While research is limited, current evidence suggests that cannabis use can worsen sport performance, negatively impact an athlete’s general health, and contribute to negative mental health outcomes.
The state of the literature, as of now (2025) suggests the following:
- Do not recommend cannabis for performance ⮕ it’s not ergogenic and may be detrimental.
- CBD is still experimental ⮕ if used, product quality and third-party testing are critical due to contamination risk.
- Screen athletes for mental health concerns ⮕ especially if cannabis use is disclosed.
- Educate athletes ⮕ risks extend beyond performance into cardiovascular and psychological health.
Below is a short list of relevant open-access research worth reading over:
- Cannabis and the Health and Performance of the Elite Athlete (2018)
- Cannabis Use and Sport: A Systematic Review (2020)
- Acute effects of cannabis consumption on exercise performance: a systematic and umbrella review (2021)
- Cannabis and Athletic Performance (2021)
- Cannabis Use in Adolescent and Young Adult Athletes: A Clinical Review (2024)