk use of a broad-spectrum CBD product (150 mg·day -1 (containing trace concentrations of CBG)) could lead to detectable concentrations of prohibited cannabinoids in urine and plasma. The influence of moderate-intensity exercise was also assessed. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy individuals (47% male) self-administered either a broad-spectrum CBD product ( n = 31, CBD) or a visually identical placebo ( n = 5, PLA) for 10 wk. After 10 wk, participants completed a fasted, 90-min bout of moderate-intensity exercise (55% V̇O 2peak ). Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline (presupplementation) and pre- and postexercise. RESULTS: No cannabinoids or metabolites were detected at baseline in either the PLA or CBD group. Following 10 wk of supplementation, urinary concentrations of CBD and its metabolites (6-OH-CBD, 7-COOH-CBD, 7-OH-CBD) were present. CBG and CBDV were also detected in 42% and 68% of preexercise samples, respectively. Urinary concentrations of 6-OH-CBD ( P = 0.006), 7-OH-CBD ( P = 0.009), CBD ( P = 0.043), CBG ( P = 0.0023), and CBDV ( P = 0.033) also increased from pre- to postexercise. CBG and CBDV were detected in 74% and 84% of postexercise samples, respectively. Concentrations of ∆ 9 -THC or its metabolites (11-OH-THC, 11-COOH-THC) were not present at any timepoint. CONCLUSIONS: Daily use of a broad-spectrum CBD supplement resulted in detectable urinary concentrations of WADA-prohibited cannabinoids in urine. Exercise appeared to increase concentrations of these cannabinoids. Therefore, athletes should avoid consuming broad-spectrum CBD
🏃 This study highlights an important gap between consumer expectations and regulatory reality for athletes using over-the-counter CBD products. While CBD itself remains WADA-compliant, broad-spectrum formulations contain other phytocannabinoids like CBG and CBDV that are prohibited, and this investigation demonstrates these compounds accumulate in detectable urine concentrations—an effect seemingly amplified by exercise-induced changes in metabolism and fluid dynamics. Clinicians should recognize that “broad-spectrum” marketing language does not guarantee WADA compliance, and athletes may unknowingly violate anti-doping policies despite using legal supplements with legitimate therapeutic intent for recovery and sleep. The confounders here are substantial: individual variation in metabolism, product quality and labeling accuracy, exercise intensity, and hydration status all influence cannabinoid bioaccumulation, making individual risk prediction difficult. When counseling competitive athletes considering CBD for pain, anxiety, or sleep, practitioners should recommend either WADA-certified isolate formulations or explicit consultation with their