Clinical Takeaway
Daily use of a broad-spectrum CBD supplement containing trace amounts of other cannabinoids can result in urine concentrations of WADA-prohibited substances, a risk that increases with exercise. Athletes using CBD products marketed as broad-spectrum should be aware that these formulations may contain cannabinoids beyond CBD that trigger positive doping tests. Product labeling alone is not sufficient to guarantee compliance with anti-doping regulations.
#19 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, widely used by athletes for recovery and symptom management, can produce detectable levels of WADA-prohibited cannabinoids in urine, creating unintentional doping violations despite CBD itself being permitted. The finding that exercise amplifies this effect has direct implications for athlete safety and anti-doping compliance, requiring clinicians to counsel patients on the risks of commercially available “broad-spectrum” products versus isolated CBD formulations. These results underscore the critical need for standardized labeling and quality control in the cannabis supplement industry to prevent inadvertent regulatory violations in competitive athletes.
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 broad-spectrum CBD products. While CBD itself is WADA-compliant, the trace cannabinoids present in these formulations (CBG, CBDV, and others) can accumulate to detectable urine levels with daily use, and physical exercise appears to amplify this effect through mechanisms that may involve lipolysis and cannabinoid redistribution. Healthcare providers should be aware that “broad-spectrum” marketing language can be misleading, as these products contain multiple cannabinoid constituents beyond CBD that remain prohibited in competitive sports, creating potential anti-doping violations for unknowing athletes. The practical implication is straightforward: athletes should either use rigorously tested CBD isolate products with documented third-party verification, avoid broad-spectrum products entirely, or understand that daily use carries real doping risk regardless of their intention to use only non-prohibited compounds. Counseling athletes about this distinction represents a critical gap in current sports medicine and primary care guidance
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