Why Athletes Use Cannabis Gummies

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound that grows naturally in the cannabis plant, which means it won't get you high. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which mediates inflammatory response, memory, hunger, learning, and cognitive function.

CBD is being studied for its potential to support a healthy response to swelling, provide comfort, promote relaxation, and support brain health, which may be helpful to athletes [1, 2].

It can be taken in several ways, such as drinks, capsules, mouth sprays, and vaping. But today, we'll talk about how to dose CBD oil and gummies to benefit athletes.

How to Dose CBD Gummies for Athletes

One of the biggest advantages of CBD gummies is their precise dosing. Each gummy comes with a pre-measured amount of CBD, removing the guesswork that can come with smoking cannabis. This is particularly important for anyone who wants consistent results without accidentally taking too much or too little.

It's recommended to start with a low dose — such as 10-25 mg of CBD — and adjust gradually based on their needs and how their body responds. If you have a CBD gummy with a higher concentration of CBD, you can always half your gummy when you first try it to see how it affects you.

This allows for a controlled, reliable way to find the optimal dosage for recovery and performance.

There isn't a standardized guide on how much CBD someone should take, but we've created a guide based on weight and the desired level of strength you might expect. These are rough guidelines, so you might experiment with your dose to find the sweet spot that works best for you.


At VIIA, we have a collection of THC-free CBD gummies that are specially formulated with botanicals and supplements depending on the desired effects.

For example, our Zen CBD Sleep Gummies contain 130 mg of CBD, passionflower, and l-theanine to help relax the mind and body for rest. Yes, this is a much higher CBD dosage than outlined in the beginner's guideline, but you typically want to take higher doses of CBD for sleep.

The Flowstate CBD Focus Gummies have 20 mg of CBD, 60 mg of CBD, lion's mane mushroom, Alpha GPC, and vitamin B12 for daytime use for training and exercise. If you're new to cannabinoids, start with half a gummy and see how you feel before going in for the other half.

How to Dose CBD Oils for Athletes

The same starting dosage range for CBD gummies applies to CBD oils — the main difference is that CBD oils can be taken sublingually (under the tongue), which may result in faster onset effects as the cannabinoids can be absorbed through the mucous lining under the tongue and into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.

Another benefit of using CBD oils is that you can be much more precise with dosages as you can take more or fewer drops to each of your exact mg doses.

The Benefits Of Cannabis Gummies For Athletes

CBD gummies are a favorite for many because of their convenience and ease of use. Here’s how they might support athletic performance and recovery:

CBD Gummies are Better Than Smoking for Athletes

CBD gummies are a smoke-free option, making them a better choice for anyone concerned about their respiratory health.

Smoking or vaping CBD can expose the lungs to heat, smoke, or vapor, which may irritate the airways. Over time, this irritation can affect lung function — which is especially important for athletes who rely on their lungs for high-intensity training and cardio performance.

In contrast, CBD gummies bypass the need for inhalation entirely. They're a gentler option for the lungs, allowing athletes to enjoy the potential benefits of CBD without risking respiratory damage.

CBD Gummies Have Longer Lasting Effect

Cannabis gummies also tend to have longer-lasting effects compared to smoking. While the effects of smoking cannabis can be felt almost immediately, they can also wear off relatively quickly.

On the other hand, cannabis gummies can take longer to take effect, but they can also provide longer-lasting relief. This can be especially beneficial for athletes who need sustained discomfort management or who are looking for intense recovery.

CBD Gummies are Great for Discreet Use

CBD gummies are compact, portable, and incredibly discreet, making them ideal for athletes with busy schedules. Unlike smoking or vaping, gummies don’t produce any smell or require special equipment.

This convenience allows athletes to focus on their performance and recovery without worrying about social stigma or logistical challenges.

Variety Of Flavors

Cannabis gummies are available in a wide range of flavors, so athletes can choose the one that best suits their preferences. A variety of flavors can be especially appealing to athletes who may not enjoy the taste of smoking cannabis or who are looking for a more enjoyable way to consume it. A well-balanced flavor

Can Athletes Use CBD Products?

Yes, professional athletes can use CBD products in the United States as long as it's derived from hemp. The World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances in 2018, but most major sports leagues and athletic organizations still prohibit THC.

It's important that when traveling to other countries, athletes follow the country's cannabis laws.

CBD and Exercise Physiology

CBD may influence how the body responds to physical activity. Although research is still in its early stages, findings suggest CBD may impact several key aspects of exercise performance and recovery:

Influence on Oxygen Consumption

Studies show that CBD could alter physiological responses related to oxygen use during exercise, including submaximal and maximal oxygen consumption [3]. Getting enough oxygen is super important for keeping your energy up and doing your best in sports. That’s why scientists are excited to study how CBD might help with this.

Supporting a Positive Exercise Experience

CBD might help you feel calmer and less uncomfortable during exercise. This could be really useful for athletes who feel stressed or tired during tough workouts or long practice sessions.

Supporting Recovery

CBD is being studied to see if it can help with swelling and soreness after exercise. Hard workouts can make your muscles feel inflamed and achy, but CBD might help your body recover faster and feel less uncomfortable.

Exercise physiologists are actively exploring how CBD might help manage inflammation caused by intense exercise [4]. This includes looking at how CBD could reduce the severity of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), the discomfort you feel a day or two after a tough workout, and make it less intense.

Professional Athletes That Are Known To Use Cannabis Gummies

There are many examples of athletes who have turned to cannabis gummies as a natural way to manage pain and inflammation. Here are a few examples:

1. Former NFL player Eugene Monroe has been an outspoken advocate for the use of cannabis in professional sports. Monroe credits cannabis gummies with helping him manage the pain and inflammation associated with his years of playing football.

2. Professional surfer and marijuana entrepreneur Mike Thurston uses cannabis gummies to manage the pain and inflammation that comes with surfing and training.

3. MMA fighter Nate Diaz is another athlete who has spoken openly about using cannabis gummies to manage pain and inflammation. Diaz has said that cannabis gummies have helped him recover more quickly from training and fights.

These are just a few examples of the many athletes who have found cannabis gummies to be a useful tool in managing pain and inflammation. If you're an athlete looking for a healthier, more convenient way to consume cannabis, consider giving gummies a try.

Resources:

1. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

2. Batalla, A., Bos, J., Postma, A., & Bossong, M. G. (2021). The impact of cannabidiol on human brain function: a systematic review. Frontiers in pharmacology, 11, 618184.

3. Alpy, A., Yusuff, G., Simpson, T., & WYGAND, J. (2023). Topical Cannabidiol and the Progression Rate of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. International Journal of Exercise Science, 16(3), 1426.