Brighton is a city that moves. On Saturday mornings you'll find plenty of people at the parkruns in Preston Park and on Hove Promenade, and every spring the city fills up for the marathon. So one question comes up a lot: "Should I take CBD before or after a workout?"
The honest answer is that we're not allowed to tell you, and we think you should know why.
Why CBD brands can't make fitness claims
In the UK, CBD sold to eat or drink is a novel food, and no health claims have been authorised for it. Advertising rules enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) mean CBD sellers can't say their products treat or help with any condition. Claims about recovery, performance, energy, focus, stress or sleep count as health claims too. If a CBD product is presented as treating or preventing illness, the medicines regulator, the MHRA, can treat it as an unlicensed medicine.
So if you see a CBD brand promising faster recovery or a better workout, be sceptical. We'd rather be straight with you.
For the legal background, read Is CBD Legal in the UK?.
What we can tell you: the FSA's advice
FSA advice: healthy adults no more than 10mg CBD a day. Not recommended for under-18s, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive or taking medication.
That 10mg is a daily total across everything you take. Check the CBD per drop or capsule on the label and keep your total across the day within the FSA's advice. Our guide to how to read a CBD label in the UK explains how pack totals and per-drop or per-capsule figures differ.
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Used as directed, these products are not intended to produce a high.
CBD products are for adults only (18+).
If you compete or get drug-tested
This is the bit athletes need to read.
- CBD (cannabidiol) itself is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List. THC is prohibited in competition. Until 31 December 2026, WADA also prohibits all other cannabinoids in competition. From 1 January 2027, the 2027 list prohibits THC and semi-synthetic or synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of THC; some other natural cannabinoids, such as cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG), are no longer prohibited. CBD products can still contain THC, which remains prohibited. See WADA's Prohibited List (S8 Cannabinoids).
- UK Anti-Doping says the use of any CBD product is at the athlete's own risk, because many CBD products also contain small amounts of THC, and some may contain other prohibited cannabinoids. Read UKAD's CBD advice.
- Could CBD affect a drug test? Yes, it's possible. Because CBD products can contain trace amounts of THC, they may cause a positive drug test. If you're drug-tested at work or in sport, bear this in mind before using any CBD product, and check with your employer or sport's rules if you're unsure. The Home Office says it is nearly impossible to extract CBD from the cannabis plant, or to make it synthetically, without traces of other controlled cannabinoids such as THC. See the Home Office drug licensing factsheet on cannabis, CBD and other cannabinoids. A product's lab report should show what a batch actually contains.
- UK Anti-Doping advises athletes not to rely on lab results as reassurance that a CBD product is free of THC or other prohibited cannabinoids.
- Check with your sport's governing body before using any CBD product.
FAQ
Should I take CBD before or after a workout? We're not allowed to tell you. In the UK, no health claims have been authorised for CBD sold to eat or drink, and claims about recovery, performance, energy, focus, stress or sleep count as health claims. Check the CBD per drop or capsule on the label and keep your total across the day within the FSA's advice.
What can you tell me about using CBD around exercise? Only the FSA's consumer advice, and that you should check the CBD per drop or capsule on the label and keep your total across the day within the FSA's advice. FSA advice: healthy adults no more than 10mg CBD a day. Not recommended for under-18s, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive or taking medication.
Could CBD affect a drug test? Yes, it's possible. Because CBD products can contain trace amounts of THC, they may cause a positive drug test. If you're drug-tested at work or in sport, bear this in mind before using any CBD product, and check with your employer or sport's rules if you're unsure. If you compete, read the UKAD and WADA points above, and don't rely on lab results as reassurance.
Got a question?
Our guides to how to read a CBD label in the UK and whether CBD is legal in the UK cover the basics, and you can always email us at legallygreenuk@gmail.com. Just don't expect us to promise you a PB.
18+ only. Legally Green products are for adults. FSA advice: healthy adults no more than 10mg CBD a day. Not recommended for under-18s, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive or taking medication. If in doubt, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.