Cannabidiol supplements (CBD) are increasingly consumed by athletes to improve regeneration. However, the evidence for the pro-regenerative effects of CBD in sports is quite limited. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effects of a single CBD supplementation in a six-arm placebo-controlled crossover study after resistance training on performance and muscle damage. Before and after the resistance training, one-repetition maximum in the back squat (1RM BS), countermovement jump (CMJ), and blood serum concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin (Myo) were measured in healthy, well-trained participants. Sixteen of 21 participants completed the study and were included in the analysis. In 1RM BS, a significant decrease was observed after 24 h (p < 0.01) but not 48 or 72 h. A significant group difference was detected after 72 h (p < 0.05; ES = 0.371). In CMJ, no significant changes were observed. The CK and Myo concentrations increased significantly after 24 h (CK: p < 0.001; Myo: p < 0.01), 48 h (CK: p < 0.001; Myo: p < 0.01) and 72 h (CK: p < 0.001; Myo: p < 0.001). After 72 h, a significant group difference was observed in both muscle damage biomarkers (CK: p < 0.05 ES = 0.236; Myo: p < 0.05; ES = 0.214). The results show small and significant effects on muscle damage and recovery of squat performance after 72 h. However, more data are necessary for clearer statements about the pro-regenerative effects of CBD supplementation after resistance training.

The consumption of cannabidiol (CBD) to support recovery has become popular among athletes. Potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of CBD are supposed to result in pro-regenerative effects after strength training. Therefore three studies were conducted to investigate the effects of CBD treatment on performance and muscle recovery after resistance training. METHODS: Three independent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted in cross-over designs. The effect of a single CBD (60mg) application was investigated in 1. advanced (n=16) and 2. highly advanced resistance-trained athletes (n=8) after intensive strength training on back squat (BS) and muscle damage proxies (MDP). Furthermore, 3. a repeated application (60mg each day for one week) during an intensive training week was examined in advanced (n=10) and highly advanced (n=8) resistance-trained athletes. In addition to BS and MDP, bench press performance, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects were investigated. RESULTS: In highly advanced athletes a single CBD application reduced creatine kinase concentrations (CK) 24h after the training bout (CBD: +87.9 ± 100.9 U/L; PL: +290.0 ± 309.4U/L). This was not confirmed for less advanced athletes. A small but significant effect of CBD was observed on CK (p<0.05; ES= 0.24) and myoglobin (MYO)(p<0.05; ES=0.