Cannabidiol (CBD) B
The effect on sports performance has not been shown; the data on recovery are preliminary
Citable fact
«Cannabidiol (CBD)» — evidence level B. Dosage: Studies use doses from 5 to 600 mg per day, more often 25-150 mg. There is no single dose; oral bioavailability is low (around 6-10%) and varies greatly between people. Source: PMID 37808192, permanent link to the source in the list below.
How it works
Unlike THC, it does not directly activate cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptors: it affects endocannabinoid tone, serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and TRPV1. In preclinical work this reduces anxiety and pain; there are insufficient data on effects on sleep, inflammation and recovery in athletes.
Dosage and intake
Studies use doses from 5 to 600 mg per day, more often 25-150 mg. There is no single dose; oral bioavailability is low (around 6-10%) and varies greatly between people.
Usually in the evening or after training - based on the presumed effect on sleep. There is no justified timing based on study results.
Forms
Oils, capsules, isolates. The actual CBD content often does not match the label, and the claimed absence of THC is not always confirmed.
What is confirmed
- A 2023 review lists possible mechanisms of influence on recovery, but there are almost no confirmatory studies in athletes
- Some small works show reduced anxiety and improved subjective sleep; reproducibility is low
- Improvements in strength, power and endurance have not been obtained in controlled studies, whereas sleep deficit by itself worsens physical performance
Adverse effects and limitations
- Products often do not match the declared composition, and THC contamination gives a positive doping test
- Drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, changes in appetite are possible
- Legal status differs: in a number of countries sale is restricted or prohibited
- High doses of medicinal forms increased liver enzyme activity
Interactions
- Inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, raising the concentration of anticoagulants, anticonvulsants and immunosuppressants
- Enhances the sedative effect of alcohol, benzodiazepines and hypnotics
- Increased toxicity of drugs metabolized through CYP (for example, clobazam) is possible
Who must not use it
- Under 18 years: Not recommended: there are no safety data, and the effect on the developing brain has not been studied.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended: there are insufficient data on safety during pregnancy and lactation.
- taking anticoagulants
- liver disease
- concurrent use of sedative drugs
- epilepsy (only under medical supervision)
Sources
- Cannabidiol in sports: insights on how CBD could improve performance and recovery · Rojas-Valverde D, Fallas-Campos A · Frontiers in pharmacology, 2023 · PMID 37808192
- Effects of Acute Sleep Loss on Physical Performance: A Systematic and Meta-Analytical Review · Craven J, McCartney D, Desbrow B · Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 2022 · PMID 35708888
See also
Open in the app
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