A Gradual Shift in Attitudes Toward Cannabis in the Sports World
Once stigmatized and strictly banned in athletic circles, cannabis is now undergoing a gradual and significant reevaluation. This shift is driven by a combination of more flexible anti-doping regulations, the growing body of scientific research on its therapeutic benefits, and an increasing number of testimonials from elite athletes. By 2025, the landscape is shifting: cannabis, particularly in its non-psychoactive form (CBD), is gradually establishing itself as a legitimate tool for managing well-being among both professional and amateur athletes.
Changing Regulations: Toward Official Recognition?
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) paved the way for this change as early as 2021 by removing cannabidiol (CBD) from its list of prohibited substances. THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, remains prohibited in competition, but the detection criteria have been adjusted: the tolerance threshold in urine has been raised from 15 ng/mL to 150 ng/mL. This change reflects an implicit recognition that the use of THC outside of competition does not necessarily constitute doping or an unfair competitive advantage.
This trend can also be seen in North American sports leagues. The NBA, for example, officially ended off-season cannabis testing in 2023, sending a strong signal of growing acceptance within professional sports organizations.
Therapeutic uses validated by science
Many athletes use cannabis, particularly CBD, to manage chronic pain, inflammation, and sleep disorders.
A study published in 2024 involving 150 professional athletes found that 62% of CBD users reported a noticeable reduction in post-workout muscle pain. This finding is supported by iconic figures in sports such as Megan Rapinoe, an Olympic soccer champion, who has openly advocated for the use of CBD as a recovery tool.
Improved sleep is another common reason for use. A Canadian systematic review found that 72% of athletes who use medical cannabis reported a marked improvement in the quality of their sleep. Since sleep is a key factor in physical and cognitive recovery, this benefit is far from anecdotal.
Finally, managing stress and anxiety—particularly before competitions—is another reason people use cannabis. Nate Diaz, a UFC fighter well known for his outspoken views, is one of the advocates for this use, which focuses on mental balance and psychological recovery.
Ongoing debates surrounding a practice that remains controversial
Despite these developments, the use of cannabis in sports is not universally accepted. From an ethical standpoint, some experts point out that by reducing the perception of pain or stress, cannabis could provide an unfair competitive advantage in certain sports.
Social and institutional stigma also persists, particularly in contact sports and among young athletes, where the use of any substance remains under close scrutiny.
Finally, questions remain about the side effects of THC, which can impair coordination, concentration, or reaction time—all of which are crucial factors in competition. Several studies are currently underway to better understand the risk-benefit ratio across different sports and user profiles.
Growing acceptance backed by research and testimonials
The acceptance of cannabis in sports is now based on an increasingly solid scientific foundation. An ongoing Australian study is examining the impact of CBD on ligament tissue regeneration following injury, with preliminary results expected in 2025. These investigations are fueling growing interest in cannabinoids as therapeutic adjuvants.
Attitudes are also changing thanks to high-profile testimonials from renowned athletes and the emergence of sports brands that are incorporating CBD into their recovery product lines.
What does the future hold?
Three major trends are emerging on the horizon:
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Greater regulatory flexibility: Sports agencies could continue to relax the rules—particularly those regarding CBD—to promote its therapeutic use without compromising the integrity of competition.
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Incorporation into wellness routines: More and more clubs may begin to include CBD-based products in their post-workout recovery routines.
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Growing demand for safe, standardized products: The increasing professionalization of the market will drive the development of premium product lines that are rigorously tested and tailored to the demands of elite sports.
Conclusion
The relationship between cannabis and sports is undergoing a major transformation. CBD, already widely adopted for its ability to relieve pain and tension, is emerging as a natural alternative to traditional anti-inflammatory drugs. THC, on the other hand, remains under scrutiny, although its use outside of competition is increasingly tolerated. Amid scientific evidence, athlete testimonials, and regulatory changes, one thing is certain: cannabis could emerge in the coming years as a true ally for sustainable performance and athletic well-being—provided it is subject to strict oversight.
Sources
[1] World Anti-Doping Agency. www.wada-ama.org
[2] NBA Official Website. www.nba.com
[3] Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.00567
[4] Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2024.05.001
[5] The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465231245780
