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 “broad-spectrum” CBD products are not equivalent to CBD isolates in terms of doping risk.
#25 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
- 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
What This Study Teaches Us
Broad-spectrum CBD supplements contain trace amounts of prohibited cannabinoids like CBG and CBDV that accumulate in urine over 10 weeks of daily use. Exercise significantly amplifies the urinary detection of these compounds, with detection rates jumping from 42-68% pre-exercise to 74-84% post-exercise.
Why This Matters Clinically
Athletes subject to WADA testing who use broad-spectrum CBD products face a real risk of a positive doping test, even though they consumed only legal CBD. This creates a practical trap for the growing number of athletes using CBD for recovery and sleep, who may be unaware that their supplement contains prohibited substances.
Study Snapshot
| Study Design | Randomized controlled trial with 10-week supplementation followed by exercise challenge |
| Population | 36 healthy individuals (47% male); 31 received CBD product, 5 received placebo |
| Intervention | 150 mg/day broad-spectrum CBD product (containing trace CBG) or placebo for 10 weeks, followed by 90 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at 55% VO2peak |
| Primary Outcome | Detection and quantification of cannabinoids and metabolites in urine and plasma samples |
| Key Result | After 10 weeks, CBG detected in 42% of pre-exercise urine samples and 74% post-exercise; CBDV detected in 68% pre-exercise and 84% post-exercise. No THC detected at any timepoint. |
Where This Paper Deserves Skepticism
The abstract provides limited detail on analytical methods, cutoff thresholds for detection, or whether detected concentrations approach WADA-reportable levels, making it unclear if this represents a genuine doping risk or just analytical sensitivity. The small sample size (31 in treatment group) and lack of diversity information limit generalizability to broader athletic populations. The study used only one product and dose, so results may not apply to other broad-spectrum formulations or dosing patterns.
Dr. Caplan’s Take
This paper fills an important gap. I counsel athletes regularly on CBD, and I’ve had to tell them that broad-spectrum products are a gray zone. What this study shows is that the gray zone has real teeth: even at a modest 150 mg daily dose, athletes pick up detectable urinary levels of WADA-prohibited cannabinoids within weeks. The exercise effect is particularly important because competition day is exactly when testing happens. If my athlete patient wants to use CBD, I’m now recommending isolate products only, and I’m asking them to verify third-party testing explicitly excludes CBG and CBDV.
Clinical Bottom Line
Athletes subject to WADA testing should avoid broad-spectrum CBD products and use CBD isolate instead. If they do use broad-spectrum CBD, they should understand they are accepting a documented risk of a positive test.
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