Clinical Takeaway
Athletes using broad-spectrum CBD supplements risk testing positive for WADA-prohibited cannabinoids such as CBG and CBDV, even when the CBD itself is legal. This study found that 10 weeks of daily broad-spectrum CBD use produced detectable urine concentrations of these prohibited compounds, with exercise amplifying that effect. Athletes subject to anti-doping rules should be aware that “CBD-only” labeling does not guarantee a clean drug test.
#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, commonly used by athletes for recovery and wellness, can produce detectable urinary concentrations of WADA-prohibited cannabinoids that may result in false positive doping violations despite the athlete’s legal use of a non-prohibited product. The finding that exercise amplifies cannabinoid detection is clinically significant because it directly impacts athletes’ ability to use legal CBD products without inadvertent doping violations, necessitating clearer product labeling standards and athlete education regarding “broad-spectrum” versus pure CBD formulations. These results inform clinical practice by highlighting the need for healthcare providers to counsel athletes about product selection and the potential unintended consequences of supplement use in regulated sports contexts.
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 reveals an important gap between consumer expectations and regulatory reality: athletes using commercially available broad-spectrum CBD supplements can accumulate detectable urine levels of WADA-prohibited cannabinoids like CBG and CBDV, with exercise appearing to further concentrate these metabolites. While the CBD itself remains legal under WADA guidelines, the presence of these minor cannabinoids from imperfect extraction and purification processes creates genuine doping risk for competitive athletes, even at recommended daily doses. The amplification by exercise suggests that physical activity may alter cannabinoid metabolism or excretion in ways that warrant further investigation. Clinically, this highlights the critical distinction between “CBD-only” and “broad-spectrum” products when counseling athletes or others subject to drug testing, and underscores the importance of third-party lab verification and awareness that “natural” does not mean “pure” or free from regulatory liability. When recommending cannabinoid products to patients in competitive or occupational contexts, practitioners should explicitly discuss product selection criteria and
Have thoughts on this? Share it:
