What is CBD, and is it ok for use in sport?

There are an increasing number of cannabis-related products on the market, including cannabidiol (CBD) oil. CBD is not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), but there are still risks to athletes who are considering using CBD, as it may still contain prohibited cannabinoid components, such as THC.

What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive derivative of cannabis – commonly referred to as cannabis without THC. Cannabis contains substances called cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a major cannabinoid and is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, however, it is only one many cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant.

What is it used for?
CBD is used in a medical setting, assisting to alleviate multiple sclerosis pain and certain types of epilepsy.  It does not have the intoxicating effects of THC and hence is not prohibited in-competition by WADA.

Why it is risky for athletes?
It is very difficult to obtain a pure CBD extract or oil from the cannabis plant. Anyone who buys a CBD oil, extract, or other CBD product should be aware that it may be a mixture of CBD and other cannabinoids.

We would like to remind athletes that CBD oil often still contains some concentration of the banned substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Therefore, the use of CBD oil is at an athlete’s own risk.

Link: FAQs about cannabis