CBD has not been linked to a single failed drugs test in UK sport despite fears about the undeclared levels of THC in some products.
The World Anti-Doping Agency removed the cannabinoid from its banned substances list in 2017 and since then several high profile athletes have publicly endorsed CBD products.
Even though CBD – which has no psychoactive properties – is not banned, the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) still warns athletes to be cautious with treatments.
The watchdog is responsible for testing athletes across all sports in the UK and cautions athletes that unscrupulously marketed CBD products may contain THC above legal limits.
But despite these concerns a Freedom of Information request submitted by Cannabis Wealth shows CBD has not been linked to a single sanction.
Since January 1, 2017 four athletes have failed drug tests after providing samples which contained THC – the controlled compound in cannabis which produces a high – and received bans ranging from 15 months to two years.
However, none of the reports linked to those bans referenced CBD, meaning the increasingly popular products have played no role in a UK doping rules violation.
CBD products are increasingly being marketed as fitness and sporting supplements, with manufacturers claiming they can help treat pain and aid recovery.
Scotland rugby union captain Finn Russell is a notable CBD user and investor and companies in the competitive market are using athlete endorsements to boost sales.
UK-based Dragonfly CBD recently unveiled former Team GB skier Chemmy Alcott as a brand ambassador and golfer Bubba Watson has partnered with cbdMD.
UKAD sets out its official position on CBD on its website: “The use of any CBD product is at your own risk as an athlete, all athletes must adhere to the principle of strict liability and are solely responsible for any substances found in their system.
“As a result, CBD products should be considered in the same way as all other dietary supplements – that strict liability will still apply, and the appropriate sanctions will be imposed on any athlete returning an adverse analytical finding from any supplement product, as with all other cases of doping.”
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