Research supports CBD as an effective supplement for enhanced workout recovery.
The popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) supplements continues to soar each year — and for good reason. CBD has become a go-to solution for many athletes and fitness enthusiasts, known for aiding muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, alleviating soreness, and minimizing muscle damage from intense training (1).
Derived from hemp or cannabis plants, CBD is often met with questions about its safety. Fortunately, extensive research has shown that CBD is safe for use, and it has even been approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for athletes since 2018 (2).
CBD products are available in various forms, including gummies, oils, capsules, balms, vapes, and even lollipops. However, it’s crucial to ensure the quality of the product you choose. Low-quality CBD supplements can be contaminated with harmful or ineffective substances, so it’s essential to verify their contents before use.
This article has compiled a carefully vetted list of high-quality CBD supplements to enhance exercise performance and recovery. Explore the options, along with their respective pros and cons, to help you make an informed choice for your health and fitness journey!
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a chemical substance obtained from hemp plants or cannabis. Athletes use CBD to recover and boost exercise performance. CBD can be consumed in various forms, such as oils, gummies, balms or ointments, vapes, capsules, and more.
Benefits of CBD
- CBD can help muscles to recover faster by reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
- They can help reduce anxiety and stress.
- CBD improves sleep quality, which can help with your recovery process.
- Taking CBD can help improve focus. This enhances the mind-muscle connection, which is good for muscle growth and hypertrophy.
- It’s known to build lean muscle and reduce fat.
Best CBD Supplements For Muscle & Recovery 2025
Below is a list of some of the best CBD Supplements for improving exercise performance and elevating recovery.
- Best CBD Product Overall: cbdMD Full Spectrum CBD Softgels
- Best CBD Oil: cbdMD 1,500mg Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tinctures
- Best CBD Tincture For Sleep Recovery: Just Live 300mg Broad Spectrum Natural
- Best CBD Balm: Venga CBD Recovery Balm
- Best CBD Gummy: cbdMD Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies
- Best CBD Topical For Recovery: Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream
Best CBD Product Overall: cbdMD Full Spectrum CBD Softgels
Our top pick for the best CBD supplement is the cbdMD Full Spectrum CBD Softgels. This product comes in a 30-count container with 30 mg of CBDs made with all compounds found in hemp plants and 1.5 mg of THC. The perfect balance of CBD and THC gives support, relief, and total wellness. You can take these CBD soft gels at any time of the day; all you need is a glass of water. You can also combine it with your morning coffee or beverage. It’s the perfect CBD supplement to improve your gains and recovery after intense workouts.
Pros
- Quality Brand
- Softgel That’s Easy to Take
- Blend of CBD and THC to Give You Support & Relief
- U.S. Hemp Derived
- Third-Party Tested
Cons
- Contains Potential Harmful Substances (contact a doctor before use)
- Expensive
Best CBD Oil: cbdMD 1500mg Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
If you prefer oil supplements, this is the product of choice. The cbdMD 1500mg Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture contains natural MCT oil with a superior Broad-Spectrum CBD formula. It helps with recovery after workouts, calmness, stress management, and performance. You can also choose from different flavors without any THC. It comes in a 30 ml bottle with 50 mg of CBD made with all the compounds found in hemp plants.
Pros
- Pure Broad Spectrum CBD Formula
- Gluten & Vegan Free
- Third-Party Tested
- East to Take
- U.S. Hemp Derived
Cons
- Expensive
Best CBD Tincture For Sleep Recovery: Just Live 300mg Broad Spectrum Natural
Sleep and relaxation are essential for recovery and growth after intense workouts. Just Live 300 mg Broad Spectrum Natural is an excellent CBD product focusing on adequate sleep to maximize gain. The MCT oil in the product helps the body absorb and metabolize cannabinoids, significantly improving sleep quality.
Pros
- Original Strength Broad Spectrum Blend
- All Natural Tincture
- Affordable
- You can Take It in Different Ways
Best CBD Balm: Venga CBD Recovery Balm
Venga CBD Recovery Balm is an excellent CBD topical you can apply to sore and stiff areas of your body. This all-natural, beeswax-based topical CBD for muscles and joints helps boost performance and improves recovery, especially after intense workouts. If you have pains in your body and joints (including your shoulder joints, lower back, and knees), Venga CBD Recovery Balm is the perfect ointment.
Pros
- Quality Product from a Reputable Company in Venga
- Applying the Ointment Results in Fast Action Relief
- Power Blend of CBD
Cons
- Expensive
Best CBD Gummy: cbdMD Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies
Our best pick for CBD gummies is the cbdMD Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies. This CBD product blends different fruit flavors and is easy to take. It comes in a 30-count container of tropical mixed fruits with 50 mg of CBDs made with all compounds found in Superior Broad Spectrum hemp extract infused with each gummy. This conveniently attends to your intense workouts and recovery needs. They are easy to take, and you can take them at any time of the day.
Pros
- Gummies and Easy to Take
- Third-Party Tested
- Superior Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract
- Different Fruit Flavors
Cons
- Expensive
- Can Cause Drowsiness
Best CBD Topical For Recovery: Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream
Finally, the best CBD supplement for recovery is the Just Live CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream. Recovery is essential for healing and growth, and this product is perfect. Applying it to the affected areas can reduce body and joint pain and soreness as quickly as possible. This CBD 750mg Pain Relief Cream is formulated with a balanced combination of high-quality, broad-spectrum CBD, THC-free, pain-fighting, anti-inflammatory botanicals that are highly effective for recovery after intense workouts.
Pros
- Applying the Cream Results in Fast Action Relief
- Balanced Combination of THC-Free, High-Quality Broad Spectrum CBD
- Contains Anti-Inflammatory Botanicals
Cons
- Expensive
What to Consider When Buying CBD Supplements
CBD supplements are recovery enhancers and can be very useful in elevating training and recovery. However, not every CBD product on the market is effective. So, what are essential things to note when getting the right CBD supplements?
Type of CBD Supplement
CBD supplements come in various forms, such as balms, oils, gummies, and capsules. It’s all about preference and ease of use. You want one that fits your style and is easy to use without unnecessary hassles during your recovery periods.
Potency
Potency is a very important factor when choosing your ideal CBD supplement. Using more potent products may cause complications and affect your recovery process. It’s best to go for a mild one and see how it works.
Potential Side Effects
Some CBDs have side effects. Check the labeling of your product and read user reviews to see which ones you can handle. Additionally, if your side effects are too severe or unsure, stop using them and consult a doctor before continuing.
Pricing
We can’t avoid this essential factor, especially when getting the right CBD supplement. While some CBD supplements are known for their brand and positive reviews, the downside is that they can be expensive. However, this is a small price to ensure you get what is stated transparently on the label.
Wrap Up
CBD supplements have become popular among athletes seeking to enhance recovery and elevate performance. Current research supports their safety, and ongoing studies explore their long-term effects. Although minor side effects may occur, the potential benefits for athletes often outweigh these concerns.
This article highlights the top CBD supplements available today and their unique advantages. Whether you’re searching for oils, balms, creams, or gummies, you’ll find various options to suit your needs. Are you ready to incorporate CBD supplements to support your training and recovery?
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References
- Schouten, M., Dalle, S., & Koppo, K. (2022). Molecular Mechanisms Through Which Cannabidiol May Affect Skeletal Muscle Metabolism, Inflammation, Tissue Regeneration, and Anabolism: A Narrative Review. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(6), 745–757. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0220
- Gamelin, F. X., Cuvelier, G., Mendes, A., Aucouturier, J., Berthoin, S., Di Marzo, V., & Heyman, E. (2020). Cannabidiol in sport: Ergogenic or else?. Pharmacological research, 156, 104764. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104764
