For years, athletes have turned to ice baths, massage therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage the aches and pains of performance. Now, many are adding a new tool to their recovery arsenal—cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabis tinctures. Once relegated to alternative circles, these plant-based products are finding mainstream acceptance among active individuals seeking natural pain management without heavy pharmaceuticals.
Why Athletes Are Turning to CBD
CBD, a non-intoxicating compound derived from hemp and cannabis, interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system—a network of receptors that help regulate pain, mood, and inflammation. Early research suggests CBD may reduce inflammation and modulate pain signals, though scientists caution that large-scale clinical studies are still limited.
For athletes, the appeal is clear: potential pain relief without the psychoactive “high” of THC and with fewer gastrointestinal risks than over-the-counter NSAIDs.
Topicals such as creams and balms provide localized relief by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the skin, while tinctures, taken sublingually, deliver systemic support throughout the body.
The Best CBD Creams for Recovery and Relief
Joy Organics Premium CBD Sports Cream — Frequently listed among the best CBD creams for pain, this broad-spectrum formula combines menthol and camphor for a cooling effect ideal after intense training sessions.
joyorganics.com
Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream — Certified organic and third-party tested, Aspen Green’s cream delivers 1,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD and a menthol-rich cooling sensation that helps reduce muscle tension.
aspengreen.com
cbdMD Recover Pain Relief Cream — A favorite among endurance athletes, this warming topical features broad-spectrum CBD, arnica, MSM, and vitamin B6 to aid muscle recovery.
cbdmd.com
Myaderm Advanced Sport Fast-Acting Relief Cream — This water-based, transdermal cream uses pharmaceutical-grade technology to deliver CBD through the skin quickly, making it a go-to for on-the-spot relief.
myaderm.com
Level Select “LVL-3” Sport Cream — Designed with athletes in mind, this menthol-infused cream offers high-potency broad-spectrum CBD and is used by former NFL quarterback Carson Palmer and MLB legend Steve Garvey.
levelselectcbd.com
Top Cannabis and CBD Tinctures for Whole-Body Support
While topicals treat specific areas, tinctures offer full-body recovery benefits and may help with both muscular and neuropathic pain.
CBDistillery Full-Spectrum Oil Tincture — Among the most respected on the market, CBDistillery’s full-spectrum oil contains 1,000–2,500 mg of CBD per bottle and is widely recommended for post-workout recovery.
thecbdistillery.com
Lazarus Naturals Classic High-Potency Tincture — Affordable and effective, this full-spectrum tincture delivers strong milligram potency and is praised for transparency in lab testing.
lazarusnaturals.com
Papa & Barkley Releaf Tinctures (THC/CBD Blends) — For athletes in legal cannabis states, Papa & Barkley offers ratio tinctures (like 1:1 or 1:30 CBD:THC) that combine pain-relieving cannabinoids with the entourage effect of full-spectrum cannabis.
papaandbarkley.com
Aspen Green “Bliss” Organic CBD Oil — USDA-certified organic and third-party tested, this tincture provides a terpene-rich profile for potential enhanced absorption.
aspengreen.com
Safety and Science
Experts urge caution when purchasing CBD products. A 2022 study published in JAMA Network Open found that more than 60 percent of over-the-counter CBD products were mislabeled. Athletes should look for a certificate of analysis (COA) confirming cannabinoid content and the absence of contaminants.
Though CBD is not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, trace THC in full-spectrum products can still trigger positive tests. For those competing, THC-free or isolate products are the safer route.
Ultimately, CBD and cannabis tinctures are not a replacement for proper recovery routines — but for many athletes, they represent a promising and increasingly trusted ally in the pursuit of pain-free performance.