Cannabidiol (CBD) is generating increasing interest among athletes in high-level sports. In recent years, its status regarding doping has been rapidly evolving. Between changes in regulations, stricter anti-doping controls, and recent case law,it is becoming essential for athletes, coaches, and doctors to understand the rules surrounding cannabis, THC, and tolerance thresholds.Let’s delve into the issues behind the question of CBD in professional sports.
The basics of CBD and anti-doping controls in sports
To fully grasp the implications of CBD on anti-doping controls,it is necessary to distinguish cannabidiol from other compounds of cannabis, such as THC. CBD does not have a psychotropic effect, but its plant origins pose a problem because THC contamination remains possible duringtests carried out on high-level athletes.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regularly updates its list of prohibited substances to add or remove certain cannabinoids. Until recently, all cannabis derivatives were on this prohibited list. Now, pure cannabidiol is no longer classified as a prohibited substance by WADA. However, vigilance remains essential, as many products labeled “CBD” may contain residual traces of THC, which can lead to sanctions and suspensions after a routine doping test. Tolerance thresholds, international regulations, and concrete risks: Despite the apparent liberalization of cannabidiol in elite sports, the presence of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, remains strictly prohibited. Tolerance levels are established by the AMA to differentiate between accidental consumption and intentional use for recreational or performance purposes. Currently, the threshold set for THC is is 150 ng/ml of urine, which represents a significant increase compared to the previous, much lower thresholds.
This limit aims to reduce false positives related to passive exposure or unintentional use of cannabis, which is present in very small quantities in some CBD supplements. However, exceeding this threshold inevitably makes the athlete liable, regardless of whether it is due to unintentional ingestion via cannabidiol oils, creams, or capsules. The consequences? Automatic inclusion in doping cases, with investigations, and potentially sanctions and suspensions. The role of the World Anti-Doping Agency The World Anti-Doping Agency plays a central role in the management and enforcement of regulations surrounding CBD and cannabis in competition. It publishes an updated list of prohibited substances each year, of which THC remains a key element, while pure CBD has been removed since 2018. This official position encourages all international federations to apply and respect these criteria. The WADA recommendations are intended to be harmonized, but national specificities sometimes emerge. Some countries apply their own interpretation, particularly regarding doping control methods or the analytical sensitivity used. This exposes athletes to greater legal uncertainty depending on the competition venue. For those who breed competition horses, there are also specific solutions such as CBD for horses, effective in combating anxiety and certain discomforts related to competition stress. Prohibited Substances and Challenges Related to the Composition of CBD Products: Even though pure CBD is no longer considered a prohibited substance, only rigorous testing can guarantee the absence of THC contamination. Most independent laboratories recommend that athletes avoid any products of questionable origin or exact composition. Indeed, some batches contain enough THC to exceed the legal limit, leading to prosecution and penalties in the event of a positive test.Another major challenge concerns the manufacturing process of extracts: the use of poorly controlled techniques increases the risk of finding significant levels of THC in oils, capsules, and other supplements. To address these issues, some federations simply advise against the use of any cannabis-derived product, even those labeled CBD, throughout the entire sports season. It should be noted that to stay informed about developments in the field, as well as changes in regulations and practices, many professionals consult CBD news. THC can be detected in the body several days to weeks after ingestion: increased vigilance is necessary if you have a busy competition schedule. Actual cannabinoid content varies depending on the brand, batch, storage conditions, and extraction method. Full responsibility before disciplinary bodies No presumption of innocence in cases of exceeding the legal limit.Recent case law and adaptations for professional athletes In recent years, sports justice
has examined various cases involving
CBD and cannabis , often after the discovery ofTHC during adoping test . The decisions rendered reflect a desire to introduce a distinction between proven dopingand accidental contamination, but the line remains thin. Several cases show variations depending on the athlete’s good faith, the traceability of the products consumed, and the speed with which the relevant authorities react. At the international level, some recent case law has led to a relaxation of
sanctions when the athlete demonstrates the accidental origin of the THC, thanks to additional analyses and proof of responsible purchase. But most of the time, suspension remains the rule as soon as the official threshold is crossed, especially since objective responsibility is imposed regardless of the initial intention. Examples of decisions and media impact Several high-profile athletes have seen their careers marred by doping cases linked to cannabis or supplements contaminated with THC. Faced with the public outcry caused by these incidents, governing bodies have sometimes agreed to reduce the suspension period, but rarely to erase all traces from their record or retroactively lift all sanctions. The reputational impact is considerable: loss of sponsors, tarnished image, and prolonged suspension generate severe consequences, both financially and mentally, for the athlete involved. Consequently, institutional communication tends to emphasize caution regarding the use of any cannabis-related product in elite sports. What do experts say about prevention and responsibility? The scientific community considers it difficult to provide an absolute guarantee to an athlete using CBD, even if purchased from a reputable brand. Opinions converge on the need for complete transparency in the information provided by the manufacturer, as well as regular toxicological monitoring. According to several studies, a lack of awareness of tolerance thresholds remains the main risk factor for unfair sanctions and suspensions. Investing in the education of medical and technical teams, clearly informing athletes about the intricacies of doping controls, and meticulously choosing supplements are widely shared priorities today.
Subject
Current Status (2024)Risk for the athlete Pure CBD Permitted out of competition Low level if traceability is certain THC (all dosages)Strictly prohibited – threshold 150 ng/ml Immediate sanction, suspension Mixed supplements Not recommended Risks vary depending on certification
Frequently asked questions about CBD and professional sportsIs CBD allowed during high-level sports competitions? Pure CBD is no longer considered a prohibited substance by theWorld Anti-Doping Agency
. An athlete can therefore consume it legally, provided it is free of
THC . However, it is essential to be extremely vigilant about the quality and thetraceability of the product used , as unexpected traces of THC are enough to trigger a standard doping procedure. Check the origin and independent analysis of the supplement. Choose formulations guaranteed “0% THC”. What is the current THC tolerance threshold in professional sports?
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sets the THC tolerance threshold at 150 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of urine at the time of doping control. This threshold aims to limit the risk of sanctions for accidental micro-exposures, but any exceedance results in a formal sanction, even without doping intent. Different national protocols may propose stricter thresholds in certain contexts. Never consume cannabis products before an event. Strictly follow all advice provided by your medical team. Substance WADA Threshold THC
- 150 ng/ml CBD
- No specific threshold What are the doping risks associated with CBD use in elite sports? The main risk comes from
- unintentional THC contaminationwhen taking CBD supplements or extracts
. Even when choosing certified
cannabidiol products, a faulty analysis or poor manufacturing is enough to generate a positive test and therefore a suspension . Some athletes also face sanctions related to a lack of information or negligence in the purchase of their supplements. Immediate administrative sanctions and suspension from competition.Disciplinary proceedings with national and international federations. How can an athlete limit the risk of sanctions? The best prevention is to systematically check the traceability of CBD-based products used and prioritize those analyzed by recognized laboratories. Maintaining an open dialogue with their medical staff also helps minimize risks, as any legal ambiguity can be used against the athlete. Finally, keeping accurate documentation of every order or batch received facilitates the consideration of good faith during a potential disciplinary hearing. Use only supplements approved by your medical team.Keep all certificates of analysis and proof of purchase. Seek advice and guidance if you have any doubts about a potential substance.
