By Spinfuel Editorial • Nashua, NH • March 24, 2026
According to a Gallup survey, one out of every seven American adults uses CBD. What may be more surprising, however, is to learn that active athletes and sports professionals also integrate CBD products into their daily lives. Not only have some sports personalities, such as Mike Tyson, become involved in the CBD business, but they actively advocate for its use. Simply put, sportspeople who use CBD tend to use it every day.
Why would a professional sportsperson or athlete use CBD, and what are the benefits? Perhaps just as importantly, could using CBD help you too?
For many, CBD offers a range of physical and mental wellness benefits. For an athlete, CBD may assist with recovery time, as some studies suggest it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce muscle inflammation.
Other sportspeople attest that CBD helps with pain relief. It’s no surprise, then, that many famous athletes who advocate for CBD come from high-impact sports where injury, pain, and recovery times are major factors. Gridiron and rugby football players, along with MMA fighters, have all expressed their belief that CBD has helped them manage pain without addictive drugs and reduced their recovery times.
CBD can also aid in relaxation. While exercise is known for reducing stress levels, and activities like reading or playing video or online casino games can be fun, sometimes something extra is needed to reduce tension.
CBD for Stress and Anxiety Management
Athletes experience stress, anxiety, and depression just like anyone else. Michael Phelps and Serena Williams are just two high-profile athletes who have publicly spoken about their struggles with depression.
There are many forms of depression, and if you are suffering from anxiety, stress, or any mental health ailment, it is crucial to speak to a professional. Many treatments and support options are available, and some individuals do find that CBD oil can help.
Athletes often find that the pressure of their sport, high expectations, and significant financial stakes can lead to feelings of being unable to cope.
Studies suggest CBD oil may help individuals with insomnia achieve easier, more restful sleep. Sleep deprivation itself can contribute to anxiety and stress.
The ADAA reports evidence that CBD can help with anxiety, but notes that more research is needed as it is a relatively new area of study. However, many golfers, such as Lucas Glover, are known to use CBD as it helps to induce a level of calmness essential in their sport.
Legality of CBD Use for Athletes
Professional and amateur athletes face many restrictions and rules, which differ depending on their governing bodies. Some sports, for example, prohibit players from betting on any event they are involved in.
In early 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited or banned substances, allowing athletes to use CBD products both in and out of competition. According to WADA, all cannabinoids are now prohibited in sports except for cannabidiol (CBD).
Any product containing THC is still banned for sportspeople. However, many professionals are vocal about their CBD use, and it no longer appears to be an issue.
It seems that athletes who use CBD do so to safely aid their recovery, avoiding potential side effects associated with ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, as well as THC.
Integrating CBD into Your Daily Routine
If you are involved in any level of sport or simply enjoy exercising, you may find that CBD can help muscles recover and reduce inflammation. However, you don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from CBD oil.
If you enjoy online gaming or visiting casinos, you might also find CBD oil beneficial. Many people find video games stressful. Even in online poker tournaments, you want to remain calm and stress-free. CBD can potentially help online casino players when they are chasing the jackpot on the roulette wheel or playing blackjack.
Online casinos can be fun, but stress can detract from the enjoyment. Perhaps CBD oil can assist here as well. It may also help after playing online when it’s time to sleep. If you find it hard to unwind, CBD might assist you in getting a good night’s sleep.
Vaping CBD: What You Need to Know
Nate Diaz famously vaped CBD oil during an MMA post-fight press conference. If you are interested in vaping CBD, many beginner’s guides are available online to help you get started.
Vaping CBD has not been as extensively tested as oral applications. That said, there are many advocates for this method of using CBD. If you already vape, then trying CBD this way might make sense for you.
Summary: The Benefits of Daily CBD for Athletes and Beyond
For a sports professional, CBD oil could offer benefits in several areas, including pain relief, muscle inflammation reduction, faster recovery times, and stress management.
Beyond athletics, you might consider using CBD to help you relax during work, enhance enjoyment of video games, or improve sleep quality. If you are experiencing anxiety or stress, it is important to seek professional help in conjunction with or prior to using CBD.
