# Cannabidiol Supplements and WADA-Prohibited Cannabinoids

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/broad-spectrum-cbd-supplements-doping-risk-athletes/
> **Published:** 2026-04-25T10:59:03-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:58:03-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Explore broad-spectrum CBD supplements doping risk athletes face due to WADA-prohibited cannabinoids and exercise effects on detection.

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#### Clinical Takeaway

Broad-spectrum [CBD supplements](https://cedclinic.com/celebrity-endorsements-cbd-gummies-clinical-evidence-quality/) containing trace amounts of other cannabinoids can produce detectable levels of prohibited substances in urine and blood, potentially affecting athletes subject to WADA testing. Exercise may enhance this effect by altering cannabinoid absorption or excretion. Athletes using [CBD products](https://cedclinic.com/fda-warning-on-cbd-products/) should verify third-party testing and understand that “broad-spectrum” formulations carry higher contamination risk than CBD isolates.

### #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.

**Study type:** Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial  | 

**Topic area:** Cannabidiol  | 

**CED Score:** 10

Design: 5 Journal: 0 N: 1 Recency: 3 Pop: 2 Human: 1 Risk: -2

**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

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[View on PubMed ↗](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40920736/)[DOI ↗](https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000003842)

 
 
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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).
