Game-Changing CBD Brands Athletes Actually Trust

Athletes are increasingly turning to CBD to help manage recovery, sleep, and day-to-day stress — and they’re getting more selective about which brands they trust. Since the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed cannabidiol (CBD) from its list of prohibited substances in 2018, CBD has been marketed heavily to competitors, although THC and most other cannabinoids remain banned and athletes still have to be careful about product purity.

Below are four CBD brands that have built real credibility with athletes through rigorous testing, sports partnerships, and transparent quality standards.

Charlotte’s Web: The League-Backed Legacy Brand

Charlotte’s Web is one of the most established names in CBD and has leaned into performance in recent years with its SPORT and Performance lines. In 2022, the brand became the first “Official CBD of Major League Baseball,” a groundbreaking, league-wide sponsorship that requires products to be NSF Certified for Sport — a gold-standard third-party testing program for banned substances and label accuracy.

For athletes and serious amateurs, that certification is a big deal: it signals that products have been independently screened for contaminants and banned compounds. Shoppers who want that same level of assurance can find Charlotte’s Web tinctures, gummies, and topicals at charlottesweb.com.

beam: Built by Athletes, For Athletes

Beam was founded by two former professional athletes specifically to create clean, THC-free CBD products for performance, recovery, and sleep. The brand has built an impressive roster of ambassadors, including CrossFit legend Mat Fraser, race car driver Danica Patrick, and PGA Tour champion Billy Horschel, who promote blends like Dream (sleep) and Focus/Clarity (daytime performance).

For shoppers, the message is straightforward: beam is designed around training blocks and recovery cycles, not just casual wellness. Its formulas typically combine CBD with functional ingredients such as adaptogens and amino acids. Consumers can explore the lineup at shopbeam.com.

cbdMD: Team Sports & Combat-Sport Cred

CbdMD has positioned itself as a sports-centric CBD brand, with “Team cbdMD” spanning golf, MMA, motorsports, and more. The company has sponsored high-profile athletes like two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson and partnered with organizations including Bellator MMA and Monster Energy Supercross.

Beyond marketing, cbdMD emphasizes quality controls: its products are made from U.S.-grown hemp, are third-party lab tested, and the company has been certified compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Some cbdMD softgels have also earned NSF Certified for Sport status, making them attractive to drug-tested athletes. Shoppers can browse oils, gummies, and topicals at cbdmd.com.

Medterra: Recovery-Focused Formulas

Medterra has gained traction with athletes thanks to its relief and recovery lines, including topicals and gummies marketed for post-exercise soreness and mobility support. The brand highlights extensive third-party testing and U.S.-grown hemp across its range of CBD and CBD+THC products. Medterra has also cultivated a roster of athlete ambassadors in golf and other sports, underscoring its focus on performance lifestyles.

Consumers looking for targeted relief products or straightforward tinctures can explore Medterra’s catalog at medterracbd.com.

Smart Shopping Tips for Athletes

Regardless of brand, athletes and active consumers should prioritize:

NSF Certified for Sport or similar certifications when possible
Clear Certificates of Analysis (COAs) showing cannabinoid content and contaminant testing
THC-free or broad-spectrum formulas if they’re subject to drug testing, since THC remains prohibited in competition

Taking a few minutes to verify these details — and choosing established, athlete-aligned brands like Charlotte’s Web, beam, cbdMD, and Medterra — can help shoppers find CBD that fits both their training goals and compliance needs.