Clinical Takeaway
Clinical Takeaway Athletes taking broad-spectrum CBD supplements can accumulate prohibited cannabinoids like CBG in detectable urine levels over 10 weeks, which may trigger positive WADA drug tests despite CBD itself being legal. Exercise appears to increase this accumulation effect, making athletes who use broad-spectrum CBD products at higher risk of unintentional doping violations. Athletes should be aware that “broad-spectrum” CBD products contain trace cannabinoids that can build up systemically and may not be distinguished from intentional doping without additional testing confirmation.
#22 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.
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- 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
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