As public attitudes shift and sports leagues revisit cannabis policy, a powerful question is emerging across locker rooms, training facilities, and research labs alike:
Can cannabinoids like CBD and THC help athletes train smarter, recover faster, and stay healthier?
A new peer-reviewed paper titled “Cannabinoid Therapy in Athletics” (Thompson et al., 2024) suggests the answer may be yes, with the proper education, science, and individualized approach. At medibles, we believe in leading that conversation responsibly by bridging research with real-world applications.
From Prohibition to Performance
Legal barriers once made cannabis research nearly impossible. But today, the landscape is changing fast:
- Major League Baseball (MLB) made CBD its official wellness partner.
- The NFL has invested $1 million in cannabis research for pain and neuroprotection.
- The NBA dropped cannabis from its drug testing protocol.
- Cannabis is fully legalized in Canada and medically legal in most U.S. states.
NCAA’s Evolving Stance on Cannabis
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has also been reevaluating its cannabis policies:
- In June 2024, the NCAA Division I Council voted to remove cannabis from its list of banned substances for championship and postseason competitions. This decision was based on the understanding that cannabis does not provide a competitive advantage and aims to focus on student-athlete health and well-being.
- Divisions II and III had already adopted similar measures earlier in 2024, removing cannabinoids from their lists of banned substances and shifting toward harm-reduction strategies managed at the campus level.
It’s worth noting that while the NCAA has adjusted its policies, individual schools may still enforce their own drug testing protocols during the regular season.
USC Athletics’ Groundbreaking Partnership
In a historic move, the University of Southern California (USC) Athletics department announced a multi-year partnership with a globally recognized CBD and wellness brand. This collaboration marks the first time a collegiate athletic program has partnered with a cannabis company, focusing exclusively on CBD products.
The partnership includes sponsorship of USC’s football, men’s, and women’s basketball teams. Fans can expect to see the company’s branding integrated into game-day experiences, digital platforms, and exclusive promotional events. Notably, the agreement emphasizes that no THC products will be promoted or provided to student-athletes, aligning with NCAA regulations and focusing solely on wellness-oriented CBD offerings.
This alliance signifies a broader shift in collegiate athletics, acknowledging the potential benefits of CBD in athlete recovery and wellness. It also reflects USC’s commitment to pioneering innovative approaches in sports health and performance.
Why Cannabinoids Matter: The Endocannabinoid System Explained
Your body contains an internal regulatory network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for maintaining balance in areas such as pain, inflammation, sleep, stress, and recovery.
Cannabis interacts with this system through compounds like:
- CBD (Cannabidiol) – non-psychoactive, calming, anti-inflammatory.
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – psychoactive, but potentially neuroprotective and pain-relieving.
Together, these and other cannabis-derived molecules may support homeostasis, especially after the physical and mental strain of intense training or injury.
Key Benefits for Athletes
Inflammation Control
Training causes controlled muscle damage and inflammation. Chronic inflammation, however, can delay recovery and increase the risk of injury. CBD and THC interact with ECS receptors like CB2 to reduce harmful inflammation, without blunting necessary healing responses.
Pain Management
Cannabinoids can modulate pain perception in ways similar to opioids, without the same addictive potential. This opens new doors for pain relief in sports settings where opioids have historically been overprescribed.
Concussion Recovery & Brain Health
Contact sports carry high rates of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Research shows that THC and CBD may reduce glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, key factors in post-concussion syndrome and neurodegenerative risk. Preclinical data are compelling; human trials are ongoing.
Mental Health & Sleep
Anxiety, stress, and insomnia can wreck an athlete’s performance and recovery. CBD shows strong potential for improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety, especially in high-pressure environments like competition prep.
What the Research Says (and Doesn’t)
Thompson et al. (2024) caution that while preclinical data are compelling, more high-quality human studies are urgently needed. Many findings are limited by the following:
- Inconsistent dosing and formulations.
- Uncontrolled variables (route of administration, prior cannabis use).
- Lack of sport-specific clinical trials.
Still, the research supports cannabis as a promising adjunct, not a magic bullet, in athlete care protocols.
How You Take It Matters
Cannabinoid effects vary drastically depending on the delivery method:
- Inhalation (vape/smoke): Fast onset, short duration; may not be ideal for cardiovascular health.
- Edibles & capsules: Slower onset, longer-lasting effects.
- Sublinguals (tinctures/oils): Fast absorption, ideal for titration and microdosing.
We at @mediblesusa emphasize third-party tested, lab-verified formulations with dosing strategies customized to lifestyle and sport.
Personalization Is Everything
There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to cannabinoid therapy. What works for a retired football player may not be suitable for a young endurance athlete. Variables such as sex, body composition, endocannabinoid system tone, metabolic rate, training intensity, and mental resilience all influence how cannabinoids interact with the body.
For example, Shaquille O’Neal, a 7-foot-1 retired NBA center with a history of joint pain and intense physical contact, might benefit from a high-CBD topical for localized inflammation and a THC/CBD blend for deeper musculoskeletal recovery and sleep support. In contrast, Simone Biles, a 4’8” world-class gymnast with an emphasis on flexibility, balance, and mental focus, might respond best to microdosed CBD isolates to manage stress and anxiety without risking sedation or impaired coordination.
These two elite athletes could not be more different, highlighting why cannabinoid strategies must be individualized, precisely dosed, and closely monitored in relation to performance goals and physiological context.
That’s why we prioritize precision guidance, product transparency, lab-tested formulations, and athlete education, core values at the heart of everything we do at medibles.
Final Word: Recovery Is Evolving
Whether you’re an elite athlete, weekend warrior, or sports medicine practitioner, cannabinoid therapy represents a fast-growing field you can’t ignore. With growing acceptance from major sports leagues and expanding scientific validation, the case for responsible, evidence-backed use is stronger than ever.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED
Read the full peer-reviewed review by Thompson et al.:
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